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emission standard ISO15848-1 AH endurance CO3 . These valves contribute to emission-free and carbon-neutral goals , ensuring tight shutoff and maintenance-free stem design .
2 . Oliver Hydcovalves : The company has developed a range of valves for hydrogen and carbon capture applications , including instrumentation , double block and bleed , pipeline , and subsea gate valves . Their 1 ” hydraulic gate valve with manual override and 1 / 2 ” hydraulic gate valve with remote operated vehicle bucket capability are particularly noteworthy .
3 . KITZ Corporation : KITZ has developed an HRS ( Hydrogen Refuelling Station ) package unit , featuring high-pressure ball valves designed for a maximum service pressure of 98 MPa . These valves , constructed from austenitic stainless steel , incorporate a full port design with a Cv of 2.1 to minimize pressure loss . They employ a unique sealing technology and specialized stem packing to prevent hydrogen permeation and ensure zero leakage under extreme conditions . KITZ ’ s valves undergo rigorous testing to meet the stringent safety and performance requirements of hydrogen refuelling stations .
Challenges in hydrogen valve design
Designing valves for hydrogen applications presents unique challenges : 1 . Material compatibility : The deleterious effect of hydrogen on metallic materials , combined with very low temperatures in some applications , requires careful material selection .
2 . Sealing tightness : Thermal gradients resulting from temperature differentials of up to 300 ° C between liquid hydrogen ( -253 ° C ) and the surrounding environment can cause detrimental leakage .
3 . I nsulation : Optimal insulation technology is crucial to maintain liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures and minimise losses via boil-off .
4 . Fire safety : Given the flammability of hydrogen , valve designs must be explosion-proof and include fireproof actuators , instruments and wiring .
5 . Pressure management : Pressure buildup in valve cavities due to trapped liquid and heat transfer
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must be carefully managed to ensure operability .
Renewable energy sectors
While hydrogen captures headlines , other renewable energy sectors continue to grow rapidly , each presenting unique valve requirements .
Solar power
Solar power installations are growing in scale and sophistication , pushing the boundaries of valve technology . The world ’ s largest solar installation recently came online in China ’ s Xinjiang region , boasting a capacity of 3.5 GW . This mega-project employs advanced valve systems for thermal fluid management , crucial for maintaining optimal heat transfer efficiency . The valves used in this installation are designed to withstand temperatures exceeding 400 ° C while providing precise flow control to maximise energy output . India is set to host an even larger green power plant in Gujarat , combining wind and solar for a total capacity of 30 GW . This ambitious project will require a new generation of valves capable of seamlessly integrating the variable outputs of wind and solar power . Engineers are developing smart valve systems that can rapidly adjust to fluctuations in energy production , ensuring stable power delivery to the grid . Valves play a crucial role in solar thermal plants , where they must handle high temperatures and thermal fluids .
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KLINGER Brasil recently contributed to Brazil ’ s first heliothermal power plant , supplying KVN globe valves with class VI sealing according to ANSI / FCI standards . These valves feature specialised hightemperature alloys and advanced sealing technologies to maintain integrity in the extreme conditions of concentrated solar power systems . The KVN valves incorporate a unique stem seal design that compensates for thermal expansion , ensuring tight shut-off even during rapid temperature changes characteristic of daynight cycles in solar thermal plants .
Wind power
Offshore wind projects are becoming increasingly ambitious , presenting unique challenges for valve technology . Notable projects include :
• The Baltic Power Offshore Wind Farm ( 9 GW )
• Dogger Bank ( 3.6 GW )
• The Morgan and Mona Offshore Project ( 40 GW by 2030 )
• RWE ’ s Nordseecluster ( 1.6 GW by early 2027 )
Oliver Twinsafe is supplying a range of Modular and Monoflange double block and bleed valves to the Hornsea 3 Wind Farm project in the North Sea , which will be the world ’ s largest offshore wind project with a capacity of 2.852 GW . In offshore wind applications , valves must withstand harsh marine environments , characterised by saltwater corrosion and extreme weather conditions . Subsea
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