HYDROGEN
These jumbo LH2-production plants will be needed if, as some are predicting, LH2- powered vehicles are to become as common as electric vehicles on the world’ s roads.
The role of globe valves
To create LH2, gaseous hydrogen is pumped through a series of condensers, valves and compressors to get it down to its critical temperature and pressure. The valves in the manufacturing setup are critically important, as they also are when the newly created LH2 is transferred to a delivery ship, barge or truck for its trip to the end-user, where it is consumed or dispensed. For years, the preferred valve technology for manufacturing and transporting LH2 has been the extended-stem, vacuum-jacketed globe valve, available in either a standard T-pattern or a Y-pattern, which facilitates more robust flow rates. The main benefit of this type of valve is that its extended stem and vacuum jacketing enable it to reduce heat leaks that can cause the reversion of LH2 into gaseous hydrogen. Specifically, ACME ® Cryogenics, Allentown, PA, a business unit within OPW Clean Energy Solutions, offers its Model CV( control valve) globe valve for use in LH2 manufacturing, storage and transport. The Model CV valve is available in manual and actuated versions with either bellows-sealed or nonbellows designs. While vacuum-jacketing is necessary for LH2 applications, a nonjacketed version is available. The nonjacketed version can be used for services that do not require vacuum jacketing or can
Photo: ACME Cryogenics
A stainless steel swing check valve for cryogenic service. Photo: ACME Cryogenics
be jacketed at a later stage of construction. All valves are available in quick-open, linear and equal-percentage trim styles and can be supplied with a wide variety of actuators and actuator accessories. The patented design of the Model CV valve builds upon a conventional 3-inch globe valve configuration, adding unique features that help decrease heat leaks while increasing the valve’ s service life. The valve is designed to fit within conventional valve-size envelopes, allowing for servicing without disturbing the annular vacuum space. Common body sizes also enable manual valves to be quickly converted to actuated or check valves, as needed. Importantly, Model CV valves can also reach and maintain a standard LH2 flow rate of 3.5 kilograms per minute( k / min) or 7.7 pounds per minute( lbs./ min). However, as LH2-production plants become larger, their operators are now requesting valve sizes capable of handling pressures exceeding the standard 300 psig( 21 bar). This has led to discussions in the valve industry about the types of valve designs that can handle these new production and flow parameters. As of now, the answer appears to be a larger globe valve, but conversations continue regarding different valve styles and whether they can deliver the alreadyproven performance of a globe valve, albeit at higher flow rates and pressures that are becoming increasingly common. In anticipation of this need, ACME Cryogenics has already designed and produced 6” and 8” manual and actuated bellows-sealed valves, utilising a body design that enables higher flow rates than a standard straight-pattern globe valve. This new line of valves can handle pressures up to 550 psig( 38 bar). Design work has also started to produce even larger valves.
Conclusion
While traditional fossil fuels will continue to account for the world’ s motor fuel consumption for several years, significant inroads have been made in alternative energy sources. Liquid hydrogen stands ready to take its place at the head of the line. Backed by the commitment of companies willing to build and operate high-capacity hydrogen-liquefier plants, the nation’ s roads will become increasingly dotted with LH2 filling stations. This will only become a reality, though, if the LH2 infrastructure can keep pace and attain, as well as maintain, established levels of safety, performance and reliability. Aiding in this growth of LH2 use is the Model CV Globe Valve from ACME Cryogenics and OPW Clean Energy Solutions. Its proven performance over many decades of being a go-to technology for producing and handling cryogenic liquids speaks for itself. It lends credence to the idea that it will be able to handle the demands of higher flow rates and pressures that are expected to be common in the next generation of LH2 plants and vehicles, which are poised to enter the market.
48 Valve World November 2025 www. valve-world. net