Hydrogen: A Promising Way to Decarbonize the Chemical Industry

WIKA

Hydrogen: A Promising Way to Decarbonize the Chemical Industry 

Hydrogen: A Promising Way to Decarbonize the Chemical Industry
Hydrogen: A Promising Way to Decarbonize the Chemical Industry


The United States is among the many developed economies that are working toward a net-zero future. The White House has a goal of halving the country's emissions of greenhouse gases by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. And in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, Congress dedicated $8 billion for clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) in an effort to spur hydrogen mobility. Similar initiatives and investments, on a smaller scale, are taking place in the private sector.
 

The Trouble with Hydrogen

Hydrogen holds much promise, but leakage is an issue. As the gas with the lowest density, H2 is notorious for escaping from pipelines and tanks. Leaks not only cost a company money, but the gas is highly flammable and also contributes to global warming.

Second, to efficiently store and transport the gas, it must first be condensed using one of the following:

  • High pressure - 5,000 to 10,000+ psi
  • Cryogenic liquefaction - cooling H2 below its boiling point of -423°F
  • Solid-state storage
  • Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs)

Each method has its upsides and downsides, namely in energy expenditure, operational costs, and safety hazards.

These issues are challenging but not insurmountable. One thing is certain: hydrogen storage and transport require continuous control, which is possible only with accurate, reliable measurement technology.
 

Next Steps for the Chemical Industry

Where is your company on the road to hydrogen-enabled processes? To help you strategize, plan, and prepare for carbon-neutral operations, the chemical experts at WIKA have created the white paper Hydrogen As a Beacon of Hope. In addition to a hydrogen-readiness checklist, this report offers insights and more information on:

  • Hydrogen as a factor in achieving net zero in the chemical industry
  • How hydrogen's unique properties create unique challenges
  • Requirements of an H2 infrastructure
  • Concrete steps toward preventing hydrogen leakage
  • Measurement technologies as a key tool for minimizing hydrogen-related risks


Call us today at (855) 737-4714 to learn more, or fill out our online form and someone will get back to you.