From gray to green: KLINGER’s expertise in hydrogen applications

As the world turns to sustainable energy, KLINGER’s proven success in hydrogen applications provides a significant advantage.

As countries across the globe focus their efforts on developing more sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen – being part of the Power-to-X movement – has made its way into the spotlight. This abundant and clean burning gas has many benefits, but its use does present some challenges. Fortunately, KLINGER has a massive head start: the company’s product portfolio for hydrogen applications features decades of successful projects across a wide variety of industries.

The rise of “green” hydrogen

Historically, hydrogen has been a key component in applications such as petrochemical refining, fertilizer production, and food processing. Furthermore, hydrogen is extremely important for the chemical industry and forms the starting point of important chemical value chains. Older methods of hydrogen production are often categorized as “gray” or “blue” hydrogen, which refer to hydrogen created from fossil fuels. A newer method of production, “green” hydrogen, is created by electrolyzing water through the use of surplus renewable energy. It is this method that has drawn media attention as a potential boon to the green energy sector, with many new companies entering the hydrogen area in order to take advantage. Despite this repackaging, the products and processes of working with hydrogen remain the same—a set of skills that KLINGER has already refined.

Proven solutions for hydrogen applications

Multiple KLINGER subsidiaries offer specialized products that feature the leak proofing and material quality needed for working with hydrogen. For example, KLINGER Schöneberg’s INTEC ball valves feature gas tight and aging resistant components that meet the pressure, temperature, and corrosion specifications necessary for handling hydrogen – from production by alkaline and membrane electrolysis to use. Further, all materials and components are individually designed to withstand the respective process conditions and ensure tightness in the port and to the outside. Marcel Goßmann, Business Development Manager at KLINGER Schöneberg, is well versed in the historical use of KLINGER valves in hydrogen applications. He sees the industry shift to green hydrogen as a necessity in order to achieve the climate targets that have been set : “We are very authentic. We can’t say hydrogen is anything new for us, because it isn’t true. Some requirements change, but not the industry. That’s our focus: the industry that produces, stores and uses the hydrogen.”

KLINGER Fluid Control’s valves have been tested and found suitable for use in hydrogen applications, expanding the range of KLINGER valves available for use in such environments. In addition to the hydrogen proven in use INTEC ball valves from KLINGER Schöneberg, the ball valves from KLINGER Fluid Control have been successfully used by Tyrolean Hydrogen Pioneers. These valves demonstrate KLINGER’s commitment to providing safe and reliable solutions for emerging technologies and industries.

Gaskets: key to safe and efficient hydrogen processing

As a member of the task force Power-to-X for Applications, KLINGER Germany is focusing efforts on their extensive portfolio of gaskets for the transport and storage of hydrogen. Elastomere, PTFE, graphite laminate, and fiber reinforced gaskets each offer specifications suited to particular aspects of hydrogen processing. For example, KLINGERSIL and KLINGER TopChem gaskets are suited for alkaline and acidic electrolysis processes, while KLINGER KGS and KLINGER Milam gaskets are adapted to transport or to tolerate the harsh processes and extreme temperatures required in methanol production. All sealing products are examined and certified for leak tightness and impermeability by TÜV (Technical Control Board).

Hydrogen processing: setting the bar

Despite a proven history of successful applications and a promising future for green hydrogen, irritations arise in the area of selecting appropriate materials, standards and test methods. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, the number of stakeholders, hydrogen producers and consumers increases. It can be observed worldwide that they sometimes make technically inappropriate assessments of the hazardousness of hydrogen in the various processes. In some cases, this results in testing and functional requirements that are not supported by research or industry experience. Based on sufficient experience and to avoid confusion, the VDMA has published a position paper that provides recommendations on material selection, standards, and pressure and leak testing. KLINGER continues to follow the same high standards that its customers know and expect.

Europe’s Green Deal Industrial Plan

The European Commission has unveiled its stance on two pivotal components of the EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan: the Net Zero Industry Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act. Through a series of strategic investments, partnerships, and policy reforms, this groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster Europe’s position as a global leader in the hydrogen economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

The two key pillars:

• Rapid deployment of clean hydrogen solutions across various sectors
• Encourage innovation and development of cutting-edge hydrogen technologies.