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Fluidic solutions for electrolysers

Produced without carbon emissions from renewable energy sources, green hydrogen is an energy carrier that embodies a clean future. It is mostly generated through electrolysis, whereby electrical energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.  Electrolysers make this process both sustainable and economical. Precise closed-loop control of the gas and liquid flows in the electrolyser is essential for ensuring optimal operating conditions and maximising process efficiency.

KeyVisual with inscription Hydrogen meets fluid experience

What are the key things to consider when it comes to closed-loop control of fluids, and how does Bürkert assist with such things as maximum efficiency and low maintenance?

An electrolyser should aim for as high efficiency as possible in order to generate clean hydrogen using the lowest possible amount of renewable primary energy. This requires precise, reliable closed-loop control of all key parameters on both the anode and the cathode side. Our automation, valve and sensor solutions ensure that your processes are low-maintenance and your electrolyser is operated safely and efficiently.

Rendering Elektrolyseur

 

Bürkert products and solutions comply with the necessary approvals and meet very stringent safety requirements. Long maintenance intervals and energy-saving solutions contribute to the efficient utilisation of your electrolysis system. Our components are suitable for use with hydrogen and guarantee reliable operation.

Reliable &function

by providing certified and high-quality components

Precise&reliable

thanks to the use of modern technologies

Durable & resistant

thanks to hydrogen-compatible, pressure- & temperature-resistant materials

Broad portfolio and comprehensive advice

Our broad portfolio covers a wide range of balance-of-plant (BoP) processes. We not only offer products, but also comprehensive consulting services and tailored system solutions. With our local support and on-site services, such as the construction of plant components and local logistics, you can count on us to support you every step of the way.  

Bürkert Competencies for Electrolysers

Gas control and analysis
Back pressure control
Inertisation
Back pressure control
Gas control and analysis
Gas cleaning and drying

Color Stripes Green

Open-loop and closed-loop control of cooling water, DI water/steam, electrolyte (KOH), and recirculate

The open-loop and closed-loop control of cooling water, fresh water, and recirculate in electrolysers are essential for their efficient operation. The cooling water circuits prevent the system from overheating, while fresh water is supplied in precise doses to stabilise the electrolysis process. Any process water that is not used up during electrolysis, known as recirculate, can be fed back into the water cycle. This helps reduce water consumption and conserve resources.

Bürkert provides the correct components and system solutions for these processes. Our solutions are designed to regulate processes precisely and ensure optimal performance and safety of the electrolyser. 

Measurement and closed-loop control of Pressure, Flow rate& Conductivity

Pressure monitoring

Type 8325

Pressure transmitter for general applications, 0…25 bar

Type 8325
  • Available with hygienic flush-mounted diaphragm
  • Housing and wetted parts in corrosion-resistant stainless steel
  • Standard signal 4…20 mA for connection to automation systems
  • Plug for quick installation and service
  • Many pressure ranges available

 

Quality monitoring of ultrapure water

Type 8222

Conductivity meter, ELEMENT design

Type 8222
  • Perfect for clean water and slightly concentrated liquids
  • Compact measuring device for direct connection to the control level (PLC) via analogue 4…20 mA signal or digital IO-Link or Bürkert system bus (büS)/CANopen communication
  • Parametrisation, calibration and transfer of parametrisation data all possible thanks to a removable display/configuration module
  • Simulation of process values for diagnostics
  • Universal process connection, three different cell constants to cover a wide range of applications such as reverse osmosis

 

Flow measurement of liquids& Gases

Type 8030

Inline flowmeter for continuous measurements

Type 8030
  • Economical integration into pipe systems
  • 3-wire frequency-pulse variant for direct connection to a PLC (PNP and NPN)
  • Simple connection to Bürkert evaluation devices in a separate variant
  • HT variant available for high temperatures and pressure (max. 125°C/max. 40 bar)

 

Switching and proportional control of DI water, cooling water, recirculate&Gases

Type 6240

Servo-assisted 2/2-way piston valve

Type 6240
  • Servo-assisted and compact piston valve with diameter of up to DN 13
  • Vibration-resistant , screwed coil system
  • Energy-saving double coil technology with kick and drop variant
  • Safe opening with hard-coupled piston system
  • Explosion proof versions
Type 3281

