DTI Develops Annular Safety Valve for Hydrogen Storage Wells

DTI has recently completed an exciting technology transfer project for the hydrogen sector. The company has successfully developed and delivered a new Annular Safety Valve (ASV), which has been installed in a well at a major hydrogen storage test facility in France.

This pilot project is intended to demonstrate the viability of salt caverns for large-scale green hydrogen storage. Some of these salt caverns were previously used to store natural gas, so the old well completions are being replaced with equipment more suitable for hydrogen, including new downhole safety equipment.

The ASV was delivered by DTI within 12 months of the order. The technology is based on a development of its patented slim-pump safety valve. It offers a range of valuable features and benefits such as a pressure-balanced annular poppet valve which ensures leak-tight sealing and the ability to open and close in both directions, at full working pressure (to 5,000 psi), to allow for both injection and production operations. A large flow area also allows for high volume operations.

The Annular Safety Valve can be used in both hydrogen and natural gas storage wells plus traditional gas lift and gas producer wells.