To make use of all the advantages of hydrogen as a climate-friendly energy carrier, valves are required that address all the criticalities of this demanding medium. Siekmann Econosto states it has the necessary technological expertise and produces valves that withstand quality tests under the most extreme conditions.
Hydrogen can be produced in various ways, but an increasing number of com-panies are turning to green hydrogen from renewable sources, which can be used as a raw material in the chemical industry, as an emission-free energy carrier for electricity and heat, and as a motor fuel.
The application possibilities are just as varied as the valves that are required for hydrogen produc-tion, storage, transport and use. To ensure a safe hydrogen infrastructure, the valves used have to meet demanding requirements regarding design, material durability and quality. As an expert in the international project business, Siekmann Econosto says it has a wealth of experience in the field of innovative valve technologies and provides system solutions for every phase of the hydrogen produc-tion chain.
Extreme conditions
Hydrogen can be produced by steam reforming or electrolysis, among other methods. For climate-friendly green hydrogen, the electricity required for water electrolysis stems from renewable sources such as wind or solar energy.
Cryogenic processes play an important role in the processing of hydrogen, because the gas has a low molecular mass and only liquefies at temperatures of -253 degrees Celsius and below. Liquefaction of the hydrogen makes efficient handling possible, because thanks to the higher density, hydrogen can be stored more effectively in a liquid state and transported more easily to its destination.
Valves that are used in the hydrogen infrastructure must be able to withstand extreme pressures and temperature ranges, so they have to be particularly robust. As a result, high demands are placed on the selection of materials for the individual valve components. For example, materials are tested for the required at an impact test temperature of -269 degrees Celsius using special testing equipment. The ductility of the material is the prerequisite for the safety of the entire process.
Solutions for climate-friendly energy systems
Siekmann Econosto collaborates with sub-contractors and partners from all over the world to provide in-novative system solutions that are both cost-effective and sustainable. Along with its headquarters in Dortmund, the company also has one of the largest valve warehouses in Europe at its site in Zwenkau and is involved as a valve supplier in the construction of some of the world’s largest gas processing projects.
“With its future-proof valve solutions, Siekmann Econosto is supporting the gradual transition to a more environmentally friendly energy economy and is able to realise customised concepts that contrib-ute to the development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure.”
About this Featured Story
This Featured Story is an article from our Valve World Magazine August 2021 issue. To read other featured stories and many more articles, subscribe to our print magazine.
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