A new valve with a high flow factor for the medium hydrogen has been added to the müller coax product range. It is designed to withstand pressures of up to 1,000 bar.
So-called green hydrogen from CO2-neutral production plays a key role in the energy transition. However, the requirements for valves installed in such systems are high: high pressure levels, higher flow rates, high density, durability and easy maintenance.
müller coax has long been established as a supplier of valves along the entire hydrogen value chain. With the KX 1000 valve, the globally active group is now endeavoring to make hydrogen solutions even more efficient. It can be used wherever a high flow rate, tight installation space, low weight and low control air consumption pose a challenge.
Robust despite its small size
Compared to its specifications, the KX 1000 has a compact design. The nominal seat diameter is 8 mm and the KV value is 1.9 m³/h. With an outer diameter of 114 mm and a length of 205 cm, the valve weighs 12 kg. The pneumatic actuator is coaxially integrated within the valve and consumes only 120 cm³ of compressed air per switching operation - an advantage that is noticeable for users in terms of operating costs.
In order to fill and transport large quantities of hydrogen, it must be compressed. Compression using compressors therefore takes place at high pressures. The shut-off valves used must therefore be accordingly robust in order to prevent seat leakage.
The KX 1000 hydrogen valve can withstand pressures of up to 1000 bar and is also back pressure-tight. This means that when closed, the pressure on the outlet side can be higher without any leakage occurring. To prevent the embrittlement that can occur on metals when used with hydrogen, the KX 1000 is made of stainless steel. This can withstand the hydrogen and is leak-proof even after prolonged use.
Quick and easy to fill
Hydrogen can be stored and transported efficiently both in gaseous form at high pressure and in liquid form at atmospheric pressure. Hydrogen trailers with gas cylinder bundles are used for transportation. These gas cylinders are filled under high pressure using a compressor. With the KX 1000, this process is quick and uncomplicated, as it enables a large flow rate in addition to high pressure resistance thanks to the nominal width of 8 mm.
Two-way flow valve for maximum efficiency
Hydrogen is a real alternative fuel for commercial vehicles and tube trailers that cover long distances. This is mainly due to the short refueling time and longer range. By using high pressures, the refueling time can now be reduced even further.
As the KX 1000 can be filled from both sides, the gas cylinder can be filled and emptied through the same valve. This saves space, as users can dispense with additional valves. Two inductive limit switches monitor the switching position of the valve. The temperature range of the medium is typically -40°C to +85°C. The KX 1000 also complies with the hydrogen standard for filling stations in accordance with ISO 19880-3. It can be used in ATEX zones 1 and 2 as standard, and can even be used in ATEX zone 0 following prior technical clarification.
“With the KX 1000 hydrogen valve, we have developed a pressure-balanced, extremely compact valve that fits perfectly into the enclosure, especially in cramped application situations such as a filling station,” summarizes Heinz Hirschlein, Product Manager at müller coax. “In the hydrogen sector, the future will be about optimizing existing processes. With hydrogen, higher pressure often means higher efficiency, as more hydrogen can be transported. The KX1000 valve is designed for pressures of up to 1000 bar and also has a high flow rate. This means that the refueling process can be significantly shortened compared to conventional valves.”
