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“ In just a few months , we have had multiple reference site visits at the pilot plant in Dormagen , which demonstrates an enormous interest in this new technology . Why ? In the absence of better alternatives , gas grid operators were considering either building entirely new pipelines for hydrogen transport or repurposing existing natural gas pipelines to transport pure hydrogen . Our technology brings to the table an extremely efficient and easily implementable solution that allows grid operators to use existing pipeline infrastructure to transport both natural gas and hydrogen .”
DURAION ® for next-gen H 2 production
Among the technologies that promise to significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen production is anion exchange membrane ( AEM ) water electrolysis , which combines the advantages of the incumbent alkaline and proton exchange membrane ( PEM ) water electrolysis systems . The main challenge in AEM development has been to achieve high conductivity without compromising on the chemical stability and mechanical integrity . In tests conducted with market-leading partners , Evonik ’ s DURAION ® membrane has now
Ramping up production capacity
Committed to growing its membrane business , Evonik is continuously investing in both R & DI and production capacity . Currently , a new production line is under construction at its Austrian plant in Schörfling , where Evonik manufactures SEPURAN ® membranes . Expected to be commissioned in early 2023 , the new line will ensure that the company can meet and support the growing demand for its gas separation membranes .
Goetz Baumgarten , Vice President of Membranes , seen here at Evonik ’ s Austrian plant in Schörfling , where SEPURAN ® membranes are manufactured
demonstrated supreme conductivity and stability over several thousand hours of operation , paving the way to mass deployment and adoption of this breakthrough technology .
“ Durability is certainly a key feature of our DURAION ® membrane . Based on a dedicated , high-performance polymer , it is extremely robust and capable of withstanding the harsh , caustic environment and electrolyser conditions . None of the anion conducting membranes made it into a long-lasting equivalent of the market-leading proton exchange membranes – until DURAION ® . Having compared DURAION ® with other similar products , our industrial partners have concluded that our product is superior , which confirms that we have developed something that is highly attractive to the market . This is why we are now directing all efforts into ramping up production , to bring DURAION ® out to the market and unleash a new generation of green hydrogen production .”
Recently , Evonik ordered the first electrolyser intended for its own use . With a generation capacity of 50,000 m 3 of hydrogen per year , the electrolyser is to be installed at Evonik ’ s production and research centre in Hanau , Germany . Crucially , the AEM system will incorporate the DURAION ® anion exchange membrane , marking an important milestone in the deployment of AEM technology .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 6 | October 2022 13