Introduction to Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen is considered a strategically important future technology for reducing CO2 emissions in industry and transport across the globe. The colourless gas can be produced easily and in an environmentally friendly manner and, in some cases, stored or transported utilsing existing infrastructures.

Hydrogen Colour Spectrum

The Hydrogen Colour Spectrum details the production method used to produce Hydrogen, ranging from methods with absolutely no greenhouse gas emissions (such as Green Hydrogen), to ones that can be considered less environmentally friendly (such as Black and Brown Hydrogen). 

• Green Hydrogen is produced using “clean” and sustainable methods such as solar, wind power or electrolysis of water. No harmful greenhouse gases are emitted during this process.
   
• Grey Hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, using the process of steam methane reforming. The CO2 generated during production is then released unused back into the atmosphere. This is currently one of the most common methods of Hydrogen production.
   
• Black and Brown Hydrogen is made using black or brown coal (lignite). This method is the opposite of Green Hydrogen and can be considered as one of the most environmentally damaging.
   
• Blue Hydrogen is also produced from fossil fuels in a similar fashion, but the CO2 by-product is captured and stored, carbon capture and storage (CCS).
   
• Turquoise Hydrogen is produced by the thermal cracking of methane. Instead of CO2, the by-product is solid carbon.
   
• Yellow Hydrogen is made through the electrolysis of water, using solar power.
   
• Pink Hydrogen is also produced using electrolysis of water, but with the energy provided being from nuclear power. Nuclear-produced Hydrogen can also be referred to as Purple Hydrogen or Red Hydrogen.
   
• White Hydrogen is naturally occurring, found in underground deposits. This is the ‘cheapest’ Hydrogen and is highly competitive with fossil fuels.

At Boiswood, we’re committed to working with all our partners towards delivering a positive impact on the environment by delivering end users with the best hydrogen solutions available on the market, no matter the method of production or specific application challenges. 

Hydrogen Systems and Applications

There are an extensive range of Hydrogen applications coming through on the market, often with highly demanding working pressures and temperatures, in demanding operating environments. It is often the case that the most caution regarding the selection of instrumentation and valves for Hydrogen applications, stem around Hydrogen’s ability to permeate the surfaces of common metals (embrittlement). However, in applications such as Hydrogen Filling Stations or Thermochemical Water Splitting, extreme pressures and temperatures add extra difficulties into the mix, sometimes making it difficult to specify components that cover all requirements.

We have an extensive range of products specifically designed to combat these ‘extreme’ pressure and temperature requirements, whilst being specifically designed for operating with Hydrogen media. Some of the typical applications we support include:

• Storage tanks and distribution centres
• Fuel cell systems and gas engines
• Mobile and stationary filling equipment
• Engine test benches

Often in Hydrogen applications there are stringent requirements for various approvals, including ATEX directives for explosion-proof or intrinsically safe environments, as well as EC79 type approval specifically for automotive applications. 

Hydrogen Product Solutions

Today, technological developments, the rapid decline in the cost of renewable energy sources and an urgent need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions all combine to open new possibilities for Hydrogen use. Hydrogen is currently enjoying a renewed rapid growth in attention, both in the UK and around the world. With the ability to be used as feedstock, fuel and for energy carriage and storage, the gas has many possible applications throughout a multitude of industries.

Most importantly, Hydrogen emits no Carbon Dioxide and creates very minimal air pollution when in use – making it one of the most effective solutions when it comes to decarbonising industrial processes and economic sectors where carbon reduction is both urgent and hard to achieve. It’s clear that Hydrogen has an essential part to play in supporting international commitments to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and in the global effort to implement the Paris Agreement whilst working towards zero pollution.

Some of our core product solutions include:

• Instrumentation Pressure Regulators – in 316L Stainless Steel construction materials with 3.1 and NACE certification. 
• Pressure Sensors & Transducers – available with various sensing element construction materials and degrees of protection to ensure a long operational lifespan. 
• Condensate & Steam Traps – in ATEX design with fully-welded body construction for a high leak tightness rating. 
• Excess Flow Valves – for increased safety levels in systems to ensure there is no unexpected release or discharge of hazardous media. 
• Electronic Pressure Regulators – designed to EC79 and ECE-R110 standards for commercial and industrial H2 powered vehicles. 
• Cryogenic Valves – for flow control of liquid phase hydrogen (LH2 down to -253°C). 
• Flow Meters – for ultra-high pressure hydrogen filling stations. 
   

To find out more about how we can help you, please contact our experienced engineers today.