The emissions reduction opportunity

Our YTC positioners are typically used in installations where actuation is powered by air compressors. As compressing air can be an inefficient process, with much of the original energy lost as heat, we identified the YT-1000 for a pilot project with a clear aim:

Reduce the air (and consequently the compressor’s energy) consumption with no compromises in performance or reliability.

This potential efficiency improvement would cut customers’ costs by reducing the energy required to operate the YT-1000, as well as reducing their Scope 2 and our Scope 3 emissions (Use of sold products).

Leveraging our engineering expertise

A reflection of our emphasis on ‘innovating through customer focus’ (see page 50), this project was a cross-functional effort involving our R&D, Product Management and Sustainability teams. Our Product In-Use Steering Committee reviewed the YT-1000 and identified an efficiency opportunity to reduce the compressed air requirement.

We designed and executed a comprehensive testing programme to ensure that there would be no compromise on control accuracy, reliability or responsiveness. Field trials with selected customers were carried out to validate real-world performance. We conducted the tests in accordance with international standards (IEC 61514:2000), and the results were clear: the new YT-1000 configuration achieved a significant reduction in air consumption.

Delivering real-world benefits

• Reducing customer energy costs: this project will result in a c.30% reduction in annual air consumption, directly reducing the operational energy requirement.
• Reducing Rotork’s Scope 3 emissions: our net-zero ambitions are a catalyst for innovation which also support the Customer Value and Innovative Products & Services pillars of the Growth+ strategy.
• Demonstrating continued market leadership as a leader in intelligent flow control.