OPW White Paper Highlights Globe Valves as Crucial for Safe and Scalable Liquid Hydrogen Production and Distribution
Key Insights
A new white paper by OPW emphasizes the critical role of specialized globe valves in ensuring the safe and efficient handling of liquid hydrogen (LH2).
The report details how advanced cryogenic valve technology addresses the unique challenges of LH2, including extreme temperatures and high pressures, vital for its broader adoption.
These valves are identified as key enablers for scaling up LH2 infrastructure, facilitating its use as a clean energy vector for heavy transport and industrial applications.
The paper underscores the importance of robust flow control and leak prevention mechanisms for the economic viability and safety of future hydrogen supply chains.
A new white paper released by OPW, a Dover company and global leader in fluid handling solutions, asserts the indispensable role of specialized globe valves in advancing the safety and scalability of liquid hydrogen (LH2) production, storage, and distribution. This comes as LH2 transitions from its traditional niche application as rocket fuel in the aerospace sector to a pivotal clean energy carrier for heavy-duty transport and industrial sectors, demanding unprecedented levels of reliability and efficiency in its handling infrastructure.
The report, titled “Cryogenic Globe Valves: Underpinning Safe and Scalable Liquid Hydrogen Infrastructure,” details how these critical components are engineered to withstand the unique and extreme conditions of LH2. Liquid hydrogen is stored at cryogenic temperatures of approximately -253°C (-423°F) and often at high pressures, requiring materials and designs that prevent thermal contraction, embrittlement, and leakage. Globe valves, with their specific internal geometry, offer precise flow control, throttling capabilities, and tight shut-off, making them essential for managing the flow of LH2 within liquefaction plants, storage tanks, and dispensing systems.
“The safe and efficient transfer of liquid hydrogen is paramount to unlocking its full potential as a clean fuel,” stated Dr. Eleanor Vance, Head of Cryogenic Systems at OPW, in a press briefing. “Our analysis underscores that the integrity and performance of every valve in the LH2 supply chain directly impact operational safety, economic viability, and the pace of infrastructure deployment. Investing in advanced cryogenic valve technology is not merely a component choice; it’s an investment in the future of the hydrogen economy.” The paper highlights that reliable valve operation is key to minimizing boil-off gas losses, which are critical for the economic efficiency of LH2 operations.
The broader energy landscape is witnessing significant investment in hydrogen technologies, with LH2 gaining traction due to its superior volumetric energy density compared to compressed gaseous hydrogen, making it more efficient for long-distance transport and large-scale storage. However, realizing this potential hinges on the availability of robust, certified components. The white paper details how adherence to stringent industry standards, such as ISO 21029 and various ASME codes, is crucial for ensuring the integrity of these systems and mitigating risks associated with handling highly flammable cryogenic fluids.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing protocols, including helium leak testing and thermal cycling, to guarantee the long-term reliability of globe valves in LH2 service. As governments and industries worldwide commit to decarbonization targets, the demand for scalable and secure hydrogen infrastructure will only intensify. The insights provided by OPW’s white paper serve as a critical guide for engineers, project developers, and policymakers aiming to build a resilient and safe liquid hydrogen value chain.