Hydrogen ball valve, which one do I need?

But, before getting into the world of hydrogen valves, it is necessary to go step by step. Let’s not put the cart before the horse. So, let me explain what a ball valve is and why hydrogen.

What is a ball valve and what is it used for?

A ball valve is a device used in piping systems to regulate the flow of fluids, such as water, gas or oil. Its design consists primarily of a perforated ball that acts as a plug, mounted inside a valve body. The ball has an orifice that can be aligned with the ends of the valve to allow fluid flow or misaligned to block it.

Ball valves are appreciated for their ease of use, durability and ability to withstand high pressures. These valves are commonly found in plumbing systems, chemical industries, oil and gas processing plants, among others.

Redfluid has two large families of ball valves, the 10 Series (S10) up to 64 bar and the S20 which includes all high pressure valves from PN140, PN350, PN500 up to 1380 bar.

And be careful, the ball valve is NOT the same as a needle valve. Although they may look a little similar. I leave you the article on this subject HERE so that there is no confusion.

In ball valves we mainly differentiate between:

• Full bore ball valves: Allow full and direct flow of fluid when fully open. There are no significant obstructions to fluid flow.
• Reduced bore ball valve: They have a smaller ball diameter compared to the inside diameter of the pipe, resulting in reduced flow even when the valve is fully open.
• 3-way ball valves: Designed to direct flow in three different directions. They are commonly used to switch between two supply lines or to mix two fluid streams.
• High pressure ball valves

And, if we talk about materials, the most typical in the world of valves are Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel. But at Redfluid we also have valves in Super Duplex (in stock hehe), in duplex, in Alloy, in brass, in Monel, among others.

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future?

At Redfluid, we have the firm belief that hydrogen will solve many problems we have today.

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate to lead the energy revolution and is postulated as the fuel of the future for several key reasons. Its ability to be produced from renewable sources positions it as a sustainable energy carrier, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Through electrolysis, green hydrogen is obtained by using renewable electricity to split water molecules, thus generating a clean, carbon-free fuel. In addition, hydrogen stands out for its versatility, as it can be used in a wide range of applications, from transportation to stationary power generation, providing flexibility in the transition to a more sustainable future.

I don’t want to get too long, otherwise we don’t continue reading the article. In any case, if you are interested in the world of hydrogen, the other day we had an interview in FESTO. I leave it below:

But let’s get down to business:

Hydrogen ball valve

“Can I take my conventional valve for hydrogen applications?” Well, NO. I think that’s pretty clear. And if you want to know why, just read an article I wrote a while back by clicking HERE.

You have to be very careful when ordering valves when you have a special type of fluid or gas. Not all valves or fittings are compatible with all fluids. Do not fall into the trap of buying the first one you are offered. Here is a summary of our hydrogen ball valves offer:

Type of hydrogen ball valves

At Redfluid, we have different types of hydrogen ball valves depending on the pressure you need. I’ll explain them one by one and, this way, you can make a small sketch.

• Hydrogen ball valve for low pressures: This ball valve goes up to PN64. We have them with NPT, BSP, SAW, BW and SW outlets.
• Hydrogen ball valve PN250. This 3-piece valve goes up to 250 bar and is also available in stock from 1/4″ to 1″.
• PN500 hydrogen full bore two-way ball valve for hydrogen.
• Hydrogen ball valve for 1035 bar . Ultra high pressure ball valves for hydrogen fueling stations and high pressure hydrogen applications are meticulously engineered and rigorously tested to ensure the highest standards of safety, performance and durability.

Hydrogen 3-Piece Ball Valve in Stock

Yes, just as you read. One of our Redfluid hydrogen valves is in STOCK. It is important that delivery times are as short as possible.

A 3-piece hydrogen ball valve is essential to ensure safety and efficiency in industrial systems using hydrogen. Their modular three-piece design facilitates maintenance and repair, allowing easy access to internal parts for regular inspections. In addition, these valves are constructed of high quality, heavy-duty materials, ensuring reliable, long-lasting operation in environments that handle hydrogen, a highly flammable gas.

I specify a little bit the technical details of this valve.

• Three-piece ball valve specially designed for hydrogen, according to ISO 19880-3.
• Fire Cleanliness: Designed to improve safety in hydrogen environments.
• Fugitive Emission Reduction: Minimizes or eliminates leakage, crucial for safety and efficiency.
• International Standards Compliance: Complies with ISO 19880-3 to ensure quality and safety.
• Optimized for High Pressure: Ensures optimum performance in high pressure applications.
• Durable and Reliable: Built to withstand severe hydrogen service conditions.

And as I know, that you like the technicalities, I leave you the valve’s data sheet.

Actuated ball valves for hydrogen

Yeeeeesss, of course! Hydrogen valves can also be actuated, both with electric actuator and pneumatic actuator.

And why do you want to act as a valve?

Well, it is the most comfortable thing that exists. Let me explain:

Why do I need to actuate my ball valve?

Many times valves are positioned in places that are difficult to reach or where mobility is reduced. And that’s where an actuator is a life saver. With the actuator, you can open and close the valve remotely. Here are some clear benefits of buying an actuator with your valve:

1. Wide availability of compressed air supply: The widespread availability of compressed air in many industrial facilities makes pneumatic actuators easy to integrate into existing systems.
2. Cost efficient: Compared to some electric or hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators tend to be more economical in terms of initial and operating costs.
3. Intrinsic safety: Pneumatic actuators are inherently safe in potentially hazardous environments as they do not generate sparks and are not susceptible to ignition, making them suitable for use in certain industries and ATEX environments.

Hey, and if after this, you still need more info or a hydrogen ball valve contact us.