What is Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and completely non-toxic gas. Its specific gravity is only 0.0899 g/l. Hydrogen boils at -252.77 degrees Celsius. Liquid hydrogen has a specific gravity of 70.99 g/l. At a temperature of 15°C and a pressure of 350 bar, the density of hydrogen is approximately 24 kg/m³.
Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, using electricity from renewable energy sources. Green hydrogen is therefore CO2-free.
Grey hydrogen is produced through steam reforming, usually from fossil natural gas.
Green hydrogen is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions in the industry. Various processes in the chemical industry can be made more climate-friendly using green hydrogen.
Gas reducing stations for hydrogen are similar in structure to gas reducing stations for other gases like natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, but there are some special considerations to take into account when handling hydrogen.
Special Requirements for Gas Reducing Stations and Valves
One of the main issues in handling hydrogen is the high flow rates that occur due to the gas's low density. Therefore, gas reducing stations for hydrogen must be equipped with special valves and regulators capable of handling high flow rates and reducing the gas pressure to a level that can be tolerated by gas turbines or other consumers.
Another challenge in dealing with hydrogen is its chemical reactivity, especially at high pressures and temperatures. Thus, hydrogen gas reducing stations must be made from corrosion-resistant materials to ensure they can withstand hydrogen and other chemical compounds that may form during hydrogen combustion.
Materials
Materials used for hydrogen valves must be resistant to hydrogen and other chemical compounds that can form during the combustion of hydrogen.
The choice of material depends on the type of application, the pressure and temperature of the hydrogen, and other specific requirements.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for hydrogen valves due to its corrosion resistance and strength.
However, it should be noted that some types of stainless steel are not suitable for high hydrogen pressure or temperature applications due to hydrogen embrittlement.
Titanium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material that can be used at high temperatures and pressures.
It is also resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, making it a good choice for hydrogen valves in demanding applications.
Polymer materials such as PTFE and PEEK can be used as seals or O-rings in certain applications. They are resistant to hydrogen and provide good sealing at high temperatures.
It is important to choose the right material for hydrogen fittings to ensure the safety and reliability of the system.
In many cases, hydrogen valves are made from a combination of different materials to meet the specific requirements of the application.
Safety is also a crucial aspect in the design of gas reducing stations for hydrogen. Hydrogen is a highly explosive gas and therefore requires special safety measures for handling and storage. Hydrogen gas reducing stations must be equipped with safety valves, leak detectors, and other safety devices to prevent accidents.
The requirements can vary depending on the application, but they are generally of great importance for the operation of hydrogen-based gas turbines and other hydrogen applications.