Green hydrogen – innovation driver for process engineering
The use of green hydrogen is a key element in the successful implementation of the energy transition. This versatile, low-emission energy carrier has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of process engineering, especially with regard to sustainability and decarbonization of the sector. Energy-intensive industries in Germany in particular can become climate-neutral with the help of hydrogen technologies.
Green hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity. These fuel cells can be used in process engineering for the decentralized energy supply of plants. Hydrogen is used as a reducing agent in many chemical processes. Hydrogen can be used as a component of such processes in the production of chemicals or materials. In some cases, hydrogen itself can be used as a reaction medium in process engineering and bulk solids technology to enable or optimize certain processes.
Although the expansion of the hydrogen industry is still in its infancy, there are already numerous companies that have developed and successfully implemented products and solutions for the use of hydrogen:
Established hydrogen applications in the process industry
WIKA, a specialist for all measuring technology tasks, has long been a partner to the hydrogen industry for solutions in the field of instrumentation. Handling hydrogen requires special materials, as constant contact with hydrogen can lead to so-called hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen penetrates the structures of the material and impairs its mechanical properties, which can ultimately lead to mechanical failure. WIKA solutions for hydrogen applications include mechanical pressure gauges, mechanical switches and electronic pressure sensors.
Valves for hydrogen pipeline networks
STÖHR Armaturen offers solutions for stationary and mobile hydrogen-based applications. One example of this are valves for engine test benches in aerospace applications. The aviation industry was one of the first to use hydrogen as a propellant gas. To reduce the risk of explosion, the storage of large quantities of hydrogen must be distributed. Distributed storage requires an extensive pipeline network to transport the media to the point of use. Valves with large nominal diameters, high operating pressures and high flow rates are essential for fast delivery.
Fluid system components for the growing hydrogen industry
Swagelok helps hydrogen producers, energy suppliers, hydrogen infrastructure developers and vehicle manufacturers to distribute and store hydrogen. This requires fluid system components, such as fittings, that are designed for hydrogen applications in terms of safety, reliability and performance. Swagelok components and fluid system assemblies are widely used in the oil and gas, chemical and refining, transportation, semiconductor and industrial construction industries.
HYDROGEN DIALOGUE 2023 – The event for the national and international hydrogen economy
Green hydrogen is the future for many industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint. The brewing industry can play a pioneering role in the introduction of green hydrogen technologies. At the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE 2023 – Summit & Expo powered by Handelsblatt Hydrogen Summit Update on December 6 and 7, 2023, national and international experts from politics, business and science will come together at NürnbergMesse to exchange know-how and solutions on the subject of hydrogen.
