Electrolysis of Water – Producing Hydrogen as an Energy Source

Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable energy source that utilises water treated with reverse osmosis technologies as the feedwater for hydrogen production. There are two main ways of producing hydrogen: steam methane-reforming and the electrolysis of water.

Hydrogen has the potential to play a hugely significant role in the transition to a low-carbon economy to meet NetZero targets. One of the key advantages of hydrogen is that it produces no greenhouse gas emissions when used as a fuel. Hydrogen is likely to be one of the most important tools in the fight against climate change. When burned as a fuel, hydrogen does not produce any greenhouse gases. The only by-product Is water molecules.

There are three key types of hydrogen to remember. There are other colour categories relating to hydrogen production but we have chosen to focus on the following three key production methods:

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or hydro power, through a process called the electrolysis of water. The electrolysis of water involves splitting reverse osmosis treated water (Ultra-Pure water) into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Ultra-pure water is critical to this process. The oxygen molecules are vented out and the hydrogen is stored. The process of electrolysis uses an electric current to achieve this separation.

Untreated water can cause irreversible damage to the expensive electrolyser equipment. Since renewable energy is used to power this process, it is considered a clean and sustainable method of hydrogen production.

However, green hydrogen production is limited by infrastructure and operational costs at present. The current technology available comes at a premium. Technological advancements are required to improve the efficiency of electrolyser, turbine and hydrogen storage technologies to reduce costs and make green hydrogen the most viable solution.

Alternative production methods for hydrogen are being used to meet the demand for hydrogen as a fuel. The infrastructure for distribution and transportation is becoming critical for the adoption of green hydrogen production. Government funding and increased engagement and education around the subject matter are also required.

Grey Hydrogen

Grey hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, it releases high emissions in the production process. Natural gas or methane are used to create hydrogen through steam reformation.

Blue Hydrogen

Blue hydrogen is also produced using fossil fuels but utilises carbon capture and storage, resulting in lower emissions than Grey hydrogen.

Evaporatively-cooled coal power plants are becoming obsolete. The large amount of water that they consume is going to reallocated. It is important that this newly redundant technology is going to free up the water supply.

There are numerous challenges associated with the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy source.

One of the key challenges is the cost of production and distribution, particularly in the early stages of development. However, as technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of hydrogen production is expected to decrease.

This will occur once demands increase and infrastructure begins to change to accommodate for hydrogen as a fuel source.

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. It can be used directly as a fuel in fuel cells, or it can be converted into other fuels such as methane or ammonia. Its application in industrial use and transportation are rapidly gaining traction. The deployment of CO2 policies and hydrogen incentives mean that this demand is only set to further increase. Government initiatives and European Union projects have invited the collaboration between countries to undertake important pilot schemes that incorporate the electrolysis of water using offshore wind turbines.

Electrolytic hydrogen production is the new technology in renewable energy-rich areas, which are currently considered water-constrained. Using green hydrogen as a renewable energy source is likely to lead to water savings in the long term. It is integral that improvements are made in the energy efficiency of electrolysers for this to occur and the surrounding developing technologies.

Reverse Osmosis in Hydrogen Production – Water Electrolysis

The cost and complexity of producing demineralised water is heavily dependent on the source water quality. Water is an essential in hydrogen production projects. Water infrastructure can make up to 12.5% of a hydrogen projects’ overall installation cost. Large-scale wastewater reuse is often used to support water demand. It is also worth noting that water consumed in electrolysis can be recovered if hydrogen is used in processes that permit steam recovery.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a widely used process for wastewater treatment, the purification of various liquids and in the desalination process of seawater. In recent years, it has also found applications in the production of hydrogen. One of the most common methods of hydrogen production is by water electrolysis.

The process of reverse osmosis for hydrogen production typically involves the following steps:

Water purification. The first step involves the purification of water to remove impurities that could potentially damage the membrane used in the reverse osmosis process. This is typically achieved through pre-treatment processes such as sedimentation, filtration, and ultrafiltration.

