Hydrogen application of ball valve : An ERIKS case study

Abstract: This thesis investigates the hydrogen application of ball valves. The approach taken was that of a gap analysis where the current situation at ball valve manufacturer ERIKS is considered as a starting point and the desired situation is a ball valve for hydrogen applications. Interviews, literature and document review, and CAD modelling were techniques used to find a solution. This solution was then tested through an experimental setup according to ISO standard 15848 one missions. The valve with EPDM O-ring passed the test up to the CO3 stage successfully when the testing was stopped. Overall this proves the expectation of using the ball valve in real-world application is realistic. The drawbacks of the thesis lie in the limited analysis of sustainability and the lack of testing at various temperatures. The temperature concerns are partially remedied due to the previously gathered data on the material at these higher temperatures.