Water electrolysis has a role in the production of hydrogen. To ensure efficient water electrolysis, only high purity deionised feed water must be used to prevent impurities from concentrating inside the electrolyser, which can adversely affect the performance of the electrode and diaphragm surfaces. Failure to meet deionised water requirements is said to lead to faster system deterioration and a reduction in system performance.
VWT UK’s modular system is claimed to treat feed water to the required quality to feed PEM electrolysers. It has been designed to manage inlet water with high hardness and salinity, as well as ensure a variable flow rate to suit any requirement. The plant also includes softening and reverse osmosis systems to meet the electrolysers required conductivity of < 3 μS/cm.
This initial solution was developed for the manufacturer’s European-based customers, but the partnership now also includes the supply of water deionisation plants to US customers.
Derek McIntyre, business development director at Veolia Water Technologies UK, said: “By working with VWT UK, hydrogen producers can benefit from our extensive series of treatment technologies, as well as our deep understanding of the treatment requirements for various feed water sources, to ensure the treated water is suitable for use in electrolysers. Our global service presence also ensures we can support water treatment systems for electrolysers wherever they are installed.”