Fluids Handling

Bürkert Launches Specialised Solenoid Valves For Hydrogen Fuel Cells

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Providing dedicated solutions for hydrogen fuel cell systems, Bürkert has launched its new Type 6440 safety shut-off and Type 6020 proportional control valves. Specialised for use with hydrogen, both valves are ready-made for the decarbonisation of stationary power, automotive and transport applications.

Visitors to the Hydrogen UK Annual Conference at the National Conference Centre, Solihull, can view the Type 6440 and 6020 with Bürkert experts on Stand 53 on 12th March 2024.

Specialised for hydrogen

Bürkert customers have been able to specify customised valves for hydrogen for a while now, but the new Type 6440 and 6020 feature all the required specialisations in standardised products, simplifying procurement. Highlights include a 316 stainless steel body to combat hydrogen embrittlement, a reduced leak rate and a higher operational pressure range. These features mean excellent suitability for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems or Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) systems utilising either an active or passive recirculation loop.

Furthermore, along with IP65 cable plugs, both valves are available with IP6K9K electrical connections, ideal for automotive applications. In terms of process integration, each valve can be supplied with either a threaded, flange or cartridge process connection to help with system integration.

For customers looking to mount solenoid valves on manifolds for mass production, the design has been optimised to speed up installation with fewer larger mounting holes and no need to remove the coil, reducing the number of manufacturing steps, expediting installation. Three coil sizes are offered, with or without ATEX and IEC EX certification.

type 6020 proportional control valve
Burkert’s Type 6440 safety shut-off valve is ideal for PEM and AFC systems.

Providing safe shut-off

The Type 6440 is a servo-assisted 2-way piston valve that provides safe shut-off without using fluid pressure. This allows it to support pressures up to 40 barg (PN40) and larger orifice sizes for higher flow rates and less pressure drop. An EPDM seal and a high seat tightness ensure a low leakage rate of 10-4mbar l/sec, while the valve has a media temperature range from -40°C up to 120°C.

Maximum ambient temperature ratings reach up to 75°C and 85°C for stationary power and mobile power applications respectively. The Type 6440 is available in DN6, DN8 and DN12 sizes, covering a wide range of applications.

Operators looking to save energy can also specify the Type 6440 with Kick & Drop coils. In this double coil design, a high electrical impulse opens the valve, and 500 milliseconds later, it switches to a power-saving mode, greatly reducing energy consumption.

Accurate control for fuel cell performance

A direct-acting proportional control valve, the Type 6020 optimises the performance and efficiency of fuel cells by regulating hydrogen supply to the stack. Suitable for closed control loops, with automatic setpoints for flow or pressure, fine control can be achieved thanks to the large setting range of 1:100.
Designed to withstand a differential pressure of 25 barg (PN25), it also has an elastomer seal allowing for a tight shut-off. Media temperature ranges from -40°C to 90°C with an EPDM seal, with ambient temperatures of up to 85°C are supported depending on coil selection. Sizes are available from DN2.5 to DN8.

Burkert type 6440 safety shut off valve
The Type 6020 proportional control valve can be quickly installed, saving time for OEMs.

Full system support in-house

As a flow control specialist, Bürkert can provide its customers with complete system solutions under a single part number. The company’s Systemhaus develops entire systems, allowing customers to reduce leakage paths, optimise operations and shrink the footprint of hydrogen fuel cells.
Working closely with customer engineering teams, Bürkert experts can tailor solutions to meet application requirements, greatly simplifying projects and improving the performance of gas control systems.

For more information on the products and support available from Bürkert for the hydrogen value chain, visit here

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About us

Bürkert is present in thirtyfive countries around the world. We also work with a large network of distributors and partners, which means we are as close as possible to our customers. This global presence ensures full service and support to all of our customers in every country around the world. Research is the lifeblood of our company.

At Bürkert, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are continually seeking new technologies and solutions for our customers. Every year, our people develop new and highly advanced products and solutions, ranging from integrated process measurement and control units to the most sophisticated systems used in pharmaceutical research. To be a market leader, we are also an R&D leader.

Therefore, our investment in research & development is one of the highest in our industry. In our research centres in Germany and France, 150 people are committed to working for a common future for our company and our customers. We are committed to offering our expertise wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. This global presence ensures that our advances in fluid control technology are also global.

What we do in a nutshell

Manufacture of process equipment. One of the few manufacturers to provide solutions for the complete control loop.

Where we supply to

UK Ireland, Europe

Industries we supply to

Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Water and Wastewater

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