ATEX Triplex Plunger Pumps for Green Hydrogen Production - Case Study

ATEX Triplex Plunger Pumps for Green Hydrogen Production - Case Study Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) Mono Ethylene Glycol also known as MEG is typically used as a component of coolants, antifreeze, and deicers as well as in the manufacture of polyester fibres. Ethylene glycol is also a naturally occurring compound derived from Biomass and Biooils that can be potentially used as a renewable source of hydrogen after processing as a non-fossil fueled way of producing clean energy. Not only could green sources of Ethylene Glycol help with the production of Green Hydrogen, but as certain concentrations of mixtures are more conductive than other hydrogen containing fluids, it could mean that less power is required during electrolysis to produce Hydrogen improving the efficiency of hydrogen production. Project Background A customer contacted us who were looking for 3 High Pressure Pumps being used for a mixture of Mono Ethylene Glycol and Water at pressures over 40 Bar and flows up to 300L per minute. The pumps were being used within a Hydrogen plant where due to the gases present required any solution proposed to be ATEX rated for the environment and be suitable for extended operation over long periods of time. Solution We specified and supplied 3 CAT Triplex Plunger Pumps in AISI 316 Stainless Steel, with the head driven via a speed reducing belt drive transmission system. The unit was mounted on a steel baseplate, with the belt protected by an Anti-Sparking Brass Coupling Guard. Due to the location of the motor an IP65 rated 22Kw motor was selected which was ATEX rated to EXd IIb T4. Triplex Plunger pumps are designed differently to piston designs in that the plunger slides back and forth within a stuffing box which controls the working volume as opposed to a piston sliding back and forth within a hollow cylinder. Triplex Plunger designs are suited for higher pressures than that of piston models. Although such pumps are self priming by nature, for optimal performance it is important an inlet pressure of up to 2.75 bar for piston pumps or 4.8 bar for Plunger pumps be provided for pump longevity and limiting of internal components. Regulator and Relief Valve use with Plunger Pumps We always recommend that triplex plunger pumps are used in conjunction with a regulator and relief valve. A regulator valve sets and maintains consistent system pressure. In applications where process flow is abruptly stopped such as in trigger gun applications, it helps maintain the desired system pressure with flow via a bypass port. A relief or unloading valve protects a system from over pressurisation protecting components and pipework. If pressure spike occurs (flow in outlet pipe stopped) low flow of low-pressure flow to cycle reducing wear on components. If you have an application where you are looking to inject a controlled amount of chemicals in your process, contact us to see how we can help.

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