Geothermal

API 6A wellhead equipment for a safe well completion

Designed according to project-specific requirements and for maximum flow rates and temperatures, our geothermal wellheads offer maximum operational safety and system availability. The use of metal-to-metal sealing ball valves on the wellheads ensures maximum reliability, long service life, and low maintenance requirements.

Since the first pioneering projects in 1978, we have equipped more than 45 projects under a wide range of geothermal conditions—including projects for lithium extraction.

For smooth operations

Support in all project phases

We support our customers throughout all project phases—from engineering and in-house manufacturing to installation, maintenance (e.g., pump replacement) and modernization of existing facilities. Our custom-designed API wellheads meet the highest standards of safety, quality and durability: manufactured from high-quality materials and equipped with gas-tight, metal-seated ball valves.

Engineering includes project-specific design, 3D drawings, FEM analyses, approval documentation and complete traceability of all components.

ENGINEERING

Project-specific design in close cooperation with the engineering partner

MANUFACTURING

From the machining of raw materials to final assembly, all production steps are carried out in-house

INSTALLATION

On site, our service team supports the installation of wellheads and rental equipment

MAINTENANCE

24/7 operational support, spare parts and regular inspections

Custom Design Highlights

Our Wellhead Designs
for Deep Geothermal

Our custom API wellheads meet the highest standards in safety, quality, and durability. They offer flexible ESP and LSP designs, interchangeable solutions for production and injection, as well as the integration of multiple components in compact assemblies with reduced flange connections. This is complemented by control and injection lines, horizontal or vertical ESP plug-in connections, additional connection options, and flexible fail-safe-close automation with electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators.

Customer-Specific Design

Custom-Made for Your Processes

The gas-tight, metal-to-metal sealing ball valves withstand high temperatures and pressures. Special designs offer additional safety and economic advantages.

Our low-maintenance and durable valves ensure maximum service life in highly stressed plants.

Depending on the medium, the highest demands are placed on the sealing technology, the materials used, and the design of the valve: requirements that Hartmann products consistently meet.

Temperature

up to 500°C (932°F)

Pressure

up to 10,000 psi

Media

Hot water, steam, accompanying substances, abrasive and corrosive fluids, saline thermal waters

Applications

e.g., deep geothermal systems, production and injection wells, systems with ESP (Electric Submersible Pump) or LSP design, wells with high scaling tendencies, lithium extraction from thermal waters

Our Geothermal Reference Projects

Since the first pioneering projects, we have equipped approximately 45 geothermal projects with wellhead equipment. The map shows a selection of geothermal projects in which we are involved with our wellheads. You can request our complete reference list at marketing@hartmann-valves.com.

