What is “SPERA HYDROGEN” system?
The SPERA Hydrogen system
Chiyoda’s business plan for storing and transporting hydrogen utilizes the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) method.
- Hydrogen as liquid methylcyclohexane (MCH), which is produced from toluene and hydrogen, can be safely and economically stored and transported. Both toluene and MCH are maintained in a liquid state at ambient temperatures and pressures. MCH is commonly used as a solvent, for example in whiteout correction tape, and has a low degree of risk as a chemical substance. Liquid MCH efficiently transports hydrogen because it contains 500 times more hydrogen per volume than hydrogen gas.
- Gaseous hydrogen is catalytically extracted from MCH through the dehydrogenaton process at the site hydrogen is supplied to hydrogen users. Toluene a by-product of the hydrogen extraction process is repeatedly recycled as a raw material for producing MCH. Chiyoda has successfully developed the proprietary dehydrogenation catalyst for MCH and has conducted technological demonstrations to make the catalyst for practical use. Chiyoda has registered MCH including hydrogen for storage and transportation as the trade name SPERA Hydrogen.
Key Features
1. SPERA Hydrogen is easy to handle
SPERA Hydrogen, a stable liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, is as easy to handle as petroleum or natural gas.
2. SPERA Hydrogen can lower capital investment in infrastructure
As MCH and toluene are both classified into the same category as gasoline under the Fire Service Act in Japan, it is feasible to repurpose existing petroleum transportation and distribution infrastructure for SPERA Hydrogen, thereby lowering the capital investment in its transportation and distribution.
3. SPERA Hydrogen can mitigate risks in storage and transportation of hydrogen
The SPERA Hydrogen system can mitigate risks in the storage and transportation of hydrogen, to the same level as petroleum storage and transportation system.