Hydrogen – the key to a sustainable energy future
RAPA Industry offers reliable valve solutions for the hydrogen industry
As Europe and the world step up their efforts to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050, hydrogen is increasingly coming into focus as a forward-looking energy source. In this article, we would like to give you an insight into our technological expertise and our commitment to hydrogen. The focus is on innovative solutions for developing and manufacturing customized hydrogen valves.
RAPA Industry is the most traditional division of the RAPA Group, founded in 1920, and stands for continuous innovation in valve technology for industrial processes. Its roots go back to the end of the 1960s, when the company began manufacturing solenoid valves for heating, sanitary, refrigeration and pneumatic applications. Solenoid valve production laid the foundation for RAPA Industry’s high-quality industrial valves. Today, these are used in various industries to fulfill demanding control, regulation and dosing tasks in fluid technology. RAPA Industry offers both standard components and customized special solutions to meet the individual requirements and wishes of customers.
Hydrogen will play a key role in more and more fields of application in the future, and RAPA is actively involved in the field of hydrogen applications. Ensuring safe operation requires suitable components, which is why RAPA Industry develops reliable valve solutions.
Dr. Dirk Lewke
Interview with Dr. Dirk Lewke, Head of Research and Development, RAPA Healthcare & Industry
Mr. Lewke, how has RAPA Industry prepared for the growing importance of hydrogen?
Hydrogen plays a decisive role in the realization of environmentally friendly mobility, CO₂-neutral industrial processes and as a storage medium for renewable energies. Our advanced valve technology is designed to meet the challenges of this dynamic industry and provide innovative solutions in high volumes for our customers. In our research and development department, we are working intensively on shut-off, pressure-reducing and safety valves as an interface from the hydrogen tank to the consumer. In order to meet the special requirements of the hydrogen industry in terms of maximum safety, efficiency and profitability, we rely on state-of-the-art technologies and materials.
What specific development goals is RAPA Industry pursuing with regard to hydrogen components?
When developing hydrogen components, we set ourselves different goals that vary depending on the area of application. These include optimization for the low- and high-pressure range, achieving low leakage values and long service lives, requirement-specific flow values in a small installation space, adaptation to temperature and vibration requirements, compliance with protection classes, material compatibility in contact with high-pressure hydrogen and approval or testing in accordance with the required standards and regulations. The choice of material in particular plays a decisive role, as hydrogen can diffuse in certain metals and lead to loss of strength. We therefore attach great importance to the careful selection of materials and also draw on the expertise of our partners to ensure the optimum performance and safety of our valves
How does RAPA ensure the adaptability of its valve solutions to the individual requirements of customers in the field of hydrogen technologies?
At RAPA Industry, we understand that every business has unique requirements, which is reflected in the adaptability of our solutions. Whether we are modifying existing concepts or developing completely new products, our expertise enables us to create individual solutions that fully meet the specific needs of our customers.
How does RAPA Industry see its role as a partner for customers in the hydrogen industry and what prospects are there for joint work on future-oriented technologies?
RAPA Industry sees itself as a reliable and flexible partner that works together with customers on advanced technologies. We support many areas of the hydrogen value chain with a wide range of valve technologies. Our vision is not only to provide high-quality valves, but also to actively contribute to the development of future-oriented solutions. We see cooperation with our customers as the key to innovative and sustainable developments in hydrogen technology.
Mr. Lewke, thank you very much for the short interview. And good luck for the future!
Conclusion: RAPA Industry is ready for the challenges of the hydrogen industry. RAPA’s commitment is reflected in the continuous development of high-performance valves that meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Companies working on applications for H2 infrastructure, storage and use are invited to contact RAPA to define and develop customized valves for their projects.