Year: 2023\n
Max. Depth: 4.500 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 175\u00b0C\n
Power: 8,2 MW (plan)\n\n"],["M\u00fcnchen - Allach","Germany","48.21499746045088","11.487381449181585","
\n
Year: 2023\n
Max. Depth: 2.200 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 70-76\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 150l\/s (plan)\n
Power: 8,2 MW (plan)\n\n"],["Geinberg","Austria","48.2680859958699","13.271025380063357","
\n
Year: 2022\n
Max. Depth: 2.000 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 100\u00b0C\n\n"],["Waldweihnacht","Germany","48.129429","12.714724","
\n
Year: 2022\n
Max. Depth: 3.500 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 85-119\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 150 l\/s (plan)\n\n"],["Hamburg - Tiefstack","Germany","53.52871134193718","10.075671905655756","
\n
Year: 2022\n
Max. Depth: 1.300 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 85\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 100 m3\/h (plan)\n
Power: 2,6 MW (plan)\n\n"],["Potsdam Heinrich-Mann-Allee","Germany","52.3532823420763","13.084383325444938","
\n
Year: 2022\n
Max. Depth: 1.882 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 60\u00b0C\n\n"],["Graben Neudorf","Germany","49.15872338691723","8.49242117136738","
\n
Year: 2021\n
Max. Depth: 3.938 m\n
Temperature: 175\u00b0C – 185\u00b0C (plan)\n
Flow Rate: 100 l\/s (plan)\n\n"],["United Downs Cornwall","United Kingdom","50.229277054760196","-5.1661007378868105","
\n
Year: 2020\n
Max. Depth: 5.275 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 195\u00b0C (plan)\n
Power: 3 MW el (plan)\n\n"],["D\u00fcrrnhaar","Germany","47.99597923173956","11.733482940637144","
\n
Year: 2020\n
Max. Depth: 3.720 m\n
Temperature: 135\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 130 l\/s\n
Power: 5,5 MW el\n\n"],["Kirchstockach","Germany","48.03215549152917","11.682524800165186","
\n
Year: 2020\n
Max. Depth: 3.750 m\n
Temperature: 139\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 145 l\/s\n
Power: 4,5 MW el\n\n"],["Geospeicher Bern","Switzerland","46.94502836919585","7.436841498274553","
\n
Year: 2020\n
Max. Depth: 550 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 90\u00b0C – 120\u00b0C (plan)\n
Flow Rate: 25 l\/s (plan)\n
Heat Storage: 7 – 10 MW therm (plan)\n\n"],["Lully","Switzerland","46.49961461183033","6.4695043270961525","
\n
Year: 2019\n
Max. Depth: 1.300 m\n
Temperature: 45\u00b0C – 50\u00b0C (plan)\n\n"],["Luttelgeest","The Netherlands","52.73971188402147","5.879058269639607","
\n
Year: 2019\n
Max. Depth: ca. 2.300 m\n
Temperature: 80\u00b0C\n\n"],["Beerse","Belgium","51.308342780305196","4.866582927260903","
\n
Year: 2019\n
Max. Depth: 2.500 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 90\u00b0C (plan)\n\n"],["M\u00fcnchen Heizkraftwerk S\u00fcd","Germany","48.11711460924428","11.556694998313871","
\n
Year: 2017 – 18
\n\n
Max. Depth: 4.300 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 95\u00b0C (plan)\n
Flow Rate: 160 l\/s (plan)\n
Power: 70 MW therm (plan)\n\n"],["Ried-Mehrnbach","Austria","48.208870176616465","13.430122227153317","
\n
Year: 2017 – 20\n
Max. Depth: 3.000 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 100\u00b0C (plan)\n
Flow Rate: 120 l\/s (plan)\n
Power: 65 Mil. kWh (plan: TH 1-3)\n\n"],["Westland","The Netherlands","51.99073710043277","4.237114540776342","
\n
Year: 2017\n
Max. Depth: 4.000 m (plan)\n
Flow Rate: 120 – 140 m3\/h (plan)\n\n"],["Middenmeer","The Netherlands","52.75419933001476","5.034734371494324","
\n
Year: 2017\n
Max. Depth: 2.650 m (plan)\n
Temperature: 115\u00b0C (plan)\n\n"],["Soultz-sous-For\u00eats","France","48.93100875235705","7.8671578118326595","
\n
Year: 2017\n
Max. Depth: 5.000 m\n
Temperature: 200\u00b0C\n
Power: 1,7 MW el\n
Ball Valve\n\n"],["Kwintsheul","The Netherlands","52.00508879912914","4.26870440030368","
\n
Year: 2016\n
Max. Depth: 3.000 m\n
Temperature: 86\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 110 l\/s
\n\n
Power: 20 MW therm (plan)\n\n"],["Gro\u00df Gerau","Germany","49.917345568540725","8.486749725357821","
