PFA-Lined Valves for Green Hydrogen Production

Corrosion-Resistant Flow Control for Alkaline Electrolysis and Hydrogen Processing

The global transition to green hydrogen demands components engineered for the unique challenges of electrolysis environments. Alkaline water electrolysis—the most mature and widely deployed technology for large-scale hydrogen production—uses potassium hydroxide (KOH) solutions at concentrations of 20–30% as the electrolyte. This highly caustic environment, combined with elevated temperatures and the presence of hydrogen and oxygen gases, creates severe corrosion challenges for conventional materials.

GFT9 manufactures PFA-lined valves, sight glasses, and strainers specifically suited for these demanding conditions. Our components provide reliable flow control and process monitoring throughout the hydrogen value chain—from electrolyte circulation in electrolyzer stacks to hydrogen purification, compression, and distribution systems.

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Why Alkaline Electrolysis Requires PFA-Lined Components

Alkaline water electrolysis (AEL) remains the dominant technology for industrial-scale green hydrogen production, with over 90 years of proven operation. The process uses an alkaline electrolyte—typically 20–30% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution—to conduct ions between electrodes where water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen.

The Corrosion Challenge:

The KOH electrolyte presents significant material compatibility challenges. At operating temperatures between 60–90°C, concentrated potassium hydroxide aggressively attacks most metals, including stainless steel grades commonly used in process equipment. This corrosion leads to contamination of the electrolyte, reduced efficiency, and premature equipment failure.

Additionally, the presence of nascent hydrogen and oxygen at the electrodes creates an environment where hydrogen embrittlement and oxidation can compromise metallic components. The combination of chemical attack and mechanical stress demands materials with exceptional resistance across multiple degradation mechanisms.

Why PFA is the Solution:

PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) offers complete resistance to potassium hydroxide at all concentrations and temperatures encountered in alkaline electrolysis. Unlike metallic alternatives, PFA:

  • Provides zero reactivity with KOH, NaOH, and other alkaline solutions
  • Maintains integrity at operating temperatures up to 200°C
  • Resists hydrogen permeation and embrittlement
  • Ensures electrolyte purity by eliminating metal ion contamination
  • Offers long service life with minimal maintenance requirements

By lining valve bodies, sight glass housings, and strainer components with virgin-grade PFA, GFT9 combines the mechanical strength of carbon steel or stainless steel housings with the chemical inertness required for reliable operation in alkaline electrolysis systems.

Applications Across the Hydrogen Value Chain

Green hydrogen production facilities require corrosion-resistant components at multiple points in the process. GFT9 products serve critical functions throughout alkaline electrolysis plants and downstream hydrogen handling systems.

Electrolyte Circulation Systems

The KOH electrolyte circulates continuously through the electrolyzer stack, requiring pumps, valves, and instrumentation that withstand constant contact with concentrated caustic solution. PFA-lined control valves regulate electrolyte flow rates, while check valves prevent backflow during system shutdown or upset conditions. Sight glasses enable visual monitoring of electrolyte clarity and flow.

Gas-Liquid Separation

After electrolysis, hydrogen and oxygen gases must be separated from entrained electrolyte droplets. The separation vessels and associated piping handle both the caustic liquid phase and the gas phase, requiring components rated for the combined chemical and pressure demands.

Electrolyte Conditioning

Maintaining electrolyte quality is essential for long electrolyzer life. Filtration systems remove particulates and degradation products, with PFA-lined strainers protecting downstream equipment from contamination.

Hydrogen Purification and Compression

While the downstream hydrogen stream is less aggressive than the electrolyte circuit, trace moisture and residual alkalinity can still cause corrosion. PFA-lined components in purification and compression systems ensure consistent hydrogen quality and equipment reliability.

Water Treatment and Deionization

Feed water for electrolysis must meet strict purity requirements. The treatment systems handling deionized water and associated chemicals benefit from PFA-lined valves that maintain water quality without introducing contaminants.

PFA-Lined Products for Hydrogen Production

GFT9 offers a complete range of PFA-lined flow control and monitoring equipment engineered for the demands of hydrogen production environments.

  • PFA Lined Control Valve NPS 1½ NPS 1½ - Valve with pneumatic multi-spring actuator for fast, cost-efficient operation. - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Control Valves

    Precise flow regulation for electrolyte circuits, gas systems, and process control. Available in globe and angle patterns with pneumatic or electric actuation. Our control valves feature full PFA lining of body, bonnet, and trim components, ensuring no wetted metal surfaces contact the process media.

    • Sizes: DN25 to DN100
    • Pressure Rating: PN16 / ANSI 150
    • Temperature Range: -10°C to +200°C
    • Actuation: Pneumatic (ARCA) or Electric
    • Certifications: PED 2014/68/EU, Module A2
    View Control Valve Range 
  • PFA Lined Ball Check Valve NPS 8 NPS 8 - On vertical mounting up to 60°, the center-guided ball closes the valve automatically. - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Ball Check Valves

    Non-return protection for electrolyte and gas systems. The ball check design provides reliable backflow prevention with minimal pressure drop. Full PFA lining ensures compatibility with KOH solutions and other aggressive media.