Electromotive 2-way proportional valve

Type 3281
  • Actuator is not wetted
  • Excellent setting range and fast reaction time
  • Connection orifice DN 15
  • Medium temperature up to 130 °C
  • Variants: positioner, process controller
Type 2875

Direct-acting 2 way standard solenoid control valve

Type 2875
  • Excellent range
  • Very good response
  • Compact valve design
  • Orifice sizes 2...9.5 mm
  • Optional: Explosion-protected coil

 

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Back pressure control for cathode and anode, inertisation

The backpressure regulation at the cathode and anode outlets of electrolysers is crucial for efficiently and safely controlling hydrogen production. A proportional open-loop control system ensures that the pressure of both gases — hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode — is precisely regulated. This prevents efficiency losses and minimizes safety risks. By maintaining stable pressure, the system optimizes gas production, maximizing the state of function of the electrolyser.

Proportional Control or Regulation of Gases

Type 3361

Electromotive 2 way globe control valve

Type 3361
  • Hydrogen version available
  • Highly precise, dynamic closed-loop control
  • Weather, impact and vibration resistant design
  • Several Kv values per port size due to removable valve seats
  • Position controller and process controller available
Type 8802

ELEMENT continuous control valve systems – overview

Type 8802
  • Integrated automation with leading technology
  • High service life and maintenance-free operation
  • Excellent control characteristics, especially for angle seat and globe valve

 

Color Stripes Green

Electrical control of the produced gases

Automated control of gases in electrolysers, both electrically and pneumatically, significantly contributes to the efficiency and safety of the plant. With automation, parameters like gas pressure and flow can be continuously and precisely monitored and adjusted in real-time.

Electrical controllers allow rapid response to changing conditions, making them suitable for containerised plants and installations up to a few megawatts. Pneumatic automation solutions reliably control gas flow and pressure, making them ideal for electrolysers in the higher megawatt range, either freestanding or installed in buildings. Automation solutions for hydrogen applications fundamentally lead to increased process stability, improved energy efficiency, and longer lifespan for the hydrogen plant.

Automation — Pneumatic pre-control of compressed air-operated process valves, such as ball valves or seat valves 

Type 8652

AirLINE – the valve island optimised for process automation

Type 8652
  • Safety-related shut-off of valves possible
  • Higher plant availability with PROFINET S2 (system redundancy)
  • Process reliability through pneumatic functions
  • Optimised for installation at the bottom of the control cabinet
  • EX-Versions: ATEX / IECEx Zone 2, cURus Haz. Loc. CL I, II, III Div 2
Type ME63

Industrial Ethernet gateway, IP65/ IP67/ IP69k

Type ME63
  • Gateway for Industrial Ethernet standards, incl. OPC UA, for use in environments requiring a high degree of protection
  • Up to 128 input and 128 output variables can be transmitted
  • "Batch controller" functionality for precise dosing of liquids
  • Connection of up to eight end devices or junction box modules, connection of up to 126 CANopen participants
  • Integrated central configuration management for easy device replacement

 

Shut-off solenoid valves for hydrogen

Type 0290

Servo-assisted 2/2-way diaphragm valve

Type 0290
  • Servo-assisted diaphragm valve up to DN 50
  • Fix-coupled diaphragm opens without differential pressure
  • Vibration-proof, block screwed coil system
  • Energy-saving power reduction for all DC variants

 

Shut-off process valves for hydrogen

Type 2100

Pneumatically operated 2/2-way angle seat valve ELEMENT for decentralized automation

Type 2100
  • High flow rates
  • Long service life
  • Easy integration of automation units with ELEMENT
  • Flow-optimised stainless steel valve body with sleeve, clamp or weld connection
  • Suitable for steam
Type 8805

Ball valve / Butterfly valve with pneumatic rotary actuator

Type 8805
  • Pneumatic rotary actuator
  • Accurate end position setting
  • High flow values
  • High medium pressures
  • Long lifetime

Fluidic solutions for electrolysers

A comprehensive overview of Bürkert solutions and further useful information can be found in our hydrogen catalogue. Download here.

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Need help? — As your armature expert in the field of hydrogen, Bürkert will be happy to help you.

Selecting the optimal automation solution or the right hydrogen valves is often not easy. We are happy to help you speed up your decision-making process in order to find the right solution for your hydrogen application quickly and efficiently.