The future of low carbon metering
Carbon dioxide emissions are being increasingly monitored and controlled globally, and the consumption of historically stored hydrocarbons in oil and natural gas is diminishing. Burning or oxidising Hydrogen (H2) can release significant energy and leaves only water in its place. Because of this, there is great interest in H2 as a replacement for hydrocarbon fuels. It can be produced using a variety of methods and more companies are embracing it. As with every type of energy, companies need H2 to be measured accurately.
Hydrogen can be stored physically as either a gas or a liquid, meaning it is easily available to transfer energy when and where it is later needed. This use can be in fuel cells where it is oxidised to create electrical charge, combusted in pure form for heat or mixed with hydrocarbons to increase energy density before use. However it is used, the quantity and quality of the H2 supplied needs to be known. Whether measuring and metering cryogenic liquid or multiple component gas.
Hydrogen Production Methods
The production of H2 is achieved using several methods. The cleanest for emissions is “green hydrogen” made by using renewable energy sources to split water into H2 and O2. These energy sources can be conventional wind or hydro-power sources or, more recently, solar, hydrothermal, or nuclear. Whatever the method, splitting water into its two components provides H2 for use or storage from an abundant and highly available source.
In contrast, ‘blue hydrogen’ is produced from conventional natural gas products. Using less new energy than splitting H2O, the already energy-rich hydrocarbon gases are split in an industrial process to give the H2 and Carbon Dioxide as the by-product. This CO2 is then captured for use or long-term storage. The capture of carbon for use or storage to reduce emissions is another area where there is a need for accurate and accountable metering.
In ‘grey hydrogen’ production, natural gas is split in the same way, but the CO2 is released into the atmosphere. If using biogas, this shortens the carbon cycle and provides H2 cleanly to the market. Whatever the method used for splitting, the H2 and the CO2 both need measuring, metering, and reporting.
Measuring H2
Using fiscal metering systems and gas analysers, the quantity and quality of H2 produced and the CO2 emitted or stored can be measured. With this data, you can determine the value of the H2 produced and the potential costs of any CO2 emissions in the processes.
In the coming years, H2 will become increasingly popular and lucrative across the energy industry and contribute to reaching the target of becoming carbon zero before 2050. Swinton Technology is ready for Hydrogen, H2 can be accurately measured within our products EyeMet and TruST.
'Swinton Technology are very excited to be supplying innovative hydrogen-based solutions, addressing new technological challenges and being part of the process that is helping achieve net-zero emissions prior to the 2050 target.' - Ben Leach, Business Manager.