    • Sizes: DN25 to DN150
    • Pressure Rating: PN16 / ANSI 150
    • Temperature Range: -10°C to +200°C
    • Design: DIN EN 12516

    View Check Valve Range 
  • PFA Lined Sight Glass NPS_10 NPS_10 - Sight glass mounts vertically or horizontally for easy installation in any environment. - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Sight Glasses

    Visual process monitoring without corrosion concerns. Our sight glasses feature PFA-lined bodies with borosilicate glass windows, enabling safe observation of electrolyte flow, level, and clarity.

    • Sizes: DN25 to DN100
    • Pressure Rating: PN16
    • Window Material: Borosilicate glass
    • Applications: Flow indication, level monitoring
    View Sight Glass Range 
  • PFA Lined Strainer NPS 6 (on request) NPS 6 (on request) - Main view - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Strainers

    Particulate protection for pumps, valves, and instrumentation. PFA-lined strainer bodies with PTFE or PTFE-carbon composite baskets provide filtration without contaminating the process stream.

    • Sizes: DN25 to DN100
    • Mesh Options: Various micron ratings available
    • Basket Materials: PTFE, PTFE-Carbon composite

    Link: View Strainer Range 

  • Custom PFA Lining Solutions

    Beyond standard valve products, GFT9 offers custom PFA lining services for specialized components. Our engineering team works with hydrogen project developers to design application-specific solutions for unique process requirements.

    Contact Engineering Team 
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Technical Specifications for Hydrogen Applications

Technical Specifications

Size Range (DN) DN 15 – DN 200
Size Range (NPS) ½" – 8"
Pressure Rating (DIN) PN 16
Pressure Rating (ANSI) Class 150
Temperature Range -20°C to +180°C (-4°F to +356°F)
Extended range to -60 and +200°C on request
Body Material (Standard) 1.0619 , 1.4308, 1.4408/ A216WCB, CF8-M or CF-8
Body Material (Clean Room) -
Lining Material Virgin PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)
Lining Thickness 2.5 – 4.0 mm depending on size
Face-to-Face Standard EN 558-1
Flange Standard (DIN) EN 1092-1
Flange Standard (ANSI) ASME B16.5
Certifications PED 2014/68/EU Module A2, ISO 9001:2015, EN 12266-1, TU-LUFT, SIL
Custom Engineering Available:
Special sizes, extended temperature ratings, and custom actuation available on request.

Chemical Compatibility

Chemical Compatibility

Chemical Formula Concentration Max Temp Rating

Potassium Hydroxide

KOH All concentrations 200°C

Sodium Hydroxide

 NaOH All concentrations 200°C

Deionized Water

 H₂O Pure 200°C

Hydrogen Gas

 H₂ — 200°C

Oxygen Gas

 O₂ — 200°C

PFA provides complete resistance to all chemicals encountered in alkaline water electrolysis. For PEM electrolysis or other hydrogen production methods, contact us for specific compatibility data.

Excellent Full resistance, suitable for continuous use Good Suitable for most applications Limited Verify for specific conditions

Proven Performance in Hydrogen Applications

GFT9 has supplied PFA-lined control valves to major green hydrogen projects across Europe. Our components operate in alkaline electrolysis facilities producing hydrogen for industrial decarbonization, including steel production and chemical manufacturing.

Project Highlight:

In 2025, GFT9 delivered 29 PFA-lined pneumatic control valves for a large-scale green hydrogen facility in Northern Europe. The valves—ranging from DN25 to DN100—were manufactured to full PED compliance with witness testing, comprehensive documentation packages, and digital valve passports for lifetime traceability.

Read the Full Project Story →

German Engineering for Critical Applications

  • Manufacturing Excellence:

    All GFT9 products are manufactured in Germany under strict quality control. Our facility in Kempen combines traditional valve manufacturing expertise with modern PFA lining technology, ensuring consistent quality across every component.

  • Documentation and Traceability:

    Hydrogen projects demand comprehensive documentation for safety compliance and operational records. GFT9 provides complete documentation packages including material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), test reports, declarations of conformity, and—for control valve projects—digital valve passports with QR code access to lifetime records.

  • Technical Support:

    Our engineering team understands the specific requirements of hydrogen applications. From initial specification review through commissioning support, we work alongside project teams to ensure our products meet exact application needs.

  • Flexible Delivery:

    With standard products available from stock and custom solutions delivered within project timelines, GFT9 supports both urgent replacements and planned capital projects.
About GFT9

Discuss Your Hydrogen Project Requirements

Whether you're specifying components for a new electrolyzer installation, replacing existing equipment, or developing custom solutions for unique process challenges, our technical team is ready to support your project.

Contact Options:

Email: sales@gft9.shop

Phone: +49 2152 9154990

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