Hydrogen makes up 75% of the universe’s mass. There are countless uses of hydrogen gas—keep reading to learn about them and why OSC is the right hydrogen supplier for you.
Hydrogen gas is the most common element in the universe and the first element on the periodic table. It’s a colorless, odorless, flammable gas that’s also the simplest chemical element. Where other elements may have hundreds of protons and electrons, hydrogen has just one of each. Hydrogen is most commonly associated with water in the form of H2O. The word hydrogen is actually derived from Greek words that translate to “maker of water”.
This gas has the following unique properties:
Hydrogen gas is one of a kind. There are many ways to source hydrogen for use as a gas, but the main two methods are steam-methane reforming and electrolysis.
Despite hydrogen being simple on paper, it has some pretty complicated applications. Uses of hydrogen gas include:
Hydrogen is one of the leading options for storing renewable energy. Hydrogen and ammonia are frequently combined together in gas turbines to increase power system flexibility. Ammonia and hydrogen are also used in coal-fired power plants to reduce emissions for a more sustainable solution.
Hydrogen fuel is used for each of these processes across the board. Industries that use hydrogen gases for fuel include:
However, hydrogen powers a lot more than just industry. Hydrogen fuel is also used for transportation applications, including:
This means that hydrogen doesn’t just power industries—it solves their logistical challenges too.
11.4 million metric tons of hydrogen gas are consumed annually in the U.S., giving the U.S. hydrogen gases market a value of $17.6 billion. Demand is extreme—industries that need it most include:
Ammonia production is expected to expand 40% over the next 30 years. Hydrogen will be a crucial part of that expansion because it’s a key component and catalyst in the process.
Ammonia is being positioned as the energy of the future. It has promise because it leverages hydrogen as a fuel source, which is a much cleaner and environmentally friendly energy compared to traditional fossil fuels. Outside of its potential as a source of energy, ammonia is commonly used today in the agricultural industry as a fertilizer. Hydrogen is a necessary part in that manufacturing process.
Methanol is used as a feedstock to produce chemicals like acetic acid and formaldehyde. While you may be familiar with the names of these chemicals, you may not be familiar with how important they are. These two chemicals are involved in the production of hundreds of products, including:
Hydrogen is frequently used in hydrocracking processes for the petroleum and gas industries. Hydrocracking is the process of distilling the molecules in unrefined gas oil into smaller fuel oil. This process takes place at 500–800°F and pressures between 35–200 bars. Hydrocracking produces jet fuel and diesel fuel, both of which are critical to hundreds of machines and industries across the U.S.
Need pure hydrogen gas? OSC can help! We’ve been meeting the Midwest’s gas needs since 1959.
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