valVario® in XL format (A)

Osnabrück, March 2007.

Powerful valVario® technology can now be used in almost every field of safety, control and regulation for the combustion of natural gas, LPG and biologically produced methane. This was the good news to all users of high capacity process heat and heating heat announced by Elster Kromschröder in spring 2007. The new DN 65, 80, 100 and 125 models of the solenoid valve series have now been designed for higher pressure ratings and flow rates.

Elster Kromschröder can now provide its industrial, commercial and heating supply customers with better value for money in the form of the extended valVario solenoid valve series. All valVario models are designed on the modular system principle and are based on a consistently clear concept. This not only means a reduction in the individual components but also reduces both volume and weight, in some cases by up to one-third. With global prices for raw materials and energy prices continuing to soar, components and system solutions that save resources are surely the best answer to the increasing pressure on costs. Lower shipment costs are yet another aspect of this.

In the medium term the valVario solenoid valve series will replace the current VG product series, which comprises approximately 1,400 variants. The aim of expanding the series to higher pressure ratings and greater flow rates is to achieve a slimmer range and therefore greater clarity. The fact is that the modular element system increases flexibility for production and use: As a result, its modularity makes extensive variant management possible. On the one hand it will greatly facilitate the planning of systems, which will mean less time and therefore lower costs. On the other hand it will allow safe installation and commissioning with no downtime losses. The use of valVario therefore represents a classic win-win situation for all concerned. In addition all the models not only offer improved functionality and better performance data, but also enable the use of an energy-saving electronic system as an option. The development engineers at Elster Kromschröder have done sterling work here because it fulfils every production manager's wish for a smooth production operation.

According to Elster Kromschröder, the first reactions from customers are already indicating that the new valVario DN 65, 80, 100 and 125 models will manage to build on the success story of their predecessors. This product innovation and its outstanding operational safety features certainly provide the global Elster Kromschröder sales operation with a strong pitch on which to continue to improve the position of the company as a customer-oriented and efficient system supplier.

Please submit editorial queries to:

Elster Kromschröder GmbH, Heinz-Günter Behrens, Heating Heat

T +49 541 1214-660

g.behrens(at)elster.com

About Elster Kromschröder GmbH

Elster Kromschröder GmbH has successfully emerged as the leading manufacturer of cutting-edge products and system solutions for safeguarding, measuring and controlling gases. In the form of gas meters for domestic and industrial purposes, as well as safety valves and control components for heating equipment and for industrial use, the company from Osnabrück offers a wide range of services, supported by a global sales and service organisation.

About Elster Group

Elster Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of highly accurate, high quality, integrated metering and utilisation solutions to the gas, electricity and water industries. In addition, through its subsidiary Ipsen International, it is the leading global manufacturer of high-level thermo-chemical treatment equipment.

The group has over 9,000 staff and operations in 38 countries, focused in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Elster's high quality products and systems reflect the wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over 170 years of dedication to measuring energy and scarce natural resources.