As the clean energy sector grows across the United States, Romtec Utilities is proud to have designed and supplied a hydrogen refinery pump station for a 35-megawatt Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzer in Niagara Falls, New York.

Linde, a global leader in clean energy and hydrogen production, announced plans to build the facility in September 2022. Romtec’s pump station supports the expansion of Linde’s green hydrogen infrastructure in the United States and the broader initiative to transition toward sustainable energy.

This project exemplifies Romtec Utilities’ commitment to delivering high-performance water infrastructure for emerging energy technologies.

The Niagara Falls hydrogen refinery will be the largest electrolyzer installed by Linde globally. Once operational, it will more than double the green liquid hydrogen production capacity in the U.S. The plant will use hydroelectric power to produce green hydrogen.

The electrolyzer is designed to produce zero-emission hydrogen, which will be distributed to industries such as aerospace, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. This project is part of a broader initiative to expand hydrogen infrastructure throughout the Northeast, including New York State.

Niagara Falls was selected for its access to hydroelectric power, a renewable energy source ideal for producing green hydrogen. The site’s proximity to major industrial and transportation hubs in the Northeast, including cities in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, makes it a strategic location for distribution.

Romtec Utilities’ hydrogen refinery pump station integrates seamlessly with Linde’s existing liquefier and pipeline infrastructure, enabling efficient delivery of hydrogen to customers across the region.

Hydrogen production via electrolysis requires precise and reliable industrial water management. Romtec Utilities designed a pump station capable of handling corrosive environments, high flow rates, and continuous operation, all while meeting Linde’s rigorous engineering standards.

The pump station supports the electrolyzer’s operation by managing process water critical to hydrogen generation.

Hydrogen production facilities present unique challenges, such as:
– Exposure to corrosive chemicals
– Demanding flow rates
– Continuous, uninterrupted operations.

Romtec Utilities needed to engineer a robust, corrosion-resistant, and energy-efficient pumping system that could withstand these conditions and integrate with Linde’s infrastructure.

Romtec Utilities delivered a durable and high-performance industrial pump system solution featuring:
– A 6-foot diameter, by 18.5-foot-deep polymer concrete wet well, supplied by Armorock, chosen for its resistance to corrosion and structural integrity.
– A custom top slab engineered to meet site-specific structural and access requirements, supporting the above-grade valve assembly and duplex pump configuration.
– Duplex 10 HP Goulds 3171 vertical wet well pumps, selected for reliability and performance in industrial water systems.
– A motor start panel with auxiliary input control, simplifying systems activation and aligning with Linde’s operational protocols.

This configuration ensures continuous operation and supports the electrolyzer’s demanding water management needs.

Romtec Utilities’ design emphasizes :
– Material durability: Polymer concrete is ideal for hydrogen production environments due to its resistance to chemical exposure and long-term structural integrity.
– Pump performance: Goulds 3171 pumps are engineered for continuous duty and high flow rates, essential for supporting largescale hydrogen generation.
– Control simplicity: The motor starter panel reduces complexity while maintaining precise control over system activation and performance.

These features reflect Romtec Utilities’ commitment to delivering custom, integrated solutions for industrial water infrastructure.

Linde is the largest liquid hydrogen producer in the U.S. and a global pioneer in clean energy. The company operates the world’s first high-purity hydrogen storage cavern and maintains pipeline networks totaling approximately 1,000 kilometers globally. With over 200 hydrogen fueling station and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants installed worldwide, Linde is at the forefront of clean hydrogen transition.

The Niagara Falls project is the first of several electrolyzers Linde plans to build in the U.S. to meet rising demand.

Romtec Utilities specializes in custom pump station design, delivering complete solutions for industrial process water, stormwater, wastewater, and other water types. Romtec’s expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and integration ensures that each system meets the unique needs of its clients and their industries.

Romtec Utilities successfully completed system testing and delivered all components. The system is now maintained by Linde Engineering, with Romtec providing ongoing warranty support and periodic check-ins to ensure optimal performance.

This project exemplifies Romtec’s commitment to delivering complete and integrated pumping solutions for industrial process water, especially in emerging clean energy sectors.