TPi May 2023

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

May 2023

Business & market news

A material specially developed for use in the latest hydrogen pipe and valve applications

External corrosion protection is provided by a zinc-nickel coating. PPH2 was already tested by TÜV Saarland/TÜV Rheinland in accordance with DIN EN ISO 11114 in 2021 and approved for use in hydrogen applications under EU Regulation (EC) No 79/2009. With the successful testing according to ANSI/CSA CHMC 1-2014, a material compatibility test according to another set of regulations has now been added. In a cooperation with the testing institute TÜV SÜD Chemie Service GmbH, Poppe + Potthoff was also able to have the material tested according to a newly developed testing methodology. The results of this test also confirm the successful outcome of the CHMC1 test.

the components must be designed with greater wall thicknesses for higher pressure resistance. This increases their weight, while the higher material input leads to higher component costs. One way to counter these disadvantages is to use carbon steel for hydrogen applications. As a global operator the Poppe + Potthoff Group has experience in the manufacturing of components made of carbon steels from the field of diesel applications. Building on this expertise, Poppe + Potthoff has designed an alternative specifically for pipes and rails in hydrogen applications: PPH2.

Hydrogen systems for mobile or industrial applications are made up of multiple, interacting components. To ensure reliable storage and transport of the gas within the systems, these components, such as pipes, valves, or rails, must be extra robust and resistant. The components used in hydrogen applications are often manufactured from austenitic stainless steel to fulfil these demanding requirements. This solution, however, has some disadvantages. For example, stainless steel has relatively low strengths, so

PPH2 is an alloyed carbon steel with high mechanical properties, which are further enhanced by the innovative PPSH annealing treatment. These special properties allow the production of thinner-walled components (compared to stainless steel) and thus a reduction in weight while increasing the availability of hydrogen pipes and rails. The composition of PPH2 meets the requirements of the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) for pipes and containers for the transport of hydrogen. As a development partner for its customers, Poppe + Potthoff independently develops and produces components such as pipes or rails made of PPH2 for up to 700 bar nominal pressure. Pipes, H2 rails (manifolds) and interfaces have been successfully certified in PPH2 by an independent testing institute according to EC79 and successfully tested according to the maximum requirements of HGV3.16. Poppe + Potthoff www.poppe-potthoff.com Chevron awards deep water Tamar optimisation project to Corinth Pipeworks Poppe + Potthoff supplies a material specially developed for use in hydrogen pipe and valve applications

high technological expertise,” said Ilias Bekiros, CEO of Corinth Pipeworks. “This award, along with latest successful executions of offshore pipeline projects like Karish/Energean, Leviathan/Chevron Mediterranean Ltd, Ashdod – Ashkelon/ INGL, further enhances our strategic role in SE Med. We base our sustainable growth on being a trustworthy supplier, providing top quality along with innovative solutions and building long term customer relations. “All of these are the main pillars of our strategy and provide an important competitive advantage for new projects in the Mediterranean and globally.” Corinth Pipeworks www.cpw.gr

The project will provide critical infrastructure, as it will connect the subsea manifold at a maximum water depth of 1,700m to the offshore platform where gas will be processed before being transported to shore in Israel. The pipes will be manufactured in Corinth Pipeworks’ facilities in Greece, and installation work will commence according to schedule during 2024. Scope of supply also includes internal and external anticorrosion coating, applied at the same location as pipe manufacturing at Thisvi, Greece. “It is a significant project that highlights the leading position of Corinth Pipeworks as a tier one supplier for complex offshore projects requiring

Corinth Pipeworks has been selected by Chevron Mediterranean Ltd to manufacture and supply approximately 155km of 20" longitudinally submerged arc welded steel pipes for the Tamar gas field optimisation development, in the Southeastern Mediterranean.

The Corinth Pipeworks plant in Thisvi, Greece where the pipes will be manufactured

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Asahi/America recruits Mike West as Midwest district sales manager

of thermoplastic fluid flow products, including valves and actuators as well as industrial, environmental and high purity piping. He joins Asahi with a background in water and wastewater treatment plant installations and brings a solid knowledge of valve and actuation sales. Asahi/America Inc www.asahi-america.com

Asahi/America Inc, which produces thermoplastic fluid flow technology, has hired Mike West to work in its outside sales team. Mr West joined Asahi/ America in January 2023 as district sales manager for the Midwest sales region comprised of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota in the US. Mr West will assist distributors and engineers with sales and specification efforts for Asahi/America’s full family

Mike West

TechnipFMC awarded one of its largest ever flexible pipe contracts in Angola

allows for optimised riser and flowline system configuration, was instrumental in winning this award. “This is another example of our unique capability to support fast-track greenfield developments and we are excited to be supporting Azule Energy and its partners on this project.” TechnipFMC www.technipfmc.com

will connect the new Agogo facility to the subsea production systems.

