The growth of the innovation company Vaxa Technologies has an impact far and wide. Among other things, here at Héðinn, where we have invested in a special “drill” for work on components in machines that will produce microalgae, packed with proteins and nutrients, at Vaxa’s factory in the ON Geothermal Park at the Hellisheiði Power Plant.

Rögnvaldur Einarsson, Managing Director of Héðinn, says that the machine, a so-called T-drill machine, is a welcome addition to the company’s range of equipment and is the only one of its kind in Iceland.

“The purchase was primarily driven by this project for Vaxa Technologies. The scale of their operations was such that it justified this investment, but we have also seen interest from the food industry and other industrial companies in Iceland in this piece of equipment.”

“The machine perforates stainless steel pipes and pulls out nozzles from them. With this method, one T-piece fitting is saved in purchasing for every single extraction, and in some cases, a reducer as well. The work of setting up and welding a traditional T-piece and reducer is, of course, eliminated, since there are no welds left to be made. In addition, the inner surface of the pipe remains smooth, which is an advantage particularly for the food industry, as the risk of dirt accumulating at these welded joints disappears,” says Rögnvaldur.

The installation of the machine was being completed at Héðinn’s premises at Gjáhella in Hafnarfjörður. It was carried out under the supervision of a technician from the Finnish manufacturer, who has also overseen the training of four Héðinn employees who will operate the new machine.

Héðinn has been involved in the design, construction, and installation of equipment in Vaxa Technologies’ factories from the very beginning. The machines, which produce microalgae, will be housed in a 15,000-square-meter facility at the Hellisheiði power plant. Everything needed for the production process is available on-site: renewable electricity, cold and hot water, and carbon dioxide.

The T-Drill Machine – Technical Specifications

• Perforates pipes up to six meters in length.
• Pulls outlets from pipes up to 273 mm in diameter.
• Adjustable positioning of outlets (location and angle), pulls outlets up to 60.3 mm.