Hydrogen 550 bar: SIAD at the service of sustainable mobility
With the design and subsequent installation at the Osio Sopra plant of the first high-pressure, oil-free compressor capable of compressing up to 550 bar, we reached an important milestone in compressor technology in 2023. This innovation has significant implications in two key sectors for the Group: hydrogen transport and hydrogen mobility.
Targets achieved
550 bar
Increase in maximum operating pressure
Oil Free
Production of a totally oil-free compressor
Investing in a supply chain that aims to transition to a more sustainable mobility
With this new compressor, SIAD is strategically entering the market for systems required for hydrogen refuelling stations for heavy vehicles (mainly buses and trucks), which is also characterised by specific high-pressure requirements.
The compressor is suitable for use with high-pressure cylinders and tube trailers, thus enabling greater product storage and, consequently, more efficient use of their capacity. Oil-free compressors are essential, especially in applications such as mobility, where high hydrogen purity is a strict requirement, as any trace of oil contamination in hydrogen can be harmful, compromising fuel cell performance and creating potentially dangerous situations.
Safety
Ensuring oil-free compression is not only a technological advance, but also and above all a critical consideration for safety and performance.
The transition to oil-free technology operating at pressures of up to 550 bar required a complete rethink of the materials used in the construction of the sealing systems and the geometry of the pistons, in order to enable them to adapt effectively to the higher pressures. For this reason, PTFE has been replaced by high-performance alternatives such as PEEK and other polymers. SIAD hydrogen compressors are designed with a range of robust safety features, including innovative technology and high-quality materials. In addition, the company works with leading suppliers of safety instruments and devices, ensuring the highest standards of reliability. The compressors are equipped with comprehensive process monitoring systems that constantly check operations to identify and, if necessary, resolve any problems promptly.