How Hydrogen Plants in Edmonton Can Develop and Distribute Fuel More Safely

Hydrogen plant operators in Edmonton know producing hydrogen fuel is very different from other fuel production processes, and it requires a unique set of safety considerations. Safe hydrogen production and distribution isn’t just about best operational practices and plant design—even the smallest components like hoses and fittings can make a big difference in safety in hydrogen plants in Edmonton producing and distributing fuel.

Hydrogen plants must prioritize safe and reliable operations to ensure worker safety and avoid disruptions. Here, we’ll look at the key safety considerations for hydrogen plants in Edmonton producing fuel, including quality component and material selection, and where to get expert help choosing safe and reliable components for your plant.

Potential Hazards in Hydrogen Plants in Edmonton

At first glance, hydrogen gas seems exceptionally safe—and in many ways, that’s true. It’s non-toxic and non-poisonous, so it doesn’t pose any direct hazards to humans. However, hydrogen loves to leak, and it is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and generally undetectable by the human senses. So while hydrogen is not harmful to humans directly, its tendency to leak and go unnoticed can lead to safety issues, especially fire hazards, under certain conditions.

Hydrogen Is the Lightest Molecule in the Universe

As the first element in the periodic table, hydrogen is the smallest, lightest molecule that exists. This means when it leaks, it rises and dissipates quickly—which can be both a good and bad thing.

The plus side of this is that leaking hydrogen doesn’t threaten the ground level where workers are. A leak outdoors or in a well-ventilated area will dissipate quickly. However, it can accumulate in pockets near the ceiling in enclosed spaces, creating a potentially explosive mixture of air and hydrogen. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent this hazard when using hydrogen indoors or in enclosed areas.

Hydrogen Leaks Can Cause Invisible Fires

Fires are the main risk in hydrogen plants in Edmonton. This is because hydrogen has a wide range of flammability and very low ignition energy. In other words, almost any concentration of hydrogen in the air can start a fire, and it only takes a small spark to ignite one.

A hydrogen fire can be much more dangerous than a typical fire. Hydrogen burns with a nearly invisible flame that produces no smoke and very little radiant heat, so you may not see the flame or feel any heat from it unless you’re very close to it. The difficulty of detecting hydrogen fires makes it easy for them to go unnoticed without the aid of sensors such as thermal imaging cameras.

How Hydrogen Plants in Edmonton Can Produce Fuel More Safely

Minimizing fire hazards from hydrogen requires high-quality, hydrogen-rated components and thoughtful system design. Here are some key safety considerations for selecting hydrogen plant components and systems:

Use Only Hydrogen-Compatible Materials

ASME B31.12 Standard on Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines provides material requirements and recommendations for hydrogen service. Austenitic stainless steels like 304 and 316 in the annealed condition are recommended for all components in hydrogen service. Carbon steels can be used for hydrogen gas at operating temperatures of at least -29°C. Still, they are not recommended for high-pressure applications, as they are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, leading to leaks and component failures.

Most aluminum alloys, copper, and copper alloys are also suitable for hydrogen. Nickel and nickel alloys should not be used for hydrogen service, as they are highly vulnerable to embrittlement.

Minimize Connections and Joints

Because hydrogen leaks so easily, all piping and tubing should have as few connection points as possible. All fittings and components must be made of a material suitable for hydrogen service and specific operating conditions. Tubing is less prone to leakage and, therefore, preferable to piping. Where piping is required, connections should be welded rather than using mechanical fittings wherever possible.

Hoses are one of the main potential leak points for hydrogen. They should be selected with the help of an expert who understands the material and design requirements for safe and reliable hydrogen service and can recommend hydrogen-compatible products you may not be aware of. Hoses with threaded connections should be avoided, as these cannot effectively seal hydrogen gas.

Swagelok FK-series fittings are some of the only tube fittings engineered for the unique demands of hydrogen applications, with 316 stainless steel fabrication and pressure ratings up to 22,500 psi. Swagelok SWS welding systems are another effective tool for welding high-quality, hydrogen-sealing pipe connections.

Safe Hydrogen Storage and Transport

Hydrogen should be stored outdoors at a safe distance from structures, ventilation intakes, and vehicle routes and supplied to the plant with welded piping to reduce the risk of a hydrogen gas release inside the plant where it can collect and ignite.

If hydrogen must be stored indoors, take the following precautions to minimize potential fire hazards:

• Store hydrogen cylinders away from cylinders containing oxidants.
• Keep cylinders well-secured at all times.
• Use only non-combustible materials for plant infrastructure.
• Position ventilation systems to introduce air low to the ground and vent at the highest point of the room.
• Install hydrogen sensors and thermal sensors throughout the plant.
• Install dispensers in unconfined areas with ceiling heights of at least 7.5 meters.

We Help Hydrogen Plants in Edmonton Produce Fuel Safely

Edmonton Valve & Fitting is a local Swagelok vendor in Edmonton, Alberta, with years of experience designing and improving fluid distribution systems in the hydrogen industry, oil and gas industry, and beyond. We offer a wide range of hydrogen-compatible Swagelok components with high-quality metallurgy and leak-resistant designs. We also offer EC-79-certified components suitable for on-vehicle applications, including light-duty, heavy-duty, rail, ship, and aerospace.

Our Field Advisors can also perform an onsite consultation to assess your hydrogen plant’s needs and recommend the best systems and components to ensure safe, reliable operations. Field Advisory Services include, but are not limited to:

•     Virtual onsite evaluations
•     Design advice
•     Leak detection and repair
•     Product-specific training
•     Component and instrumentation advice
•     Regulator sizing guidance

To find out more about how Edmonton Valve & Fitting can help hydrogen plants in Edmonton produce fuel more safely, contact us through our website or by calling 780-437-0640.