Once the water has been purified, it is passed through the selective membrane at high pressure. The hydrogen ions are then transported through the membrane, leaving behind other ions and impurities.

The hydrogen ions that pass through the membrane are then collected and stored. This can be achieved using an electrode or by passing the hydrogen through a gas separator.

Advantages of Reverse Osmosis in Hydrogen Production

Water electrolysis requires the use of electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, only requires the use of pressure to separate hydrogen ions from water molecules. This makes it a more energy-efficient process.

Another advantage of reverse osmosis for hydrogen production is that it can be used with a wide range of water sources. This includes mains water, seawater, brackish water, and wastewater. Water electrolysis typically requires high-purity water to prevent damage to the electrolysis cell.

Reverse osmosis also offers greater flexibility in terms of scale. It can be used for both large-scale and small-scale hydrogen production, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. This is particularly important for decentralized energy systems, where smaller-scale hydrogen production is required.

Despite these advantages, there are also some challenges associated with the use of reverse osmosis for hydrogen production. One of the key challenges is membrane fouling, which occurs when impurities accumulate on the surface of the membrane, reducing its efficiency. This can be addressed by incorporating a suitable pre-treatment process and introducing regular maintenance schedules Changing consumables (filtration media and membranes) frequently also helps to optimise the performance of the system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reverse osmosis is integral to hydrogen production that offers several advantages over traditional methods. It is an energy-efficient process that can be used with a wide range of water sources and is suitable for both large-scale and small-scale applications. While there are challenges associated with the use of reverse osmosis for hydrogen production, these can be addressed using appropriate pre-treatment processes and regular maintenance. As the demand for clean and sustainable energy sources continues to grow, reverse osmosis is likely to play an increasingly important role in hydrogen production.

Electricity and water are necessary elements for hydrogen production through the electrolysis of water.

The input water to an electrolyser stack must first be cleaned and deionised. The reverse osmosis purification process is commonly used prior to deionisation to ensure the electrolyser receives water of a sufficiently low electrical conductivity.

One alternative solution is to use reverse osmosis for seawater desalination. The electricity cost for desalinating water is believed to have little influence on the total hydrogen production cost. Efforts on how to easily integrate seawater into water electrolysis processes are required for future considerations.

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We manufacture and stock a wide range of units to meet the hydrogen sector and its exacting water quality and flow rate requirements. We pride ourselves on our bespoke configurations that are tailored to meet the requirements of each of the industries that we work with.

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd are a leading water treatment plant manufacturer. We are leading Commercial Water Softener Plant manufacturers and Commercial Reverse Osmosis Plant manufacturers.

We provide a 1^st class installation and maintenance services on our own equipment as well as other manufacturers equipment. Our industry expertise and customer focused approach provide you with the best customer support possible and the service your company deserves.

Contact us to find out which Commercial Reverse Osmosis Unit best suits your application.

Call us to consult with an expert today! For a competitive quotation, call us on 01622 871 877.

High Flow Rate Capabilities for Glass Manufacturing

Chiefly, Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in a wide range of Reverse Osmosis and Water Softening plants. Overall, we are a leading UK based manufacturer and service provider who specialise in units tailor made for Glass Manufacturing.

Specifically, we manufacture our own range of reverse osmosis and water softening systems. These systems are a bespoke design tailored to serving the requirements in the glass manufacturing industry. Moreover, we also maintain other manufacturers reverse osmosis and water softening plants.

Subsequently, our extensive industry knowledge enables us to assist and advise the Production Manager or Quality Assurance Manager personnel. To that end, we understand how important it is to improve production efficiencies on site within the glass manufacturing facility.

Without a doubt, a high grade of pure water is a necessity when manufacturing sealed units. The internal surface of the glass must be devoid of staining or scaling in order to meet quality assurance standards.

