Case Study: High-Pressure Hydrogen Mixing

According to Hydrogen Insight, there are approximately 82,000 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) in use in 2024. Modular hydrogen fuelling stations can store, pressurize, and dispense the hydrogen required to power these vehicles, including cars, buses, and freight vehicles. Chart Industries provides services and equipment for the cryogenic liquefaction of gases, including LNG, argon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. Modular hydrogen fuelling stations are among the many products that Chart delivers to its customers.

Chart chose Trimteck to supply a control valve solution for its modular hydrogen fuelling stations.

What was the main challenge for Chart?

Like any business that works with hydrogen, Chart Industries faces unavoidable challenges in storing, transporting, and dispensing it. As the smallest molecule, hydrogen can permeate many materials and leak through minuscule spaces. It can also inflict a phenomenon called hydrogen embrittlement, or hydrogen-induced cracking, on certain metals.

To deliver the correct valve for Chart Industries, we had to consider:

• Temperature swings from ambient to cryogenic
• Extreme tolerances needed to allow for expansion and contraction
• Robustness required to withstand extraordinarily high pressures

When it comes to hydrogen mixing, Chart must blend the exact amount of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ hydrogen to ensure its final product meets specifications. In turn, the selected valves require a high resolution and the ability to hold their position within thousands of an inch to control both flows.

What was Trimteck’s solution?

Working closely with Chart Industries, Trimteck designed a bespoke solution: a high-pressure H2 mixing control valve system. The solution included:

• 3/4 CL4500+ Cryogenic OpGL-XT Control Valve: Chart Industries needed precise control, an exceptional shutoff standard, and customization capabilities. The company also required easy, fast and cost-effective maintenance. Available in an array of exotic and uncommon alloys that perform under high pressure, the OpGL-XT Control Valve is effective, accurate, and responsive.
• F316L grade stainless steel: F316L grade stainless steel is made of several alloys, including iron, chromium, molybdenum, and 10-14% nickel. This makes it an optimal material for storing, transporting, and dispensing both ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ hydrogen. Trimteck selected this for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
• Nitronic 60 equal percent trim: Resistant to wear and corrosion, nitronic 60 can withstand the effects of hydrogen embrittlement. Chart Industries will benefit from precise control, accuracy, and strength at high, low, and extreme temperatures.
• 14NPSM LF 12-20,000psi end connections: Trimteck implemented the 14NPSM LF 12-20,000psi end connections for several reasons. They are durable, can handle high-pressure and demanding environments, and create the leak-free sealing required to keep hydrogen secure.
• OpTK25™ piston cylinder actuators: The OpTK25™ piston cylinder actuator creates an airtight seal and can maintain precise flow control even when experiencing cryogenic conditions. Trimteck adjusted the actuator configuration after working with Chart Industries to fine-tune certain performance requirements.
• HPP4000 positioner: This explosion-proof, microprocessor-equipped, current-to-pneumatic digital valve positioner is flexible, reliable, and accurate. It offers tight shutoff and full-open functions for positive sealing, so Chart Industries can depend on it.

Safely and expertly handling hydrogen

Trimteck develops solutions for some of the world’s most critical applications, from hydrogen to aerospace and defense. Our innovative solutions help industry leaders like Chart Industries deliver hydrogen fuel safely and efficiently, contributing to a greener planet. Discover how our bespoke control valves can improve your operations' safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Contact us today to learn more about our precision engineering, complex control valve applications, and more.