Hydrogen Economy in Industry

Hydrogen - the cleaner source of energy

The world is looking for a cleaner source of Energy. Hydrogen has reached the short list and is the focus of research and funding. Areas of focus to investigate, is it clean? Hydrogen meets this requirement with its emissions as Air and water.

Is it abundant enough to supply the entire planet? Is there an option that could be affordable? Is the fuel source available globally? Can it be stored? Can it be transported to other locations?. There are many areas to look at when looking for a new Fuel Source.

Hydrogen ticks all the boxes of the new Global Fuel Source. Whilst Solar and Wind power are already up and running and saving emissions of CO2. Nuclear and Fusion Energy will also continue to grow across the globe, Nuclear is tried and tested whereas Fusion is still at an early stage although growing with huge investment in this in the UK.

Premier Control Technologies offers a comprehensive range of mass flow controllers, Coriolis meters, pressure regulators, and back-pressure solutions designed for hydrogen applications.

Typical applications and solutions

Hydrogen Production Flow and Pressure Control

Hydrogen production via electrolysis or reforming requires precise flow and pressure control to optimise efficiency and maintain safety. Variations in flow can impact purity and downstream processes, while pressure stability ensures consistent operation. Equipment must handle high-pressure hydrogen and integrate with automated systems for real-time monitoring and control.

Relevant products:

CODA Coriolis Flow Meters: Provide direct mass flow measurement unaffected by gas composition.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy for hydrogen flow
- Handles high-pressure and corrosive gases
Drastar Precision Regulators: Maintain stable pressure for hydrogen production lines.
Key benefits:
- Corrosion-resistant internals for hydrogen service
- Wide pressure range for production systems
- Compact design for skid integration

Electrolyser Hydrogen Output Regulation

Electrolysers produce hydrogen at varying rates depending on load conditions. Accurate flow and pressure control ensures safe delivery to storage or utilisation points. Equipment must respond quickly to dynamic changes and maintain purity standards.

Relevant products:

High-Flow Alicat MFCs: Handle large hydrogen flows with precision, up to 10 000 SLPM.
Key benefits:
- Accurate control across wide flow ranges
- Digital protocols for integration with automation
Alicat IS Series Pressure Controllers: Intrinsically safe for hazardous environments
Key benefits:
- Certified for explosive atmospheres
- Fast response for dynamic electrolyser output

Hydrogen Compression and Storage Pressure Management

Compression and storage systems require stable pressure control to prevent over-pressurisation and ensure safety. Regulators must handle high pressures and maintain purity for hydrogen applications.

Relevant products:

Drastar 2200 Series Regulators: Designed for high-pressure hydrogen service.
Key benefits:
- High-purity design with low particle generation
- Wide pressure range for compression systems
- Robust construction for demanding environments

Hydrogen Refuelling Station Flow and Pressure Control

Refuelling stations demand precise flow and pressure control for fast, safe hydrogen dispensing. Equipment must meet stringent safety standards and operate reliably under high-pressure conditions.

Relevant products:

CODA Coriolis Meters: For accurate mass flow during dispensing.
Key benefits:
- Direct mass flow measurement for high accuracy
- Handles high-pressure hydrogen safely
Drastar Regulators: Maintain stable pressure for refuelling operations
Key benefits:
- Compact design for refuelling skids
- Corrosion-resistant materials for hydrogen service

Back Pressure Regulation in Hydrogen Test Loops

Test loops for hydrogen systems require consistent back pressure to simulate real-world conditions. Variations can affect performance data and safety.

Relevant products:

Equilibar Back Pressure Regulators: Provide ultra-stable pressure control with minimal hysteresis.
Key benefits:
- Precise control under variable flow conditions
- Ideal for dynamic R&D environments
- Handles reactive and high-purity gases

Gas Blending for Hydrogen-Rich Mixtures

Blending hydrogen with other gases for research or industrial processes requires accurate ratio control. Errors can compromise safety and performance.

Relevant products:

Alicat MCQ Series MFCs: Multi-gas capability for flexible blending.
Key benefits:
- ±0.6% accuracy for precise blending (MC Series)
- Digital communication for recipe control
Fusion Flow Gas Mixers: Automated ratio control for complex blends.
Key benefits:
- Compact design for OEM integration
- Automated ratio adjustment for efficiency

Controlled Delivery of Hydrogen for Fuel Cell Systems

Fuel cells require stable hydrogen flow and pressure for optimal performance. Equipment must handle high-purity hydrogen and integrate with control systems.

Relevant products:

Alicat IS Series Controllers: Intrinsically safe for hazardous zones.
Key benefits:
- Certified for explosive atmospheres
- Fast response for dynamic load changes
High-Flow MFCs: For large-scale fuel cell stacks.
Key benefits:
- Accurate control across wide flow ranges
- Robust design for continuous operation

Calibration and Verification of Hydrogen Flow in R&D Setups

Accurate calibration ensures reliable test data and compliance with industry standards. Equipment should provide traceable measurements and integrate easily with lab systems.

Relevant products:

CODA Coriolis Meters: Provide direct mass flow measurement for calibration accuracy.
Key benefits:
- Independent of gas composition
- High accuracy for calibration standards
Alicat BASIS OEM Controllers: Compact units for integration into calibration rigs.
Key benefits:
- Small footprint for OEM integration
- Digital outputs for automated calibration

Pressure Control in Hydrogen Distribution Manifolds

Distribution manifolds require precise pressure regulation to maintain system balance and safety. Regulators must handle high-purity hydrogen and operate reliably under varying conditions.

Relevant products:

Drastar Regulators: Provide stable pressure control for manifold systems.
Key benefits:
- High-purity design for hydrogen service
- Wide pressure range for flexibility
- Compact footprint for easy installation

Safety-Critical Hydrogen Handling in ATEX Zones

Hydrogen is highly flammable, requiring equipment certified for explosive atmospheres. Intrinsically safe devices ensure compliance and operator safety.

Relevant products:

Alicat IS Series Controllers: Certified for ATEX environments.
Key benefits:
- Intrinsically safe design for hazardous zones
- Multi-gas calibration for flexibility
- Fast response for dynamic control

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Hydrogen Production	CODA Coriolis, Drastar Regulators	Accurate flow and stable pressure for efficiency
Electrolyser Output	High-Flow MFCs, IS Series Controllers	Dynamic response and ATEX safety
Compression & Storage	Drastar Regulators	High-pressure control and purity
Refuelling Stations	CODA Coriolis, Drastar Regulators	Safe, accurate dispensing
Back Pressure in Test Loops	Equilibar Back Pressure Regulators	Ultra-stable control for R&D
Gas Blending	Alicat MC/MQ Series, Fusion Flow Mixers	Precise ratio control for mixtures
Fuel Cell Delivery	IS Series Controllers, High-Flow MFCs	Stable flow for stack performance
Calibration & Verification	CODA Coriolis, BASIS OEM Controllers	High-accuracy calibration
Distribution Manifolds	Drastar Regulators	Reliable pressure regulation
Safety in ATEX Zones	Alicat IS Series	Certified safety for hazardous environments