The Solution

In essence, it is pivotal that purified water is utilised in the production processes in glass manufacturing to minimise wastage. Internal surfaces that are damaged or that have misting are considered to be an irreversible fault. Therefore, it is extremely important that these faults are minimised to keep production costs low and quality standards high.

Markedly, we have created some substantial savings for our customers for the planned servicing and breakdown support on their systems. Equally, we achieve this without any compromise to service levels. Furthermore, our clients have seen considerably improved service levels due to our accountability and transparency as a service provider. Thereupon, we have written testimonials from a number of these clients in the glass manufacturing sector.

Our service contracts include all the planned labour and consumables which are sufficient to run the plant for a 12-month period. Altogether, there are no hidden extras in our planned service contracts. Consequently, this helps you from a budgeting point of view.

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We manufacture and stock a wide range of units to meet glass manufacturers exacting flow rate requirements. As an example, are larger units are able to supply over 50,000 litres per day. We pride ourselves on our bespoke configurations that are tailored to meet the requirements of each of the industries that we work with.

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd are a leading water treatment plant manufacturer. We are leading Commercial Water Softener Plant manufacturers and Commercial Reverse Osmosis Plant manufacturers.

We provide a 1^st class installation and maintenance services on our own equipment as well as other manufacturers equipment. Our industry expertise and customer focused approach provide you with the best customer support possible and the service your company deserves.

Contact us to find out which Commercial Reverse Osmosis Unit best suits your application.

Call us to consult with an expert today! For a competitive quotation, call us on 01622 871 877.

High Flow Rate Capabilities from Commercial Growing RO Systems

Specifically engineered Commercial Growing RO Systems are fantastic for water treatment. Unquestionably, there is a wide-ranging set of end use applications for this technology in commercial growing. Significantly, these commercial units process vast amounts of water, making them the ideal solution in agriculture, horticulture, and commercial growing.

Subsequently, there is a requirement for pure water that is free from contaminants commonly found from the incoming water supply. As an illustration, this includes Calcium, Chlorine, Lead, Magnesium, Mercury and other Volatile Organic Compounds and Minerals. Generally, the incoming water supply is water drawn from a bore hole extraction or a towns mains water supply.

By and large, growing plants in large quantities creates a pressing need for better water quality. Conversely, untreated water which contains contaminants can interfere with fertilizers that are being used. In this situation, the contamination can affect growth rates, the yields health and even the appearance and overall product quality. In fact, more labour can be created with mineral deposits appearing on the final product that require additional washing.

Without doubt, the removal of Chlorine and Chloramines typically found in towns mains treated water is critical. The chemically treated water can harm beneficial microorganisms, microbes and insects that reside in the substrates. Substrates that are typically comprised of  clay, compost, peat, or soil.

In essence, Calcium, Chloramines and Magnesium do not make up the ideal feed water for plants.

In fact, when combined, the most compelling evidence suggests that they inhibit the growth and reproduction of plants. Plants, succulents and botanicals which have a heightened sensitivity to water quality, like Orchids and Bonsais are the worst affected.

The Solution

All Reverse Osmosis systems produce permeate water (purified water) and concentrate water (rejected water). The concentrate water that has been rejected in the reverse osmosis process can be reprocessed back through the RO membranes in most cases, often this is referred to as recirculation. Commercial Growing RO Systems can incorporate recirculation (reverse ratio) technology through reprocessing the concentrate, in turn creating less waste water to go to drain. Commercial RO units become more efficient the higher the volume and the flow rate. From a financial and ecological standpoint this is important.

High volumes of water (m3 per day) are expected with these commercial units, making them suitable for commercial growing. The commercial systems are designed to cater towards a requirement for hundreds of thousands of plants. These larger Reverse Osmosis units have much higher daily capacities than what you would expect with a domestic system, which often means less discharge water versus permeate water is produced through the filtration process. More technology and capabilities are built into the larger systems.

Efficiency ratios can be further improved. Establishing a certain feed water quality before RO processing by implementing proper pre-treatment methods, such as softening vessels, can improve the quantity of permeate water further.

