Future technology hydrogen production

Water is a vital resource, and at Grünbeck, we are committed to ensuring its optimal quality. Through our water treatment processes, we not only address unanswered questions related to water but also explore its role in hydrogen production. Our goal is to foster a deep understanding of water for a sustainable future.

With the establishment of our Hydrogen Production Division, we actively contribute to the energy transition towards a climate-neutral supply. Our systems play a crucial role in supplying the purest water required for the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis.

Our global reputation for innovative technology, top-notch quality, and comprehensive service underscores our dedication to excellence. We aim to extend our impact at this high level, particularly in activities related to the hydrogen economy. We invite individuals with diverse profiles to join us in contributing their skills to the sustainable development of the economy and society, offering new perspectives and opportunities.

• High energy content: Combustion of 1 kg H₂ = Combustion of approximately 2.75 kg petrol
• Hydrogen H₂ is available in virtually endless quantities
• H₂ is technically easy to produce from H₂O
• Storage and transport possible
• Power-to-Gas: Making power storable by means of hydrogen
• Environmentally friendly: no CO₂ is produced when burning H₂ 
• Hydrogen refuelling stations and H₂ generation containers are not dependent on existing infrastructure

Grünbeck's role: ultrapure water production for electrolysis

Water in its purest form is needed for the electrolysis process. Grünbeck provides water installations tailored to our client's exact needs. Several techniques like reverse osmosis, EDI, mixed bed filters and UV disinfection are used to clean the water from any impurities. Remaining water-borne substances can lead to problems with the redox reaction. As a rule, ultrapure water with an electrical conductivity of < 0.1 µS/cm is required (fully demineralised water). Different methods are used depending on the manufacturer, which means, for example, that water treatment systems are required for additional freshwater feed or circulation treatment. Grünbeck provides water installations tailored to our client's exact needs.

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Green hydrogen is produced by using ultrapure water and involves electrolysis, a process where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. Ultrapure water is almost free from ions and has a very low conductivity of lower than < 0.1 µS/cm. Choosing the right water treatment ensures efficient electrolysis, minimizing side reactions and contaminants during the electrolysis. Grünbeck provides water installations for any source of freshwater.

Ultrapure water is indispensable for the production of hydrogen. For the preparation of this ultrapure water, various high-quality water treatments are necessary. Grünbeck has all necessary water treatment technologies in their range. Ultrapure water is completely free of salts and has a very low conductivity. The basis is usually drinking water that is treated in three ways. First, a softener removes limescale from the water. Next, an active carbon filter removes the chlorine in the water. Then, using reverse osmosis (RO) and EDI(electro-deionisation), the salts are removed. Find out more about the individual steps below.

Grünbeck has extensive experience in manufacturing and assembling installations that turn water into ion-free, ultrapure water. As a result, we know exactly which application is right for your organization, situation and process. We are also experienced in polishing water (in partial flow) in the electrolysis units. This is possible up to temperatures of 80°C. Often the recycling flow of hydrogen production is generated via mixed beds cartridges. These remove the impurities and keep the water ultrapure. We connect these techniques mechanically and electrically. In this way, all components communicate with each other so that the entire process is optimally regulated from start to finish. This prevents many breakdowns on site, partly because we always test the combinations before they leave our factory.

Grünbeck water treatment systems are ready for immediate use at location. Due to our plug-and-play system, we can produce water installations in different sizes - ready to be used. Depending on the demands of the production site we can arrange and adjust individual units on a frame. This shortens the planning phase of your projects significantly.

We produce the following boxed units:

• 400l/h ultrapure water for 1 MW electrolysers
• 1100l/h ultrapure water for 5 MW electrolysers
• 1800l/h ultrapure water for 10 MW electrolysers

Our installations can be connected to serve electrolysers up to 500 MW.

Each of our water treatment systems is tailored to our client’s needs and extensively tested before it leaves the production site in Germany. This means that the installation is fully adapted to the application in your organisation and guaranteed to work. In this way, we help you to get the best out of your product — the only thing left to do after delivery is to connect the water supply and plug it in.

In consultation with the client, Grünbeck installations can be equipped with the option of remote monitoring.This allows our service organization to remotely view the operation of the installation and provide optimal service support, anywhere in the world. In consultation, even predictive maintenance can be offered, reducing downtime to the absolute minimum.

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Ultrapure water, produced through advanced water treatment processes, finds a myriad of critical applications across various industries. In semiconductor manufacturing, ultrapure water is indispensable for cleaning silicon wafers and dissolving chemicals used in the production of microchips, ensuring the highest quality and reliability of electronic components. Additionally, in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, ultrapure water is essential for the formulation of drugs, preparation of medical devices, and laboratory research, where even trace impurities can compromise experiments or patient safety. Moreover, ultrapure water plays a crucial role in power generation, where it is utilized for boiler feedwater, cooling systems, and steam turbine operations, preventing corrosion and maintaining efficiency in power plants. 

