The energy world is undergoing a radical transformation. The global push towards decarbonization and energy transition requires plant solutions capable of withstanding increasingly complex, aggressive, and variable conditions. In this scenario, valve technology is also called upon to evolve, adapting to the new needs of emerging sectors such as hydrogen, geothermal, and CO₂ capture and storage systems (CCS).
For MTM Valves – specialized in forged valves for critical industrial applications – these new challenges represent an opportunity for technical and strategic development, in line with its commitment to customization and high reliability.
Hydrogen: the Lightest Gas, the Heaviest Challenges
Hydrogen is considered one of the key energy carriers for the future, but it presents particularly critical operational characteristics for industrial valves:
- It is a very small molecule, capable of easily infiltrating through microcracks.
- It can cause hydrogen embrittlement in metals.
- It is transported and stored under high pressure and, in some cases, at cryogenic temperatures.
To address these challenges, MTM Valves studies special materials, surface treatments, and construction solutions that ensure perfect sealing, safety, and resistance to permeation. Additionally, complete traceability of materials and testing under extreme conditions are essential guarantees for a sector still in the phase of international standardization.
Geothermal: Temperature, Corrosion, Pressure
Geothermal applications involve the extraction and management of fluids at very high temperatures and often highly corrosive (saline water, acidic steam, geothermal fluids with sulfur or heavy metals). Valves installed in these plants must:
- Withstand temperatures above 200°C in continuous operation.
- Ensure frequent opening/closing cycles without deformation.
Maintain performance in challenging environments, often with reduced maintenance.
Le valvole forgiate prodotte da MTM si prestano particolarmente a queste applicazioni per la qualità dei materiali impiegati, la robustezza strutturale e la possibilità di configurazioni personalizzate anche per impianti compatti o remoti.
CCS – Carbon Capture and Storage: an Expanding Market
Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) is one of the key technologies to reduce emissions from hard-to-abate industries. However, managing CO₂ in liquid or supercritical form involves:
- Pressioni elevate.
- Rischi legati alla corrosione indotta dalla presenza di contaminanti.
- Necessità di valvole con zero fughe (emissioni fuggitive).
MTM Valves sta orientando una parte delle proprie attività verso questa direzione, contribuendo con configurazioni personalizzate per valvole a tenuta totale e certificazioni mirate, a supporto dell’integrità ambientale degli impianti.
A Technology Ready for the Future
The production technologies, application know-how, and design flexibility of MTM Valves enable the company to tackle even the youngest and most specialized markets, supporting industrial clients in the design and implementation phase of next-generation plants.
The goal is clear: to bring the quality and reliability of MTM forged valves even where operational conditions are still being defined, actively contributing to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the energy transition.
