01Installation and connection to the HXB-V1

This is a pre-release document#

The HXD-V1 is in development with a Q4 2026 launch target. The ports and connection conditions in this chapter are the current design basis and may change with pre-launch testing. If they change, we revise this chapter and the outline drawing together and record it in the change history.

What to decide before installing#

• The HXB-V1 pressure version. The HXD-V1 is designed to take pressurised hydrogen. It pairs with the 10 barg HXB-V1 and cannot be fed from a 0 barg unit. HXB-V1 pressure is fixed at order, so settle it when you order the HXB-V1.
• How many HXB-V1 units it serves. One HXD-V1 takes up to five HXB-V1 units. The pipework for several units is settled with us at order.
• The pressure at the point of use. The HXD-V1 delivers at about 9 barg. If your application needs more, you need a compressor; if it is sensitive to pressure swings, you need a separate regulator.
• Where the vents discharge. The HXD-V1 vents gas containing hydrogen as it runs. Decide first how the lines reach a safe outdoor discharge point.
• Power and network. You need one 220 VAC single-phase supply and one Ethernet connection for control.

Where it goes#

• It takes 6U of a 19-inch rack, at most 650 mm deep including protrusions. Leave extra room at the back so tubing and cables are not bent sharply.
• Fans ventilate the enclosure. Do not block airflow at the front or back.
• The incoming hydrogen should be at 32 °C or below and must not exceed 35 °C. Warmer hydrogen carries more water and eats into the dryer's margin. If the room runs hot, contact us.
• Put it in the same room and under the same ventilation as the HXB-V1. It handles hydrogen, so the HXB-V1 site requirements apply as they are.

Ports and connections#

There are six fluid ports, all 1/4-inch tube bulkheads. The electrical interfaces are the power inlet, Ethernet, a status LED and a button.

Connecting to the HXB-V1#

1. Work with both the HXB-V1 and the HXD-V1 powered off. If the HXB-V1 still holds pressure, depressurise it first following the HXB-V1 handbook.
2. Run 1/4-inch stainless steel tube from the HXB-V1 H2 OUT to the HXD-V1 H2 IN.
   • Put no pressure regulator or relief valve in this run. The pressure-control valve at the HXD-V1 outlet sets the pressure for the whole line from the HXB-V1 through the HXD-V1. A second regulator upstream makes the HXD-V1 run below its set pressure, which raises the water load and cuts drying performance.
   • If you fit a manual isolation valve, it must be open whenever the system runs. Starting with it closed puts backpressure on the HXB-V1 outlet.
3. Lay the tube level or falling from the HXB-V1 towards the HXD-V1. Do not create a low point where water can pool.
   • Hydrogen from the HXB-V1 is saturated with water and can carry electrolyte droplets. The HXD-V1 separates that water at its inlet and sends it out through DRAIN.
4. Connect the HXD-V1 H2 OUT to your point of use. If you have an analyser, connect it to H2 SAMPLE OUT; if not, cap that port.
5. Once every joint is made up, the leak test is done with us at first start. See the first start section below.

Vents and drain#

The HXD-V1 alternates between two adsorption columns. While one takes up water, the other is heated to release what it caught, and a little dry hydrogen sweeps it out through PURGE. When the columns swap, the remaining pressure is let down through DEPR. Both vents carry gas that contains hydrogen.

• Run PURGE and DEPR. to a safe outdoor discharge point, away from ignition sources, air intakes and walkways.
• DRAIN releases hydrogen along with the condensate. Do not send it to a floor drain or open gutter: pass it through a liquid trap that catches the water and sends the gas into a hydrogen vent route.
• Never join an HXD-V1 vent to the HXB-V1 O2 OUT. If you want to share a line with the HXB-V1 H2 VENT, ask us first: backpressure from one can reach the other unit.
• The vent gas is wet. Slope the lines and put a drain at the low points. Where they can freeze, insulate them or add heat tracing.

Power and network#

• Power is 220 VAC single phase through the IEC C14 inlet. The inlet includes the main switch and fuses.
• Plug it into an earthed outlet on a circuit with residual-current protection. The regeneration heaters run directly on the AC supply.
• Connect Ethernet to the same network as the HXB-V1 control PC. How to read its status and control it will be published as the operation chapter at launch.

First start#

The first start, and any start after the pipework has been opened, needs a separate procedure to purge air from the lines and check for leaks. Before launch we run that procedure with you. Contact us when the pipework is done so we can schedule it.