High pressure ball valves for hydrogen
High pressure ball valves for hydrogen
A leading compressor manufacturer approached Hanwel in its search for valves for a high-pressure compressor. The valves had to be suitable for use in a hydrogen system with operating pressures of up to 700 bar. Within these conditions, complete and guaranteed isolation is essential.
The challenge
High-pressure hydrogen systems present a number of challenges and pain points. To ensure the safe and complete isolation of hydrogen, the desired valves must consider the hazards of hydrogen gas embrittlement (HGE) and provide solutions to the increased risk of leakage at the stem seal and body seals. In addition, the valves must be manufactured with a high level of purity and ATEX zoning and SIL certification must be taken into account. The combination of these factors makes standard valve techniques inadequate for high-pressure hydrogen.
Our solution
In consultation with the customer, Hanwel selected ball valves that could withstand the high pressure and were suitable for hydrogen applications. Our technical expertise and experience with custom solutions allowed us to move quickly and deliver appropriate configurations. Habonim's three-piece ball valves, a combination of our 29 and 47 series,are equipped with pneumatic actuators and position indicator boxes. As one package, these configurations are fully IECEx and SIL certified.
The result
With the solution we offer, the customer has safe, fully certified and durable valves that perfectly match the requirements of the system. Because the packages are SIL certified as one unit, it is not necessary for the customer to combine individual SIL calculations for a total SIL calculation. The project was completed successfully and within the agreed deadline where the expediting was entirely with Hanwel and not with the customer. Our experience and knowledge of hydrogen applications ensures that our customers can fully focus on what is important to them: the delivery of the project.
