Shaping the Future of Abu Dhabi's Power Sector with Blackhall's Signature Automatic Recirculation Valves

Out there, in the world of books is a little-known tome that goes by the name of Lord of the Forest by Denys Watkins-Pitchford (aka BB), first published in 1976. The ‘main character’ is a tree – an oak tree, that started life in the year 1272. It’s a charming tale into which are weaved accounts of how over time it sheltered deer, boar, a highwayman, a family of badgers, nineteenth century picnickers, a poacher as well as bearing witness, albeit from far away, to London being put into the fire on two separate occasions – once in 1666 and again during the Blitz. The final scene is of a World War II soldier, who is described resting under its canopy, casually planting one of the tree’s acorns to begin the cycle again, as it too succumbs to decay and death.

Besides being well written and resisting a drive toward anthropomorphic sentimentality it is a story that taps into our appreciation of things that have an existence that extends beyond four score years and ten. There are many genera of trees that we rub up against, but the oak is the most enduring species; both mystical and symbolic of this ‘green and pleasant land’, having deeply embedded itself in our culture through centuries, it is a tree that has helped shape and protect this ‘island fortress’ and which has set down substantial roots in our consciousness as a nation, at a level that we no longer care to understand. It seems that we value longevity, like most nations, even though we no longer know why..

Lessons learned from the natural world

Processes that have shaped the natural world can be witnessed in the aims of humanity today. None so keenly exemplified than within the power generating sector, where efficiency meets endurance head on. Like the oak tree, it is something that we take for granted, only becoming interested in it when an oil leak occurs or a gas explosion is headlined in the news. However, like it or not, it is the powerhouse that supports modern civilization. Its components must not only function optimally but must also stand the test of time, year after year, no matter what is thrown into the mix. And at the heart of this enduring system, you’ll often find Blackhall Engineering.

We are that longstanding company, priding ourselves on being in the thick of it when it really matters. As an example, our Automatic Recirculation Valve – like the oak tree – is a paragon of lasting precision, adaptation and resilience. Something our reputation has been built upon over time. Our association with the manufacturing of Automatic Recirculation Valves spans over five decades. Each valve we engineer is more than just a product; it's a proud and deeply felt legacy, meticulously crafted to serve generations, helping to shape the way we live. They are designed to automatically protect centrifugal pumps during low load and modulating operations.

In practice this means that when the pump load drops below a determined minimum pre-set flow rate, the valve stem moves toward its seat and the bypass opens, thus maintaining the minimum flow rate at all times. It offers our clients unstoppable performance and reliability in some of the harshest environments.

A Testament to Longevity – The Abu Dhabi Story

Back in 1982, Blackhall Engineering had the privilege to supply an Automatic Recirculation Valve to the Abu Dhabi power industry. Remarkably, or possibly not so remarkably considering its heritage and the fact that it is 100% bespoke, this same valve faithfully served its purpose for an incredible 40 years before a replacement was even considered. This isn't merely a testimony to our product's quality, it's a chronicle of our dedication to longevity and going beyond our clients’ expectations.

While our CFDA technique, assisted by empirical flow testing since 1989, ensures the valve's peak performance, it's our unwavering commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship that guarantees their lasting durability. Whether it's the on or off configurations, modulating options, straightway or angle pattern designs, every aspect of the valves we manufacture is made with endurance in mind. So, in a fluctuating world of centrifugal pumps, Blackhall's valves remain the steadfast guardians, the benchmark that others aspire to. Even in the toughest environments, they maintain minimum flow rates, ensuring an uninterrupted performance that lasts year after year, decade after decade.

Innovation with an eye on the future

At Blackhall, we don't merely chase contemporary technological advancements for the sake of doing so. Our Valvologists, armed with the latest in materials, CFDA, FEA and seismic analysis, design valves that are meant for the future, grounding them in functional reality and making sure they remain relevant and effective long after their contemporaries have perished. In the realm of pump protection, Blackhall isn't just another player. Its name is synonymous with resilience and longevity, as unyielding as an English oak; one that indicates a commitment to enduring quality.

Our Automatic Recirculation Valves don't merely perform; they persist, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the infrastructures they serve, year in and year out. To us, excellence isn't just about a concept that is here today and gone tomorrow; it's about the many tomorrows to come. We like to think of ourselves as that tree in the forest – adapting, growing and enduring through the lean years and the plentiful ones. Always ready for the next challenge, always there for you – our customer – time and again.