Vacuum solutions for the Hydrogen Industry Hydrogen as energy source of the future - a growing industry
Hydrogen as energy source of the future - a growing industry
As the world transitions toward cleaner energy, hydrogen is emerging as a key solution in lowering carbon emissions. As in many other industries, vacuum technology plays a crucial role in the hydrogen industry, e.g., for production, storage, transport and handling.
From electrolysis to fuel cell production, vacuum pumps and systems help create the optimal process conditions, prevent contamination, and enhance efficiency. Given hydrogen’s high flammability, reliable leak detection is critical for safety.
As a leader in vacuum technology, Leybold is at the forefront of innovation, providing solutions that unlock hydrogen’s full potential as a clean energy source.
Hydrogen is classified into different color codes based on its production method:
- Green Hydrogen – Produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, through a process called electrolysis that emits no carbon emissions.
- Blue Hydrogen – Derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to minimize emissions.
- Grey Hydrogen – Produced from fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, without CCS, leading to significant CO₂ emissions.
- Turquoise Hydrogen – Generated through methane pyrolysis, producing solid carbon instead of CO₂.
- Pink Hydrogen – Created using electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.
Structural Segmentation of the Hydrogen Industry
The vacuum use inside the hydrogen industry can be categorized into three primary areas:
- Hydrogen generation/production
- Hydrogen storage and transportation
- Hydrogen usage
Hydrogen generation/production
There is a variety of hydrogen production technologies that require vacuum based processes and technologies.
- Leak detection
- Electrolyzer bipolar plates PVD coating
- Hydrogen cracking
- Piping evacuation
- Hydrogen purification
Leak detection
Leak detection
Hydrogen infrastructure such as piping, valves, vessels, electrolyzers or fuel cell must be securely leak tight as hydrogen is a flammable gas. The Leybold portfolio of leak detectors and residual gas analyzer offer the right solution
Electrolyzer bipolar plates PVD coating
Electrolyzer bipolar plates PVD coating
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolysis require vacuum coating deposition techniques to apply protective and catalytic coatings on electrolyzer plates, optimizing conductivity, durability, and resistance to corrosions. Various coating systems equipped with Leybold vacuum solutions are the benchmark for the coating market.
Hydrogen cracking
Membrane cracking of 'Hydrogen carrier gas’
Vacuum-assisted separation techniques enhance the hydrogen extraction from carrier gases like ammonia (NH₃) or methane (CH₄) by cracking the carrier gas molecules. A vacuum applied to the permeate side of the membrane creates a pressure gradient that drives the separation process. Often ATEX-certified products are required when flammable gases, such as hydrogen, need to be pumped
Piping evacuation
Pre-Evacuation and degassing of piping and components
To ensure gas purity and to prevent contamination, often pre-evacuation is done to remove residual gases and moisture from piping, valves and pressure vessels. Depending on volume and requested ultimate pressure, Leybold can propose the right vacuum solution to obtain the required performance.
Hydrogen purification
Vacuum-Assisted pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) for hydrogen drying
Hydrogen production with electrolyzers often creates the requirement for drying or dehumidification, typically achieved using VPSA (Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology. Vacuum is commonly applied to dry sorbents, such as silica gel, after they become fully saturated with water vapor. Assisting the drying process with heat and vacuum helps speed up the process and improve efficiency.
This process typically runs in cycles, and it’s crucial to have a vacuum system that aligns with the cyclical operation of the VPSA system.
Leak detection
Hydrogen infrastructure such as piping, valves, vessels, electrolyzers or fuel cell must be securely leak tight as hydrogen is a flammable gas. The Leybold portfolio of leak detectors and residual gas analyzer offer the right solution
Electrolyzer bipolar plates PVD coating
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolysis require vacuum coating deposition techniques to apply protective and catalytic coatings on electrolyzer plates, optimizing conductivity, durability, and resistance to corrosions. Various coating systems equipped with Leybold vacuum solutions are the benchmark for the coating market.
Membrane cracking of 'Hydrogen carrier gas’
Vacuum-assisted separation techniques enhance the hydrogen extraction from carrier gases like ammonia (NH₃) or methane (CH₄) by cracking the carrier gas molecules. A vacuum applied to the permeate side of the membrane creates a pressure gradient that drives the separation process. Often ATEX-certified products are required when flammable gases, such as hydrogen, need to be pumped
Pre-Evacuation and degassing of piping and components
To ensure gas purity and to prevent contamination, often pre-evacuation is done to remove residual gases and moisture from piping, valves and pressure vessels. Depending on volume and requested ultimate pressure, Leybold can propose the right vacuum solution to obtain the required performance.
Vacuum-Assisted pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) for hydrogen drying
Hydrogen production with electrolyzers often creates the requirement for drying or dehumidification, typically achieved using VPSA (Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology. Vacuum is commonly applied to dry sorbents, such as silica gel, after they become fully saturated with water vapor. Assisting the drying process with heat and vacuum helps speed up the process and improve efficiency.
This process typically runs in cycles, and it’s crucial to have a vacuum system that aligns with the cyclical operation of the VPSA system.
Hydrogen storage and transportation
Vacuum insulation for Cryogenic tanks and vessels
The most efficient way to transport Hydrogen is in its liquefied form at cryogenic temperatures. To maintain the low temperature, storage vessels and cylinders need a perfect insulation. One of the best ways to protect liquid hydrogen from ambient heat is a vacuum insulated double-wall (“thermo-principle”).
Leybold has a strong track record of supporting cryogenic vessel manufacturers with reliable vacuum pump installations. Multi-layer vacuum insulation (MLI) plays a crucial role in minimizing heat transfer, keeping hydrogen cold, and reducing boil-off losses.
Hydrogen usage
Fuel-Cells: Vacuum coating for bipolar plates
Hydrogen is one of the most promising fuels for powering vehicles, planes, trains, trucks and buses. At the heart of hydrogen-powered transportation are fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity. Through an electrochemical reaction, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air to generate electric power, which is then supplied to an electric motor or battery.
Fuel cells are rapidly becoming a core component of hydrogen-powered vehicles. A critical part of the fuel cell is the bipolar plate, which must be protected from the corrosive chemical reactions that generate electricity. One effective way to enhance its durability is through PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating, which provides high corrosion resistance while maintaining excellent electrical conductivity. Various coating systems, equipped with Leybold vacuum solutions, set the benchmark in the coating industry.
Leybold’s supporting Hydrogen technology with vacuum solutions
Leybold offers a comprehensive range of vacuum solutions tailored to the operational and safety requirements of the hydrogen industry. Our advanced vacuum pumps and systems, leak detection technologies support hydrogen infrastructure at every stage—from production to storage and end-use applications.
As global hydrogen adoption accelerates, Leybold remains committed to delivering cutting-edge vacuum solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in hydrogen technology. By enabling reliable hydrogen engineering, we contribute to a cleaner, low-carbon energy future.
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