In addition to hydrogen-compatible specialty ball valves and wellheads, Hartmann Valves now also offers material suitability and leak tightness tests for the demanding medium hydrogen (H₂). Through reliable shut-off valves, the correct selection of materials, and standardized pressure tests, users can increase operational safety in existing and new hydrogen applications.
The durable Hartmann specialty ball valves feature a purely metallic sealing system and are gas-tight even at pressures up to 690 bar. Special designs are also available for temperatures up to 550°C. An additional safety feature is the option with two barriers in the pressure direction (DIB).
For all components that come into contact with hydrogen, Hartmann offers standardized material suitability tests. Here, the metallic materials are evaluated for their resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and thus for their suitability for hydrogen applications. In addition, a comprehensive pressure test with hydrogen ensures that the limit values for external leak tightness are met and thus fugitive emissions are minimized. Through these professional tests, existing valves from Hartmann and other manufacturers can also be upgraded.
While H₂ specialty valves have been used in (petro)chemistry for decades, hydrogen is now increasingly appearing in additional application areas as part of the energy transition – from power generation (such as power to gas), through transport (in natural gas networks or hydrogen pipelines) to processing and mobility.
Underground storage of hydrogen in caverns represents an environmentally friendly solution for storing large amounts of energy in the future to balance generation and demand. Here, wellheads form the safe interface between the subsurface and the surface facility.
