Hydrogen Gas Valves

Contribution and Safety of Hydrogen

CONTRIBUTION OF FUJIKIN HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY

Fujikin started the first domestic production of valve equipment for rockets fuelled by hydrogen about 50 years ago.

Liquid fuel rockets that carry satellites and planetary probes are launched into space by the mixture and combustion of 253°C liquid hydrogen and 183°C liquid oxygen in the combustion chamber. With a valve that can withstand such ultra-low temperatures and unique technology, Fujikin contributes greatly to Japan's space development.

Since then, Fujikin has had a dominant share of the market in rocket launch complexes and testing facilities such as -253°C liquid hydrogen and 45MPa high-pressure hydrogen valve equipment, etc.

Fujikin has also developed products for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen stations and has the top share for hydrogen stations in Japan.

SAFETY OF HYDROGEN

Myths of the danger of hydrogen have been around for many years. People always have the impression that hydrogen explodes easily. Although hydrogen is a flammable substance like many other gases, the risks of hydrogen explode had been greatly reduced as hydrogen technology matures.

Hydrogen is the universe’s most abundant and simplest element. It mainly exists as an essential component of water (H2O). Hydrogen gas (H2) is composed of two hydrogen atoms stuck together, each containing just one proton and one electron. This simple chemical structure is what makes hydrogen gas flammable and relatively easy to ignite. This is also why hydrogen gas is non-toxic, odourless, tasteless, and light.

Hydrogen is safer than conventional fuels.

Comparing hydrogen to conventional fuels like gasoline, propane, and diesel, it has been shown that hydrogen is much safer than those conventional fuels in multiple aspects:

Hydrogen is not toxic, unlike conventional fuels. On the other hand, many conventional fuels are toxic or contain toxic substances, including powerful carcinogens. Moreover, when it comes to vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen produces only water, while vehicle combustion of conventional fuels generates harmful air pollution. A hydrogen leak or spill will not contaminate the environment or threaten the health of humans or wildlife, but fossil fuels can pose significant health and ecological threats when leaked, spilled, or combusted.
Hydrogen is 14 times lighter than air and 57 times lighter than gasoline vapor. As hydrogen is the lightest among other gases, hydrogen diffuses into the air quickly during the leakage. However, propane and gasoline vapor are heavier than air, making it more likely that they will remain at ground level, increasing the risk of fires harming people and buildings.
Hydrogen has a lower radiant heat than conventional gasoline, meaning the air around the flame of hydrogen is not as hot as around a gasoline flame. This special characteristic of hydrogen makes it difficult to ignite and even if it ignites, hydrogen will burn longitudinally and will not spread laterally.
Hydrogen has a higher oxygen requirement for explosion than fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be explosive with oxygen concentrations between 18 and 59 percent while gasoline can be explosive at oxygen concentrations between 1 and 3 percent. This means that gasoline has a greater risk of explosion than hydrogen in any given environment with oxygen.
When gasoline and LP gas leak, it spreads and accumulates on the lower side, resulting in potential fire hazards.

If you'd like to find out more and are looking for experienced professionals in the design and manufacturing industry, you may contact Fujikin Singapore at enquiry@fujikin.com.sg or at +65 6848 5760.