Hydrogen applications have their own rules when it comes to choosing equipment. H2 molecules are very small, flammable, and lighter than air. Hydrogen properties combined with high pressure, temperature & time can diffuse into metal surfaces, causing cracks that lead to breakage and other equipment damage. Any equipment used for H2 must be specially designed to ensure safety with this highly volatile material.
When considering safety, there are several things to keep in mind including pressure of the H2, the intended end use of H2, and how to force ventilation and prevent fugitive emissions. With pressure, H2 is often compressed for storage and transportation to decrease volume. This increased pressure affect which equipment can be used. As for end-use, for example, H2 that will be used for fueling purposes requires that handling equipment be oxygen cleaned to ensure purity. Any equipment used for H2 undergoes serious testing, performance at different pressure ranges, and leak tightness.
Habonim offers a full line of floating and trunnion ball valves for all H2 applications. Our valves are designed with the required materials in order of handling HGE cracking and ensure leak tightness with a double body sealing via our Total HermetiX™ integrity package and double stem sealing. Our valves have undergone extreme testing for TPED approval and ISO 19880-3 certification.
Please watch our webinar led by Habonim’s European Sales Director Eduard Ametller and Product Engineer Ben Zweig to learn more about H2 applications, their requirements, and how to select your ball valves.
