Process Units
Process Unit Valve Reference

Valves for the Hydrogen Generation Unit (SMR)

Produces hydrogen by steam methane reforming (or increasingly electrolysis) for refinery hydrotreating, ammonia synthesis and emerging hydrogen-economy applications. High-temperature reforming and high-pressure PSA purification define the valve set.

Oil & Gas RefiningFertilizerHydrogenChemical

What are the critical valves in a Hydrogen Generation Unit?

PSA cycle valves (Ball Valves) — High-cycle-life valves switching adsorber beds many times per hour. Reformer feed/effluent (Gate Valves) — High-temperature alloy-steel isolation on the reforming furnace circuit. Hydrogen product relief (Safety & Relief Valves) — Overpressure protection on the high-pressure hydrogen product header.

Critical Valve Points

PSA cycle valves

Ball Valves

High-cycle-life valves switching adsorber beds many times per hour.

Reformer feed/effluent

Gate Valves

High-temperature alloy-steel isolation on the reforming furnace circuit.

Hydrogen product relief

Safety & Relief Valves

Overpressure protection on the high-pressure hydrogen product header.

Unit-Level Valve Strategy

  • Hydrogen embrittlement governs metallurgy selection per ASME B31.12 across the whole high-pressure hydrogen circuit
  • PSA (pressure swing adsorption) purification cycles valves through frequent, fast open/close duty - cycle-life rating matters more than static seat performance
  • Reformer tube inlet/outlet manifolds run at high temperature - alloy steel valves with appropriate creep-strength ratings

Equipment in this Unit

Fluids in this Unit

Governing Standards

ASME B31.12ASME Section VIIIAPI 520API 521
Reviewed by Process Engineering, Vajra Industrial SolutionsDiscipline: Valve Service SpecificationLast reviewed: 20 June 2026

Connected Engineering

Sourcing valves for a Hydrogen Generation Unit?

Send your unit valve list — we supply the full set (Ball Valves, Gate Valves, Safety & Relief Valves) with certification matched to ASME B31.12, in one PO.

Engineering references