PDL are Experts in Advanced Engineering Analysis

Providing Technical Solutions for Hydrogen Projects

System Response from the start of the fire until the internal vessel venting pressure is reached

System Response to the vessel venting

Scan the QR code to visit PDL valves web pages

PDL Engineering Group are experts in applying advanced engineering software to understand and solve the technical problems of valve and actuator projects. They have a long track record of supporting BVAA members to assess, evaluate and test their systems to determine the most effective and efficient solution. 

The engineering analysis capabilities of PDL address the needs of valve and actuator clients across the hydrogen sector to understand the behaviour and challenges of hydrogen in production, storage (gas, liquid and solid-state), transportation, and utilisation.

The analyst team simulate and model different conditions to provide clear visualised results which explore multiple and incremental design parameters, using structural calculations, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Multidomain Physical System Modelling (Simscape) to undertake Thermal Assessments, Pipe Stress Analysis, Fracture Mechanics, Hydrogen Induced Stress Cracking (HISC) Assessment and Fatigue Life Assessments.

Recently, the analyst team has supported valve manufacturers to explore existing design suitability for new concepts to be patented for hydrogen; test compliances to industry codes; and evaluate novel materials considering factors like embrittlement and permeation. For example, a subsea gate valve was assessed using FEA in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F112 to examine the susceptibility to HISC under various structural loads in open and closed conditions to identify worst-case combinations. The Heat Transfer Coefficients (HTCs) were calculated using PDL’s in-house design tool and considered the various geometry and orientation of the valve faces. The quick identification of which components and locations were most at risk meant that design issues were solved before manufacturing commenced.

To support a hydrogen transportation client, PDL analysts applied 1D CFD to accurately model the hydrogen’s complex phase in different temperature and pressure conditions to assess the fluid and structural response. This enabled the team to determine the vent size and material required for a pressure vessel during the event of a fire.

As well as assessing system performance, the PDL team can analyse safety considerations such as ignition sources, leak scenarios, combustion risks and emissions in various hydrogen applications, and investigate the consideration of noise.

PDL deliver solutions that optimise performance; reduce the risk by testing in the virtual world prior to manufacture and shorten project timescales; remove the need to manufacture and test multiple prototypes; ensure compliance with design codes; understand failure modes and extend operational life.  

To find out how PDL can collaborate with your team to drive your hydrogen project forward visit the PDL website www.pdl-group.com.

Telephone: + 44 (0) 1 434 609 473

Email:         solutions@pdl-group.com 

Website:     www.pdl-group.com

Published: 9th August 2023