Oliver Hydcovalves, established in 2021, is dedicated to supporting clients and end users in their pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. As part of the renowned Oliver Valve family of companies, it draws on over 40 years of manufacturing expertise, enjoying a strong global reputation and recognition on many approved vendor lists (AVLs).
Over the past two years, Oliver Hydcovalves has allocated significant resources to extensive research, aiming to understand the unique effects of hydrogen on various materials. With the advantage of an in-house metallurgy department and a state-of-the-art research and development facility, it has successfully refined and redesigned ‘conventional’ valves, making them well-suited for hydrogen fuelling applications.
Hydrogen, being a volatile gas, presents substantial risks, especially to the integrity of materials. Consequently, selecting the appropriate materials is crucial to ensure optimal valve performance. Hydrogen embrittlement, a phenomenon where hydrogen atoms infiltrate the metal lattice, resulting in brittleness and eventual cracking, poses significant safety hazards and environmental risks, particularly in critical components like valves.
While the visual changes made may appear subtle, they were deliberate decisions aimed at maintaining visual familiarity with valves that have been in the field for many years. The company’s goal is to ensure that its product reputation remains recognisable and, consequently, trusted by its clients.
Oliver Hydcovalves has worked closely with the well-renowned third-party testing body TÜV, to type test the Hydcovalves products with 99.9% hydrogen. In fact, Oliver’s was the first valve manufacturer to successfully qualify a valve at TÜV with hydrogen. Additionally, its collaboration with Dupont has led to the development of a patented sealing technology widely recognised as industry-leading for fugitive emission control.
A common question the company receives is: “What is the difference between a ‘conventional valve’ and a valve suitable for hydrogen?”
The key distinctions between a standard ‘conventional’ valve and a valve suitable for hydrogen applications lie in the materials of construction, the sealing technology and the qualification tests. Oliver Hydcovalves works closely with seal manufacturers to ensure the seals are suitable for the application and then tests the products through a range of tests to simulate them in service conditions to prove product performance.
Oliver Hydcovalves prioritises safety and exceptional performance in hydrogen applications. Its meticulous material selection process, combined with innovative sealing technologies, guarantees reliable operation and safeguards against potential risks. Oliver Hydcovalves takes pride in delivering valve solutions specifically tailored to meet the unique challenges presented by hydrogen applications, and in particular for hydrogen fuel stations.
With its extensive experience and expertise in the hydrogen industry, Oliver Hydcovalves is proud to have a robust reference list of successful hydrogen projects that it has supported such as hydrogen transport and hydrogen gas pipeline. These projects serve as tangible evidence of the company’s commitment to delivering reliable valve solutions and its ability to meet the unique requirements of diverse hydrogen applications.
Oliver Hydcovalves’ valve products have been meticulously designed with hydrogen and carbon capture technology to cater to a wide range of applications. Whether you are involved in hydrogen transportation and refuelling, purification, storage, blending, fuel cells and electrolysers, or heating and cooling systems, it has the right valve solution to meet your specific needs.
For more information visit the company website