PuK - Process Technology & Components 2024

Compressors/Compressed air/Components
Companies – Innovations – Products
Hydrogen as a storage medium and
key element for the global energy
transition
The energy transition and the use of sustainable resources to generate
electricity pose major challenges for the energy industry. A way is
needed to make electricity from renewable sources storable. Particularly
in light of the growing awareness of the need to meet the Paris
climate protection targets and the increasing pressure to act, new,
long-term viable options for the economy, especially for industrial
companies, must be developed as quickly as possible.
Hydrogen is already being produced using fossil fuels. However, thanks
to innovative splitting processes and the use of electricity from renewable
energies, this valuable substance can also be produced without
the use of fossil fuels. This process, as well as its further utilisation,
makes hydrogen a substance with a promising future
Water electrolysis is the key technology here. It enables hydrogen
to be produced from water and electricity, thus helping to balance out
fluctuations in the supply of renewable energy sources. Renewable
energy can be stored and is available for further energy supply when
there is a lull in the wind or low solar radiation. GOETZE safety valves
made of stainless steel and gunmetal protect both the gas phase and
the water supply of the electrolyser against excessive pressure. Thanks
to oil- and grease free production and ATEX approval, these safety
valves are optimally sized for use in hydrogen applications.
Fig. 2: Hydrogen storage for a refuelling system (Photo © : Goetze KG Armaturen)
Materials
Pay attention to high-quality stainless steels. Austenitic steels with a
nickel content >10 % have proven themselves here.
Sealings
Pressure, temperature and permeation (diffusion) play an important
role here. Pay attention to the NORSOK M-710 standard for Elastomere
sealing materials.
Fig. 1: GOETZE high-pressure safety valve 492 made of high-quality stainless steel
for pressure ranges up to 1500 bar (Photo © : Goetze KG Armaturen)
The hydrogen challenge
On the one hand, it is a colourless, odourless and completely non-toxic
gas, which on the other hand is very volatile, highly flammable and has
a high flame speed. Depending on the application and environment,
the challenge with hydrogen is to produce, transport, store and utilise
the gas safely. As the last mechanical component in the safety chain,
safety valves are an important and indispensable part of this. This applies
in particular to the materials and seals used, the valve manufacturing
process and certain approvals.
As the last mechanical component in the safety chain, safety valves
are an important and indispensable part of hydrogen applications. It is
therefore all the more important that all components of a safety valve
and the manufacturing process have certain properties.
Manufacturing process
Place high demands on the cleaning requirements. In addition to the
necessary oil- and grease free production, production in a clean room
is expressly recommended for a hydrogen purity of > 5.0 (> 99.999 %).
Sound technical advice from the valve manufacturer is essential
in all cases. Only in this way can your specific conditions be taken into
account and the valve correctly sized according to the conditions prevailing
on site.
GOETZE safety valves help to ensure that the hydrogen reaches the
consumer safely - whether for Industrial applications or as fuel for fuel
cell vehicles. Safety valves reliably protect refuelling processes that are
under high pressure and ensure a safe system when storing gases in
large tanks. This means that there is no danger to the user during use
and the new technology can be utilised profitably for people and the
environment.
Goetze KG Armaturen
Robert-Mayer-Str. 21
71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
Tel +49 (7141) 488 946-0
Fax +49 (7141) 488 9488
info@goetze-armaturen.de
www.goetze-group.com
112 PROCESS TECHNOLOGY & COMPONENTS 2024