Hydrogen plays an important role in making oil, gas and energy production more sustainable, because it ensures an enormous reduction in CO2 emissions. In addition, new fuel products made from waste vegetable oils, wood chips or agricultural waste products require the addition of hydrogen. And newly developed steelmaking processes depend on a large hydrogen stream for deoxidation instead of the conversion of CO into CO2.

 The advantages of Hydrogen Coolers

Hydrogen will be increasingly used to reduce the CO2 footprint. To increase the volumetric energy content, compression of this gas is required. Compression means temperature rise and coolers are needed to reduce the temperature of the hydrogen gas to ambient conditions. Bronswerk Heat Transfer specializes in building high-pressure gas coolers for such conditions. Although the heat transfer process is relatively conventional, the mechanical aspects are unique. Tolerances are tight to ensure that hydrogen cannot escape.

Hydrogen challenges

Working with hydrogen also entails the necessary challenges. First of all, hydrogen typically is applied at unprecedented high pressure, which requires a design that can handle that pressure. In addition, hydrogen causes embrittlement in carbon steels, hard structures especially in heat-affected zones (HAZ), which are very sensitive to hydrogen fracture. To withstand these challenges we make use of Compact Headers for our Hydrogen Coolers.

Compact Headers

Our Compact Headers contain little welding and therefore virtually no hard constructions. This ensures that the cooler can withstand the high pressure and that the risk of hairline cracks is minimal. We use a high-pressure design: the energy density of hydrogen is low, so high pressures are needed. Our Compact Headers are designed to withstand these high pressures.

Other characteristics

We supply our hydrogen coolers with a nozzle on the hub instead of a set-on. With the option of using KAM profile gaskets and a leak detection port. This coupled with our double plug design, which is widely used in corrosive environments but can also be used for hydrogen service as it is suitable for higher packing pressures, makes our hydrogen coolers top quality.

Together towards sustainability

Curious what the use of hydrogen and hydrogen coolers can mean for the sustainability of your company? Then have a no-obligation conversation with one of our specialists or request a quote.