Cambridge Vacuum Engineering beam welding helps green revolution

mike.scialom@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 04:00, 16 June 2023

An advanced welding technology developed by Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) looks set to transform how quickly the UK can generate greater levels of clean and reliable energy – by increasing the speed at which large structures like wind turbines and nuclear reactors can be manufactured and installed.

Ebflow is an innovative local vacuum, electron beam-welding system developed by the team at Waterbeach-based CVE.

Cambridge Vacuum Engineering project partners in front of micro modular reactor demonstrator part

Game-changing in its approach, Ebflow is 20-30 times faster than standard submerged arc welding techniques, offering energy providers transformational gains in productivity. Crucially, the technology also uses up to 75 per cent less power than conventional arc welding.

Bob Nicolson, managing director at CVE, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for everyone at Cambridge Vacuum Engineering as our Ebflow technology starts to get the recognition it so rightly deserves across the energy industry.”

First Cambridge Vacuum Engineering foundation installed at Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Ebflow technology can significantly reduce weld time and cost of creating turbine monopiles and nuclear reactors

Olly Cass, SSE renewables project director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “This is a first-in-class project, establishing this UK innovation as world-leading technology. With monopile type foundations accounting for over 90 per cent of foundations used in UK projects, Ebflow could realise significant cost savings on future projects.

First-ever micro modular reactor demonstrator, welded using Ebflow, built by Cambridge Vacuum Engineering

“These substantial savings will not only benefit the UK offshore engineering industry but could be passed on to UK energy consumers.”

Ebflow pilot projects continue.

Business Cambridge Environment Mike Scialom