Hydrogen & Fuel Cell High Pressure Valves
Hydrogen systems operate at high pressure with a molecule small enough to expose any weakness in a seal. Valves must stay leak-tight across pressure cycling, thermal cycling and frequent purging.
Valonix 20 MPa high pressure diaphragm and pneumatic valves, high pressure check valves and cylinder valves are used on tube trailers, storage banks, refuelling skids and fuel cell test stands.
Leak tightness at 20 MPa
Hydrogen service puts a premium on both inboard and across-seat leak performance. Helium mass spectrometer testing is used as the acceptance method, because helium is a conservative proxy for hydrogen permeation.
- Helium leak tested at working pressure
- Across-seat and inboard verification
- Metal diaphragm or bellows primary seal
Pressure cycling and material
Frequent filling cycles fatigue seats and diaphragms. 316L bodies with controlled sulfur content and a seat design that limits over-travel give longer service life. State the expected cycle count at specification stage.
- 316L controlled-sulfur bodies
- Seat design limits diaphragm over-travel
- Declare expected pressure cycle count
Safe state and venting
Pneumatic valves on hydrogen skids should be normally closed and included in the emergency shutdown logic. Check valves on vent and purge legs prevent reverse flow into the storage bank.
- Normally closed pneumatic isolation
- Included in ESD interlock
- Check valves on purge and vent legs
Recommended valve families
Cylinder & High Pressure Valves
Cylinder valves and 20 MPa high pressure pneumatic valves for tube trailers
High Pressure Diaphragm Valves
High pressure diaphragm valves rated 3000-4500 PSI for specialty gas cylinders
High Purity Check Valves
High purity check valves and non-return valves for specialty gas systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 20 MPa valves suitable for hydrogen tube trailers?
Yes. The CV20 and VP families are built for tube trailer compartments and high pressure hydrogen pipelines.
Why helium leak test a hydrogen valve?
Helium is a small, inert tracer gas and mass spectrometer testing gives a sensitive, repeatable acceptance measurement.