Green hydrogen electrolyser plants: EHS factors during commissioning & ops

Biyat Energy & Environment Ltd fully support the #greenhydrogen revolution and with over a decade's experience in high-risk production environments - we rise to the challenge helping clients manage the EHS risks associated with electrolyser operations plus #greenmethanol and #greenammonia facilities.

Some key safety considerations include:
➽ Explosive atmospheres; including the formation of hydrogen/oxygen mixtures in the process chamber and/or separator, leading to internal explosions.
➽ High pressure & temperature; electrolyser operating conditions increase the risk of equipment failure and accidents.
➽ Gas cross-over; permeation* of hydrogen and oxygen through the membrane system leading to contamination - potentially leading to flammable mixtures at high pressures. *(Gas permeability increases with pressure.)
➽ Material compatibility; mitigating ignition sources in oxygen-rich environments is critical combined with the use of chemical, thermal & mechanical resistant materials.
➽ Maintenance & Inspection; it goes without saying, robust SOPs should be developed without compromise to maintain the integrity of the system and prevent leaks or failures (i.e. sensors, gas / leak detection, ATEX rated equipment, pressure relief devices, grounding).
➽ Remote monitoring; i.e. the ratio of H2/O2 mixtures in the production streams. Manage risks by providing real-time data and response in conjunction with fail-safe design principles.

Other design considerations include:
»Redundancy built into the safety control circuit design,
»Using membranes with low gas permeability characteristics (i.e. via coatings or high resistance Nafion™ materials etc.),
»The use of passive catalytic gas recombiners to manage hydrogen leaks,
»ATEX rated ventilation system design (+UPS backup / shutdown comms in case of failure),
»Compliance with regulatory requirements such as the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU relating to pressure bearing components, piping, fitting and joints.
»System leak tightness and validation of welded connections in piping systems, plus commissioning phase leakage tests prior to initial start-up using approval protocols.

E: enquiries@biyatenergyenvironment.com
T: +44 121 318 4019
HQ: Regent House, 320a Stratford Rd, Solihull, U.K, B90 3DN
Company No: 10842762