Alkaline electrolysis test benches: 8 filters, one housing type
A test-bench builder needed gas coalescers for H₂/O₂ and filters for the KOH electrolyte circuit. We proposed one PTFE-sealed 316L housing for all eight positions and a customer test plan for KOH.
Starting point
A machine builder was setting up two single-cell test benches for alkaline electrolysis. Each bench needed coalescing filters on the hydrogen and oxygen outlets and filters in the potassium-hydroxide electrolyte circuit.
Task
Select materials that are suitable for KOH contact, keep the number of spare-part types to a minimum and be transparent about what can and cannot be promised in KOH.
How we sized it
- 1
One housing for all positions
RF-H-132 in 316L with a solid PTFE gasket for all eight filters. Viton is not suitable in KOH, so the standard seal was replaced.
- 2
Gas side: PTFE element
RF-TF-25064-003 on the H₂ and O₂ outlets. Units for oxygen service are supplied oxygen-cleaned.
- 3
Electrolyte side: sintered stainless steel
RF-SS-25064-010 in the KOH circuit, alternatively a 25 µm PTFE element. Sintered elements are depth filters, not fine coalescers, and can be cleaned ultrasonically.
- 4
Glass microfibre only as a comparison
RF-C-25064-HE can be tested side by side. If it is chosen instead of PTFE, it must be changed every 3 months and is not cleanable.
- 5
Customer test plan
Log differential pressure and remove and inspect elements and seals after a defined time. We recommend one spare element per filter.
Recommended configuration
Sintered stainless steel, ultrasonically cleanable.
Product details
Limits & open points
- Long-term resistance in KOH must be tested by the customer; we make no commitment on service life or separation efficiency in KOH.
- PTFE and sintered elements are depth filters and do not reach fine-coalescer grades.
Result
A single spare-part type for the housing, clear element roles per position and a test plan that turns KOH uncertainty into measured data.
Read more
Similar application? Send us your operating data.
Medium, pressure, temperature, flow and connection are enough for a first proposal. We answer with a configuration and a quotation.
