Magnet Schultz Introduces Smallest High-Pressure Solenoid Gas Valve with 1050 bar Capability for Hydrogen Applications.
With global research increasing and the adoption of hydrogen energy in road vehicles and other applications accelerating, Magnet Schultz has unveiled a timely range of compact solenoid gas valves. Notably, the new range includes the world’s smallest yet highest-pressure cut-off valve featuring input pressures up to 1050 bar.
The four solenoid gas valves in the new range comprise units for high pressure cut-off, safety shut-off, proportional flow control and purge/drain applications. All are compact devices that are the smallest in their class and deliver market-leading performance.
While mobile applications in automotive fuel cell developments are a predominant sector, the valves also address static hydrogen app
lications, with explosion-proof ATEX variants of the cut-off, safety shut-off and proportional flow control valves now available. The units are also suitable for compressed natural gas (CNG) and other gas applications.
“The key to the exceptional high-pressure capability of the valves is an innovative internal design that balances the pressure around a primary sealed tube,” explains Neil Lawrence, Business Development Engineer at Magnet Schultz Ltd. “That tube houses the valve that the hydrogen will run through. The pressurised gas is bled either side of the spool allowing it to move freely under magnetic control from the separate electric coil, thanks to a negligible pressure differential. This means the armature does not have to push against the high gas pressure, but can control it by simply moving its own mass – which is very light, given the small dimensions of these impressive new devices.”
The primary body size of the 1050 bar high pressure cut-off valve is just 32mm diameter. The safety shut-off and flow control valves are 40mm body diameter. Such compact sizes make them ideal for automotive and transportation applications as they require less space for the installation of OTVs (on-tank valves). In addition, the 12-Volt operational rating is specifically matched to automotive on-board power systems.
“While the conscious design goal was to make these valves incomparable for automotive applications, we have recently enjoyed significant success in the UK with a static hydrogen project,” says Lawrence. “Static and portable applications are governed by different legislation. Our customer is a British firm developing hydrogen production, storage and refuelling stations; such static applications demand components certified to ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 standards.”
Within the extensive Magnet Schultz actuator portfolio are many ATEX-rated solenoid products, available off-the-shelf. A new modular design policy being implemented across the company’s product ranges uses standardised body profiles and slip-on coils. “We were able to quickly deploy a standard ATEX-rated solenoid coil in conjunction with the newly-developed hydrogen valve body to meet the customer’s stringent criteria and the legislative obligation. It operates perfectly in this critical application, results in no loss of performance and highlights the fruitfulness of our modular concept,” Lawrence explains. “Now we have made these ATEX variants available as part of the new hydrogen/gas valve product range.” he adds.
Magnet Schultz Ltd is a member of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA).
Find more information at:
www.magnet-schultz.com/en/valves-for-hydrogen-storage-and-fuel-cell-systems/
