Markets
Hartmann Valves has already supplied hydrogen wellheads with integrated ball valves for salt cavern storage . Image courtesy of Hartmann Valves .
A challenge for valves
The hydrogen market is undoubtedly an attractive one – but with high expectations with regards to design , quality , and material stability . One reason for this is the high level of explosiveness of this gas . The highest standards are therefore required when selecting valves – so internal and external impermeability are of the utmost importance . “ In order to store the same amount of energy , a higher pressure is usually required ,” explains Product Manager Stefan Schenk . Furthermore , the operating temperature spectrum is significantly greater : at atmospheric pressure , hydrogen only liquefies at a temperature of -253 ° C . In addition , when designing valves and choosing the material , hydrogen embrittlement must be taken into account . In order to ensure the suitability of the valves , the industry relies on hydrogen emission tests . Hartmann Valves also offers material suitability
With its material suitability testing , Hartmann Valves offers a test enabling checks of existing valves for application with hydrogen . Image courtesy of Hartmann Valves .
testing . Comprehensive internal leak tests ensure that statutory thresholds are met , and volatile emissions minimised .
Appropriate controls are required
The hydrogen industry is also increasingly shaped by digitisation and automation . “ For us , this means that there are constantly new developments in control solutions for valves ,” explains Peter Wegjan , sales engineer for special ball valves at Hartmann Valves . Here , they work together with actuator suppliers “ to be able to offer controls tailored to the application .” One supplier of actuators is AUMA . “ Our explosion-proof actuators are suitable for hydrogen ,” emphasises Kai Ewald , Head of Sales Oil & Gas . AUMA actuators are used , for example , in the power-to-gas plant of Windgas Haßfurt , where excess wind energy is converted into H2 . They are used for feeding hydrogen into the gas network .
The market is booming – with consequences for dimensioning , too . Corresponding systems , modules and pipelines are therefore getting larger and larger . Waldemar Pruss Armaturenfabrik notes a trend towards the increasing importance of systems being maintenance-free . They are therefore offering special valves for hydrogen applications , which on the one hand meet standards and norms , yet on the other also dispense with maintenance-prone components made of elastomers .
Big things are awaiting the industry
Some things still need clarifying – that is why the regulations of the German Association of Gas and Water ( DVGW ) are being revised and adapted to the future use of hydrogen . The project ’ s aim is to investigate the possible applications and limitations of shut-off valves with regards to their H2 impermeability . In addition , standardisation in Europe is relatively unclear . Some companies apply international standards and databases – such as ASME B31.12 for hydrogen piping and pipelines – and develop an internal standard from this . However , the dynamics of the hydrogen market will also give a strong boost to standardisation . After all , the valve sector is expecting great things in terms of its potential .
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