Our mission
Hydrogen, ammonia and heat transfer, an inseparable combination
The green hydrogen sector in the Benelux is currently facing significant headwinds. Persistently high electricity prices and a lack of industrial customers willing to commit to long-term contracts are hampering the development of projects across the region. Several initiatives are still at an early planning stage, as investors and other stakeholders are adopting a cautious approach.
Despite these challenges, at Kapp we believe that this is a temporary slowdown rather than a structural setback. Hydrogen is still widely regarded as one of the pillars of Europe’s long-term strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving the energy transition. The broader trend is crystal clear: the hydrogen economy is evolving into a global system in which production and consumption are geographically decoupled.
We are already seeing hydrogen (H₂) being produced on an ever-larger scale via electrolysis in places where renewable electricity (such as solar and wind power) is abundant and cost-effective, such as in Namibia, the Middle East and South America. We see great potential for ammonia in this process: as compressed hydrogen gas is difficult to transport over long distances, it is converted directly into ammonia (NH₃) at the production site. When cooled to a liquid at -33°C under atmospheric pressure, ammonia has a significantly higher volumetric energy density, enabling it to be transported efficiently and cost-effectively worldwide via existing maritime infrastructure (such as LNG carriers). Ammonia thus forms the bridge between continents for transporting clean energy.
At Kapp, we focus on the entire value chain: from initial hydrogen production to transport and the final cracking of ammonia. As many of these processes have not yet been fully developed worldwide, our approach in this market is: “Here to teach, here to learn”. By innovating alongside other experts in the sector, we can accelerate the energy transition.
Our approach in this market is therefore: “Here to teach, here to learn”.
JEROEN VAN RUITENBEEK – Managing Director
WHAT WE PROMISE
Our solutions
This is how we can improve your hydrogen process
Sustainable generated electricity is a prerequisite for producing green hydrogen. Keeping this fundamental aspect in mind, we tackle every challenge that arises during the hydrogen production process. Heat exchangers play a crucial role in each step of this process. With our extensive experience and expertise, we are well-versed in the associated challenges and have the most suitable heat exchangers for every step. Furthermore, we possess a unique advantage in compression and purification sub-processes, with our highly compact heat exchangers. If you require further information, we would be delighted to provide it.
Step
Elektrolysis
Cooling
Compression
Purification
Final compression
The process: ammonia
How ammonia is stored and cracked
Because pure hydrogen gas (H₂) takes up an enormous amount of space and has to be cooled to a very low temperature (-253°C) in order to be transported in liquid form, we temporarily combine it with nitrogen to produce ammonia. This is much easier to transport.
1. Storing ammonia using hydrogen gas
Hydrogen gas is chemically bonded to nitrogen from the air, producing liquid ammonia. In this form, the hydrogen takes up much less space and does not need to be cooled to such extremely low temperatures. This allows it to be stored efficiently, safely and compactly, and transported in large quantities (for example, by ship).
2. Cracking ammonia
At its destination, the ammonia is heated in a so-called cracker. This causes the liquid to split back into nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas. The nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere, leaving you with pure, clean hydrogen that is ready for use in industry or transport. In short: Step 1 turns volatile hydrogen gas into a compact, liquid ‘battery’ for transport. Step 2 opens up that battery again so that the pure hydrogen can be used.
WHERE WE ARE UNIQUE
Perfect fit for the hydrogen process
Hydrogen is the smallest and lightest molecule in existence. This presents certain risks during hydrogen production. In a number of hydrogen production processes, pressures are high and leaks can have disastrous consequences; hydrogen and oxygen flows pose an explosion hazard. In critical, potentially explosive and toxic processes involving hydrogen and ammonia, the right heat transfer equipment is of paramount importance. Whilst the market often still relies on traditional, extremely heavy shell-and-tube heat exchangers out of habit, we believe there is a smarter way. We have seen cases where our solutions weigh 70% less, cost 50% less, recover more heat and are at least as robust as traditional tube heat exchangers. For a number of processes in hydrogen production, a Plate & Shell heat exchanger is the perfect solution, and in some cases it is even the only suitable technology. A Plate & Shell heat exchanger is:
- Very compact – so a smaller plot size, less civil-work, insulation, piping, etc.
- Suitable for high pressures.
- Fully welded and therefore safe for hydrogen application and guaranteed leakproof.
- More profitable thanks to lower CAPEX and OPEX
Ammonia newspaper
Read about ammonia and our thoughts on the subject in our ammonia newsletter.
CONTACT
Let’s discuss hydrogen, ammonia and heat transfer!
Would you like to know more about heat transfer? Want to talk or need help making decisions regarding your hydrogen process? Make sure you get in touch with Jeroen.