For over a century, the fuels used for transportation have been almost exclusively based on petroleum hydrocarbons.
In more recent times, within the global framework of the energy transition, liquid hydrogen has emerged as a potential long-term substitute for hydrocarbon-based fuels.
Hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in the future energy economy, characterized by clean and environmentally friendly energy sources and carriers.
What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen can be described as a new ally in the fight for decarbonization. It is not an energy source in itself but a medium for storing energy, which could revolutionize the future of the entire energy system.
Hydrogen is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that is completely non-toxic. Its specific weight is 14.4 times lower than that of air, and, per unit weight, its energy value is more than three times that of gasoline.
However, hydrogen is not readily available in nature in its purest form. To obtain it, it must be extracted from molecules in which it is already present, such as water or certain organic compounds.
There are several methods for hydrogen extraction: water electrolysis to separate hydrogen from oxygen, coal gasification, and methane reforming. Among these three methods, only water electrolysis can be carried out with zero environmental impact, as it allows for hydrogen extraction using renewable energy sources.
Storage and preservation of hydrogen
Among the methods mentioned, the most ideal for storing a larger quantity of hydrogen within a given volume is to convert it into liquid form (LH2). Liquid hydrogen offers a higher energy density and poses fewer risks related to storage pressure.
With this storage method, gaseous hydrogen is compressed at high pressure and then liquefied at cryogenic temperatures inside a liquid hydrogen tank. To store and transport it safely, all storage tanks must be designed to withstand pressure variations and extremely low temperatures.
This also includes the valves used in such systems, as they are a critical component for controlling the flow of liquid hydrogen. Valves can represent a potential source of release or leakage and are essential for shutting down the system in an emergency.
Moreover, although liquid hydrogen stored in tanks is relatively safe, potential hazards and safety issues may arise during handling or if hydrogen is released into the atmosphere.
Hydrogen migrates quickly through small openings and can ignite easily, burning with an invisible flame. Potential hazards include fire, hydrogen burns, explosions, asphyxiation, and exposure to extremely low temperatures.
For this reason, all equipment used in liquid hydrogen applications must comply with relevant regulations, codes, and standards.
Habonim actively supports the transition to cleaner energy sources
Habonim, a partner of Precision Fluid Controls, with over 25 years of experience, actively supports the transition to cleaner energy.
The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and supplying advanced valve solutions for high-pressure environments and the management of liquefied gases at low temperatures under extreme operating conditions for the gas, cryogenic, and aerospace industries.
Its decades of expertise enable the company to be actively involved in various projects with leading companies developing unique systems for the use of liquid hydrogen as fuel.
Habonim collaborates with these companies to overcome the challenge of testing valves and systems for liquid hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures, which are lower than the current market standard.
Valves designed for use in this innovative system must withstand the extremely low temperatures characteristic of processing, storage, transportation, and distribution of liquid hydrogen.
In designing valves for use under such extreme cryogenic conditions, Habonim carefully considers that the valves are constructed with different materials characterized by varying contraction ratios.
This ensures optimal functionality, tight sealing, and consistent valve torque across a wide range of temperature variations.
Habonim also boasts deep knowledge of the unique properties and safety issues inherent to liquid hydrogen.
The company provides specific hydrogen-ready features in all its standard, cryogenic, and high-pressure valves to minimize risks and prevent potential hydrogen leaks.
One of the most effective tools in this regard is the H29 high-pressure hydrogen ball valve, optimized for durability and safety in refueling systems.
Integrity and safety under extreme conditions
To prevent potential safety risks associated with handling and storing hazardous materials like liquid hydrogen, all Habonim valves are equipped with the Total HermetiX integrity package.
Furthermore, the company can integrate specific safety features for high-pressure and cryogenic applications, such as emergency shutdown (ESD) systems. These systems enable the safe cessation of gas flow in the event of an emergency or system failure.
All high-pressure cryogenic valves for use with compressed and liquefied natural gas are designed, manufactured, and tested according to general quality system standards, including API-6D (n. 6D-1278) and ISO 9001 quality management.
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