Hydrogen production

Hydrogen production: the process of producing hydrogen gas. Hydrogen energy is a secondary energy source; in the long term, producing hydrogen from water is the most promising method, as the raw material is inexhaustible and, when hydrogen burns, it releases energy and is converted back into water, causing no environmental pollution.

Common methods of hydrogen production include: hydrogen production from various fossil fuels, electrolysis of water, hydrogen production from biomass, hydrogen production from other hydrogen-containing substances, and the recovery of hydrogen as a by-product from various chemical processes.

Hydrogen production from various fossil fuels is the primary method, but reserves are limited, and the process causes environmental pollution.

There are generally the following methods:

1. Hydrogen production from fossil fuels Hydrogen production from fossil fuels is a traditional method and a long-established process. However, it remains dependent on fossil fuels and results in the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Natural gas is the fossil fuel most commonly used for this purpose. China faces a severe shortage of natural gas; utilisation rates are low, and the production process is complex and challenging. It is therefore essential to carefully control the process, improve efficiency and reduce costs.

2. Hydrogen production via methanol steam reforming The methanol steam reforming process for hydrogen production is a technology developed abroad in the 1980s. It requires low investment, can be implemented rapidly, produces no emissions or pollution, and utilises readily available feedstock. To date, this hydrogen production process has become highly mature both domestically and internationally. Highly integrated technology, combined with fuel cell power generation technology, is widely applied in sectors such as new energy vehicles and telecommunications stations.

3. Hydrogen Production from Industrial By-products Coke oven gas is utilised in the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process for hydrogen production. Pure hydrogen is extracted from coke oven gas, a by-product of the coking industry. The basic principle involves the selective adsorption of gas by a solid adsorbent; as the partial pressure decreases, the gas desorbs from the adsorbent, utilising the characteristics of gas separation and adsorbent regeneration to achieve purification.

4. Hydrogen Production via Water Electrolysis Hydrogen can also be obtained through traditional water electrolysis. The technology for producing hydrogen via water electrolysis is relatively mature both domestically and internationally, offering high efficiency and a straightforward production process. However, due to the high costs associated with this method, very few new facilities are being built, apart from those already in operation.

The above are some of the more common methods of hydrogen production currently in use; each method has its own advantages and disadvantages

All of the above processes require an analytical instrument capable of providing rapid, accurate and comprehensive gas analysis data to ensure that the control system is updated in real time, thereby optimising production facilities and maximising returns.

Owing to the speed of process mass spectrometers and their ability to analyse multiple streams, they have become the system of choice for obtaining accurate calorific value analysis for product quality control and maximising hydrogen production revenue. They can provide a complete compositional analysis of natural gas or feedstock streams within a matter of seconds.

The ProC-TOF online mass spectrometer enhances yield through precise analysis of multi-stream gases and its proven capability for faster, more comprehensive online gas composition analysis. Low maintenance requirements, ease of operation for semi-continuous monitoring of multiple sampling points, and high-sensitivity detection ensure reliable leak detection, thereby improving the safety of production facilities and the standardisation of production procedures.

It provides reliable, real-time data to the DCS system, thereby ensuring a return on investment. Based on an operational platform, it is designed to meet the requirements of environmental monitoring for trace leaks.

A single online mass spectrometer can easily replace multiple gas chromatographs (GCs),

reducing sampling time, simplifying maintenance procedures and, more importantly, lowering overall investment costs.

Higher return on investment with online mass spectrometers

Rapid online gas analysis, accurately reflecting process dynamics

Full-component gas analysis, providing more data to advanced process control systems

High stability, with a 90-day calibration interval (automatic)

Reliable, fault-tolerant design ensures an uptime rate exceeding 99.7 per cent

Compact footprint

Minimal maintenance requirements, reducing operating costs