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Hydrogen Valves
Request offerThe ultimate hydrogen valve experience.
Discover our smart hydrogen butterfly valves.
Thinking ahead today – Our latest hydrogen series offers a selection of soft-sealing butterfly valves, specially designed for demanding hydrogen applications with 100% hydrogen or gas-hydrogen mixtures.
| Nominal width (DN) | 50 - 300mm | 50 - 300mm | 50 - 300mm |
| Maximum temperature | 60°C | 60°C | 120°C |
| Maximum pressure | 9 bar | 9 bar | 9 bar |
| Certification |
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Smart Secure
– Closing Time (<1 second) |
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| Plug & Play
Butterfly valves in existing systems can be replaced by hydrogen valves. |
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| Actuator |
pneumatic, electric, handwheel |
pneumatic |
pneumatic |
| Datasheet |  |
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Safety in Under One Second – with EN 161 Certification
In the world of hydrogen technology, every millisecond counts – especially when it comes to shut-off systems. The EN 161 certification confirms that our safety butterfly valves close in less than one second (Class A). This “Smart Secure System” provides rapid protection for both equipment and personnel in critical situations.
What exactly does EN 161 mean?
EN 161 is a European standard that defines strict requirements for automatic shut-off valves – in terms of design, performance, and safety. Particularly relevant for your applications:
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Developed to meet the highest safety class (Class A, reaction < 1 second)
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Certified as a fully type-tested unit – valve including pneumatic actuator – for maximum reliability
Why is this certification essential for hydrogen?
Hydrogen is a highly sensitive medium – extremely volatile and easily flammable. A fast and reliable shut-off can be crucial in case of emergency. Thanks to EN 161:
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Reaction time and risks within the system are minimized
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Maximum protection for equipment and personnel is ensured
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Compliance with industry standards for safety and operational reliability – indispensable for hydrogen applications
DVGW H2 Certified for 100% Hydrogen
Our innovative butterfly valve Smart H2 DVGW Edition sets new standards in hydrogen technology: This product line is now officially certified by the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) according to the latest requirements for hydrogen. The certification covers suitability for 100% hydrogen as well as for any mixing ratios of natural gas and hydrogen.
This gives our customers tested safety and quality when operating hydrogen networks or hybrid gas grids that are increasingly transitioning to climate-friendly energy carriers. Our hydrogen butterfly valves meet all relevant requirements for tightness, material resistance, and operational safety in accordance with the DVGW H2 certification for hydrogen applications, thus supporting a reliable infrastructure in the context of the energy transition.
The Smart H2 DVGW Edition impresses not only with its certified hydrogen suitability but also with its high flexibility: it can be universally integrated into existing or new systems without complex modifications.
Your benefits at a glance:
✅ Officially DVGW H2 certified
✅ Suitable for 100% hydrogen and all H2/natural gas blends
✅ High operational safety and tightness
✅ Maintenance-friendly, robust design
Choose tested quality for your hydrogen applications – with our Smart H2 DVGW Edition hydrogen butterfly valves, you are optimally prepared for the energy future.
Practical Long-Term Testing
Since 2023, three of our hydrogen shut-off valves (nominal size 100) have been undergoing rigorous testing under realistic operating conditions. The key question: Do our H₂ butterfly valves remain reliably sealed even under long-term stress? This is not only a matter of technical performance but also a critical aspect of safety.
In April 2024, the independent company Mitnetz Gas published the first interim results – with an encouraging conclusion:
“The results of the internal tightness investigation suggest that the components are suitable for hydrogen applications.”
This confirmation demonstrates that our valves withstand the extreme demands of hydrogen. As hydrogen becomes the energy source of the future, we are committed to ensuring that it is safely controlled and blocked within the pipeline system!
Hydrogen Infrastructure
In addition to expanding existing natural gas pipelines and planning the construction of 5,000 km of new hydrogen pipelines by 2030, the German government is investing in research and development to establish a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. The goal is to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by using green hydrogen, which is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. For energy-intensive industries such as the steel industry, hydrogen is expected to be just as beneficial as it is for the energy sector, where it can serve as a storage medium.
To establish hydrogen as a key energy carrier and meet the growing demand in a timely manner, it is essential to convert existing natural gas networks for hydrogen transport. To ensure the safe transportation of hydrogen through old natural gas pipelines, the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) has introduced specific standards and certifications that define safety requirements for all pipeline components. With the Smart H2 DVGW Edition butterfly valve, Herberholz offers a DVGW-certified solution explicitly designed for use with gas, gas-hydrogen mixtures, and pure hydrogen.
Hydrogen in the steel industry
“Hydrogen instead of coal” is the motto of the future. For energy-intensive industries such as the steel industry, hydrogen will play a crucial role in significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. Many major German companies have already converted their processes but are currently facing challenges in procuring larger quantities of hydrogen. The transition phase from natural gas to hydrogen therefore requires flexible and innovative solutions.
The use of hydrogen, a highly flammable gas, necessitates stringent safety standards. For this reason, Herberholz has equipped its “Smart Secure H2 Edition” butterfly valve with the Smart Secure System, which enables closing times of less than one second. Additionally, the valve has been certified by the DVGW for hydrogen applications.