TechnipFMC has been awarded a contract by Azule Energy to supply flexible pipe for the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development Project, offshore Angola. The contract is one of TechnipFMC’s largest ever awards for flexible pipe in West Africa, and covers the engineering, procurement and supply of jumpers, flowlines, risers and all associated ancillary equipment. The flexible pipe

Azule Energy, a BP and Eni company, is the operator of Block 15/06 in Angola offshore, partnering with Sonangol P&P and SSI Fifteen. Jonathan Landes, president, subsea at TechnipFMC, said: “Our ability to meet Azule’s flexible pipe needs, which

Tata Steel UK contracts Danieli Corus for blast furnace efficiency project

have achieved very long campaign lives with the support of multiple life extension repairs, the most recent of which was the repair of stove #10 of blast furnace #4. The current contract between Danieli Corus and Tata Steel for the repairs of stove #11 at blast furnace #4 (with a 2,388m³ working volume) and stove #13 at blast furnace #5 (with a 2,134m³ working volume) is a continuation of the strong and fruitful relationship built up over many years between the companies and confirms the value of executing such projects with an experienced technology partner. Tata Steel UK www.tatasteeleurope.com Danieli Corus www.danieli-corus.com

long lifetimes if key components such as parts of the vessel shell and the refractories are designed, manufactured and installed properly. Burner replacements and partial repair jobs then become an accepted reality of campaign management. The hot-blast stoves at both blast furnaces at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot Works

The blast furnace hot-blast system is essential for efficient ironmaking. Stoves heat the blast air, but underperforming stoves mean higher gas consumption at the burners or result in the need for increased quantities of metallurgical coke in the furnace – all at a cost, financially as well as ecologically.

Hot-blast systems can achieve very

The stoves at both blast furnaces at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot Works have achieved long and reliable service

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Business & market news

Future Industry Group looks at the prospects for UK pipe manufacturing

products to customers and discovering more about the industry as a whole across all construction sectors, civils and building services.

The plastic pipes industry is a huge industry and the global pipe network provides some of the world’s most essential infrastructure – for water and sanitation, heating, plumbing and a future heat network, which will include a hydrogen blend as we move away from fossil fuels. A plethora of skills are required to tackle present and future demands and challenges. The BPF Pipes Group’s recently formed Future Industry Group comprises members new to the industry, of different ages and backgrounds, in a variety of roles including sustainability, material sciences, product management, business and marketing. The group aims to support new members as they join the industry, for example by jargon busting, learning how good standards are essential to delivering reliable, durable and sustainable

The first meeting of the newly formed Future Industry Group

The group is forward looking with topics for future discussion on key issues to include sustainability/net zero, raw materials and developing and implementing new technologies such as hydrogen distribution and the increased use of materials with a degree of recycled content. The plastic pipes industry has a lot to offer the future of construction. The BPF Pipes Group is pleased to work with a dynamic group of professionals who are new to the industry and focused on the delivery of sustainable solutions for the future. BPF Pipes Group www.bpfpipesgroup.com

Rachel Greasby, BPF Pipes Group vice president, said: “The Future Industry Group, after only two meetings, has already given individuals new to the industry a platform on which to actively participate, share their ideas and gain invaluable knowledge about the industry.” Adam Pointon, the Future Industry Group’s chair, added: “As the first chair of the Future Industry Group it has been an excellent opportunity to establish and develop the group while learning a lot about the industry and meeting plenty of great, new people. I look forward to our progress throughout this year.”