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We manufacture and stock a wide range of units to meet all commercial grow houses that can meet  their exact flow rates and requirements. As an example, are larger units are able to supply over 50,000 litres per day. We pride ourselves on our bespoke configurations that are tailored to meet the requirements of each of the industries that we work with.

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd are a leading water treatment plant manufacturer. We are leading Commercial Water Softener Plant manufacturers and Commercial Reverse Osmosis Plant manufacturers.

We provide a 1^st class installation and maintenance services on our own equipment as well as other manufacturers equipment. Our industry expertise and customer focused approach provide you with the best customer support possible and the service your company deserves.

Contact us to find out which Commercial Reverse Osmosis Unit best suits your application.

Call us to consult with an expert today! For a competitive quotation, call us on 01622 871 877.

The Commercial Boiler: Reduce Your Commercial Heating Costs

The Commercial Boiler is an integral piece of equipment in the industrial setting. It is of paramount importance that with rising utility bills and no price caps currently in place to protect commercial enterprises that Energy and Facilities Managers are looking towards alternate solutions to reduce energy costs.

It is essential to ensure the water feeding your boiler is of good quality to avoid boiler inefficiency.

Continuously using a boiler with poor feedwater quality will inevitably reduce its efficiency. Inefficient boilers increase operational costs due to higher gas or electric consumption. Maintenance is required more frequently.

Calcium and Magnesium deposits cause scaling on the heating element in the boiler reducing the heat transfer efficiency. They also cause internal furring of the boiler pipework which inhibits performance and can cause failure.

The Solution – Commercial Water Softeners

By investing in a water softener you considerably reduce the risk of the above. Eliminating scaling results in lower operational costs, fewer breakdowns and saves you time and money.

Water is highly corrosive when it is not treated. It is responsible for a large proportion of boiler maintenance related problems. Degradation of the boiler occurs when scale and deposits build up and cause irreversible damage to the boiler.

Water softeners are a proven technology providing a consistent supply of softened water to the boiler.

Conclusion – Protect Your Commercial Boiler With Softened Water

A duplex water softener system is the ideal solution for a commercial boiler / steam boiler as it can ensure optimum boiler performance 24 hours a day.

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd are a leading water treatment plant manufacturer.

Contact us to find out which softener best suits your application. Call us to consult with an expert today! For a competitive quotation, call us on 01622 871 877.

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Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in water treatment and process filtration. We work across multiple sectors providing water processing solutions.

Interested in finding out more about the boiler feed pre-treatment solutions, services and systems we provide?

Find more information here: http://puretechsystems.co.uk/boiler-feed/

The Benefits Of An RO Steam Boiler Feed

The benefits of Steam Boiler Feed RO in reducing maintenance costs and improving energy efficiency.

Paul Godfrey, Managing Director at Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd  is a designer, manufacturer, and installation / maintenance specialist in water treatment systems. Here, he considers the key benefits of Reverse Osmosis water as feedwater for boilers and how this facilitates reducing boiler blow down periods.

The drastic rise in energy costs have left many estates managers looking for avenues that lead to cost savings across their department. Steam boilers are important components for heating applications and water is the most used fluid in these heating processes primarily due to its relative abundance and high heat capacity. Large amounts of water are required and often there is potential for water saving. This saving results in lower water and sewer bills and decreased treatment costs.

Improving Boiler Feed Water Quality: A Pragmatic Approach for Cost Reduction and Energy Efficiency

Boiler feed water quality control is a pragmatic approach being taken by many to reduce costs. Simultaneously, this can improve the energy efficiency of the steam boiler system.

The feed water received by the boiler consists of a varying proportion of recovered condensed water (return water) and fresh water. This water has been purified in varying degrees (make-up water). The make-up water is usually natural water either in its raw state or treated prior to use.

