Valves for hydrogen

Valves for hydrogen

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Hydrogen is an excellent energy carrier and, as a result, will be of great importance to the energy transition in several ways. When created sustainably, hydrogen can provide reduced emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen is a light element that is not an energy source, but an energy carrier. The element can be produced from multiple sources and it has -if compressed and in small volumes- a large capacity for energy storage. For these reasons, hydrogen is often cited as the solution to the energy transition.

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The application of hydrogen in industry can be divided into some global categories:

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• Hydrogen production (''green'', ''blue'', or ''gray'')
• Hydrogen conditioning (compression and liquifaction)
• Hydrogen distribution/transportation (via pipelines or tanks)
• Hydrogen for mobility (H2 as a new fuel)
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The conditions and requirements placed on components such as valves vary greatly between these different application areas. Depending on the exact application, pressure levels can range from 5 barg to 1500 barg and temperature levels can vary from ambiant to cryogenic.

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Besides the large differences in pressure and temperature, the nature of the hydrogen atom itself is a reason for specific attention. Hydrogen, like other energy carriers, is not only highly flammable but also very small and light. The latter aspect places specific demands on the selection of materials and on the required tightness of, among other things, valves

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When selecting the right materials, the following points of interest are important:

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• H2 is a very light and small molecule, which places specific requirements on the design and selection of sealing systems. Specific sealing systems are often required that are subjected to specific tests with helium to ensure tightness
• The long-term ability of the H2 molecule to penetrate metal surfaces creates the danger of HGE (H2 gas embrittlement). At higher pressure levels, this can eventually lead to degradation of steelwork and even cracking and breaking of the structure. The selection of appropriate materials prevents HGE.
• H2 fuel cells can eventually be affected by impurities in the medium. This requires a high level of purity according to ISO 16232 that includes avoiding the use of greases, lubricants and impurities.

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In cooperation with Habonim Industrial Valves, Hanwel supplies a wide range of valves for hydrogen that all take into account the above aspects.

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Valves for hydrogen at low pressure (max. 90 barg)

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De materialen van onze kogelkranen voor waterstof op lage druk worden zorgvuldig geselecteerd om HGE te voorkomen. Tevens worden ze geassembleerd en getest volgens ISO 16232 om aan de hoogste standaarden op het gebied van purity te voldoen. Deze kogelkranen zijn standaard gecertificeerd conform ISO 15848-1 voor fugitive emissions (500.000 cycli) API 607 (fire safe) en ATEX classificering. Elke afsluiter wordt onderheven aan een vacuum Helium test (<10-⁶ mg/sec/m) om de dichtheid van de spindelafdichting te garanderen.

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These are our H47, H78 and H73 three-piece and flanged series ball valves.

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Valves for hydrogen at medium pressure (max. 500 barg)

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Our series H24, H25 and H28 hydrogen valves are suitable for hydrogen up to a maximum pressure of 500 bar. The basic characteristics and certifications are identical to the H47 valves for low pressure with the addition that the risk of HGE is increased for this pressure class. As a result, materials such as 316L stainless steel for the body and carefully selected materials for the stem are used at all times. As the pressure rating increases, normally the passage of the pipe and thus of the valves decreases. Commonly used connections such as cone and thread are among Habonim's standard features. The H24 Series is TPED certified for use in road transport applications.

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Valves for high-pressure hydrogen (max. 1050 barg / 15,000Psi)

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Pressure levels within processes in H2 fueling can rise to 1050 bar(g). This places specific demands on the components used. Our H29 floating ball design and H99 trunnion ball ball valves meet this demand. Both valves are fully certified in accordance with ISO 19880-3, ISO 23826 and TPED. With an operating temperature of -60⁰ to 230⁰C, the H29 is suitable for a maximum working pressure of 1,000 bar and the H99 for a maximum working pressure of up to 1,050 bar. The difference, however, is in the certified pressure. The H29 is ISO 19880-3, ISO 23826 and TPED- certified to 700 bar / 10,000 Psi while the H99 is ISO 19880, ISO 23826 and TPED- certified for 1,050 bar / 15,000 Psi.

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Our specialists will be happy to help you select the right valve for your application.

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