\n
Year: 2015\n
Max. Depth: 3.000 m\n
Temperature: 150\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 85 l\/s
\n\n
Power: 6 MW therm, 3 MW el\n\n"],["Holzkirchen","Germany","47.881798587916656","11.719320927142272","
\n
Year: 2015\n
Max. Depth: 5.000 m\n
Temperature: 150\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 50 l\/s
\n\n
Power: 20 MW therm, 3 MW el
\n\n\n"],["Balmatt","Belgium","51.22353109752804","5.097645896567391","
\n
Year: 2015-17\n
Max. Depth: 3.830 m\n
Temperature: 138\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 40 l\/s
\n\n
Power: 12,6 MW therm (plan)
\n\n\n"],["F\u00fcrstenfeld\/Frutura","Austria","47.06921634580398","16.082773411769768","
\n
Year: 2014\n
Max. Depth: 3.300 m\n
Temperature: 123\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 60 l\/s\n\n"],["Unterf\u00f6hring","Germany","48.193446080347314","11.65929925413491","
\n
Year: 2013\n
Max. Depth: 2.340 m\n
Temperature: 93\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 90 l\/s\n
Power: 11,3 MW therm\n\n"],["Traunreut","Germany","47.9736784285654","12.579006084817955","
\n
Year: 2012-13\n
Max. Depth: 5.412 m\n
Temperature: 118\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 165 l\/s\n
Power: 12 MW therm, 5 MW el\n\n"],["Ismaning","Germany","48.22823542854475","11.674311798317667","
\n
Year: 2012\n
Max. Depth: 4.030 m\n
Temperature: 75\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 85 l\/s\n
Power: ca. 10 MW therm
\n\n\n"],["Kirchweidach","Germany","48.09965426066087","12.645676811804318","
\n
Year: 2012\n
Max. Depth: 3.850 m\n
Temperature: 130\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 150 l\/s\n
Power: 12 MW therm 0,7 MW el (plan)
\n\n\n"],["Poing","Germany","48.171966424974464","11.810235155988403","
\n
Year: 2009\n
Max. Depth: 3.014 m\n
Temperature: 76\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 80 l\/s\n
Power: 7 MW therm
\n\n\n"],["Br\u00fchl","Germany","49.39165542799616","8.539366969521136","
\n
Year: 2008\n
Max. Depth: 3.318 m\n
Temperature: 160\u00b0C\n
Power: 40 MW therm, 5-6 MW el (plan)
\n\n\n"],["Unterschlei\u00dfheim","Germany","48.273764194090504","11.570535819589379","
\n
Year: 2003\n
Max. Depth: 1.960 m\n
Temperature: 78\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 90 l\/s\n
Power: 28 MW therm
\n\n\n"],["Bruchsal","Germany","49.12588077598554","8.566632614285677","
\n
Year: 1978 – 2002\n
Max. Depth: 2.540 m
\n\n
Temperature: 120\u00b0C
\n\n
Flow Rate: 24 l\/s\n
Power: 5,5 MW therm, 0,55 MW el
\n\n\n"],["Illkirch","Frankreich","48.516321","7.733336","
\n
Year: 2017
\n\n
Max. Depth: 2.500 m
\n\n
Temperature: 150\u00b0C\n
Power: 20 MW therm (plan)\n\n
Master Valve for Wellhead\n"],["M\u00fcnchen - Freiham","Germany","48.140097","11.406502","
\n
Year: 2015
\n\n
Max. Depth: 2.520 m
\n\n
Temperature: 90\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 90 l\/s\n
Power: 20 MW therm\n\n"],["Taufkirchen","Germany","48.023471","11.621285","
\n
Year: 2014
\n\n
Max. Depth: 4.260 m
\n\n
Temperature: 136\u00b0C\n
Flow Rate: 120 l\/s\n
Power: 35 MW therm, 4,3 MW el\n\n"]]; var marker = []; var infowindow = []; var prevInfowindow = false; var iconImage = { path: "m -0.01694917,-32.135593 c -5.52200003,0 -9.99999983,4.478 -9.99999983,10 0,9.999999 9.99999983,22.00000017 9.99999983,22.00000017 0,0 9.99999997,-12.00000117 9.99999997,-22.00000017 0,-5.522 -4.4780002,-10 -9.99999997,-10 z m 0,15.999999 c -3.31400003,0 -6.00000003,-2.686 -6.00000003,-5.999999 0,-3.314 2.686,-6 6.00000003,-6 3.31399997,0 5.99999977,2.686 5.99999977,6 0,3.313999 -2.6859998,5.999999 -5.99999977,5.999999 z", fillColor: '#1779ba', fillOpacity: 1, strokeWeight: 2, strokeColor: '#1779ba', strokeOpacity: 1, anchor: new google.maps.Point(0,0), scale: 1.2 }; for (let i = 0; i < locations.length; i++) { marker[i] = new google.maps.Marker({ position: {lat: parseFloat(locations[i][2]), lng: parseFloat(locations[i][3])}, map, icon: iconImage, title: locations[i][0] + " - " + locations[i][1], optimized: true }); infowindow[i] = new google.maps.InfoWindow({ content: "
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Reference