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Swiss Steel Group’s Hydrogen Symposium examines the future of steel manufacturing

first import route for hydrogen from the Netherlands to be completed in 2025. This was followed by “Hydrogen in the future energy system – challenges and trade-offs” by Dr Julian Röder, working group leader, Ruhr University Bochum, chair of energy systems and energy economics. He considers hydrogen indispensable in efforts to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045 and calls for develop- ment of renewable energies and a noticeable increase in energy efficiency. After Dr Röder, Robert Baron, director corporate strategy Swiss Steel Group, spoke on the topic of “Hydrogen: from buzzword to reality”. In his presentation, he addressed the challenges of the different emission segments ranging from the burning of gas and coal to the footprints of purchased energy and purchased raw materials. Expanding on the production process of green hydrogen, he explained the hydrogen needs of the German steel industry and the requirements associated with hydrogen production. Swiss Steel Group www.swisssteel-group.com

The Swiss Steel Group (SSG) held its first Hydrogen Symposium at the Henrichshütte Iron and Steel Works. Eminent speakers from academia, business and politics held lectures over four sessions. At the opening of the event, Frank Koch, CEO of the Swiss Steel Group, welcomed participants and explained the importance and use of hydrogen from its production to use in steel production. This brief introduction outlined the symposium’s content. “The future of hydrogen – solutions from the Swiss Steel Group” was the subject of Dr Till Schneiders, vice president technology and quality, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Specialty Steel GmbH & Co KG. He gave a report of SSG activities and highlighted the importance of hydrogen as an important component in the steel production process. He emphasized that SSG’s activities encompass the use of hydrogen and steels engineered for hydrogen technology. Following Dr Schneiders, Till Mansmann, member of the German parliament, the innovation commissioner

for green hydrogen at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, held his forward-looking lecture on the topic “Research and development for a successful ramp-up of the hydrogen economy”. Dr Philipp Wasmuth, from Open Grid Europe GmbH, lectured on the subject “Hydrogen for the Diversification and Decarbonisation of the European Energy Supply”. He addressed the question “How great is the task of decarbonisation?” given the considerable need for decarbonisation until climate targets are met. He also enlarged upon hydrogen production sites and mentioned the Hydrogen will be indispensable in efforts to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, according to Dr Röder

Aduro continuous flow bitumen reactor pipeline ready for final stage customer trials

its attention on customer engagements, detail study of the technical performance and the ability to provide analysis and results to potential customers.” Aduro’s technologies chemically recycle plastics and transform heavy crude and renewable oils into new-era resources and higher-value fuels. The company has a commitment to advance potential customer engagements and feedstock trials, the company accelerated the work on its laboratory facilities and testing capabilities so it could initiate potential customer trials and demonstrations. With the goal of building a pipeline of commercial projects, the established customer trial programme allows the company to engage with potential customers through product sample

Aduro Clean Technologies Inc, a Canadian developer of patented water based technologies, has entered the final stages of completion of its pilot scale Hydrochemolytic continuous flow bitumen (R2 Bitumen) reactor. The advanced R2 Bitumen reactor will be complemented by a newly commissioned Flash Drum, a vapour liquid separator to enable a higher degree of variation in product samples accepted from potential customers. “The hard work and dedication of our research and engineering team is the driving force for effectively managing these projects,” said Ofer Vicus, chief executive officer at Aduro. “As we get closer to completing our pilot-scale bitumen reactor, the team can now focus

Aduro is entering final stages of completion of its pilot-scale Hydrochemolytic continuous flow bitumen reactor

analysis and characterisation, data and material exchange with the aim of

facilitating business discussions. Aduro Clean Technologies Inc www.adurocleantech.com

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May 2023 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

Business & market news

Tube & Steel Istanbul pipe, profile and steel manufacturing event to take place

“We are very happy to organise the Tube & Steel Fair, which is the only specialised fair in our country in pipe, profile and wire steel for the second time. Pipe, profile, wire and steel emerges as an industry that is running towards new export targets every year. “We will also enable the establishment of new business connections in the sector with the fair we will organise. Our preparations for the fair, which we will organise in May, continue at full speed. I invite sector representatives to our fair and thank our stakeholders for their assistance.” Tube & Steel Istanbul is the second pipe, profile, wire steel manufacturing and technology. It can be visited between 10am and 7pm on the first three days and until 6pm on the final day. Tube & Steel Istanbul www.tubeandsteelistanbulfair.com

Trade Association and with support from the Flat Steel Import and Industry Association (YISAD), the Turkish Steel Exporters’ Association, The Turkish Constructional Steelwork Association (TUCSA), the Galvanised and Coated Coil Manufacturers (SOGAD) and Steel Orbis at the Tüyap Congress Centre, located at Büyükçekmece Istanbul. The second Tube & Steel Istanbul brings together the industry under one roof and will host more than 15,000 qualified visitors from 70 countries in a total of four halls. The fair, with hundreds of participating companies from the international arena will take place and will also contribute significantly to Turkey’s export balance.

