Handle hydrogen blending with these gas regulators
The Government target for Britain’s network of gas pipes aims to deliver 20% H2 nationwide from 2023. However, addressing specific integrity and safety issues will be essential if this goal is to be reached. Through identifying the key challenges facing H2 blending, as well as keeping improvements of existing gas networks in mind, this company has developed its own approach to future-proof gas regulators within the gas distribution system. The IM-S gas regulator is manufactured from 316 stainless steel, which is acknowledged to be less susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. Furthermore, they do not feature large elastomeric diaphragms, which, research suggests, fare less well in trials of hydrogen transmission at various pressures, with leaks a common issue. By eliminating the diaphragm and reducing the risk of regulator fatigue and failure, the IM-S regulator minimizes the risk of unplanned maintenance — maximizing efficiency and reducing operating costs whether hydrogen blending is present in a network or not, says the company. — Oxford Flow Ltd., Oxford, U.K.