San Bartolo Hydroelectric Project

The San Bartolo Hydroelectric Project comprises the construction of a hydropower plant on the Río Negro River (in the southeast of Ecuador in the Amazon region). Along with other, state-funded hydroelectric plants being built, this private project contributes to implementing the power generation scheme promoted by the Ecuadorian government. This country which has been largely depending on imported energy is now opting to generate power on its own.

Following the end of construction works in 2015, the power plant has been generating 50 megawatts of electric power at a flow rate of 30 m³/s. To prevent a collapse of the vacuum line in the event of a major pipe burst, special air valves had to be installed at certain points. As early as 2012, the consulting company got VAG on board so that VAG could determine the installation position of the air valves and make suggestions regarding the choice of a suitable product.

Following VAG’s in-depth consultation, the customer decided to order the valves needed from VAG. The order included VAG Spring Loaded Air Valves (DN 600/800 PN 10); VAG DUOJET® Automatic Air Valves (DN 200) and VAG EKO®plus Gate Valves as well as a VAG RIKO® Plunger Valve (DN 500, PN 25) and another VAG EKN® Butterfly Valve plus accessories for mounting. Furthermore, the turbine manufacturer chose VAG EKN® Butterfly Valves for its protection.

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