What type of filtration occurs in the production of hydrogen?

What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a sustainable solution for energy needs. It is a clean fuel that only produces water when burned, without harmful emissions.

The production process of hydrogen and filtration

Producing hydrogen requires multiple steps, with filtration playing an important role. Processes such as electrolysis or steam reforming produce byproducts such as moisture, dust, and chemical impurities. These substances can affect the quality of the hydrogen and cause damage to sensitive applications such as fuel cells. Filtration ensures that hydrogen meets stringent quality requirements, essential for safe and efficient applications.

Demiwater: Essential for hydrogen production

In electrolysis, demiwater is indispensable. This water is free of ions and other contaminants, preventing mineral buildup in the equipment. High-quality demiwater filtration not only promotes the longevity of the electrolysis plant but also contributes to the production of extremely pure hydrogen for industrial and vehicle applications.

Importance of filtration for equipment and production

Filtration not only improves the quality of hydrogen but also protects machinery and pipelines. Impurities can lead to wear and malfunctions, causing downtime and higher costs. With the right filter systems, production remains smooth and maintenance costs are limited.

Water filtration in hydrogen production

In the production of hydrogen, water is split via electrolysis. It is crucial that this water is clean, without contaminants or impurities that could disrupt the electrolysis. There are several filters that help with this: 

• Candle filters: These filters are used to remove particles such as sand, rust, or dirt from the water, so that electrolysis can occur smoothly.
• High flow elements: This type of filter is suitable for processes where large amounts of water need to be filtered quickly. They ensure high flow capacity.
• Bag filters: Bag filters capture larger particles from the water and work well with other filters to further purify the water.
• RO (reverse osmosis) filters: Reverse osmosis filters remove almost all contaminants from the water, such as salts and dissolved substances. This makes the water suitable for electrolysis.

In addition to these filters, we also provide filter housings for all these types of filters.

We also provide complete systems for water treatment. These systems are fully designed based on the need and your situation. The quality of the incoming water and other process conditions are taken into account to determine which system is required for your process.

Air filtration for the electrolysis room

In addition to water, the air in the space where electrolysis takes place is also important. The air must be free of dust and other contaminants to ensure that the electrolysis equipment continues to function properly. The following filters are commonly used to keep the air clean: 

• Bag filters: These filters are used to filter out dust and other particles from the air. They ensure that the air remains clean and that the equipment does not clog.
• Compact filters: This type of filter is more compact and can filter finer particles from the air than panel filters. They are often used to further improve air quality.
• Absolute (HEPA) filters: HEPA filters provide the highest level of filtration. They can even remove the smallest particles (less than 0.3 microns) from the air, which is necessary to protect the electrolysis equipment.
• Activated carbon filters: Activated carbon filters are effective in removing odors and gaseous contaminants from the air, which is important in environments where chemical substances may be present.
• ProScreen: ProScreen is specially designed to efficiently filter coarse dust from the air before it reaches the intake grille. This helps to keep the air clean in the electrolysis room.

Want to know more about filtration in hydrogen production?

Do you want to know how filtration can improve your production process or which filters are suitable for your application? Contact our specialists via info@interfilter.nl or call us for personalized advice.