LifeGuard Technologies, the world’s leading safety hose manufacturer, has announced the expansion of its innovative hydrogen safety hose products.
The hydrogen safety hose line will be expanded to include the cryogenic industry’s first patent pending LifeGuard Vacuum Jacketed Safety Hose specifically designed for liquid hydrogen and helium transfer.
Because liquid hydrogen must be transported at an extremely low temperature of -252.9 °C, insulated transfer lines are essential.
The vacuum technology with super insulation and the patented and patent pending LifeGuard Safety Internal Shutoff System precisely provides the insulation value, quality, and safety required to transport liquid hydrogen.
How does the LifeGuard safety system work?
The LifeGuard safety system is built into the LifeGuard Vacuum Jacketed Hydrogen Safety Hose by utilising an engineered and patented compression spring system.
It has two non-return valves installed within each fitting that separate under a controlled condition causing the internal valves to engage and the piping to remain intact with flow stopped on both ends of the hose and preventing product loss in the event of an emergency separation.
Safety is a key priority for the hydrogen industry, as it is essential for its growth and acceptance as a sustainable energy solution.
By understanding and managing the safety hazards associated with hydrogen, including the ‘weakest link’ – the transfer hose – the industry can ensure its safe production, storage, transportation, and use in various sectors.
The hydrogen safety hose line has been welcomed in the industry
Andy Abrams, Executive Vice President of LifeGuard Technologies, confirmed that the advancement of this new hydrogen safety hose application was jointly developed with its sister company GPSS India and Shell-N-Tube of India.
Leveraging LifeGuard Technologies’ deep hydrogen hose application knowledge, with Shell-N-Tube’s materials science expertise and process engineering capabilities, enabled the company to create the safest liquid hydrogen hose available.
He said: “At a time when the hydrogen industry is on the cusp of massive expansion, it is critical that safety lead the way.
“Now, liquid hydrogen transfer can have the same technological safety features that our LPG, NH3, and high-pressure hydrogen and atmospheric gas hoses have enjoyed for more than 20 years.”
Khushal Mehta, Director of Business Operations at Shell-N-Tube, concluded: “Safety and reliability are paramount in the handling and transfer of liquid hydrogen, which has been the driver in developing this hydrogen safety hose.”
