The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies must be successful in order to reach the goal of net zero. That is why sustainably produced hydrogen is playing an increasingly important role in energy-intensive production facilities such as in the chemical, steel or cement industries. Producing gas using electricity from renewable resources is paramount, but it must also be as efficient as possible and, above all, safe. With our many years of experience in the gas processing sector and our automation solutions for the production, infrastructure and use of hydrogen, we support you along the entire value chain.
Hydrogen is used both as an energy source and as a chemical raw material in industry. Applications range from steel production and metal processing to chemical and refinery processes and energy supply. Green hydrogen is growing in importance because it replaces fossil fuels and reduces CO₂ emissions. This makes it a key part of the industrial energy transition.
Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis: water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources. This process is emission-free and supports the decarbonisation of electricity, heat and mobility. Since large amounts are needed, scaling is crucial for industrial applications. Automation solutions ensure that electrolysis plants can be operated efficiently, safely and with consistent quality.
In addition to the high costs of production and infrastructure, safe handling is a key factor, as hydrogen is extremely flammable. Special technologies and materials are also required for storage and transport. In addition, companies must ensure that international standards and safety standards are met. Automation helps to reduce these risks and make processes reliable.
Automation is the key to making hydrogen processes safe, efficient and economical. It enables sensitive processes to be precisely controlled, such as during electrolysis, compression or refuelling. Valve terminals, sensors and control technology reduce risks, ensure consistent quality and make it easier to scale systems. This allows projects to be executed more quickly, operating costs to be reduced and systems to be flexibly adapted to new requirements.
The integration of hydrogen into existing systems requires technical adaptations and the use of suitable components. Flexible automation solutions play a central role because they complement existing control and process landscapes, avoiding the need to create completely new infrastructures. With modular valve terminals hydrogen can be integrated step by step, from pilot projects to large-scale industrial plants. This allows companies to start using the technology in a safe and scalable manner.
Hydrogen equipment is subject to different certifications depending on the area of application. They ensure that components work safely and reliably in demanding industrial environments. Important examples are:
Hydrogen is highly flammable, which means it requires special safety measures. Relevant standards relate to both materials and process monitoring. These include:
Valve terminals help to reduce the complexity of automation processes and at the same time make systems safer and more flexible. The most important benefits are:
Yes, valve terminals are suitable for use in hydrogen systems if they are specially designed for the associated requirements. With the right materials, functions and certifications, they can be safely integrated into electrolysis systems or other production steps. There they handle control tasks, increase process reliability and enable efficient processes. That means they not only support reliable operation, but also the scalability of green hydrogen projects.