Meet Liina Hyytiä, Product Design Engineer at Vahterus. Liina has been with Vahterus for nearly two years, starting her journey even before completing her degree in Industrial Management and Engineering.

Meet Sven Leimpek, Country Sales Manager at Vahterus in Germany, where he has built an impressive career of almost 21 years.

Rebecca Casale took a less traditional path into the world of engineering. Now, nearly four years into her role at Vahterus, she’s thriving as a Key Account Manager.

Meet Tommi Järvelä, Product Design Manager at Vahterus. Tommi's journey with Vahterus began nearly 20 years ago, back in 2006, when he started as a designer.

Vahterus' collaboration with Star Renewable Energy on Scotland's largest water source heat pumps, powered by eco-friendly ammonia, earned West Dunbartonshire Council the prestigious '2021 City of the Year' award from the European Heat Pump Association, showcasing a remarkable achievement in sustainable heating technology.

Vahterus' PSHE technology drives waste heat recovery in the petrochemical industry, as exemplified by a recent project at a European refinery, which recovered 20 MW of heat, reducing CO2 emissions by 21,000 metric tons annually and highlighting its pivotal role in fostering sustainability in manufacturing.

Revolutionising Urban Heating: How Vahterus Technology pioneers a transformative approach to heating in London's underground, marking the world's first project to extract waste heat from a subway network.

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions: GEA's partnership with Vahterus heralds a significant advancement in district heating for Gateshead, as the UK's largest capacity heat pump is poised to provide 6 MW of energy to the area.

In this special issue, we focus on heat recovery and energy saving – in particular heat pumps. Because of the urgent need to solve global warming and the current energy crisis, totally new technical solutions need to be developed.

At the end of 2009, technicians at DONG’s combined heat and power plant (acquired by VEKS in May 2012), in Köge, Denmark, contacted one of our distributors about the replacement of an existing heat exchanger. Together, they found great potential for energy saving.

Tobias Häggblom works as a Business Director responsible for our Energy team. In his daily work, he enjoys rising to a challenge instead of giving up and finds meaning in working for a company with sound values.

Vahterus provides Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger design for building-heat packages manufactured by Preston Phipps. The compact design makes it possible to manufacture skid assemblies that can handle large loads and take up a much smaller footprint.

In September 2019, Vahterus supplied a critical-charge combined ice-rink chiller, to Ultimate Fabrication Inc, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The new cooling system was designed with an environmental gain in mind, not only by switching from R-22 to ammonia, but also by maximising electrical and thermal efficiency. The Vahterus PSHE Combined Chiller (a chiller with an integrated separator in one shell) was a key component in the upgrade project of the NHL and studio-size ice rinks in the Cabin John Ice Arena.

Tri Tech Refrigeration Australia pioneers safe production expansion with Zammit Ham & Bacon Curers, deploying a Vahterus PSHE Combined Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger. This compact, cost-effective solution enhances safety and efficiency, setting the stage for a continued partnership in advancing refrigeration technology.

Enagas and Vahterus collaborate to convert excess cold energy from LNG vaporization into a cost-effective and valuable energy source. The innovative 'cold box' system, tailored for port areas, offers economic savings and business attraction, signaling a noteworthy advancement in sustainable and efficient cold energy recovery.

Discover how BASF's global engineering team, in partnership with Vahterus, identified a pragmatic solution to address the complex reactor cooling challenges in their Polyol plants. By adopting Vahterus' Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger (PSHE), BASF achieved improved efficiency, reduced leakage risks, and expanded production capacity, representing a notable advancement in polyurethane processing.

Cryostar's pioneering approach to truck-fueling stations integrates Vahterus' compact and high-efficiency cryogenic heat exchangers. This transformative solution optimizes energy consumption and environmental impact, marking a significant shift in LNG applications.

With the introduction of the European Sulphur directive and other regulations over the world, LNG has recently gained an increased relevance as a fuel source for ships due to its relative environmental friendliness. With energy density somewhat comparable to oil, essentially nonexistent particle- and sulfur emissions, and very low NOx emissions, liquefied natural gas is seen by many as a competitive modern fuel. Many cruise liners and passenger ferries have already been converted and many new ships are built with LNG compatibility in mind.

The global challenges posed by the climate crisis, Covid-19 and the drop in oil prices are spurring innovation. Pharmaceutical companies are striving to produce vaccines and new medicines, while natural refrigerants and cold recovery through LNG are becoming increasingly energy-efficient solutions.

Ningdong, situated 900 kilometers west of Beijing, is poised to emerge as a key hub for petrochemical refining of mineral coal in Asia. With an estimated 27 billion tons of mineral coal deposit, the facility aims to boost industrial capacity, producing 20 million tons of finished products annually within the next decade.

Vahterus’ LNG journey began in 2005. Through extensive R&D work and with over 300 heat exchangers delivered to cryogenic LNG applications, we’re now leaders in the field. In this special issue, we introduce our work in LNG applications.

