By David Sear
With hydrogen seen by many as a key contributor to solving climate change, there is a pressing need for reliable, proven equipment. When it comes to valves for pure hydrogen and hydrogen mixtures, Mokveld can point to over thirty years of experience.
Given that hydrogen has been made and used on an industrial scale for many decades, it may come as a surprise to learn that, as yet, there are no specific standards available that cover valves for use with hydrogen. This is why Mokveld, for one, is actively participating in a CEN Working Group that is looking to prepare a standard for industrial valves operating with hydrogen.
Be that as it may, valves developed by Mokveld already have an excellent track-record with gases such as hydrogen. “Our axial on/off, control and check valves have proven their suitability for use in hydrogen applications for over three decades,” says Chris van Assem, Marketing Com-munication Manager when we speak to him at a hydrogen fair in Germany.
Asked about any specific requirements for valves intended for hydrogen service, Mr. van Assem first points to material selection. “It is well known that hydrogen may cause material degradation, such as embrittlement, but also may degrade surface treatments. Therefore, correct material selection is a highly important issue. For small valve sizes austenitic stainless steel is often selected. However, for large sizes, such as above four inches, stainless steel is an expensive choice and alternate materials become interesting. For the pressure containing parts carbon steel can often be applied, whilst a range of materials options is available for the internal components.”
