New Energy
The application of sanitary-grade valves in the new energy sector is rapidly expanding beyond traditional battery manufacturing into high-tech, precision areas such as thermal management for energy storage, hydrogen infrastructure, and upstream semiconductor materials. Their core advantages—high cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and extremely low leakage rates—are crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of new energy systems.
The following is an analysis of the specific applications and value of sanitary-grade valves in four key scenarios within the new energy sector:
1. Lithium Batteries and Energy Storage: From Slurry Preparation to Thermal Management
This is currently the application area experiencing the fastest demand growth. Sanitary-grade valves are primarily used in two core processes:
Battery Slurry Mixing: In the initial stage of lithium battery production, the precision of the electrode slurry mixture (containing active materials, solvents, etc.) directly determines battery performance. Sanitary-grade diaphragm valves and ball valves, featuring low dead-leg designs and easy cleanability (CIP/SIP), prevent contamination from slurry residue and ensure batch-to-batch consistency; additionally, their stainless steel construction offers high chemical resistance against solvent corrosion.
Energy Storage and Data Center Liquid Cooling: As energy storage stations and AI supercomputing centers demand superior heat dissipation, liquid cooling has become the mainstream solution. Sanitary-grade valves (such as fully welded, leak-proof butterfly valves) are utilized in coolant circulation piping, requiring 100% leak-proof performance to protect sensitive electronic equipment. For instance, some manufacturers have developed one-stop piping solutions specifically for liquid cooling systems, guaranteeing leak-proof performance for over a decade.
2. Hydrogen Energy: A Safety Barrier for Demanding Operating Conditions
The hydrogen energy value chain (production, storage, transportation, and refueling) imposes the most rigorous requirements on valves, with hydrogen embrittlement and the leakage of tiny molecules posing the primary challenges.
Hydrogen Refueling Stations and On-board Systems: These require specialized valves capable of withstanding high pressures (350/700 bar, or approx. 35–70 MPa) and resisting hydrogen embrittlement. The sanitary-grade design philosophy extends to ultra-clean valves, which utilize high-nickel-equivalent (≥28.5%) 316/316L or XM-19 stainless steel to resist hydrogen embrittlement, alongside PEEK valve seats and specialized fluoroelastomer seals.
Extremely Low Leakage Rates: Hydrogen molecules are extremely small and highly prone to leakage. Valves intended for hydrogen energy applications must meet international certifications such as EC79, which mandate extremely stringent leakage rate standards. For instance, valves from manufacturers like FITOK can achieve leakage rates of ≤1×10⁻⁷ Ncm³/h, far exceeding conventional standards.
3. Semiconductors and Photovoltaics: Ensuring Ultra-High Purity Processes
The manufacturing of new energy equipment (such as inverters and photovoltaic panels) relies heavily on the semiconductor and electronics industries.
High-Purity Media Transport: The production of mixed electrode slurries or photovoltaic cells requires the transport of high-purity chemicals and specialty gases. Valves must undergo specialized cleaning and electropolishing; surface roughness for wetted parts can be as low as Ra ≤ 0.2 μm (8 μin).
Cleanroom Packaging: These valves are typically assembled and double-vacuum packaged in ISO Class 4 (Class 10) cleanrooms to prevent particulate contamination from affecting the yield of the final product.