PSA Systems 

Hydrogen is considered an important energy carrier of the future – especially because it burns cleanly, producing only water. However, before hydrogen can be used in fuel cells, vehicles, or industrial applications, it must be available in a highly pure form. During its production, a gas mixture is created that contains not only hydrogen but also other gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane from classic methane steam reformers or oxygen and water from electrolysers. To separate the hydrogen from these other components, a technology called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) is used. 

Valve Solutions for Pressure Swing Adsorption Systems 

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) is a widely used gas purification method based on the principle of selective adsorption. It is commonly used to separate nitrogen (N₂) or oxygen (O₂) from air. When industrial gases are produced on-site, PSA systems provide a cost-effective and reliable supply solution. GEMÜ offers a comprehensive portfolio of valve solutions specifically designed for PSA systems. 

Process Description: 
The core principle of PSA systems is the "pressure swing" between parallel adsorption tanks. This mechanism enables continuous operation with high energy efficiency. In nitrogen production, for example, dry and filtered compressed air enters a purification tank containing molecular sieves that selectively adsorb oxygen. The resulting purified nitrogen exits the system, while a second tank undergoes regeneration (venting and flushing). By alternating the tanks between adsorption (purification) and desorption (regeneration), uninterrupted system performance is maintained. 

Before each adsorption cycle begins, a pressure equalization step is carried out: pressurized gas from the saturated tank is transferred to the regenerated tank to optimize energy usage. 

Valve Solutions from GEMÜ: 
GEMÜ provides advanced valve technologies tailored to each step of the PSA process. Whether a durable globe valve for high switching cycles or a modular system for compact installations is needed, GEMÜ’s broad product range ensures optimal performance. Our complete valve, measurement, and control systems come from a single source. 

Pneumatic actuators can be equipped with in-house fitted and tested positioners and process controllers, delivered as ready-to-install packages. This significantly reduces installation time, logistics efforts, and documentation requirements on-site. 

Pressure Swing Adsorption systems are a proven and efficient solution for the on-site production and purification of industrial gases such as nitrogen and oxygen. Their ability to operate continuously with minimal energy consumption makes them ideal for a wide range of applications. With its extensive range of high-quality valves and automation components, GEMÜ offers tailored solutions for the PSA process. They offers long experience together with innovative functionality. Whether seat valves, diaphragm valves, check valves, or flow meters – they meet the highest standards in switching performance, media resistance, and control precision. Thanks to tested materials and modular system solutions, they are ideally suited for applications involving oxygen, hydrogen, or CO₂.