Components for hydrogen plants

Valves, flanges and gaskets for H2 projects: refining, ammonia, H2-methane blending, biomethane upgrading, DRI steelmaking, fuel cells and Hydrogen Refueling Stations at 350/700 bar. ISO 11114-certified anti-embrittlement materials, Ribel and Klinger brands. Technical partner for the Italian Hydrogen Valleys.

Hydrogen: the energy carrier of the transition

Hydrogen is the cornerstone of the European decarbonization strategy for 2030 and 2050. Reg. (EU) 2024/1789, REPowerEU, the Hydrogen Bank, and Italy's PNRR Mission 2 Component 2 have mobilized substantial funding for green hydrogen production, distribution infrastructure, industrial applications and Hydrogen Refueling Stations. Italy, thanks to its Mediterranean position and manufacturing industry, is one of Europe's highest-potential markets.

For operators designing, building or operating hydrogen plants the challenge is twofold: technical (anti-embrittlement material selection, sealing for 0.29 nm H2 molecules, ATEX zone classification, safety device sizing) and regulatory (PED categories III/IV, ISO 11114, ISO 19880, ANSI/ASME, NACE MR0175, INAIL/HSE authorizations). Roffia operates as a technical-application partner: we supply certified components, engineering sizing, documentary support for audits and inspections.

Our H2 portfolio is built on two reference brands: Ribel for industrial valves (safety, ball, bellow seal, special shutoff) and Klinger for gaskets and seals (spiral wound, RTJ, PTFE, graphite). We distribute both in Italy with MTR, lot traceability and complete H2-service dossier.

Hydrogen Valleys & PNRR opportunities

Italy's PNRR has allocated significant funding for the creation of Hydrogen Valleys throughout the country: integrated industrial hubs for production, distribution and use of green hydrogen. Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Apulia, Sicily and Sardinia are the most advanced regions. Roffia, headquartered in Cremona, is a reference partner for component supply on Northern Italy projects, with stock availability, compliant dossiers and lead times compatible with PNRR milestones.

Products for the hydrogen sector

Hydrogen industrial applications

Refining and petrochemicals

H2 produced via SMR (Steam Methane Reforming) and POX, used in hydrocracking, hydrotreating, fuel desulfurization. F22 and F11 materials per API RP 941 (Nelson curves). ANSI Class 600–1500, RTJ mandatory above Class 600. Roffia supplies components for refining plants in Central and Northern Italy.

Ammonia and fertilizers

NH3 synthesis with Haber-Bosch process at 200–400 bar and 400–500 °C. Inconel 625/718, F22, nickel-base alloys resistant to high-pressure H2 + N2 service. Components for agro-chemical and fertilizer plants.

H2-methane gas grid blending

Green H2 injection in Snam natural gas networks: today authorized up to 5% on selected pipelines, target 10–20% by 2030. Network pressures 5–75 bar. Components for valve stations, mixing skids, and pressure reduction cabinets suitable for H2 service.

Biomethane upgrading and power-to-gas

Biogas → biomethane upgrading with CO2 + green H2 methanation. See also our biogas and biomethane page. Pressures 4–80 bar, AISI 316L for H2 and biomethane-rich lines.

DRI steelmaking

Direct Reduced Iron with H2 instead of coke: steel decarbonization. Medium pressures (5–20 bar), high temperatures (~900 °C). F22, F91 and Inconel for creep-resistant service.

Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS)

H2 refueling stations at 350 bar (heavy-duty vehicles, buses) and 700 bar (passenger cars). Compliant with ISO 19880-1/-3, SAE J2601. ANSI Class 1500/2500, Inconel 718 for high-pressure components. Roffia supports HRS projects with dossiers for MIT/HSE authorization.

Fuel cells and power generation

PEM, SOFC and MCFC fuel cells for stationary power generation, cogeneration, backup power. High-purity H2 requires components with certified internal finishes, no contaminating catalysts, 316L or Inconel materials.

Glass, ceramics and industrial combustion

Replacement of methane with H2 (or H2-methane blends) as fuel in industrial furnaces to reduce CO2 emissions. Dedicated burners, ISO 23551-class on/off valves for fuel gases.

Technical challenges of hydrogen service

Hydrogen embrittlement

H2 atoms penetrate the metal crystal lattice causing brittle fracture. Material selection per ISO 11114-1/-4: 316L austenitics, Inconel; avoid carbon steels above 40 bar.

Sealing for tiny molecules

H2 is the smallest molecule (0.29 nm). Qualified gaskets are required (CGI spiral wound, metal RTJ) along with stringent leakage classes (API 527 for safety, ISO 5208 class A for ball valves).

Extremely wide explosive range

H2-air mixtures are flammable from 4% to 75% v/v, with minimum ignition energy 0.02 mJ. Required: ATEX zone control, BS 5146 anti-static design, Ex-certified accessories.

