The discovery was made completely by accident. Signs of aging? Negative. Any complaints? No. The part was installed in a thermal plant and was still functioning perfectly. Nevertheless, we had the part replaced and gave it it’s well-earned retirement.

On the one hand, the discovery naturally filled us with pride. But on the other, we can’t help thinking: if all our products last that long, then we’ll probably all have to retire soon…

The use case
We had already delivered the first valves to the company in 1986 for an industrial H2 thermoprocessing application. Or more accurately: safety shut-off valves for the safe use of hydrogen in the production of fumed silica.

Several combinations of valves comprising two main valves with electric-pneumatic actuator which are closed when unpowered and a vent valve with solenoid actuator which is open when unpowered were used here. Type tested, of course. We delivered eight valve combinations for commissioning in 1986. Further stages of expansion, consisting of two valve combinations each, then followed in 1997, 2001 and 2002.

The challenge
It was expected that the individual valve components would absorb hydrogen over time owing to the long-term operation – starting with the pressure-retaining valve housing, followed by the pressure-retaining spacer and valve spindle, and finally the spindle guide.

The solution
Comprehensive testing of the components was conducted. Most recently in 2021. We removed two valves from the first delivery in 1986 for component analysis during this testing and provided the customer with new valves free of charge. The valve components we removed which were in contact with H2 were tested for changes to the material structure and properties at a Dakks-accredited material testing laboratory.

The result
The analysis from the accredited testing laboratory showed that although the valve components had absorbed H2, they were still fully operational after 37 years. They showed no operational changes in structure. A proper microstructure without abnormalities was verified. And the hardness values and tensile strengths also complied with the standards.

Summary
The case study illustrates our many years of expertise in the field of hydrogen applications on the one hand, and on the other it also highlights the quality, safety and long service life of our products. Hydrogen is simply our profession – and it has been for more than 30 years.

What does that have to do with the solutions from Uni Geräte? Quite a bit. Because one of our safety shut-off valves has recently started to be used in combination with the Secty lifePatron® advanced earthquake warning system. It therefore ensures, in the event of an earthquake, that the gas supply to parts of the building is shut off even before the earthquake begins. But in sequence.

The warning system
Secty lifePatron® is a ground-breaking development from Secty electronics. The solution is integrated into the building control system and warns of an impending earthquake in good time. It was thus able to raise the alarm at the German school in Santiago de Chile 30 seconds before the earthquake on 27 February 2010 – and saved numerous lives as a result.

The warning technology is also an integral part of building management systems in Germany. Online retailer QVC uses the solution at its Hückelhoven site, for example, and recently had a second warning system installed. In connection with this, we were commissioned by the responsible engineering contractor to supply a safety shut-off valve with a nominal diameter of DN 150.

Our contribution to greater safety
The safety shut-off valve from Uni Geräte is directly connected to the Secty lifePatron® system as the actuator and thus makes a significant contribution to protection against the potential impacts of earthquakes. Or more accurately: if an earthquake starts, the warning system sounds the alarm in advance and sends a signal directly to our safety shut-off valve. The gas supply can therefore be shut off even before the disaster happens and a gas leak as a result of damage to the lines can be prevented.