LANXESS has developed special ion exchange resins in the Lewatit UltraPure range that can be used for water treatment in PEM electrolysis (Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis). This process converts electricity from the best renewable energy sources into hydrogen, which is considered a promising method for the sustainable production of this valuable gas. In this way, fluctuations in wind energy and solar radiation can be better compensated.
Experts believe that PEM electrolysis will play an important role in the transition to a hydrogen-based economy. Compared to alkaline electrolysis, the high current density of PEM electrolysis allows hydrogen production in smaller systems. Another advantage: the hydrogen filling station can be directly connected to the high pressure output.
The process is now so well developed that it allows highly efficient production in the megawatt range. This requires continuous filtration of the process water. LANXESS recommends the use of Lewatit UltraPure 1242 MD (Strong Base Anion Exchange Resin, SBA), Lewatit UltraPure 1212 MD (Strong Acidic Cation Exchange Resin, SAC) and Lewatit UltraPure 1295 MD ion exchange resin, optimized for the application. This application, to ensure a low TOC (Total Organic Carbon) throw.
LANXESS's Liquid Purification Technology (LPT) business unit is negotiating with prominent gas producers to establish effective water treatment standards in PEM electrolysis plants. Hans-Juergen Wedemeyer, technical marketing manager at LPT, explains: “Our technical expertise, combined with high-performance ion exchange resins, supports water filtration for systems. Preliminary application test results allow simulation of plant conditions and use of the most advanced Lewatit UltraPure ion exchange resin. Therefore, LANXESS is supporting the provision of sustainable, climate-friendly energy.”
PEM electrolysis converts green electricity into hydrogen
In PEM electrolysis, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) is used to split water into its hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) components. If the electricity for this process is supplied from renewable energy then this will be done with very low CO2 emissions. PEM technology uses several water circuits. In addition, fresh water is continuously introduced to compensate for water loss during hydrogen production.
Requires high purity water
Demineralized water is used as process water because the membrane will be seriously damaged in a very short time due to minerals and other impurities. For example, in 100 MW PEM systems, approximately 6,000 to 7,000 cubic meters of process water is circulated per hour and needs to be treated appropriately.
The operating temperature fluctuates between 50 and 70°C throughout the process. This can release metallic and organic impurities from system components. For stable hydrogen production and the economic life of PEM chimneys, it is essential to continuously reduce these impurities to a minimum. LANXESS has designed a special water treatment process using Lewatit UltraPure resin combined with UV rays.
The ion exchanger continuously cleans the water circuit
To stabilize the water cycle quality, a portion of the flow of about 3 to 6% of the total water volume is continuously filtered in the polisher. LANXESS recommends using an upstream UV lamp to oxidize organic matter (TOC), followed by combination of anion and cation exchange resins and a final polishing filter.
Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fiber2Fashion staff.
LANXESS introduces Lewatit UltraPure resins for efficient water treatment in PEM electrolysis, supporting sustainable hydrogen production. These resins ensure low TOC levels and stable water quality, which are important for PEM electrolysis operations. LANXESS partners with gas producers to establish water treatment standards in PEM electrolysis plants.
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