Ultravalve’s Role in BIFoR FACE: An Eight-Year Success Story in Environmental Research

Ultravalve has been a key partner in the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research’s (BIFoR) Free-Air Carbon Enrichment (FACE) project, a pioneering environmental research initiative by the University of Birmingham. Launched Eight years ago, this project continues to explore the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels on mature oak woodlands, providing crucial insights into the potential impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. 

Located in a mature temperate woodland in Staffordshire, the BIFoR FACE project uses rings of towers that release CO₂ into the open air, simulating future atmospheric conditions with higher CO₂ levels. This setup allows researchers to study the long-term effects on trees, soil, and the entire forest ecosystem. The data gathered is essential for understanding the role of forests in carbon sequestration and for developing strategies to meet net-zero targets. 

During a recent conversation with Dr. Kris Hart, Head of Operations for BIFoR, he detailed the essential role Ultravalve played in the project by supplying 200 butterfly valves and actuators. These valves are critical components of the system that controls CO₂ distribution within the experimental plots, allowing the research team to maintain precise CO₂ levels and simulate future environmental conditions. 

Dr. Hart described how the Wafer butterfly valves & Valbia actuators supplied by Ultravalve have performed exceptionally well over the past eight years. They are part of a sophisticated control system that adjusts the CO₂ flow based on real-time environmental data, including wind direction and speed. The valves ensure that the enriched CO₂ atmosphere is accurately maintained, despite the natural fluctuations of outdoor conditions. 

The durability and reliability of the Ultravalve Wafer butterfly valves & Valbia actuators have been remarkable, with only 1 out of the 200 supplied needed to be replaced during the project’s continuous eight-year span, even in the challenging and varied conditions of a woodland environment. Dr. Hart emphasised that the reliability of these valves is invaluable to the project, as it minimises downtime and reduces the need for costly replacements or maintenance. This reliability allows the research team to concentrate on their scientific objectives without interruptions, highlighting the importance of high-quality equipment in long-term environmental studies. 

Ultravalve’s contributions to the BIFoR FACE project demonstrate the company’s commitment to supporting critical environmental research. By providing robust and dependable solutions, Ultravalve is not only aiding scientific discovery but also playing a role in addressing the broader challenges of climate change. As the BIFoR FACE project continues to advance our understanding of forest ecosystems and carbon dynamics, Ultravalve’s reliable valves remain an integral part of this groundbreaking research.

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