The Role of Pneumatic Actuators in Hydrogen Systems

As hydrogen continues to gain traction as the clean fuel that will help us achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, the technology behind its production and distribution needs to keep pace. That includes process control systems and their individual components. But while the value of a custom severe service control valve in hydrogen production might already be clear, what about the pneumatic actuators they’re paired with?

In this article, we’ll walk you through what pneumatic actuators do in hydrogen systems and why precise control is so vital. We’ll also share the common challenges for actuators in hydrogen applications and the optimal design approach to address them.

Why Pneumatic Actuators Are Essential for Hydrogen Applications

When you’re producing and managing hydrogen supply, you need ultimate precision in your process control system to maximize efficiency and safety. A custom specialty control valve is the first part of the equation to achieve that precision. Another key part is the actuator, which enables automated movement of the control valve.

Pneumatic actuators use compressed air or compressed inert gas to achieve the motion they need to adjust the valve-stem position. This is one of the aspects that makes them the best solution for hydrogen production over some other types of actuators which require electrical energy that would be highly dangerous in this setting.

Why Hydrogen Systems Need Precise Control

Hydrogen production involves high-pressure conditions, making precision in actuator control paramount. Accurate and rapid positioning of control valves by pneumatic actuators ensures that the hydrogen flow is meticulously regulated, reducing waste and, most importantly, maximizing safety.

Actuator Challenges in Hydrogen Applications

There are some key challenges in hydrogen applications that actuators need to be able to address:

• High Pressure Conditions: Actuators need to function reliably under high pressures, so they need robust designs and materials that can withstand the demands.
• Hydrogen Embrittlement: While actuators themselves are not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, the valves they control can be. As a result, actuators have to be compatible with valve materials designed to resist this phenomenon to ensure overall system integrity.
• Reliability and Shutoff Integrity: High cycle life and tight shutoff capabilities are essential for actuators in hydrogen applications. They have to endure frequent operations without performance degradation to maintain safety and efficiency.
• Rapid Response: In emergency shutdown scenarios, actuators must respond swiftly to isolate hydrogen flow, preventing potential accidents and equipment damage.

Optimal Actuator Design for Hydrogen Production

Our background in aerospace testing applications and precision-engineering approach to control valves has allowed us to develop truly optimal solutions for hydrogen production, including our OpTK™ Piston-Cylinder Actuator. Its key strengths include:

• High thrust, high frequency motion to meet the rapid response needs of hydrogen production
• Compact size, making it easier to install throughout the system
• Field reversible design which allows for changes to the actuator’s action onsite without removing it or replacing any components
• Versatile function with longer strokes for more varied and precise flow control
• Easy and cost-effective to maintain reducing maintenance costs and service disruption due to planned downtime

Your Hydrogen Application Specialist

By investing in the right actuator, as well as the right control valve, for their process control systems, hydrogen producers can achieve safer, more reliable and more efficient output. If you want to optimize your specification first time round, we’re here to help.

Our in-house Application Engineers review every quote request and recommend the best control solutions for your unique system. Visit our Quote Center and submit your requirements to discover how we can help optimize your most critical processes.