Versatile and easy to transport, LNG is an increasingly popular fuel both in marine and onshore applications. Besides energy, LNG is used as a raw material in chemical processes, and its full potential is being unleashed through heat transfer and cold recovery.

Vahterus is currently undertaking an interesting series of tests. Previously, we have focused on high temperatures, phase-changing phenomena and fluid hydraulics. This time, Vahterus test lab personnel are conducting a larger series of cryogenic tests.

Founded by Mauri and Sinikka Kontu, Vahterus is proud to be a family business. The company also employs three members of the Ahola family.

Vahterus’ LNG journey began in 2005. Through extensive R&D work and with over 300 heat exchangers delivered to cryogenic LNG applications, we’re now leaders in the field.

Low temperatures and widely varying temperature differences in cryogenic applications can cause high stresses to the constructions. Practical testing of constructions is often complicated and time consuming, which is why modelling and simulation tools have become an important part of the development process.

Read the case about Vahterus Ring, a game-changer in ski tunnel technology located in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Unveiling a pioneering approach to energy optimization, this 1 km tunnel utilizes natural refrigeration powered by carbon dioxide, with independently adjustable units ensuring precise temperature management. Its innovative design not only guarantees a reliable ski season but also showcases a sustainable model by storing and reusing snow during the off-season, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious engineering in winter sports facilities.

Laser-cutter Ilari Pietilä believes that a little stress improves concentration and performance. He thrives on decision-making, positive feedback and meeting seemingly impossible deadlines.

Pannonia Bio's ethanol plant not only leads in green innovation but exemplifies collaborative success. Since 2012, the company has grown into Europe's largest ethanol facility, with Vahterus playing a pivotal role in its transformative journey towards one of the most efficient refinieries in the world.

In Chongqing, China, a tire factory's efficiency greatly improved with Spirax Sarco's Vahterus Vent Condenser, eliminating vapor waste and slashing annual natural gas usage by 300,000 Nm3. Installed in 2015, this maintenance-free solution continues to optimize operations, delivering savings and sustainability in tire production.

Leveraging Vahterus technology, a chemical plant in Eastern China unlocked significant cost savings and reduced steam consumption. By harnessing Vahterus Plate & Shell heat exchangers, they recovered cold energy from ethylene, resulting in a remarkable 7.6 million RMB savings in just six months. This innovative approach not only optimizes efficiency but also propels the company into a low-carbon economy for a sustainable future.

Discover how Vahterus, in collaboration with Oiltek Oil & Fats Engineering, has transformed the deodorization process, enhancing energy efficiency and operational reliability for leading edible oil-refinery plants in Tianjin, Shanghai, and Dongguan.

In a fortuitous encounter at Achema exhibition in Germany, Fermion's Maintenance Manager, Kai Hassinen, stumbled upon Vahterus Plate & Shell heat exchangers in 2001. Now, 18 years later, with 43 installations in their processes, these innovative heat exchangers have not only met – but exceeded Fermion's expectations, standing as a testament to the PSHEs reliability and durability in the challenging conditions of pharmaceutical production.

At the end of 2009, technicians at DONG’s combined heat and power plant (acquired by VEKS in May 2012), in Köge, Denmark, contacted one of our distributors about the replacement of an existing heat exchanger.

Vahterus tests its products at a steam laboratory installed in the Naantali power plant of Turun Seudun Energiantuotanto (TSE), an energy production company in the Turku region. The test laboratory, which has exceptionally high capacity, is used to study the qualities of Vahterus steam condensers for product development purposes.

The Vahterus R&D team comprises six people whose goal is to identify potential problems in existing heat-exchanger solutions and find ways to improve products. Successful product development requires perseverance, an understanding of product properties and a curiosity regarding new experiments.

PSHE 12 offers a large heat transfer plate with the traditional round shape and corrugation angles. The diameter of the plate is close to 1200 mm and the portholes are DN250. Size 12 fills the gap between sizes 9 and 14.

Dave Rule, President of IIAR, which advocates for the best refrigerants available to support an efficient and healthy food supply and a clean and safe environment, explains how the industry is adapting to harness new markets and embrace new operational challenges.

The lower cost of renewable fuels such as solar power is impacting positively on the Energy sector, and they may soon be cheaper than fossil fuel. The Chemical and Process industries are focusing on energy integration in cooling and heating. In the Refrigeration industry, Natural refrigerants are the key to tackling environmental issues.

In this issue, we discuss how global challenges drive innovation. We study novel biotech concepts at the largest ethanol plant in Europe and ask Dave Rule, President of IIAR, what he foresees for the future of refrigeration.

Tracy Hakala is our Managing Director for China, Australia and New Zealand. Living and working in different countries and environments has made her an expert on cross-cultural communication.

Read how dedication and excellent cooperation between Vahterus, Kapp Netherlands and Kisuma resulted in a 31 day delivery of customised heat exchanger solutions.

Colonial Pipeline, the largest US refined products pipeline system, spans 5,500 miles from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the Port of New York and New Jersey. Delivering over 100 million gallons of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel daily, this vital infrastructure facilitates the seamless movement of energy products through 13 states. In 2016, facing maintenance challenges with aging equipment, Colonial Pipeline turned to Vahterus Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers to enhance efficiency.