STADTWERKE MÜNCHEN

API 6A wellheads for extreme conditions ensure high tightness, long service life, and reliable shut-off.

To the reference

Equipment for various geothermal systems in the Bavarian Molasse Basin

Support for existing systems through service

Modernization of existing geothermal systems

"We are pleased to have found a partner for wellhead components in Hartmann, with whom we jointly develop innovative solutions within the framework of engineering and efficiently implement projects thanks to standards."

Michael Meinecke

STADTWERKE MÜNCHEN

Reference

GEOTHERMAL TRAUNREUT

API 6A wellheads for extreme conditions ensure high tightness, long service life, and reliable shut-off.

To the reference

District heating and geothermal power plant

Complete service from a single source

High-performance geothermal doublet (for up to 3000 PSI/207 bar)

"The deepest and most productive well in Germany - gec-co GmbH took on this challenge together with Hartmann Valves GmbH. As the technical planner of the geothermal system, we were particularly impressed by the extensive geothermal expertise and the dedicated commitment of the Hartmann team."

Thorsten Weimann (MBA)

Managing Director gec-co

Solutions for Extremely Hot Geothermal Wells & EGS Wells

Superhot & Supercritical Geothermal

Geothermal energy is a reliable source of renewable baseload energy. At the same time, next-generation developments—particularly superhot and supercritical systems—expose wellhead equipment to operating conditions that far exceed conventional standards.
Temperatures up to 500°C, aggressive geothermal fluids, mineral deposits (scaling), and repeated thermal cycles place extraordinary stress on valves and wellhead components. Under these conditions, conventional valve concepts often reach their functional limits.
Hartmann Valves develops API 6A ball valve solutions specifically designed for these extreme geothermal operating conditions. The focus is on ensuring operability, tightness, and long-term reliability—even under the most demanding conditions.
Engineering includes project-specific design, 3D drawings, FEM analyses, approval documentation and complete traceability of all components.

Heavy deposits (up to approximately 1 cm) in the flow area clearly demonstrate the extreme conditions: while such conditions typically lead to failure in gate valves, the ball valve remained fully functional.

For smooth operations

Challenges in Superhot Geothermal Applications

Superhot geothermal wells are characterized by a combination of high temperatures, chemically aggressive fluids, and pronounced scaling effects. Mineral deposits form within valves and adjacent components, while continuous thermal cycles lead to alternating mechanical stresses in the system.
These conditions directly affect valve performance, particularly in applications where reliable operation after shut-in phases is required. Components must remain functional even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and deposits, placing increased demands on design and material selection.
Engineering includes project-specific design, 3D drawings, FEM analyses, approval documentation and complete traceability of all components.

When Gate Valves Reach Their Limits

Why Ball Valves Offer Design Advantages in Superhot Geothermal

Superhot geothermal energy places the highest demands on valves. Mineral deposits, thermal stresses, and high differential pressures can impair the function of conventional gate valves. Ball valves follow a different design principle and thereby offer decisive advantages for operational safety and functionality.

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Gate valves are widely used in wellhead systems. However, in superhot geothermal applications, their design principle reaches fundamental limits. High temperatures, aggressive fluids, and mineral deposits place considerable stress on the valve and directly affect function, tightness, and operability.
Particularly under these conditions, it becomes evident that gate valves are only suitable to a limited extent for extreme thermal and media-related requirements. As a result, the reliability of shut-off can decrease—a critical factor in sensitive geothermal applications.

At high temperatures, mineral deposits form inside the valve, particularly in seat pockets, cavities, and sealing areas. These deposits directly impair the sliding movement of the gate.
Over time, the gate can become stiff, block, or no longer open and close completely. At the same time, the operating torque increases significantly. In addition, thermal cycling accelerates wear on the sealing surfaces. This can lead to leakage, loss of sealing integrity, and limited or no longer reliably guaranteed shut-in capability.

Ball valves from Hartmann Valves are based on a fundamentally different design approach. Instead of a linearly moving gate, a rotating shut-off element in the form of a ball is used, which rotates within its own volume.
This eliminates many geometries and dead spaces where deposits typically accumulate and impair valve function. The movement is not sliding along critical internal surfaces, but rotating and structurally much less sensitive to scaling and deposit formation.

