Elevating Leak Prevention in Hydrogen Production

Background

A hydrogen facility approached us with a persistent problem: their valves were leaking externally. Hydrogen gas, was seeping into the atmosphere, creating an unsafe condition, leading to unplanned downtime and costly repairs.

The Challenge

The facility needed a solution that could handle hydrogen, especially since it’s prone to leaks given its small molecular size. Their existing valves simply weren’t up to the task. They faced:

• Consistent Leak Issues: The existing valves couldn’t contain hydrogen effectively, causing product loss and increasing safety risks.
• Frequent Disruptions: Each leak led to an immediate halt in production, as repairs were necessary before operations could resume.
• Maintenance Overload: Maintenance teams were continually addressing the same leaks, detracting from other operational improvements.

Our Approach

We suggested installing our leak free solenoid valves, which are designed for rigorous applications like hydrogen production. Here’s what set our valves apart:

• Exceeding ANSI Standards: While the industry’s highest ANSI Class VI standard dictates minimal allowable leakage, our valves go beyond this. We surpass ANSI leakage tests, offering an even tighter seal than what Class VI certifies. This ensures a level of leak prevention that’s built for the real-world demands of hydrogen containment.
• Direct Acting: co-ax valves are designed without any dynamic seals facing towards the atmosphere. In case of a dynamic seal failure, the leakage will be contained internally and therefore unexpected leaks are completely eliminated.
• Durability in Mixed Media: Our valves are engineered to manage both gas and liquid media without compromise, providing a reliable seal across varied conditions.

Implementation

The installation was conducted during scheduled maintenance to avoid disruption. We collaborated closely with the facility’s engineering team to ensure a smooth integration into their existing systems. On-site training equipped their team with the know-how to maintain the new valves effectively.

The Results

After six months, the facility saw significant improvements:

• Zero Leaks Recorded: Surpassing ANSI Class VI requirements translated to no leaks, even under challenging conditions, which improved overall system safety.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: The valves’ reliability cut down on emergency repairs, lowering maintenance and freeing up the team for other tasks.
• Enhanced Production Stability: With fewer interruptions, the customer was able to maintain a more consistent production flow, meeting their operational goals without the constant worry of leaks.

Conclusion

For this facility, upgrading to our valves meant more than just meeting a standard—it was about solving a persistent problem with a real, dependable solution. By going beyond ANSI Class VI, we offered them peace of mind and the ability to focus on what matters: their production.