Brand partners for the hydrogen sector

Domande frequenti

Which components are required for a hydrogen plant?
A hydrogen plant requires dedicated components throughout the pressure line: safety relief valves in PED category III/IV for overpressure protection, flanged trunnion-mounted ANSI ball valves with fire-safe API 607 certification for shutoff, ANSI/ASME B16.5 and B16.47 flanges in compatible materials (F316L, F22, Inconel), RTJ ring-type-joint flanges (R/RX/BX) for Class 600+, spiral wound gaskets CG/CGI in 316L or Inconel with expanded graphite filler, RTJ rings Klinger-qualified, fittings and tubing in austenitic stainless steel (316/316L), ATEX instrumentation (gauges, transmitters) for classified zones, traps and separators on lines where H2 is mixed with steam or condensate. All materials must be selected per ISO 11114-1/-4 and ANSI/CGA G-5.6 to prevent hydrogen embrittlement.
What are the main industrial applications of hydrogen in Europe?
The fastest growing applications are: (1) Refining — H2 production for hydrocracking, hydrotreating and desulfurization (SMR and POX plants); (2) Ammonia and fertilizer production — H2 + N2 for the Haber-Bosch process; (3) H2-methane blending in natural gas networks (Italy's Snam has authorized blending up to 5% on selected pipelines, projected to reach 10–20%); (4) Biomethane upgrading — green H2 for CO2 methanation; (5) Steelmaking — Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) using H2 instead of coke (decarbonization of steel industry); (6) Glass and ceramics — industrial combustion with H2 to reduce emissions; (7) Mobility — Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) at 350 and 700 bar for vehicles and heavy transport; (8) Fuel cells — stationary power generation and cogeneration. Italy has accelerated investments through PNRR Hydrogen Valleys funding and regional hydrogen valley initiatives.
What are the Italian Hydrogen Valleys funded by PNRR?
Hydrogen Valleys are integrated territorial ecosystems for production, distribution and use of green hydrogen. Italy's PNRR Mission 2 Component 2 has allocated significant resources for the creation of Hydrogen Valleys in former industrial areas and supply-chain projects. As of 2026, the most advanced valleys include: Sicily (HRS hubs, FER integration), Apulia (Taranto, steel decarbonization), Sardinia (Portovesme/Porto Torres industrial hubs), Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna (automotive and logistics chains), Piedmont (highway HRS). Funding covers electrolyzers, distribution networks and end-use applications. Roffia, headquartered in Cremona at the heart of the Po Valley, is an ideal partner for component supply across the Hydrogen Valleys of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.
What is hydrogen embrittlement and why is it critical for component selection?
Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) is a physico-chemical phenomenon in which H2 atoms penetrate the crystal lattice of certain metals and cause sudden brittle fracture, even at pressures lower than design. The phenomenon is aggravated by: high pressures (H2 diffusion grows as the square root of pressure), high/low temperatures, residual welding stresses, high material hardness (>22 HRC), and incorrect heat treatments. Resistant materials: 316L austenitic stainless steel, nickel-base alloys (Inconel 625/718, Hastelloy, Monel), titanium. Sensitive materials: high-strength carbon steels, martensitic steels, high-hardness alloys. The guidelines are codified in ISO 11114-1/-4, ANSI/CGA G-5.6, API RP 941 (Nelson curves for H2 in refining) and NACE MR0175 for sour service. All Roffia H2 components are selected following these criteria.
Does Roffia supply certified components for Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS)?
Yes. HRS (Hydrogen Refueling Stations) for vehicles operate at standardized pressures of 350 bar (heavy-duty vehicles, buses) and 700 bar (passenger cars). HRS components must comply with ISO 19880-1/-3 (systems and valves), SAE J2601 (refueling protocol) and typically operate in ANSI Class 1500 (350 bar) or 2500 (700 bar). Roffia supplies: Ribel ball valves Class 1500/2500 fire-safe, Ribel safety valves PED cat IV rated up to 700 bar, ANSI BX ring-joint flanges in F316L or Inconel, Klinger BX RTJ rings in Inconel, CGI spiral wound gaskets for high pressures. All documentation is formatted for audits by HSE, INAIL and MIT for HRS operating authorization.
Which certifications and standards are mandatory for hydrogen components?
The regulatory framework is articulated and depends on the application: (1) EU Directives — PED 2014/68/EU (pressure equipment, Group 1 fluid), ATEX 2014/34/EU (equipment in explosive atmospheres), Reg. (EU) 2024/1789 (hydrogen and decarbonized gas package). (2) ISO standards — ISO 11114-1/-4 (material compatibility), ISO 19880-1/-3 (HRS), ISO 4126-1 (safety valves), ISO 7121 (anti-static), ISO 5208 (valve tightness). (3) ANSI/ASME standards — B16.5/B16.34/B16.47 (flanges/valves), B16.20/B16.21 (gaskets), API 6D/6A (pipeline and wellhead valves), API 607/6FA (fire-safe). (4) NACE standards — MR0175 / ISO 15156 (hardness for H2/H2S). (5) Italy — Decree Oct 6 2022 (HRS safety), INAIL ex-ISPESL regulations, Fire Prevention Code. Roffia supplies components with full dossier and documentary support for audits and inspections.
Does Roffia operate throughout Italy on hydrogen projects?
Yes. Roffia, headquartered in Cremona at the heart of the Po Valley, is strategically positioned to serve areas with the highest concentration of hydrogen projects: Lombardy (industry, automotive, HVAC, biomethane), Emilia-Romagna (chemicals, packaging, biomethane), Piedmont (automotive, FCA Stellantis, highway HRS), Veneto (industry, Mantua/Marghera refining), Liguria (LNG/H2 terminals, La Spezia/Savona industrial hub). We also supply the rest of Italy with competitive lead times thanks to our 1,000+ items warehouse and national logistics partners. For complex projects (HRS, refineries, hydrogen valleys) the technical service operates in project mode: specialist support, sizing, complete documentary dossier, support during commissioning.

Hydrogen project? Let's talk

Send us project specifications (application, pressure, temperature, ANSI/PED classes, standards). We provide technical selection, sizing, complete H2-service dossier and commissioning support. For Hydrogen Valleys, HRS, biomethane upgrading and industrial plants.

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