IMI Critical Engineering, a subsidiary of IMI plc, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first field test of its IMI VIVO PEM electrolyser for green hydrogen production.
The test, conducted at the company’s recently opened facility in Sardinia, Italy, demonstrated the capabilities of the 200kW electrolyser, generating 4kg of hydrogen per hour at 30 barg.
The IMI VIVO electrolyser is designed to be scalable, with planned sizes ranging from 100kW to 5MW. The system can be customized to meet the specific requirements of end users, offering a turnkey configuration that includes a high or low-pressure storage tank, compressor, and optional fuelling equipment.
With the successful field test, IMI Critical Engineering is now preparing for a series of upcoming installations at research institutes in the UK and Europe throughout 2023 and 2024. This progress marks a significant step forward for the company, as it aims to transition from traditional power generation applications to more sustainable methods of energy generation, storage, and distribution.
Jackie Hu, Divisional Managing Director at IMI Critical Engineering, expressed enthusiasm for the achievement, stating, “The successful generation of green hydrogen is a landmark moment for our organization. We have heavily invested in PEM electrolyser technology to help our customers, and ourselves, transition to new and more sustainable ways of energy generation, storage, and distribution.”
IMI Critical Engineering, renowned for its expertise in designing, manufacturing, and servicing fluid control products, operates in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, downstream oil and gas, marine, and specialty chemicals.
The company plans to manufacture the IMI VIVO electrolyser and hydrogen storage vessels at the IMI Remosa facility, where the pilot test took place. The facility, inaugurated in October of the previous year (2022), serves as an integral part of IMI Critical Engineering’s commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies.