Feed-water composition depends on the quality of the make-up water and the amount of condensate returned to the boiler. The steam, which escapes from the boiler, frequently contains liquid droplets and gases. Water that remains in liquid form at the bottom of the boiler picks up all the foreign matter. This is from the water that was converted to steam.

These impurities must be blown down by the discharge of some of the water from the boiler to the drains. The permissible percentage of blow down at a plant is strictly limited by running costs and any initial outlay. In order to mitigate maintenance costs, it is considered best practice to reduce this percentage to the smallest figure possible.

Feed Water – Sources & Variations

Properly conducted boiler feed water treatment is an integrally important part of operating and maintaining a boiler system. As steam is produced, dissolved solids become concentrated and form deposits inside the boiler. This invariably leads to poor heat transfer and reduces the efficiency of the boiler. Dissolved gasses such as oxygen and carbon dioxide will react with the metals in the boiler system. Subsequently. this will ultimately lead to boiler corrosion.

Excessive levels of impurities cause corrosion and inhibit the boilers efficiency in heat transfer and overall distribution. Impurities that are often present within the system often include, but are not limited to:

• Alkalinity (CaCO₃)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Calcium Phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂)
• Chlorides (Cl)
• Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S)
• Manganese (Mn)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Iron (Fe)
• Oxygen (O₂)
• Silica (Si)
• Sodium (NaOH, NaHCO₃, Na₂CO₃₎
• Sulphates (SO₄)

Suspended solids and other organic and in-organic matter are often attributed to causing sediment build up and turbidity (suspended solids) in closed systems.

Treatment is advisable to protect the boiler from these contaminants. The specification for this treatment always depends on the type and material of the boiler, the incoming water source, the type of heater that is used and the pressure that the system runs at.

Thereupon, several different parameters need to be monitored to prevent corrosion, fouling and scaling.

Adhering To Manufacturer Recommendations

Boiler manufacturers set important parameters for the levels of conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and the pH of the water.

Investing in the latest reverse osmosis (RO) technologies provides ultra-pure water as the feedwater for a steam boiler. This results in significantly reduced levels of conductivity. Majority of steam boilers are blown down based on the levels of conductivity contained within the boiler chamber. Typically, the blow down set point for most steam boilers is 2,500 microsiemens (µS). Water softening plants alone improve feed water quality drastically but only provide conductivity levels of around 350 µS – 750 µS (depending on the conductivity of the incoming water supply, which varies from region to region).

Generally, we have seen these conductivity levels lowered by 95% – 99% with the commissioning of a designated RO to feed the steam boiler. Conductivity levels are typically reduced to 10 µS – 30 µS. The Carbon Trust state that a boiler operating on 10 bar of pressure, every 1% that is saved in blow down, there is a 0.2% saving in fuel. Reverse Osmosis treated make-up water has the capabilities to produce a fuel saving of well over 2%.

The best configurations utilising the wide range of water treatment technologies available on the market provides the best results. Prefacing the reverse osmosis system with a carbon vessel and ion exchange softening vessels ensures the longevity of the RO plant. This includes all the associated consumables, protecting various perishable consumable items such as multimedia filtration media and membranes from damage.

Reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Counts With RO Steam Boiler Feeds

Boiler blow downs are a known requirement for all steam boilers in order to retain a maximum allowable concentration of salts and other dissolved solids within the water contained in the boilers chamber. Reverse osmosis make-up water lowers the overall TDS count and negates the need for more traditional forms of treatment to protect boilers from internal scaling and corrosion such as using phosphates and sulphites to protect the boiler. The purification process of the make-up water leads to lower TDS counts.

In turn, this results in a reduction in the use of anticorrosion agents and the amount of chemical conditioning that is required, thereby reducing costs further.

All the aforementioned factors minimise the TDS count and prolong the period between required boiler blow downs whilst simultaneously ensuring and maintaining efficient boiler operation, leading to energy savings. Fewer blowdown cycles leads directly to a reduction in the chemical treatment of the make-up water.

