Hydrogen Plant Fire Protection & Safety Starts with Leak Mitigation: Top Solutions for Alberta-based Operations

In general, fires are incredibly easy to recognize: the bright color, the billowing smoke, and the intense heat. An odourless, smokeless, and colourless flame in broad daylight with low emissivity—these are challenges faced in detecting a hydrogen fire. Additionally, as the smallest of all diatomic molecules, H₂ requires special materials to avoid embrittlement and leakage during storage or transportation. A further complication is hydrogen’s buoyancy, which allows it to accumulate undetected in the ceilings of closed facilities, potentially leading to catastrophic results.

Hydrogen mixes readily with air and produces a flammable mixture in volumetric ratios as little as 4%, and mixtures can be ignited with less than a tenth of a millijoule of energy. Owing to its low molecular weight and high diffusivity, hydrogen-oxygen has a greater burn velocity than similar hydrocarbon mixtures, which increases the risk of a burning fuel transforming into an explosion.

The economic loss cannot be understated: system leaks could lead to a hazardous environment for workers and equipment, and an overall reduction in efficiency. While detection systems and sensors form an important bulwark of hydrogen plant fire protection, the best defense is ensuring your system has the correct components necessary for the complex demands of hydrogen fuel. Solutions for H₂ storage and transportation—including low leak valves and seal flush systems—are discussed below.

Certified Components for Hydrogen Plant Fire Protection

While hydrogen leaks will generally occur at any seals or fittings, valves are not exempt. Regulation EC-79 has outlined necessary considerations and requirements for components used in hydrogen-powered vehicles, but can be extended to the greater infrastructure of hydrogen production, transportation, and storage. All EC-79 certified valves must be subjected to the following tests as laid out by Annex III (liquid hydrogen) or Annex V (hydrogen gas):

• Pressure test - valves must withstand a pressure higher than the expected working pressure without experiencing material fatigue or failure
• External leakage test - valves must not show evidence of porosity
• Endurance test - valves must exhibit continued operation for a specified number of test cycles
• Corrosion resistance test - valves must resist specified corrosive agents
• Resistance to dry-heat test - valves are exposed to air at maximum operating temperatures
• Ozone ageing test - valves are exposed to air with high ozone concentration
• Temperature cycle test - valves experience a temperature cycle of a specified duration from the minimum operating temperature to the maximum operating temperature
• Hydrogen compatibility test - valves must show no signs of hydrogen embrittlement, including susceptibility to material fatigue and cracking under frequent load cycles
• Seal leakage test - valves must be free from leakage while installed

EC-79 certified valves set a minimum industry standard for safety and reliability. Products carrying this certification have undergone rigorous testing born of the unique concerns of containing and facilitating industrial hydrogen applications.

Controlling Contamination and Lengthening Seal Life

Simply having the right components is only half the battle when it comes to industrial hydrogen applications. With only a small ratio of air necessary to create a highly-flammable mixture, the dangers of contamination are far greater than mere loss of product. High-pressure ratings (from 450 to 5000 or more PSIG) further promote diffusivity and particle interactions, which in a tightly constrained environment could increase the potential for fire or detonation. System servicing becomes a necessity to mitigate and prevent contamination while also lengthening the service life of seals in flush systems.

Beyond extending seal life, seal flush systems help ensure the continued operation of hydrogen systems by reducing downtime for repairs/replacements of critical operating components. Though hydrogen fire plant protection is the primary motivator in safety features such as these, there is real economic value in keeping H₂-related industries running with minimal interruptions.

Hydrogen Plant Fire Protection & Safety Options for Alberta Operators

Whether it’s the replacement of old components, an entirely new system, or support for seal flush systems to keep a system running smoothly for as long as possible, Edmonton Valve & Fitting has a multitude of products and services designed for hydrogen plant fire protection and prevention. The safety of your employees and equipment is paramount to the successful operation of any business, and our Field Advisors will keep your H₂ systems operating at a high level of safety and efficiency.