Today, hydrogen plays a key role across numerous industries, including food processing, chemical and petrochemical manufacturing, metallurgy, electronics, glass production, and more. It is widely used in hydrotreating, hydrogenation processes, and ammonia synthesis.
The primary industrial methods of producing pure hydrogen include water electrolysis and steam methane reforming (SMR). Additionally, hydrogen can be extracted and concentrated from various hydrogen-containing gas mixtures that result from petrochemical processes.
In recent years, PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology has seen active development as a means of extracting and purifying hydrogen from various sources — including fuel gases, purge streams, and vent gases. Systems based on this technology effectively recover hydrogen from mixed gas flows, allowing it to be recycled into the production cycle, thus reducing losses and operational costs.
Moreover, hydrogen recovery from gas mixtures contributes to environmental sustainability. Utilising alternative sources of hydrogen helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and improves overall resource efficiency.
Thus, modern hydrogen extraction and purification technologies not only enhance the economic efficiency of industrial processes but also support environmental protection efforts.
Hydrogen Generation and Purification
Although hydrogen is widely used in industrial applications, it is rarely found in its pure form in nature. As a result, it must be produced from other sources. The main methods of hydrogen production include:
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Water Electrolysis
The process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical current. It is carried out in specialised electrolytic cells followed by downstream purification of the hydrogen stream.
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Steam Methane Reforming
A catalytic reaction between methane (or LPG) and steam that produces hydrogen-rich gas.
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Extraction from Mixed Gases
Hydrogen is separated from gas mixtures — such as those generated in petrochemical operations — using PSA systems.
Each method has its advantages and trade-offs. For example, steam reforming is relatively cost-effective but depends heavily on the availability of natural gas. Electrolysis, on the other hand, is environmentally friendly but energy-intensive.
Choosing the optimal hydrogen production method depends on several factors, including required consumption rates, hydrogen purity and pressure levels, and feedstock availability. All of these considerations must be evaluated to ensure a reliable and cost-effective solution for your specific operation.
Design and Manufacturing of Hydrogen Generation Systems
ONH Systems specialises in the design and production of industrial-scale hydrogen generation units. We offer comprehensive, turnkey solutions — from concept and engineering to full-scale commissioning and after-sales support.
Our hydrogen plants are designed with the following key features:
- Fully automated operation with intuitive controls
- Compact footprint, suitable for space-constrained facilities
- Long service life thanks to high-quality materials and components
- High degree of factory readiness for rapid deployment
- Designed for harsh environments, including extreme climates
In addition to supplying equipment, ONH Systems provides scheduled maintenance, repair, and technical support services aligned with your operational calendar.
Our integrated approach sets us apart in the marketplace, offering clients a reliable and complete solution for industrial hydrogen production.
ONH Systems designs and manufactures systems for the on-site generation of industrial gases, including hydrogen generators based on electrolysis. Our engineering team has over a decade of experience in the gas generation industry. All equipment is compliant with both Russian and international standards.
You can order hydrogen generators and modular hydrogen stations housed in containerised units — fully customised to meet your individual requirements.
For more information, contact us by phone at +7 (495) 150-44-22 or email us at sales@onhs.ru — we will respond promptly and assist you with your project.
