Honeywell introduces cost-effective Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Solution

Honeywell's Green Hydrogen program has announced a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology, a cost-effective solution that enables the long-distance transportation of green hydrogen. This can help meet the growing requirements for hydrogen use across various industries by leveraging existing refinery and transportation infrastructure, the company claims. 

While hydrogen is expected to play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at standard conditions, it is a flammable gas with low density and cannot be transported efficiently in a gaseous form. Current solutions for transportation include liquified hydrogen and chemical carriers such as ammonia, which would require additional infrastructure to accommodate new volume. 

Honeywell UOP's LOHC solution, on the other hand, utilizes existing refining assets and infrastructure to create and transport the carrier. In this, hydrogen gas is combined chemically through the Honeywell UOP Toluene Saturation Process into a convenient liquid carrier compatible with existing infrastructure. The carrier can then be transported in the same way as gasoline or similar hydrocarbons. 

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Once at its destination, the hydrogen is recovered from the carrier using the Honeywell UOP Methylcyclohexane Dehydrogenation Process. Existing idle oil refining assets can be revamped to release the hydrogen from the liquid carrier for use in multiple commercial and industrial applications, according to the company. The carrier used in the Honeywell LOHC solution is readily available and requires minimal makeup, it adds. 

"With increased focus on companies reducing their carbon dioxide footprint and growing the hydrogen economy, Honeywell LOHC can offer a long-distance transport option that can kickstart hydrogen ecosystems," said Bryan Glover, President, Honeywell UOP. 

"Our LOHC solution can aid in the energy transition because it utilizes existing refining assets and offers comprehensive solutions across the hydrogen value chain. From production and conversion, transmission, and storage, to distribution and use, our ready-now solution can be used to make operations safer, more efficient, and more reliable", added Glover. 

Honeywell's Green Hydrogen program leverages decades of R&D and experience in developing and manufacturing market-leading membranes and catalysts for gas processing, refining, steel, and petrochemical industries. The program also claims experience in the most recent development of novel membranes for battery and power applications.