The international pipe, profile, wire and steel industry will meet again at Tube & Steel Istanbul from 24 to 27 May 2023. Tube & Steel is organised by Tüyap Tüm Fuarcılık Yapım Inc, in cooperation with the Turkish Steel Pipe Manufacturers Association (CEBID), the Steel Foreign

Tube & Steel is organised by Tüyap Tüm Fuarcılık Yapım Inc

Tuyap Fairs Production Inc general manager İlhan Ersözlü said:

Danfoss names Carina Christine Skovmøller as director of sustainability centre

us on a path toward a decarbonised and circular product portfolio, ultimately helping us realise our goal of becoming our customers’ preferred sustainability partner.” “This newly created role is of great strategic significance as it aligns closely with our sustainability goals,” Mr Schumacher added. “Carina is exactly the type of leader we need to ensure we meet the objectives of our ESG ambition. At Danfoss, we want to be a flagbearer for the green transition, and Carina can help us get there.” Ms Skovmøller has more than 10 years of experience working in the sustainability field. She joins Danfoss Power Solutions from Syngenta Nordic, where she served as head of sustainability, public affairs and communications. Prior to Syngenta, Ms Skovmøller worked for 13 years within the international building sector at Velux Group, holding various leadership positions that included head of global CSR and sustainability. For the past 11 years, she has served as

Danfoss Power Solutions, a leading global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, has named Carina Christine Skovmøller as director of its Center for Sustainability, a newly created role. Based in Copenhagen, Ms Skovmøller reports directly to Andreas Schumacher, senior director, Centers of Excellence. Ms Skovmøller and her team will support the organisation in its environmental, social and governance (ESG) mission, focusing primarily on sustainability. She will be responsible for driving Danfoss Power Solutions’ sustainability strategy as part of Danfoss’ overall 2030 ESG commitment. She will also play a key role in helping Danfoss Power Solutions customers reach their decarbonisation goals. “I look forward to helping Danfoss Power Solutions apply the 2030 climate goals on a divisional and business unit level,” Ms Skovmøller said. “The development of specific roadmaps will help us achieve these targets and put

Carina Christine Skovmøller

an adjunct associate professor at the Copenhagen Business School. Ms Skovmøller holds a doctorate in sustainability and environmental studies and a master’s degree in marketing and economics, both from Copenhagen Business School. She earned her master’s degree in communications and journalism and bachelor’s degree in business studies from Roskilde University. Danfoss Power Solutions www.danfoss.com

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McElroy welcomes new UK international business manager

in McElroy’s fusion line-up. He received his fusion instructor certification, while also working with the commercial and technical aspects at G&G. Mr Palaiologos was one of seven engineers accepted into Infiniti Engineer Academy, a prestigious program that allows young engineers to spend a year working for the company’s Formula 1 team. After completing the one-year course, Mr Palaiologos was offered a full-time job with Infiniti’s Formula 1 team. He went on to work with McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 team as a mechanical design engineer, specialising in transmission and rear suspension work. As McElroy’s UK international business manager, Mr Palaiologos will work alongside customers with their machinery. In addition to overseeing McElroy’s network of distributors and customers in the UK, he will serve as support for UK technical service specialist Malcolm Profit, visiting jobsites to provide machine support.

McElroy, a leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, has appointed Alex Palaiologos as its new UK international business manager. “As McElroy’s presence in the UK continues to grow, we recognised the need to add additional personnel to support our customers,” said McElroy president and CEO Chip McElroy. “With his background in both the technical and commercial aspects of our industry, along with his existing knowledge of McElroy products and the level of service we provide, Alex will be uniquely poised to assist customers in all aspects of their McElroy needs. We’re excited to have him join the McElroy team.” Born in Athens, Greece, Mr Palaiologos attended Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico City and received a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering. During his studies, he worked with G&G, a McElroy distributor in Mexico. There, he became well-versed

Mr Palaiologos attended Monterrey Institute of Technology and received a degree in automotive engineering