RO Steam Boiler: System Optimization

Boiler blow downs are a known requirement for all steam boilers in order to retain a maximum allowable concentration of salts and other dissolved solids within the water contained in the boilers chamber. Reverse osmosis make-up water lowers the overall TDS count and negates the need for more traditional forms of treatment to protect boilers from internal scaling and corrosion such as using phosphates and sulphites to protect the boiler. The purification process of the make-up water leads to lower TDS counts.

In turn, this results in a reduction in the use of anticorrosion agents and the amount of chemical conditioning that is required, thereby reducing costs further.

All the aforementioned factors minimise the TDS count and prolong the period between required boiler blow downs whilst simultaneously ensuring and maintaining efficient boiler operation, leading to energy savings. Markedly, fewer blowdown cycles lead directly to a reduction in the chemical treatment of the make-up water.

Find Out More

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in water treatment and process filtration. We work across multiple sectors providing water processing solutions.

Interested in finding out more about the boiler feed pre-treatment solutions, services and systems we provide?

Find more information here: http://puretechsystems.co.uk/boiler-feed/

Cider Production: A History

Explicitly, Cider Production in its rudimentary form has existed in England since the Celtic era. Markedly, the Romans are widely accredited with introducing orchard cultivation on a larger scale to England.  Meanwhile, in the 21^st Century, cider production and the techniques and processes involved in crushing, pressing, and fermenting the apple (or pear) have come a long way.

Cider Production: The Modern Era

Specifically, filtration media has become a critical part of the process in cider production for many manufacturers. Generally speaking, the majority of manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to preserve the flavour of the final product. Notwithstanding trying to reduce the overall cider production costs. This can be achieved through introducing filtration in the brewery and process.

This ultimately results in the following:

• Lower Cider Production Costs
• Minimises Beverage Loss
• Improve Water & Energy Consumption
• Improve the Products Shelf Life
• Removes Spoilage Organisms, Haze from Polyphenols, Controlling Yeast Levels

Nevertheless, the old methods and traditions still stand the test of time and are often preferred to these newer methods.

Application

Regardless of whether old or new methods are preferred in the fermentation process, there are other ways of reducing costs. One way to reduce operational costs in cider production is through the incorporation of a suitable water softener system. A suitable softener can supply a consistent supply of softened water which can further improve water and energy consumption.

Softened water is often used in the ‘Washing’ process which takes place before heavy machinery is involved in the production process. Washing is important as it removes bacteria and residue from the apples. Having clean water is a clear and obvious requirement for this stage, so softened water is a minimum requirement. Additives are often added between pressing and maturation which stop spoilage.

System Commissioning

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd supply such a system to a cider manufacturer based in Northamptonshire. The system is used to supply up to 15m ³ over a 24-hour period for the brewing and cleaning processes.

A 60-litre duplex softener system meets this particular clients’ requirements.

The installation we undertook utilises a Raw Water Break Tank with an integrated air gap. This provides a buffer for supply to the water softener which helps to ensure the plant always has a high enough flow of water when required. Water is drawn from the Raw Water Break Tank by a floor mounted booster pump with sufficient pressure controls.

Reducing Operation Costs

Any treated water used in the pressing, blending, and settling processes should have low alkalinity and a low mineral content. Reverse Osmosis water or similarly treated water would be applicable for this.

Reducing the operational costs in production by improving efficiencies is a sensible measure for any business to take. The energy costs of running and operating a steam boiler can be reduced through good water treatment.

The blowdown periods for the boiler and a reduction in chemical costs are the positives that can be achieved with good water pre-treatment. Once again, water softening plants and reverse osmosis plants can provide a viable solution.

If you have any water treatment requirements similar to those mentioned in this blog post, please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more information. We appreciate that every business is different with unique goals.

Find Out More

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in water treatment and process filtration. We work across multiple sectors providing water processing solutions.

Interested in finding out more about the water softener services and systems we provide?

Find more information here: https://puretechsystems.co.uk/industrial-water-softeners/