At Grunbeck we use cutting-edge technology to produce ultrapure water by further purifying or polishing water by means of EDI, this is also known as electro-deionisation. The conductivity of the source water will be reduced in the process from 10-20 to < 0.2 µS/cm. This ultrapure water is extremely suitable for high-pressure steam boilers, for the petrochemical & pharmaceutical industries, and for the production of hydrogen.

Ultrapure water is fully desalinated, and therefore has a very low conductivity. Thanks to the low conductivity, ultrapure water no longer contains ions (contamination). Salts can be filtered out of water using various techniques. At Grünbeck, we use our unique and high-quality reverse osmosis installations followed by mixed-bed or electro-deionisation (EDI).

A mixed bed is a classic technology where resin binds the ions (salts) in the water. EDI is a more modern variant and uses membrane technology in combination with resin. EDI has the great advantage of being a continuous process, meaning regenerations – as is the case with resins – are no longer necessary. This technique is successfully applied in many hospitals, laboratories and with producers of ultrapure water and hydrogen.

At Grünbeck we like to be pioneers. That’s why our water treatment installations always contain high-quality technologies that are the result of innovations we develop, test and test again ourselves. All to ensure that water treatment by Grünbeck is as efficient and trouble-free as possible, but also energy-efficient, water-saving and chemical-neutral as possible.

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• How is hydrogen produced?

Hydrogen is primarily produced through various methods, with the most common being electrolysis and steam reforming of natural gas. In electrolysis, electricity is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This process requires ultrapure water to ensure the purity of the produced hydrogen. Clean water treatment plays a crucial role in electrolysis by removing impurities and ensuring high-quality water for efficient hydrogen production. Steam reforming involves reacting natural gas with steam to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide, but this method generates CO2 emissions. Other emerging methods include biomass gasification and solar-driven water splitting, aiming for cleaner and sustainable hydrogen production. Regardless of the method, clean water treatment is essential for ensuring the purity and efficiency of hydrogen production processes.

• What is ultrapure water?

Ultrapure water is water that has been meticulously purified to remove impurities, contaminants, and dissolved ions to an exceptionally high degree. This water undergoes several purification processes, including reverse osmosis (RO) and electrodeionization (EDI). In reverse osmosis, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane, removing particles, ions, and organic molecules. This process effectively eliminates up to 99% of impurities, producing high-quality water. Following RO, electrodeionization (EDI) further purifies the water by using an electric field to remove remaining ions. Ultrapure water is crucial in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, where even trace contaminants can adversely affect processes and products. Its high purity ensures optimal performance and reliability in various applications, making it indispensable in critical industrial processes including the production of hydrogen.

• What is the difference between blue and green hydrogen?

Blue and green hydrogen refer to different methods of hydrogen production, each with varying environmental impacts. Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming, with the resulting carbon emissions captured and stored underground, reducing its carbon footprint. On the other hand, green hydrogen is generated via electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind, producing no carbon emissions.

Water treatment plays a crucial role in both processes. In blue hydrogen production, water treatment ensures the purity of water used in steam methane reforming and carbon capture processes. Similarly, in green hydrogen production, clean water is essential for electrolysis, ensuring the absence of impurities that could affect the efficiency of the process. Ultimately, both blue and green hydrogen contribute to decarbonizing industries and achieving a sustainable energy future, albeit through different pathways.

• How much water is necessary to produce 1kg of H₂?

Producing 1kg of hydrogen (H₂) through electrolysis typically requires about 9kg of water. Electrolysis splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. The purity of water used in electrolysis is crucial for its effectiveness. Ultrapure water, free from impurities and ions, ensures optimal conductivity and efficiency during electrolysis. Even minute contaminants can hinder the process and affect the quality of the produced hydrogen. Therefore, ultrapure water treatment plays a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of electrolysis for hydrogen production, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

• How does Grunbeck support innovation in the hydrogen production process?

Grünbeck supports the hydrogen production process by providing customized water treatment solutions tailored specifically for electrolysis operations. Leveraging their expertise in water treatment technologies, Grünbeck ensures the supply of ultra-pure water necessary for electrolysis, a crucial step in producing "green" hydrogen. Our systems, such as the GENO-OSMO-X reverse osmosis unit and the GENO-EDI-X electrodeionization unit, remove impurities from water, meeting the stringent requirements for electrolyzer operation. By delivering pre-assembled and factory-tested systems, Grünbeck streamlines the installation process, contributing to efficient and reliable hydrogen production. Additionally, Grünbeck's solutions support the scalability of electrolysis operations, from small-scale installations to large-scale projects, further advancing the transition to green hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier.