Usage hydrogen

Hydrogen Production

Energized Solutions: Advanced polymer piping systems for ultrapure water treatment and for cutting-edge electrolyser core technologies to produce green hydrogen.

Achieve High Purity Through Polymer Piping Systems

Green hydrogen is produced by harnessing clean energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower, and then employing electrolysis to split water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Water intended for electrolysis typically undergoes purification using standard reverse osmosis processes, often necessitating additional deionization steps to eliminate any remaining ions. We contribute to these applications with our solutions in the transportation of deionized water to scale up production while simultaneously reducing the capital cost of green hydrogen overall.

Water Treatment Applications for Ultra-Pure Water

Ion Exchange

Ion exchanger secures the production of pure process water in industrial settings. They remove unwanted ions through selective resin beads and regenerate them during the process. The compact construction of ion exchange plants requires various piping solutions and components. GF Piping Systems provides complete solutions of high-quality piping systems, giving the maximum flexibility, while ensuring an entirely safe plant operation with a maximum uptime.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis technology is a filtering method by which contaminated water passes through a very fine membrane under high pressure and removes nearly all water pollution, such as minerals, bacteria, and other particles. Based on selective porosity of a semi-permeable membrane, impurities will be removed from a pressurized liquid. As this process requires no additional chemicals, energy consumption is low and handling is easy.

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Combined Technologies

Water treatment for electrolysis, specifically for achieving ultrapure quality, involves source-dependent pretreatment followed by various polishing steps. These steps range from softening to deionization, addressing issues like ion content, hardness, TOC, silica, and gases. Reverse osmosis (RO) effectively removes ions and molecules, while a final deionization step ensures low conductivities. Continuous treatment is essential for electrolysers like PEM and AEM, requiring internal side stream polishers for longevity.

Electrolyser Applications: Solutions for All

Alkaline Eletrolyser

Utilizing a liquid electrolyte solution such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide mixed with water, alkaline electrolysers (AEL, atmospheric) generate hydrogen in cells composed of an anode, cathode and membrane. These cells are typically arranged in series to produce hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The application of current prompts hydroxide ions to move through the electrolyte, producing hydrogen gas on the cathode side and oxygen gas on the anode.

Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyser

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser employ a proton exchange membrane and a solid polymer electrolyte. Water splits into hydrogen and oxygen upon applying a current, with hydrogen protons passing through the membrane to form hydrogen gas on the cathode side. The efficiency and lifespan of PEM electrolysis depend significantly on the quality of the water input. High-purity water is crucial for optimal performance.

Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyser

Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyser (AEM), a low-temperature electrolysis method, utilizes polymeric AEM and cost-effective electrodes in a membrane electrode assembly. The anodic half-cell contains a dilute KOH electrolyte, while the cathodic half-cell, without liquid, produces hydrogen from water permeating the membrane. Oxygen is released from the anodic side. 

Hydrogen

Desalination

Seawater holds immense promise as a water source for green hydrogen production. Our cutting-edge technologies enable the desalination of seawater to generate purified water through several treatment processes. We help our customers to achieve project milestones on-site by delivering state-of-the-art prefabrication solutions, such as fully pressure-tested skids according to their requirements. Thanks to strategically positioned prefabrication workshops worldwide, customers enjoy cost and time savings while ensuring system reliability with our proven and certified quality.

FAQs

How is green hydrogen generated, and what is the significance of plastic piping systems in its production?

In the green hydrogen ecosystem, electrolysers stand at the forefront, employing electrolysis to divide water into hydrogen and oxygen atoms, requiring electrical energy. Our plastic piping systems are expertly designed to support the smooth conveyance and efficient cooling of fluids and gases, critical components of this operation. We are committed to enhancing the longevity and resilience of electrolysers with our innovative non-corrosive solutions, effectively minimizing downtime and thus, significantly mitigating the economic impact as hydrogen moves through the value chain.

How does water contribute to the hydrogen economy?

Water is at the heart of the hydrogen economy, powering the crucial process of hydrogen production through electrolysis.

Hydrogen Production: 
When water (H₂O) is split by an electric current, it simply becomes hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The oxygen is a so called by-product that can offeradditional industrial uses and opportunities for circular economy practices. 

Water consumption:  
Electrolysis to produce green hydrogen is water-intensive, requiring about nine liters per kilogram of hydrogen produced. Typically, electrolysers consume 45–55 kWh per kg of hydrogen, equating to 0.16–0.2 l of ultrapure water per kWh resulting into 163–200 l/h of ultrapure water per MW of electrolyser capacity.1 

1.Henrik Tækker MadsenWater (Oct 2022), Water treatment for hydrogen by EUROWATER, a Grundfos company.

Source link: Water treatment for green hydrogen: what you need to know (hydrogentechworld.com)

What polymer materials are suitable for the transport of ultrapure water?

In the realm of ultrapure water generation, the selection of materials hinges on the desired water quality, typically measured in microSiemens (µS/cm). SYGEF PVDF HP emerges as the preferred choice for high-purity applications owing to its exceptional mechanical and chemical resistance. This system is meticulously produced under ISO Class 5 (100) cleanroom conditions, ensuring absolute purity and compliance with stringent industrial standards.

Aside from SYGEF for other water qualities, PROGEF PP-H stands out as the optimal choice. This polypropylene (PP) piping system offers unmatched chemical resistance and durability, rendering it suitable for a wide array of applications. 

Specifically, our PROGEF (Polypropylene) system is exceptionally effective. It ensures high purity by minimizing contamination and is resistant to impact, abrasion, and a wide range of chemicals. This positively impacts the overall efficiency and longevity of the ultrapure water system and thus has an positive effect on the lifetime of the electrolyser stack.

To determine the best material for your specific application needs, we recommend consulting with an expert.

What technologies are commonly used to join polymer pipes in GF Piping Systems' hydrogen applications?

GF Piping Systems employs several advanced joining technologies for hydrogen applications, including electrofusion, butt fusion, and infrared (IR) fusion. These methods ensure secure, leak-proof connections essential for . These technologies also facilitate faster installation and reduce overall project costs.

  • Butt fusion: This method is known for its simplicity and automation, allowing quick setup and precise weld control. It's especially effective for large-diameter pipes. Butt fusion joins two thermoplastic pieces, typically pipes, by heating their ends until they melt and then pressing them together to form a strong, leak-proof joint.
  • Electrofusion: Using lightweight equipment, electrofusion provides a semi-automatic process for easier operation. It offers weld data storage for traceability and supports customizable workflows, ensuring strong quality control during jointing. Electrofusion joins thermoplastic pipes  using special fittings with electric heating elements. 
  • Infrared fusion:IR fusion machines melt components without contact, preventing contamination and heater sticking. The minimal welding bead ensures good flow and increases pipe passages. These machines work with materials like PVDF, ECTFE, PP grey, PP-n, PE100, and PFA, covering dimensions from 20 mm to 400 mm.

Discover our jointing technologies.

Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd

Ebnatstrasse 111

8201 Schaffhausen

Switzerland

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