What are the design specifications for hydrogen compressors?

Experts are taking things out of context; there’s another sentence afterward, which states that belt drive must be used. An anti-static belt can also be employed. For example, some compressors are quite old – they were installed when the factory was built – and have been in operation for decades without any accidents caused by belts. Additionally, those large foreign-made compressors introduced over the years are also extremely expensive, making it impossible to replace them. If you use a different type of drive mechanism, the compressor won’t be able to operate, or no other drive mechanisms are available, so belt drive remains the only option. I’ve seen belt drives used on acetylene compressors, while hydrogen compressors can use either belts or direct connections. That’s why there is the second half. It should be specified that hydrogen compressors installed after 2018 must not use belt drives, and this can be achieved.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult an expert to see if using anti-static belts would be appropriate. In projects I have worked on before, there were compressors driven by belts and compressors connected directly, all located in the same facility; they worked fine for many years. This year, they were separated, with the belt-driven compressors moved outside, but they are still within the DIICT4 explosion-proof area designated for hydrogen use.

If a compressor needs to be replaced, it represents a significant investment, and it will also affect production, design, manufacturing, civil construction, installation, and commissioning – which will take at least half a year.

Thank you very much for your reply. The anti-static belts are being used in our current hydrogen compressors. The transmission components are protected by copper covers, and a conventional grounding wire is installed beneath these copper covers

Thank you very much for your reply. The anti-static belts are being used in our current hydrogen compressors. The transmission components are protected by copper covers, and an electrostatic grounding wire is installed beneath these copper covers

There are measures in place, so is it still necessary to replace the compressor? I don’t think it’s necessary. Has a combustible gas detector been installed?

The regulations have always required that belt drives not be used, and we have made the necessary adjustments. There were no sensors or interlocks before, but now they are in place, which greatly improves safety. I think that even with anti-static belts, over time due to prolonged use and wear, they will eventually become ineffective.

The factory building is equipped with online combustible gas detectors, installed in accordance with regulatory requirements. Both the installation distance and height meet the requirements

How should it be rectified? Is it necessary to replace the hydrogen compressor?

The belt-driven type has been replaced with a symmetrically balanced directly-connected compressor, with the motor having an explosion-proof rating of CT4