Due to the design principle, ball valves remain operational even in scaling environments where gate valves often reach their limits. The metal sealing system ensures reliable performance even at high temperatures and in aggressive geothermal fluids.
In addition, the design enables operation under full differential pressure. Robust actuation systems are capable of handling high torques and overcoming deposits in a controlled manner when necessary. This maintains valve function even under demanding operating conditions.

For operators, the use of ball valves means: greater operational safety, more reliable actuation, and long-term higher valve functionality in superhot geothermal applications. Ball valves from Hartmann Valves remain operational where conventional gate valves fail or operate only to a limited extent.
This reduces the risk of failures, improves reliability during shut-in phases, and supports stable system operation even under extreme thermal and mechanical stresses.

For Safe Operation

Design Advantages

The design of ball valves from Hartmann Valves is specifically engineered for geothermal applications at high temperatures. By avoiding cavities and dead spaces, scaling deposits are reduced and operability is ensured even in highly stressed environments. The The elastomer-free metal-to-metal sealing system ensures stable performance up to 500°C and resistance to aggressive media. Furthermore, the design accounts for temperature fluctuations and operation under full differential pressure as well as high torque requirements, ensuring reliable actuation even after long periods of use. A grease-free design concept additionally increases operational safety. Grease cannot be used, as it is washed out or thermally decomposed at these temperatures.

Ball valves from Hartmann Valves can be manufactured from carbon steels, stainless steels, and corrosion-resistant materials, including coated solutions such as Inconel 625 or solid nickel-based alloys. Material selection is tailored project-specifically to temperature, medium composition, corrosion conditions, and mechanical stresses.

These ball valves are used in superhot and supercritical geothermal wells, in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), and in deep and high-enthalpy geothermal applications.

Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

Our experienced service personnel are always available to support you in geothermal projects: for extensive work such as the installation or modification of wellheads, the installation and removal of valves in systems, support during overhauls, or maintenance of our products.
24/7 technical support from our service team
Rental Equipment
Spare Parts and Repairs

Learn More

Certified Safety for Deep Geothermal

Our high-performance valves comply with national and international standards, including:
API 6A, API 6D, API 7-1
ISO 15848 (for fugitive emissions)
ATEX (for potentially explosive atmospheres)
SIL
TA-Luft
Fire Safe
NACE

Our Solutions for Geothermal

CONVENTIONAL DESIGN
Wellheads in individual design are custom-manufactured and designed for the highest requirements. The modular design enables precise configuration for the respective application.

Learn more

SOLIDBLOCK DESIGN
Wellheads in block design are custom-manufactured and designed for the highest requirements. The integrated block design reduces interfaces, simplifies assembly, and increases operational safety.

Learn more

Contact us

We support you in all project phases: from planning and design through manufacturing to installation and regular inspection.

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FAQ

What challenges occur in geothermal and particularly superhot applications?

Our wellheads are specifically developed for geothermal applications. They offer maximum operational safety, even at high temperatures up to 400°C and pressures up to 10,000 psi. metal-to-metal sealing ball valves provide durable and low-maintenance sealing.

Why do gate valves reach their limits in geothermal applications?

Gate valves reach their limits in geothermal applications particularly due to high temperatures, aggressive fluids, and mineral deposits (scaling). Deposits accumulate in seat pockets, cavities, and sealing areas and can block the movement of the gate, increase the operating torque, and damage the sealing surfaces.

In combination with thermal cycles, this often leads to valves no longer being reliably operable after shut-in phases. Particularly in superhot geothermal applications, this poses a significant risk to operational safety, as a safe shut-off function is no longer guaranteed.

In which project phases does Hartmann Valves provide support?

From engineering through manufacturing, installation, rental equipment, and maintenance to modernization of existing systems—Hartmann Valves offers support in all project phases.

What requirements apply to valves in superhot geothermal?

Valves must withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, aggressive media, scaling, and repeated thermal cycles. At the same time, safe operation under full differential pressure and reliable function even after extended downtime periods are required.
This requires specially designed designs, elastomer-free sealing concepts, and highly resistant materials.

What special designs are possible?

In addition to standard designs, we offer custom solutions for ESP/LSP, internal bypasses, flushing connections, or automation systems with electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuation.