Hydrogen Ball Valves
H₂ Ribel valves are born from a rigorous selection of hydrogen-compatible materials and represent a safe and efficient response to H₂ Ready requirements.
Our valves qualify as safe hydrogen components thanks to a development process that integrates advanced selection of hydrogen-compatible metallic and polymer materials, helium leak testing, and compliance with major international standards.
Reliability, safety and performance for the energy of the future
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe—and one of the most promising in the global challenge for decarbonization. When handled at the right pressures and temperatures, it can be used as a clean fuel for power generation or as an energy source for fuel cell vehicles.
In this constantly evolving landscape, hydrogen valves play a key role in ensuring high reliability, safety, and performance throughout the entire H₂ value chain: from production and storage to transportation and final use.
The challenges of hydrogen: a matter of sealing and materials
The use of hydrogen presents significant technological challenges. Due to the extremely small size of its molecules and their ability to penetrate materials, hydrogen can lead to issues such as embrittlement, permeation and diffusion.
To ensure system tightness and safety, valves must be specifically designed and made from carefully selected and tested materials capable of withstanding hydrogen’s intrinsic properties. In the hydrogen ecosystem, components that guarantee compatibility, reliability, and tightness are defined as “H₂ Ready.” At Ribel, we have turned this standard into a tangible commitment, thoroughly testing both metallic and polymeric materials to deliver solutions that are truly compatible with hydrogen. This is how H₂ Ribel was born: a dedicated valve line engineered to safely and efficiently meet the challenges of H₂ flow control—even under complex operating conditions.
Our valves qualify as safe hydrogen components, thanks to a development process that integrates advanced selection of hydrogen-compatible metallic and polymer materials, helium leak testing, and compliance with major international standards, including:
- PED 2014/68/UE – Pressure Equipment Directive
- ATEX 2014/34/UE – Directive for potentially explosive atmospheres
- ISO 15848-1 – Low Fugitive Emission Certification
Zheroleak Technology: patented sealing system, zero leakage
Ribel hydrogen valves feature the patented Zheroleak sealing system, engineered to ensure zero leakage even under the most demanding conditions.
This exclusive technology guarantees perfect system tightness, enhancing the safety, durability, and performance of the valves—even in hazardous environments or highly sensitive processes.
Each valve undergoes a helium (He) leak test — a noble gas with smaller atomic dimensions than the H₂ molecule — allowing for the simulation of real-world conditions and the detection of any micro-leaks.
Click to watch the video on how Zheroleak works.
Applications of Hydrogen Valves
Ribel hydrogen valves are used in numerous industrial and strategic applications, including:
- refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles
- hydrogen production, storage, and distribution plants
- fuel cell power supply systems
- industrial processes such as heat treatment, ammonia synthesis, hydrogenation of unsaturated vegetable oils, methanol synthesis, oil refining, and iron reduction in steel production processes, …
In all these fields, reliability and safety are essential requirements, and Ribel’s solutions precisely meet the market’s needs.
Ribel Valves is already a key player in real-world projects across the entire hydrogen value chain. Among the completed supplies:
Valves for electrochemical plants
Hydrogen production through electrolysis
Within the context of electrochemical plants, which form the core of electrolytic hydrogen production, Ribel has recently contributed by supplying T1 trunnion wafer ball valves. These valves were selected to support a critical hydrogen production process, positioned both upstream and downstream of the electrolyzers, where control and safety are of paramount importance.
Valves for hydrogen compressors
Solutions for high-pressure applications
In the hydrogen compression secotr, advanced solutions are required for reciprocating compressors designed to handle pure hydrogen – from electrolysis to high-pressure storage, network injection, and transportation. Ribel has developed a monoblock double block and bleed valve, featuing selected materials and differentiated controls, providing a reliable solution that minimizes potential leakage risks.
One Solution, Multiple Advantages
Every hydrogen valve designed by Ribel is the result of an integrated process, where materials, technologies, and know-how converge into a single efficient, safe, and sustainable solution.
In a world steadily moving toward the energy transition, Ribel is ready to face the challenges of the future with expertise and vision.
Ribel Valvole is not just a manufacturer — it’s a technology partner: ready to support customers and engineers in building today the energy of tomorrow.
ZheroLeak
Ribel has patented Zheroleak®, the revolutionary sealing system that allows you to have a single multipurpose valve suitable for four different applications:
- fire safe (for fire emergencies);
- low fugitive emission (for dangerous and/or lethal fluids under pressure);
- from high vacuum to full rating;
- in transient and steady state operating conditions.
Ribel encoding
We have created a simple codification system to classify all our valve types.
Practical and univocal, it indicates all the design features that characterise the valve.
Rating pressure
The rating indicates the operating pressure rangel where the valve can perform.
We have created a system of acronyms, coded according to the letters L M H V W that correspond to Low, Medium, High, Very High and Extremely High pressures. They are related to international Standards.
Connections
The connections indicate the types of joints with which our valves are equipped.
The versatility of our production line also allows to provide combined solutions, differentiating between two (or more) valve flanges.
Automated ball valves
Ribel can supply automated valves.
Our automation service includes the selection and assembly of components from the best brands on the international market, meeting customer specifications and application requirements.
Do you need an ad-hoc solution?
Ribel ball valves
The commitment to technological innovation and attention to customisation requirements are our mission.
Our production range is constantly developing to respond to the ever-changing industrial landscape.
