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Green Hydrogen Filtration
Explore filtration solutions that enable efficient green hydrogen production. Learn how water treatment, gas separation, and drying steps help deliver high-purity hydrogen for sustainable energy applications.
Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water using renewable electricity. It supports decarbonization goals across industries, and achieving high purity requires filtration and separation at key stages from clean feedwater to gas side aerosol removal and moisture control. Hydrogen filtration solutions play a critical role in enabling these processes, as outlined in our Hydrogen Filtration Solutions overview.
Why green hydrogen?
Hydrogen produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources offers a low carbon pathway for energy, storage, and industrial feedstock applications. It supports net zero initiatives and the broader energy transition.
Why is filtration critical in green hydrogen production?
Filtration and separation are essential across electrolyzer technologies (alkaline, PEM, solid oxide). Similar principles apply to other hydrogen pathways, including Blue Hydrogen Filtration, where purity and reliability are equally important.
They help:
- Extend electrolyzer lifetime by limiting solids from the incoming water feed
- Protect downstream equipment by preventing liquids in the product stream from impacting compressor performance
- Safeguard end use applications by controlling solids from process piping or dryer beds that can affect final purity
Green hydrogen purification challenges
Typical produced hydrogen can contain 2,000 to 6,000 ppm oxygen and more than 2,000 ppm water, while ISO 14687 fuel cell specs recommend 5 ppm for each. Multiple filtration, separation and drying steps are needed to reach target purity and ensure oil free gas after compression.
What filtration methods are used in green hydrogen production?
Green hydrogen production relies on multiple filtration steps around the electrolyzer and the produced gas stream, including electrolytic hydrogen filters, liquid-gas coalescers, fine particulate filters, and adsorption dryers.
- Feedwater cleanliness: staged particulate removal and polishing to minimize solids entering the electrolyzer
- Gas liquid separation: removal of entrained liquids and electrolyte aerosols after electrolysis
- Particulate control: fine filtration prior to sensitive equipment and final product polishing
- Drying: adsorption dryers to reach low dew points suitable for compression, storage and end use
Together, these green hydrogen filtration methods help deliver consistent product purity ahead of compression and final use
How do filtration steps support typical green hydrogen processing?
Filtration steps protect critical components, remove aerosols, and ensure purity before compression and storage. Technology selection depends on required quality, flow rate, and contaminant type.
Filtration Solutions for Green Hydrogen
Our filtration technologies support every stage of green hydrogen production from feedwater treatment to gas drying. They help you achieve consistent purity and operational reliability. Explore solutions designed for electrolyzer protection and hydrogen quality compliance. The process flow (P&ID) illustrates where filtration and separation sit from feedwater treatment through produced gas handling.
Typical Green Hydrogen Production process and Pall’s Solutions
Water/Electrolyte Processing:
Pall’s micro/ultra-fine particulate filters to protect reverse-osmosis systems and ensure highest feed water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrolyzer types are used for green hydrogen?
Alkaline, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), and solid oxide electrolyzers are currently deployed
Why are filtration and separation steps necessary?
To manage solids in feedwater, remove liquids from the hydrogen product stream, and control particulates that could impact downstream equipment or final purity
What purity targets apply to fuel cell hydrogen?
ISO 14687 fuel cell specifications are highly stringent, including low moisture and oxygen limits that necessitate multiple purification steps
What protects compressors and catalysts?
High efficiency coalescers and particulate filters help protect compressors, safeguard catalyst beds, and support final hydrogen purity
How are electrolyte aerosols addressed?
Liquid gas coalescers designed for low pressure drop and chemical compatibility efficiently remove electrolyte mists common to alkaline systems
What influences technology selection?
Selection depends on required purity, flow rate, and contaminant type. Reviews and testing help determine where to integrate each step for performance and lifecycle cost
As a global leader in filtration technology and solutions, we understand that one solution cannot fit all. Our experts will provide bespoke solutions tailored to your needs in partnership with you. To find out more, contact us.
Pall in the Press
Read our articles featured in leading titles in the industry trade press
Hydrogen Power : Why filtration is the key to a green energy future Filtration+Separation, Mar '22