Kelvion Supplies Heat Exchangers for Green Hydrogen Plant

Silica Verfahrenstechnik GmbH, a German firm specializing in systems for purifying and drying gases, has ordered a Shell & Tube Double Safety heat exchanger from Kelvion for a new green hydrogen electrolysis pilot plant. This facility is intended to contribute to the development of a European hydrogen economy.

The Kelvion heat exchanger will be used to remove water from the hydrogen produced during the electrolysis process. The core feature is its double-tube design, which consists of an inner and outer tube, along with two tube sheets at each end. This construction ensures process safety and reliability.

In the event of damage to the inner tube wall, process fluids are directed through leakage channels between the double tubes into a collection space, triggering an alarm. The intact outer tube maintains media separation, preventing contamination and allowing the equipment to continue operating until the next scheduled maintenance. This design aims to avoid costly unplanned downtimes and ensure process integrity.

Silica Verfahrenstechnik GmbH also stated that the new system helps reduce efforts associated with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP). According to the company, the double-tube technology eliminates the need for intermediate circuits and safety devices previously required with single-tube heat exchangers.

The new pilot plant is expected to produce up to 290 kilograms of green hydrogen per hour using renewable electricity. Following the observed benefits, Silica Verfahrenstechnik GmbH intends to implement Kelvion's double-tube safety heat exchangers in future projects.