Howden to provide diaphragm compressors

Howden makes a range of diaphragm compressors. (Photo: Howden.)

Raven SR has hired Howden to provide three diaphragm compressors for its hydrogen production facility in Richmond, California. Construction at the facility is scheduled to start in the fall of 2022 and the site is expected to be operational in 2023, the companies announced.

Howden will work with Raven SR’s contractor, Stellar J, to install the compressors, which will move hydrogen into high pressure tube trailers that will provide hydrogen locally to Raven SR customers. The manufacturing and supply work for the contract is being carried out by Howden facilities in Rheden, Netherlands and Springfield, Missouri, with aftermarket support provided by Howden in Los Angeles, CA.

Raven makes hydrogen through a steam reforming process that transforms was products, including biomass, municipal solid waste, bio-solids, industrial waste, sewage and medical waste – into synthetic gas, which is then then converted into hydrogen, sulfur and synthetic fuels. The company’s steam reforming process is emissions-free and requires minimal waste before processing.

“This contract, and our relationship with Raven SR, represents a great example of how we are working with customers to support the energy transition and advance a more sustainable world,” said Howden CEO Ross B. Shuster. “Our solution on this project focuses on safe and efficient hydrogen compression followed by on-going support to ensure plant efficiency and reliability.”

Howden will also provide remote monitoring assistance to support and maintain the compressors.

“Raven SR is pleased to be working with Howden to supply the compressors for our non-combustion Steam/CO2 Reforming units,” said Raven SR CEO Matt Murdock. “Howden has a solid reputation in the industry, and their knowledge and experience have been crucial in designing the unique compressors needed under our hydrogen offtake agreements. As we expand internationally, Howden’s offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide will be able to support Raven SR as we accelerate the energy transition globally.”

In addition to the Raven SR project, Howden has landed other contracts for hydrogen compressors for the largest hydrogen refuelling station in the world in China and for the refuelling stations at the Beijing Winter Olympics; creating solutions for the first fossil-free steel plant in the world in Sweden; and supporting the world’s first climate neutral fuel (eFuel) plant in Chile.