One of the biggest challenges for mechanical and plant engineers is managing the transition from natural gas to hydrogen. This complex process requires the modification or replacement of existing systems. Many components must be suitable for use with both natural gas and hydrogen. Our “Smart Secure H2 Edition” shut-off valve has been specifically designed for this purpose and can be seamlessly replaced as a multifunctional Plug & Play solution.
Hydrogen Storage
Worldwide, investments in renewable energy are increasing to further slow down climate change. The biggest challenge is storing surplus energy generated from wind, water, and solar power to ensure its reliable use when needed. This is where the versatile medium of hydrogen comes into play: Excess energy can be used for electrolysis to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be stored in large quantities and, unlike batteries, remains storable for long periods while being highly versatile—usable for households, industries, or mobility.
Curious?
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about hydrogen fittings. If you have any questions, you can contact us by e-mail at any time. We are happy to help!
Hydrogen (H) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It has the lowest density of all gases and is highly flammable.
The Four Types of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is generally classified into four different types based on its production method and the associated CO₂ emissions.
Gray hydrogen is produced through steam reforming of natural gas. In this process, methane reacts with steam at high temperatures to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is then released into the atmosphere.
Blue hydrogen is produced using the same method as gray hydrogen, with the key difference that the released CO₂ is captured and stored, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.
Turquoise hydrogen is generated through methane pyrolysis, a process that produces hydrogen and solid carbon without emitting CO₂. This makes turquoise hydrogen initially more environmentally friendly than gray or blue hydrogen. However, its actual environmental impact depends on how the solid carbon is utilized.
Green hydrogen is obtained through the electrolysis of water. During electrolysis, water (H₂O) is split into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). If the electricity used for this process comes from renewable energy sources, the CO₂ balance is climate-neutral. For this reason, green hydrogen is considered a key element in the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries.
The butterfly valve for hydrogen ensures the regulation or complete shut-off of flow within a pipeline. The valve is specifically designed for the unique characteristics of the medium and adapted to its properties.
Our butterfly valves have been specially developed for use with hydrogen to ensure maximum safety and durability. Since hydrogen’s unique properties can affect conventional butterfly valves, we use materials that have been extensively tested for hydrogen tightness and resistance. Our valves are highly resistant to diffusion and embrittlement, reliably preventing potential leaks and damage. Compliance with these properties is further confirmed by the DVGW H2 certification.
For maximum safety, our butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators are also available in versions with closing times of less than one second – certified according to EN161 (Quick Shut-Off / Smart Secure System).
This provides you with a solution that is not only durable and safe, but also demonstrably meets the strictest requirements for hydrogen applications.
The butterfly valves for hydrogen are available in nominal sizes ranging from 50 to 300 mm and can be used within a temperature range of -15 to +120°C at a maximum operating pressure of 9 bar.
Safety is the top priority when it comes to hydrogen, which is why our butterfly valves are designed to make processes both efficient and secure. The Smart H2 DVGW Edition is specifically certified for hydrogen by the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water).
Our Smart Secure H2 Edition meets the requirements of the EN161 certification, achieving closing times of less than one second.
The Smart Secure H2 DVGW Edition combines both DVGW H2 and EN161 certifications, ensuring shut-off in under one second – making it a true all-rounder.
There is a wide range of hydrogen products on the market. Here are some key reasons to choose a hydrogen butterfly valve from Herberholz:
- DVGW H2 certification confirms the safety and reliability of the butterfly valve in hydrogen applications.
- EN161 certification confirms closing times of less than one second
- Lighter and more compact design compared to a ball valve, reducing installation and maintenance efforts.
- Slim design saves space and weight in complex systems.
- Low energy consumption due to a low torque requirement, increasing overall system efficiency.
- Proven performance, with hydrogen butterfly valves successfully in use at a test facility for over a year.
- Cost-effective alternative to ball valves in high-investment projects.
We offer the Smart H2 DVGW Edition in line with customer requirements – with bare shaft, handwheel or lever, as well as electrically or pneumatically automated.
The Smart Secure H2 Editions and Smart Secure H2 DVGW Edition are offered as automated units, consisting of butterfly valve, pneumatic actuator, and solenoid valve, in accordance with the EN161 certification (Smart Secure Systems).
Yes, all butterfly valves in the H2 series can be used for natural gas. The valve is designed as a multifunctional solution, allowing for pure natural gas operation as well as all mixing ratios of gas and hydrogen, up to 100% hydrogen.
The Herberholz team supports you in selecting the right valves for your hydrogen application and calculates the optimal butterfly valve configuration using our specialized software. Additionally, we provide expert advice on converting gas applications to hydrogen systems.
In principle, replacing a Herberholz H2 butterfly valve is a “Plug & Play” process with an existing Herberholz valve. However, since industrial applications are highly customized, we recommend consulting our technical team to ensure the continued functionality and safety of your system.
Feel free to contact us with your inquiry at info@herberholz.com or call us at +49 (0) 2333/9898-0.
Hydrogen butterfly valves can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- Industrial applications
- Transport in pipelines
- Gas supply
- Methane pyrolysis
- Steam reforming
- Energy generation
- Cooling air circuits
The delivery time for a hydrogen butterfly valve depends on various factors, including configuration, quantity, and delivery address. Generally, you can expect a delivery time of approximately 8 weeks.