“I hope to help McElroy grow within the UK market,” Mr Palaiologos said. “My goal is to support customers and help them make good business decisions. I’m excited to step into this role, and happy that it allows me to stay active in the technical side of things. That’s something I’m very passionate about.” McElroy www.mcelroy.com

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Hefestos acquires TMK Artrom and renames it Artrom Steel Tubes Artrom Steel Tubes, one of the leading pipe companies in Europe, with operations in Romania in Reșița and Slatina, has announces the change of the ownership of the company, the renaming of the companies and the appointment of a new board of directors. Hefestos Capital, the largest investment banking company in Southeast Europe, based in Belgrade, has purchased from TMK Group (PAO TMK) the shares held in the German company TMK Europe GmbH, which is the majority shareholder of TMK Artrom SA. “We are pleased to announce that we have acquired 100 per cent of Artrom Steel Tubes, the leading Romanian industrial group and one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steel pipes in Europe and the world. For 21 years we, at Hefestos Capital, have made our mission to assist and develop leading companies and brands in Southeastern Europe to renew old leaders and create new champions. “Our acquisition of Artrom will allow us to do exactly this and give a new life and flourish to this venerable industrial company. We look forward to working together with Artrom’s management both old and new and skilled employee team, as well as the Romanian Government, our suppliers and customers across the world, to further develop and grow Artrom’s franchise and footprint,” said Milutin Nikolic, Hefestos Capital co-founder. As a result of the transaction, the new beneficial owners of the Artrom Group and its companies in Romania, Italy and the US are Serbian co-founders of Hefestos Capital, Milutin Nikolic and Pavle Kavran. These companies are no longer part of the TMK Group, no longer controlled by it and no longer linked to the former Russian investor. Moreover, the transaction has already been certified by the competent authority in Germany, the new beneficial owners have been registered with the Romanian Trade Register and all relevant Romanian authorities have already been informed. With the change of the shareholding, the cancellation of the decisions to freeze the funds of the Romanian companies (former TMK) was also requested, due to the sanctions imposed on the former beneficial owner. “This moment is a very important one for the future of the company because it paves the way out of a period of extreme difficulties caused by the listing of the former beneficial owner of Artrom as a sanctioned person. From now on, the Artrom Group can resume its development programmes that have been

postponed by successive crises over the last three years – the pandemic and the war in Ukraine – and continue its activity in the markets where it has distinguished itself over the years. The change of the beneficial owner generates confidence in the Artrom Group companies in Europe and the USA,” said Adrian Popescu, chairman of the board of directors of Artrom Steel Tubes. Artrom Steel Tubes www.artrom.com

Adrian Popescu

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Sustainability top of the agenda at Construction Week in the UK

was a feature at UKCW Birmingham; a showcase of concepts, products and software that demonstrate productivity, speed, quality, sustainability and innovation in the construction industry. Officially opened by architect and Channel Four presenter George Clarke and featuring guest speaker Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, UKCW Birmingham welcomed around 25,000 attendees and celebrated culture change in construction with a programme of debate and discussion from speakers on how the industry can move forward to tackle its biggest issues, including quality, fire safety, sustainability, offsite manufacturing, mental health and improving diversity and inclusion. Visitors were also able to find sections dedicated to building materials, digi- talisation, infrastructure, surface & materials, offsite construction and skills and careers and saw over 6,000 products on display from more than 300 exhibitors. UK Construction Week www.ukconstructionweek.com

initially joined OWM in 2018, Mr Cowie provides a wealth of specialist insight and a continued commitment to sourcing the most effective technical requirement solutions for OWM’s customers. OWM will provide first-fit solutions to unique requirements, particularly in pumps, valves, water production, pipework and fittings from some of the world’s leading manufacturers. Mr Cowie said: “This is an exciting time for OWM and I am delighted to be taking on the position of technical supply coordinator. “Having previously worked in OWM’s sampling department, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the specialist nature of the requirements and challenges our clients encounter every day. I look forward to strengthening the first-class, full-cycle service that our clients expect and receive.” Sustainability and its role in the industry played a major part in the UK’s Construction Week in Birmingham, with a special section dedicated to Net Zero, a programme of panels and speakers and a large number of exhibitors showcasing products, which focus on protecting the environment. Guest speakers on the Net Zero stage included Frank Gordon, director of policy at the Renewable Energy Association; Cat Fletcher, CEO, Freegle; and Maya de Souza, circular economy campaign director, Business In The Community. Nathan Garnett, UKCW Birmingham’s show director, said: “As a major consumer of materials, Net Zero and sustainability are of the utmost importance and urgency to the construction industry, hence why UK Construction Week Birmingham focused heavily on them. We not only showcased the latest innovations but heard from industry experts on what we can – and must – all do to play our part.” Sustainability was also at the heart of the new Future Lab area, which

Sustainability and its role in the industry played a major part in Construction Week

Offshore Water Management announces expansion and new framework with leading operator

Water management and risk prevention specialist Offshore Water Management Ltd (OWM) has announced its continued growth with the expansion of its in-house technical supply service following a new supply framework with a leading operator and a new appointment. OWM, which is in its 15 th year of operation, is committed to providing a technical supply offering as part of its portfolio of services. The company’s new supply framework reinforces its presence in the offshore energy sector as OWM oversees the specialist water treatment and chemical requirements of the Brae Assets. Q3 of 2022 will also see the water management experts support two leading UKCS operators with offshore water management projects. Driving the growth of the technical supply division is the newly appointed technical supply coordinator, Matt Cowie. Having

Neill Crone (left) and Matt Cowie of OWM

In addition to the success of its new business stream, OWM has been awarded an accreditation for a Quality Management System, Lloyds ISO 9001. Neill Crone, general manager at OWM, said: “Quality, safety and efficiency are of great importance to all of us at OWM so our dedicated team go above and beyond to provide our clients with over 15 years of technical knowledge combined with working relationships with an extensive network of globally recognised suppliers and manufacturers such as Hatenboer-Water and Watts Socla.” Offshore Water Management Ltd www.owmgroup.com

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WITT introduces new electronic gas mixer for steel pipe production

Inside the new model from WITT is an electronically operated proportional valve that achieves a maximum mixed gas output of up to 2,180Nm 3 /h. The system is controlled either remotely via Ethernet or analog output, or directly on the unit via an intuitive touchscreen.

WITT Gas has announced its MG 2000 ME ERC+ electronic gas mixer for applications needing high flow rates of gas mixtures, such as steel production or the chemical industry. The device generates high-quality gas mixtures of two technical gases, even when the flow rate is fluctuating.

The WITT gas mixer ensures a particularly high level of process reliability

The seamless mixture adjustment is thus particularly precise, and stored mixture specifications can be easily reproduced. When operated remotely, the user can control and see the system status at any time and from anywhere in the world. The system keeps the mixture and outlet pressure stable, even when the flowrate is changing. In this way, the user obtains a precise mixture over the entire output range, even with cycling flowrates. With its numerous features, the WITT gas mixer ensures a particularly high level of process reliability. Pressure fluctuations in the gas supply are compensated by a constant pressure control and have no influence on the mixture quality. Optional pressure and temperature transmitters monitor the gas supply. Excessively low inlet pressures or temperatures generate an alarm and shut down the system. The setting of the mixing valve is maintained even when the mixer is switched off. This means that after a restart, the required mixture is generated again immediately. The mixer can also be optionally equipped with an integrated gas analyser for monitoring and documenting the gas mixture. The MG 2000-ME ERC+ reliably generates precise and absolutely homogeneous gas mixtures of the highest quality. In addition, it offers the highest possible flexibility with regard to mixing ratio, gas quantity and place of use. By using comparatively inexpensive standard technical gases, the on-site generation of mixtures with the low maintenance WITT unit is particularly economical. WITT Gas www.wittgas.com

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Valves, tubes and actuators are increasingly key components in the growing hydrogen process chain

The hydrogen boom has long since begun and the potential for use in industry is enormous. Billion dollar investments have already been made, or are in the planning stages. Valves and actuators play a key role in this transformation, as they are used along the entire hydrogen process chain. However, the market has such a high dynamic that the definition of a European standard for hydrogen is still lagging behind and there are currently programs to investigate the hydrogen compatibility of existing valves. Still, the valve sector has plenty of experience dealing with the medium of H 2 already – and this can be accelerated. “The hydrogen market is very broad,” explained Thomas Weisschuh, director product management and innovation at AS-Schneider Group. Applications range from generation, storage and transport to use. In electrolysis, in addition to H 2 the media of water and oxygen must also be treated. Therefore, valves are very different as far as requirements are concerned – in terms of pressure, temperature and media handling. A great potential exists that needs leveraging, with regard to the goal of accelerating the energy transition and independence from Russian gas too. This for instance makes pipelines for hydrogen necessary. By 2030 for example, around €2.5bn are expected to be spent on creating a line from Barcelona to Marseille.

The hydrogen market is very broad – the applications range from generation to storage and transport to use

Up to ten per cent of the EU’s expected demand for green hydrogen could flow through “H 2 Med”. “The maximum capacity of the Mediterranean pipeline will be two million tons of hydrogen per year,” reported Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI). The pipeline is now to also be extended to Germany. High investments Electrolysis systems are essential for H 2 production. Samson Pfeiffer is supplying more than 1,000 control and shut-off valves for a new plant in Saudi Arabia. “This major order gives us the opportunity to help shape the carbon-neutral factory of the future,” said Pfeiffer sales manager André Schnepper. A development also confirmed by AS-Schneider. There is, for example, a high level of investment in H 2 projects in the Middle East. “These countries are gearing up for the time after oil & gas,” explained Thomas Weisschuh. Plants for some large projects are supplied by European companies such as ThyssenKrupp and Siemens. Hydrogen is used in various industries, including the food sector. The MPreis manufacturer in Austria for example invested €13mn in a large single-stack electrolysis plant. H 2 from renewable sources will be produced for use both in their large bakery and transport truck. The order comprises a total of 200 valves, for instance 70 stainless steel ball valves. Challenge for valves The hydrogen market is undoubtedly an attractive one – but with high expectations with regard to design, quality and material stability.

With its material suitability testing, Hartmann Valves offers a test enabling checks of existing valves for application with hydrogen

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One reason for example is the high level of explosiveness of this gas. The highest standards are therefore required when selecting valves – so internal and external impermeability are of the utmost importance. “In order to store the same amount of energy, a higher pressure is usually required,” explains product manager Stefan Schenk. Furthermore, the operating temperature spectrum is significantly greater. At atmospheric pressure, hydrogen only liquefies at a temperature of -253°C. In addition, when designing valves and choosing the material, hydrogen embrittlement must be taken into account. In order to ensure the suitability of the valves, the industry relies on hydrogen emission tests. Hartmann Valves also offers material suitability testing. Comprehensive internal leak tests ensure that statutory thresholds are met and volatile emissions minimised. Appropriate controls The hydrogen industry is also increasingly shaped by digitisation and automation. “For us, this means that there are constantly new developments in control solutions for valves,” explained Peter Wegjan, sales engineer for special ball valves at Hartmann Valves. Here, they work together with actuator suppliers “to be able to offer controls tailored to the application”. One supplier of actuators for example is AUMA. “Our explosion-proof actuators are suitable for hydrogen,” emphasises Kai Ewald, head of sales oil & gas. AUMA actuators are used, for example, in the power-to-gas plant

Bilfinger successfully completed another hydrogen project for the process industry to promote alternative energy sources

of Windgas Haßfurt, where excess wind energy is converted into H 2 . They are used for feeding hydrogen into the gas network. The market is booming – corresponding systems, modules and pipelines are therefore getting larger and larger. Waldemar Pruss Armaturenfabrik notes a trend towards the increasing importance of systems being maintenance-free. They are, therefore, offering special valves for hydrogen applications, which on the one hand meet standards and norms, yet on the other also dispense with maintenance prone components made of elastomers. Big things ahead Some things still need clarifying – that is why the regulations of the German Association of Gas and Water are being revised and adapted to the future use of hydrogen. The project’s aim is to investigate the possible applications and limitations of shut-off valves with regard to their H 2 impermeability. In addition, standardisation in Europe is relatively unclear. Some companies apply international standards and databases – such as ASME B31.12 for hydrogen piping and pipelines – and develop an internal standard from this. However, the dynamics of the hydrogen market will also give a strong boost to standardisation. After all, the valve sector is expecting great things as to its potential in the future. Trends and highlights from the valves and fittings industry can be experienced at Valve World Expo from 3 to 5 December 2024 in Düsseldorf.

Hartmann Valves has already supplied hydrogen wellheads with integrated ball valves for salt cavern storage

Valve World Expo 2024 www.valveworldexpo.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL May 2023

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