EVP 2BV Series Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps: Highlights in the Hydrogen Manufacturing Industry
EVP 2BV Series Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps: Application Trends and Technical Highlights in the Hydrogen Manufacturing Industry
Among various vacuum technologies, Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps have emerged as the preferred solution for the hydrogen sector due to their oil‑free operation, inherently safe structure, and strong explosion‑proof characteristics. This article reviews typical process scenarios in hydrogen manufacturing and highlights the unique advantages of the EVP 2BV Series Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps.
1. Why Vacuum Systems Are Becoming Critical in Hydrogen Manufacturing
A typical hydrogen plant involves:
Water electrolysis (with oxygen by‑product),Compression and buffer storage,Gas purification,Cylinder filling
In traditional facilities, some plants simply stop filling when gas purity is insufficient. However, as hydrogen suppliers shift from “production‑only plants” to merchant cylinder filling stations, the following requirements have become essential:
① Pre‑Evacuation Becomes Necessary for Ensuring High Purity
Type 1 steel cylinders are reused cyclically and usually maintain residual pressure to prevent air ingress. Therefore, the evacuation step must:
Remove residual internal gas
Handle air + small hydrogen content mixtures
Achieve the target vacuum level (typically 50–5 mbar) within a specified time
② Safety Requirements Escalate (ATEX Zone 2, IIC, T3)
Hydrogen belongs to Group IIC—one of the most difficult gases to handle—placing stringent requirements on materials, drive systems, and sealing structures.
③ The Vacuum System Must Be 100% Oil‑Free
Any oil vapor or back‑flow may cause:
Gas purity reduction
Potential safety risks involving hydrogen and oil mist
Thus, oil‑free, safe, and reliable liquid ring pumps have become the clear choice for hydrogen applications.
2. Why Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps Are More Reliable Than Oil‑Sealed Pumps in Hydrogen Applications
Completely Oil‑Free Structure (100% Oil‑Free)
Liquid ring pumps use water as the working fluid, with no oil inside the pump chamber. Therefore, issues such as:
Oil carry‑over
Reverse oil flow
Oil vapor contamination are completely eliminated.
This is critical for hydrogen cylinder filling.
Safe Handling of Hydrogen‑Containing Gas Mixtures
Hydrogen has extremely low solubility in water, keeping the internal pump environment stable and significantly reducing safety risks.
Inherently Explosion‑Proof and Compatible with ATEX Standards
Liquid ring pumps operate at low temperatures, with minimal friction and no metal‑to‑metal contact that could generate sparks. The EVP 2BV Series complies with ATEX certification, making it naturally suitable for hydrogen environments.
3. Why Choose EVP 2BV Series Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps?
The 2BV Series is a globally proven design widely used in over 30 countries for gas handling, chemical processing, and energy applications.
Key Advantages:
① Fully Oil‑Free—Superior to Oil‑Sealed Pumps for Hydrogen
Completely eliminates contamination risks and meets the highest purity requirements.
② ATEX Explosion‑Proof Options: Zone 2 / IIC / T3
Available with ATEX‑certified motors and accessories as required.
③ Compact Structure with Very Low Maintenance
Single‑stage design
Nearly maintenance‑free
④ Capable of Handling Residual Hydrogen‑Containing Gas Mixtures
Ideal for cyclic cylinder evacuation processes.
⑤ Strong Performance in Low Vacuum Range
Allows rapid evacuation, significantly improving cylinder filling efficiency.
4. Typical Application Scenarios in Hydrogen Cylinder Filling
Scenario 1: Cylinder Pre‑Evacuation
Gas medium: Air + residual hydrogen
Starting condition: Cylinders retain residual pressure; depressurization required before evacuation
Target vacuum: 50–5 mbar
Challenges: Rapid, oil‑free, safe, and stable evacuation
2BV Advantages:
Safe water working medium
Stable pumping speed
No contamination to cylinder interior
Scenario 2: Vacuum Assistance in Purification Systems
Used in PSA/Membrane systems where low vacuum is required before or after purification.
Scenario 3: Hydrogen Recovery and Tail‑Gas Handling
2BV pumps help extract mixed gases to enhance overall plant hydrogen utilization.
5. Conclusion: Why Hydrogen Companies Are Rapidly Adopting Liquid Ring Pumps
As the hydrogen sector moves from “production‑only” facilities toward commercial filling stations, vacuum systems have become essential for ensuring gas purity, operational safety, and production efficiency.
Core Values of the EVP 2BV Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump in Hydrogen Applications:
100% oil‑free — the safest vacuum solution for hydrogen
ATEX Zone 2 / IIC / T3 compliance
High pumping efficiency and low maintenance
Especially suitable for cyclic cylinder pre-evacuation
With the rapid development of green hydrogen filling stations and high‑purity hydrogen supply chains, liquid ring pumps are becoming a mainstream technology across the industry.
For technical support or customized vacuum solutions, the EVP engineering team is always ready to assist.