Albrecht-Automatik
Shut-off valves for hydrogen
Shut-off valves for hydrogen – uncompromisingly safe
We have been working in the field of hydrogen for many years and manufacture certified quick-closing shut-off valves and compact systems for this energy carrier. Hydrogen is used in the industrial sector and global freight transport and will be a decisive factor in decarbonization in the coming years.
Hydrogen – sustainable hope for the energy turnaround
The EU Commission's roadmap envisages Europe becoming a climate-neutral continent by 2050. To achieve this ambitious goal, a sharp increase in the production of hydrogen is planned in the coming years. By 2024, the production of clean hydrogen is expected to reach one million metric tons, and by 2030 it is expected to reach ten million metric tons. Hydrogen is more than just a bridging technology. It can become the central energy carrier in the current societal challenges, such as CO2 reduction and a move away from fossil fuels.
Shut-off valves for hydrogen – Albrecht-Automatik has been H₂-Ready since 1995
If you want to future-proof your plant to save emissions and costs with hydrogen, we are your competent partner when it comes to plant safety. Our safety quick-acting shut-off valves have been H2-Ready since 1995 and ensure reliable safety in both industrial plants.
What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen is a colorless and odorless gas and is found on earth almost exclusively in bonded form. Its chemical symbol H2 tells us that it occurs mainly as a compound with water (H2O).
Hydrogen is obtained by splitting water, separating hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O). This process can be done by different methods and each manufacturing process characterizes the types of hydrogen in terms of carbon footprint. How environmentally friendly it is as an energy carrier depends on its production method.
If electricity from renewable sources is used for this electrolysis process, this "green" hydrogen is considered CO2-neutral.
The advantage of hydrogen is that it is easy to produce, store and transport. In addition, it is available in almost unlimited quantities.
The disadvantage of hydrogen lies in its chemical properties. It is the lightest substance in the periodic table, highly diffusive, very explosive and causes material embrittlement in some materials.
Manufacturing methods
- Gray H2: This hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas, producing high CO2-emissions.
- Blue H2: This hydrogen is also produced from natural gas, the resulting CO2 is stored underground.
- Green H2: This hydrogen is obtained from electrolysis, the energy for this is covered by renewable energies.
Why special shut-off valves for hydrogen?
Hydrogen poses special challenges to valve design due to its chemical properties. Due to its low density and associated high diffusivity, special solutions are required in the area of seals, both in terms of design and material selection.
The use of hydrogen-compatible materials in housing construction is also a decisive factor for lasting plant safety, in order to avoid the effect of hydrogen embrittlement. A process in which hydrogen penetrates the metal lattice of the material, leading to embrittlement and cracking over time.
That's why shut-off valves from Albrecht-Automatik – H₂-Ready and certified
We started dealing with hydrogen as a medium at an early stage and geared our design and production to this energy carrier. All materials and seals used are designed for use with hydrogen. Of course, all safety quick-acting shut-off valves for hydrogen are type-tested, certified and have the required approvals as well as material certificates.
Don't compromise on safety and future-proof your plant. Shut-off valves and compact systems from Albrecht-Automatik guarantee certified safety Made in Germany.
Call us,
we will be happy to advise you in detail! Or use the contact form. Our experts for hydrogen shut-off valve will be happy to provide you with a customized quote for your system.
