Industry Solutions · Steel & Metal Processing
Hydrogen generation and integrated supply systems for annealing, galvanizing, and heat treatment, configured around your production lines and process requirements.
The Application
Steel and metal-processing plants use hydrogen to create reducing and protective atmospheres during thermal processing. Consistent gas quality and reliable delivery help maintain the operating conditions required by each production line.
NorthBridge GasTech LLP supplies on-site hydrogen generation equipment and integrated plant packages, from individual furnace applications to shared supply across multiple lines. We define capacity, gas treatment, and distribution around your process specifications.
Industrial Applications
Hydrogen-rich atmospheres help limit oxidation during heat treatment, supporting clean surfaces and the required finish. The furnace design, steel grade, and process recipe determine whether pure hydrogen or a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture is needed.
Hydrogen is used with nitrogen in the annealing section of galvanizing lines to maintain a reducing atmosphere and prepare the strip surface before coating. Gas composition, moisture, and supply stability are defined around the line’s process requirements.
Hydrogen-containing atmospheres support oxide reduction and controlled surface conditions in compatible metal-processing applications. Flow, purity, and dew point are selected for the material, furnace, and production cycle.
Hydrogen can act as a reducing gas to convert iron ore into direct reduced iron (DRI). These projects require a dedicated assessment of production scale, power availability, hydrogen storage, and interfaces with the selected reduction technology.
Process Requirements
We work from furnace and process specifications to define the hydrogen supply package, its utility needs, and its connection to the existing plant.
Define purity, oxygen limits, and moisture content at the furnace inlet. Dew point is particularly important for protective atmospheres, so purification, drying, and monitoring are selected against the process specification.
Account for base consumption, furnace start-up and purge requirements, simultaneous lines, and production schedules. Demand-following generation or buffer-tank filling can be configured around the selected equipment and the required supply continuity.
Confirm supply pressure, distribution losses, and hydrogen-nitrogen mixing requirements. Pressure regulation, metering, and controls need to coordinate with the furnace or process equipment.
Assess electrical capacity, water quality, cooling, space, and existing gas infrastructure. Compare technology options and total supply costs against the plant’s operating hours and expansion plans.
Our Scope
Engage us for a complete turnkey hydrogen system, individual equipment packages, or upgrades to your existing supply infrastructure.
Alkaline and PEM electrolysers are evaluated against demand, gas quality, available utilities, and lifecycle cost. Supporting systems are integrated to meet the agreed flow, pressure, and gas-quality specification, with testing and performance checks included in commissioning.
Explore Turnkey Projects & Plant Integration →Supply Strategy
On-site generation can reduce reliance on routine gas deliveries while providing a defined path for adding capacity as production grows.
We assess buffering, backup interfaces, maintenance access, and supply arrangements during plant interruptions. For plants using cylinders, bulk hydrogen, or ammonia-cracked gas, a conversion study compares the existing supply with on-site electrolysis. Where the furnace requires a hydrogen-nitrogen atmosphere, the nitrogen source, mixture ratio, and gas-quality limits remain part of the integration scope.
For Green Hydrogen projects, renewable power availability is considered alongside the operating schedule and continuity requirements. Feasibility studies compare equipment investment, power, utilities, maintenance, and backup supply costs.
Explore Consultancy & Feasibility →Start a Conversation
Share your process specifications and current gas supply arrangements. We’ll help define the generation package, supporting systems, and project scope.