SANHA® has always placed a high priority on environmental protection, and the company's proactive steps in the field of hydrogen technology are a testament to this commitment. Recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a future fuel, SANHA® has led the charge by becoming the first manufacturer to test and certify several of their press fit piping systems for hydrogen use.

Testing and Certification by KIWA and DVGW

Already in 2019, SANHA®'s copper press fittings, SANHA®-Press Gas, underwent rigorous testing by KIWA to ensure their suitability for hydrogen applications. All tests yielded positive results, affirming SANHA®'s position as the first manufacturer with certified hydrogen-ready piping systems. The series was also installed in a test project called “Waterstofhuis Apeldoorn” (Hydrogen House Apeldoorn) in the Netherlands. Here, installers can physically work with and learn about H2 installations and the differences to natural gas. “While we do not expect hydrogen to be widely used in home heating due to its scarcity and cost in the next years, we see a lot of potential in industrial applications,” says SANHA®‘s Sven Kalbitzer. “Training people in the use and installation of hydrogen-capable piping systems is therefore a necessity.”

Only a few years later, SANHA®’s stainless steel press fittings NiroSan® Gas were approved for the transportation of H2 as well. In the meantime, both fitting series have been certified as "H2ready" by the German DBI institute, a subsidiary of DVGW. Since the change to using more H2 is a gradual progress, both series are approved for any admixtures of natural gas and hydrogen as well as 100 % H2 and, of course, 100 % natural gas. Elementary, the certification process included an update to existing certificates to incorporate hydrogen. All certificates are available for download at www.sanha.com.

Hydrogen as an Alternative Energy

The shift towards hydrogen as an alternative or advancement of natural gas technology is well underway. Extensive research is being conducted on hydrogen highways to explore the feasibility of replacing natural gas with hydrogen. Part of this research focuses on identifying the necessary modifications to the existing distribution networks. According to KIWA's findings, the current gas distribution networks can transport 100% hydrogen with minimal modifications. While other studies argue that more extensive modifications might be needed, planners and installers now have a very viable solution for piping systems in buildings with the two series (SANHA®-Press Gas and NiroSan® Gas).

SANHA®'s pioneering efforts in hydrogen technology underscore their dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation. As the world moves towards a greener future, SANHA®'s certified hydrogen-ready systems are poised to play a vital role in the transition to sustainable energy solutions. By leading the way in hydrogen certification, SANHA® again sets high standards for the industry.

For further information, interested parties can contact SANHA® at sales.benelux@sanha.com or technik@sanha.com.