·Gray hydrogen is produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMR) without the need for carbon capture, which results in significant carbon dioxide emissions. Gray hydrogen currently accounts for the vast majority of hydrogen production.
·Blue Hydrogen uses the same SMR process to produce hydrogen, which is combined with Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) to reduce its carbon footprint.
·Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy, which almost eliminates carbon emissions. Although it currently accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen production, green hydrogen facilities have already accounted for 80% of hydrogen supply projects.
The government has introduced tax incentives, and state-owned enterprises, local enterprises, and institutional investors have provided significant funding for hydrogen infrastructure, all in order to make blue and green hydrogen more widely available and cost-effective. The combination of the decrease in renewable energy costs and improvements in CCUS technology suggests that the demand for blue and green hydrogen may soar. By 2050, it is predicted that the demand for clean hydrogen will increase from less than 1 million tons per year (Mtpa) to 585Mtpa.
Hydrogen, as a high-value and potentially hazardous medium, relies on reliable process control throughout its entire lifecycle of production, transportation, and storage. In this process, the control valve plays a leading role as the core executing element and is the key to ensuring the safe and stable operation of the overall system.
Although hydrogen is not a new concept in industrial automation, there are challenges in safely and effectively expanding to help meet expected demand and carbon emission targets. Control valves and their accessories need to be foolproof to ensure that manufacturers can avoid life-threatening situations while maximizing production, supporting cost reduction, and stimulating demand for clean hydrogen.
The following are common technical challenges faced by control valves in hydrogen infrastructure:
·High pressure environment: The rated pressure required for hydrogen compression and storage is between 350-700 kg, so the control valve must withstand extreme high pressure and ensure system safety.
·Hydrogen embrittlement: Over time, hydrogen embrittlement weakens materials. If the control valve is not made of corrosion-resistant materials, it will increase maintenance and replacement requirements, as well as the frequency of downtime that comes with it.
·Extreme temperature changes: Some hydrogen applications require control valves to operate at -425 ° F (-254 ° C). The valve material and design not only need to be able to withstand, but also need to be able to perform optimally over a very wide temperature range, including cryogenic temperatures.
·Accurate flow control: All hydrogen production methods require precise control of the flow rate of reactants (such as water, methane, or oxygen) to optimize process efficiency, hydrogen production, and hydrogen quality.
·Strict safety standards: Given the flammable and explosive nature of hydrogen, the design and manufacturing of control valves must comply with strict regulations such as ISO, API, and national standards, aiming to provide a reliable safety barrier for the entire system and environment.
These are also challenges faced by the actuators of control valves in hydrogen production, which we will discuss in more detail in future classes.
To improve the performance and reliability of hydrogen production control valves, Optimux provides the following optimization strategies and measures.
·Choosing the right materials: Over time, hydrogen embrittlement can weaken the metal, leading to leaks and failures. Our Optimux valve bodies and internals are made of stainless steel, nickel chromium iron alloy, and Hastelloy to ensure long-term resistance to hydrogen diffusion and mechanical stress.
·High pressure and high pressure difference: Hydrogen storage and transportation require control valves that can withstand pressures up to 700 kg. Our ST series valve internals designed by Optimux can handle extreme pressure drops and high pressure differentials while ensuring stable and precise control.
·Low temperature service: Liquid hydrogen is stored at -253 ° C (-423 ° F) and requires specialized low-temperature control valves. Our Optimux low-temperature control valve maintains precise flow control at ultra-low temperatures and ensures tight closure.
·Maximizing compliance: Complies with ISO 15916, ISO 19880-3, and ASME B31.12 standards to ensure that hydrogen control valves meet strict safety standards. Our ISO 9001 certified manufacturing process includes advanced cleaning procedures to remove pollutants that may pose a fire hazard.
·Unorganized emissions: Hydrogen molecules are small, so leak prevention is crucial. Our OpGL GuardMaster metal bellows+double-layer packing sealing system eliminates emissions by providing a zero leakage solution, even under extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations.
With the expansion of hydrogen production scale to achieve the net zero target, selecting the correct control valve is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. High pressure, brittleness risk, and extreme temperature changes require high reliability valves made of durable materials, aimed at achieving strict closure and minimal fugitive emissions.
At Optimux, we apply our professional knowledge to provide robust and reliable control valves for hydrogen production. With ISO 9001 certified processes, proprietary valve trim design, and zero leakage sealing technology, our Optimux control valves help maximize hydrogen production while meeting the industry's strictest safety standards.
Grasp the growth trend of the hydrogen economy and make our high-performance control valves a reliable cornerstone of your clean energy strategy. Welcome to call and explore how our customized solutions can improve your operational efficiency and security, and create a better future together.
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