Specifying Ball Valves for Hydrogen Applications Q&A

Specifying Ball Valves for Hydrogen Applications Q&A

Our recent webinars about hydrogen valves generated significant interest, prompting various questions. Here, you will find key queries and expert responses from the “Specifying Ball Valves for Hydrogen Applications” session.

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Q: Do you offer valves for pressures up to 1000 barg?

A: Indeed, the H29 valve supports up to 1000 barg. For applications involving trucks or transport, a TPED type approval is needed, and it's available with the H29 series up to 700 barg (10,000 psi) or the H99 series up to 1000 barg (15,000 psi), both tested according to ISO19880 standards for H2 fueling stations.

Q: What is your maximum size/rating for trunnion ball valves?

A: For PN1000 (1,034 barg, 15,000 psi), we provide the H99 series up to 1". For larger sizes, our Class 2500 / 414 barg / 6,000 psi valves in the 95 and 96 series are available up to 12”. Custom-made valves for specialized requirements are also available. All options are suitable for hydrogen applications.

Q: Do you supply valves for pipeline applications? What options are available for pipelines?

A: We offer H2 valves up to 16”-18" (DN400-DN450). Regular supply includes valves for H2 injection systems and 100% H2 pipelines up to 12" (DN300).

Q: Which flanged valves for H2 are available when flanged connections are required?

A: We provide a complete range of DIN and ANSI flanged valves compatible with pressure ratings up to PN400 and ANSI 2500. Manufacturing includes flanged valves for H2 in Class 2500/ 414 barg / 6,000 psi. However, flanged connections are often not recommended for H2 due to potential leakage points.

Q: What distinguishes the H29 from the H99, and can both be used up to 1000 barg?

A: Both H99 and H29 are rated for 1034 barg / 15,000 psi. However, the H99 includes TPED approval and ISO19880 testing, while H29 is certified to TPED only up to 700 barg / 10,000 psi. The H99 uses a trunnion-ball design, whereas the H29 features a floating-ball design, with both being able to handle pressure tests at 2.5 times their maximum rated pressure.

Q: Can the H29 valve be welded?

A: Welding the H29 is not recommended due to its three-piece threaded body style. For weldable configurations, consider the H28 (Class 3500 / 570 barg / 8,000 psi) or H47 (Class 900 / 150 barg / 2,200 psi) series, which have similar internal designs but are configured for welding.

Q: Are all valves fire-safe, or are there specific fire-safe valves?

A: All Habonim H2 valves are designed and certified as fire-safe. Generally, all Habonim valves meet fire-safe standards. Nonetheless, minor body seal adjustments can transform them into non-fire-safe, all-polymeric sealed valves.

Q: Is a double stem seal mandated by a specific standard or is it good engineering practice?

A: It’s based on good engineering practice. While ISO15848-1 focuses on tightness and cycles, the double stem seal enhances long-term sealing integrity, critical for high-pressure applications. Though there are no specific standards for high-pressure H2 stem design, ISO19880 and TPED tests demand rigorous engineering practices, and Habonim has been optimizing sealing arrangements for over a decade.

Q: Is O2 cleaning necessary if H2 isn't for fuel cells?

A: O2 clean valves are required for H2 according to ISO 14687-2 for fuel cell applications. For shared pipelines where end-users may use fuel cells, O2 clean valves are typically necessary. Generally, O2 clean valves are required unless H2 is used for combustion or special industrial applications.

Q: What type of grease is used for the stem?

A: H2 valve stems aren't greased since they are O2 clean; the gas medium acts as the "grease".

Q: Can Viton materials be used with Hydrogen gas?

A: Refer to the materials compliance book online; Viton® and HNBR are rated as safe (A) for use with hydrogen.

Q: What soft materials can or cannot be used with hydrogen gas?

A: We typically use Virgin Peek for seats and high-density NBR for seals. Various materials are available based on temperature and process requirements. For specific material needs and information, consulting directly with us is advisable.

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Q: What is unique about coned and threaded end-connections?

A: Coned and Threaded (C&T) connections, often known as “autoclave” connections, are typical for high-pressure tube systems. In these connections, the tube end forms a metal-to-metal seal with the valve body and is held by a threaded collar and nut.

Q: Apart from cone and threaded, what other threaded connections are available?

A: For H29 and H99 series, we offer tapered and parallel threading (NPT or BSPP). These should adhere to pressure limits and piping allowances. For other applications, consultation is recommended.

Q: Why is testing done with helium and not hydrogen? Shouldn't H2 be used?

A: Helium is smaller than hydrogen, making it more relevant for leakage tests. Our standard testing uses helium due to our lab's equipment.

Q: Are Habonim valves being developed for liquid hydrogen in marine applications? What's the timeline?

A: Yes, Habonim offers valves for liquid hydrogen with marine certification. Contact us for detailed information.

Q: Why shouldn't the same ball valve be used for both H2 and O2?

A: O2 has unique requirements, especially under high pressure, different from H2. Different standards and regulations apply, making it crucial for system designers and end-users to specify the correct valve type.

Q: Do you have references for PSA applications in hydrogen refineries?

A: Though Habonim valves are widely used across various processes, we may not always be aware of specific PSA applications due to diverse distribution channels.

Q: If my application is temperature-driven, what are the valve temperature limits and what factors influence them?

A: We produce H2 valves capable of handling temperatures up to 650°C with ISO15848-1 emission sealing. For lower temperatures, we also provide cryogenic solutions for H2. Sealing materials primarily influence these temperature limits.

Q: Should HP H2 service considerations influence actuator sizing?

A: The H29 and H99 series are available as manual or automated valves with predetermined actuation packages supporting full differential pressure. Technical details can be found in our catalog.

Q: Are all seal materials qualified to Norsok M-710 or ISO 23936?

A: Yes, our raw material suppliers and manufacturers are qualified.

Q: What's the difference between EN12266-1 and ISO15848-1?

A: EN12266-1 involves in-line testing with N2 or air and aims for zero leakage, while ISO15848-1 focuses on atmospheric leakage during extensive on-off and temperature cycling tests. ISO15848-1 measures cycles before leakage exceeds acceptable limits, with our valves certified at the highest level, handling over 500,000 cycles.

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