All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(6875 products available)
There are numerous types of hydrogen postures. Some of them are classified according to production methods; others are a result of the way they are utilized. Read on to know more about them.
This is the most ordinary type of hydrogen that is currently in existence worldwide. Grey H2 gas is derived from fossil resources, including natural gas. In this process, methane is split into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Although this process produces a huge volume of hydrogen, it releases large volumes of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Blue hydrogen is generated in the same manner as grey hydrogen. However, the carbon dioxide that is produced is captured and stored underground rather than been released into the ecosystem. This reduces the amount of carbon emission in the atmosphere hence diminishing its disadvantages.
This kind of hydrogen is derived from lignite or brown coal. It is used to gasify the coal to produce hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The process cannot be called clean energy since it produces carbon emissions.
Green hydrogen is the cleanest kind of hydrogen available today. It is produced using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to produce electrolysis, which separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process does not emit carbon, making it environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, the method is very expensive, making the price of green hydrogen high compared to other types.
Yellow hydrogen is produced via the electrolysis of water using nuclear power. On the other hand, pink hydrogen is produced through the same method, but the power source is all the water sources that can carry electricity. Although these methods are still in their infancy and are not widely available, they hold the potential to become cleaner and more viable in the future.
Hydrogen has a big volume of applications in the industry today. From agriculture to energy production, it plays a critical role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Ammonia production
A big volume of hydrogen is applied in synthesizing ammonia, a compound that is hugely utilized in fertilizers. Farmers who buy fertilizers in bulk use nitrate fertilizers and nitrofens. They help improve food production by providing essential nutrients to crops. Without ammonia, there will be no nitro or high-nitrogen fertilizers. This will negatively affect the availability and affordability of fertilizers worldwide, leading to poor crop production and food insecurity. Unfortunately, the price of ammonia produced through the hydrogen man is likely to increase due to higher energy costs, making fertilizers less accessible to farmers.
Petroleum refining
Hydrogen is also used in the petroleum refining process known as hydrocracking. Just like it is used in ammonia production, hydrogen helps in breaking down complex hydrocarbons into simpler ones. This process enables the production of cleaner fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel with lower sulfur content. This reduces the volume of pollutants emitted into the environment.
Food industry
In the food industry, hydrogen is used in the process of hydrogenation. This is the conversion of unsaturated fats and oils into saturated ones by adding hydrogen to the mix. The process is critical in producing margarine, and other snacks that are sold at electrolysis risk of heart-related complications.
Energy production
Hydrogen has a vast application in generating energy. It is used in fuel cells to produce electricity, which only releases water vapor as its byproduct. This clean energy is particularly useful in transportation, powering vehicles, buses, and trains that have lower environmental impacts compared to those operated by gasoline or diesel.
Metal processing
Hydrogen is also used in the reduction of metal ores. In this chemical process, hydrogen acts as a reducing agent in the process of iron ore to produce iron and water. This method is less polluting compared to traditional methods that space carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
There are several product specifications for hydrogen gas. They include its purity levels, storage tanks, transportation means, and safety precautions.
Just like any other gases, hydrogen is available in different purity levels, commonly in 99.9% or 99.999% concentrations. The grade of purity required is determined by the specific application in mind.
The gas is stored in high-pressure cylinders, typically at 350 bar or 7000 psi. The storage gas cylinders are made from advanced composite materials or steel to endure the high pressure. There are also liquid-hydrogen containers that store the gas in cryogenic form at -253°C. This is the most compact storage means.
Hydrogen can be transported in various ways. These include high-pressure gas cylinders, pipelines, and liquefied hydrogen in cryogenic containers. The mode of transportation depends on the volume required and the distance involved.
Although hydrogen poses a risk, especially during storage and transportation, there are several safety measures taken to ensure safety. For instance, there are pressure relief devices on gas cylinders that help to regulate the gas pressure. Moreover, hydrogen leak detectors are installed in areas where the gas is likely to be used or transported. This aids in creating an evaporation alert system and, hence, early intervention. Furthermore, hydrogen is often mixed with red gas as a precautionary measure against switching the two gases by mistake.
When selecting bulk hydrogen gas, there are a number of factors to put into consideration as a wholesale buyer. They include the purity level required, the storage system, and the supplier's reliability, to mention but a few. They are discussed in detail below.
The first step to choosing hydrogen gas in bulk is determining the level of purity required for the specific usage. For instance, industrial applications may not require as high purity as scientific research. Therefore, understanding hydrogen needs will avoid over- or under-supplying the gas.
As mentioned earlier, hydrogen is available in different levels of concentration. Assessing the buyers' needs will ensure they get the right gas for their needs. For instance, research laboratories need pure distilled water, while the petroleum industry can operate optimally under low concentrations.
The second factor is the storage system. Hydrogen is a highly reactive element that needs to be handled carefully. Buyers have to ensure that the storage equipment where the gas will be kept can withstand high pressure. Although most electrolysis hydrogen gas cylinders are made of steel alloys and composite materials, it's always good to check the gas storage specs to avoid unwanted occurrences.
Lastly, it's important to look into the supplier's reliability and ensure they have the capability of providing quality hydrogen consistently. The suppliers' lead times, customer support, and other values should also be assessed and compared to the competitors’ in order to settle for the best one.
No, hydrogen fuel is not applicable in farming practices. However, it's used in producing ammonia, which is commonly applied in agriculture.
Farmers use ammonia to make fertilizers that improve food production.
High-pressure cylinders and liquid-hydrogen cryogenic containers are the most common storage systems. They are very safe as they are made of strong composite materials that can support high pressures.
Yes, green-hydrogen, which is produced through electrolysis utilizing renewable energy, is the cleanest hydrogen type available today. It does not emit carbon, therefore, environmentally friendly.
Green hydrogen production is currently expensive due to the high costs of electrolysis equipment and renewable energy.
