SLB stands ready for your hydrogen valve needs

Enhanced seat testing with helium to demonstrate sealing capability.

Metallic material testing for cracking due to high-pressure hydrogen exposure.

Hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in the energy transition, particularly as a means to store and transport energy, as well as replace more traditional fuel sources. This has initiated a great wave of related global activity, including policy action by various governments and project announcements from numerous companies. 

As the pace of project execution increases, valves and other flow control equipment need to be prepared for use in hydrogen gas service to meet the demand. Whilst hydrogen’s properties pose challenges for valves and other equipment, these challenges can be overcome with the right knowledge and products. At SLB, we have developed this expertise over several decades of supplying valves into hydrogen gas service. Our proven performers include the Orbit™ rising stem ball valve, which is installed throughout refinery hydrogen applications, and our Cameron T30 Series™ fully welded ball valve, WKM™ valve, and Grove™ valve in hydrogen pipeline applications. 

It is this experience and proficiency, as well as recognition of a lack of understanding in industry overall, that prompted SLB to initiate the development of a unified standard for valves in hydrogen gas service. Over the course of 2022 and 2023, SLB personnel led the development of API Specification 6D Annex M, bringing nearly 100 experts together across end users, valve manufacturers, seal manufacturers, testing centers, and other interested parties, in eight in-person workshops evenly split between North American and European locations. API 6D Annex M will provide guidance on the design, qualification, materials selection, nondestructive examination, quality control, and factory acceptance testing for valves going into hydrogen gas service. This specification is currently in the comment resolution process and is expected to be published later this year. 

In parallel with the development of API 6D Annex M, SLB has undertaken a rigorous ongoing qualification program to further expand our understanding of material and valve performance in hydrogen gas service. The program has included metallic material testing in high-pressure hydrogen, nonmetallic material testing for rapid gas decompression and aging resistance, and helium seat testing using fugitive emissions scale measurement and acceptance criteria. In turn, the information gained from the program supports a preemptive campaign to qualify our products to the requirements of API 6D Annex M. 

As hydrogen pressures and pipeline sizes increase and new ways to use hydrogen in support of the energy transition are introduced, we will continue to grow our industry-leading expertise and experience to ensure that SLB remains ready with reliable, secure, and effective valve solutions for hydrogen gas applications. 

Connect with us: How can SLB help you with valves for hydrogen gas service? 

Tel No:         01224 982500

Email:           vmsalesabdn@slb.com

Website:      www.slb.com/valves/valve-applications/valves-for-hydrogen-service  

Published: 19th April 2024