A pioneer in refrigeration, John Wijbenga has devoted his career to understanding and developing systems with ammonia. At 72, he is still an active contributor to the industry and believes that the secret of success lies in carrying out ordinary daily activities unusually well.

In order to build a safer tomorrow, both for the planet and for people, industries are creating new technologies and solutions. While change can take time, examples of positive trends can be seen in each sector. The rise of heat and exhaust recovery, for example, has been made possible and increasingly efficient by new product innovations.

Omnia Limited's chemical complex in Sasolburg, South Africa, relies on imported ammonia for nitric acid and ammonium nitrate production. In Richards Bay, the choice of Vahterus Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers (PSHEs) by ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions South Africa and Zonke Engineering has significantly optimized cost and performance in ammonia recovery systems.

Vahterus Plate & Shell Heat exchangers play a pivotal role in thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions' urea plants, optimizing the hydrolysis and desorption phases. Since 2012, Vahterus has been a key supplier, delivering compact, cost-effective solutions that meet stringent safety standards. These heat exchangers, used between the desorber and hydrolyser, have proven their longevity and reliability, with the oldest unit surpassing 15 years of continuous service.

In the pursuit of efficient and compact solutions for Gas-to-Liquid, Power-to-Liquid, and Power-to-Gas processes, INERATEC has found a reliable ally in Vahterus Heat Exchangers. Successfully integrated into INERATEC’s container-sized chemical plants, Vahterus PSHEs play a pivotal role in ensuring high thermal efficiency through effective heat recovery and compact heating and cooling, particularly exemplified in the Power-to-Liquid process at their Karlsruhe site, marking a successful collaboration between the two innovators.

While standards have helped the refrigeration industry to improve and set safety requirements, the International Institute of Refrigeration is proposing a working group to enhance refrigeration safety.

As Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers gain acceptance in the process industry, many potential users are seeking validated performance data of the latest commercial plate technology so that they can be assured of adequate operation. HTRI, a leading source of process heat-transfer technology, is working with Vahterus to assess the PSHE performance for liquid-liquid and boiling service.

Pölkky replaced an old tube heat exchanger in Taivalkoski production unit with a fully welded 12-MW Vahterus Plate & Shell heat exchanger. The compact size makes it easier to install in a production plant.

Impala Platinum, the second-largest platinum producer globally, faced a critical cooling challenge in their South African mineshafts, where outdated technology and maintenance issues posed risks. This article discusses how they successfully upgraded their cooling system by adopting innovative Plate & Shell heat exchangers, marking a significant shift in technology for large-scale cooling applications.

Combining technical knowledge with premium customer service, the Vahterus refrigeration team seeks the best custom-made solutions for customers’ heat exchanger needs in refrigeration applications.

As sustainability leads changes in the market, our Refrigeration Business Director Heikki Oksanen, Energy Business Director Tobias Häggblom and Chemical and Process Business Director Marko Rantala share their industry insights and discuss future outlook.

Read about how Panasonic supplied an energy- efficient refrigeration system with Vahterus PSHE to Huachen Group’s green cold store in Eastern China.

Discover how a heat pump project with Vahterus PSHEs in Malmö provides heating to 10,000 homes, saving 50,000 tons of CO2 emission yearly.

Vahterus is actively developing products for the refrigeration industry. This fall, the R&D team introduces a second-generation combined evaporator, Combined C, for even more compact refrigeration packages.

In the quest for enhanced safety and efficiency within ice rinks, Accent Refrigeration Systems has emerged as a pioneer. Leveraging Vahterus heat exchangers, this Canadian company has not only revolutionized refrigeration systems in the ice-skating industry but also played a crucial role in fostering safety awareness.

Vahterus Service can offer a Performance Check of existing heat exchangers. Tests can be done either in-house at Vahterus facility or on site.

In this issue, we look at our background, recent developments and our future outlook in industrial refrigeration and celebrate our two-decades-long collaboration refrigeration specialist John Wijbenga.

Did you know that, with the help of the right financing options, an export business can offer buyers credit at competitive rates? These options include bills of exchange and deferred letters of credit.

The family of Vahterus heat transfer plates continues to grow with a new plate. The slimmer plates, launched in mid-2018, use the shape of an athletics field, combined with the same optimal corrugation options as the Vahterus round plates.

Like a multitalented master of ceremonies who makes sure that customers get the exact products they need, the project manager must be able hold all the strings and know when to pull the right ones.

The welded plate pack is the core of the Vahterus heat exchanger. The welding is of the highest quality, ensuring maximum durability.

Our new visual identity is built on the core idea and values of our company. With a new logo, color scheme, fonts and images, the brand message of Vahterus is clear and confident.

Our new visual identity is built on the core idea and values of our company. With a new logo, colour scheme, fonts and images, the brand message of Vahterus is clear and confident. The magazine you’re reading is one example of our new visual identity in action. Read more in the launch issue.