[Influencenews | Jieun, Lee Correspondent] PK Valve & Engineering Co., Ltd.(Jeon Yeongchan, CEO, PK Valve), a subsidiary of STX Corp.(Park Sangjun, CEO) and Korea’s largest specialists in industrial valves, developed valves for liquified hydrogen for the first time in Korea.

‘3-inch Globe Valve’, developed by PK Valve, was fabricated by forging 316L stainless steel, that can be directly applied into storage containers for liquified hydrogen in an environment of -253℃. It was completed at the culmination of 3 years of research and development, including studies in heat transfer, concept design to ensure insulation performance, heat transfer simulation, production of prototype and performance testing. It completed cryogenic testing (-196℃) at TÜV of Germany, a renowned typical global certification institution in hydrogen. In the shell test and seat test inspecting sealing and fluid leakage, the developed valve passed with flying colors well below the acceptable threshold, with Zero Leakage.

As hydrogen liquefies at the extremely low temperature, - 253℃, it has the property of constantly gasifying at a higher temperature. Therefore, the core technology for valves for liquified hydrogen is minimizing the generation of gasification gas to maintain liquified hydrogen stably. As it requires highly sophisticated technology, all cryogenic valves used in Korea have been imported. PK Valve created a design to block heat transfer, such as convection, radiation, and conduction with their self-technology skill. By installing a jacket outside the valve, a structure to maintain a high vacuum has been achieved, and the thickness of MLI (Multi-layer insulation) as well has been implemented at its optimal condition.

PK Valve delivered this 3-inch Globe Valve for liquified hydrogen to Hylium Industries, Inc., Korea’s first company specializing in liquified hydrogen. Hylium Industries is currently manufacturing storage tanks for liquified hydrogen to be supplied to the United States, and the valve developed by PK Valve is slated to be installed in liquified hydrogen stations including the storage tanks made by Hylium. As the product is on the way to being exported to the United States, PK Valve intends to commence marketing campaigns early next year, after demonstration tests in the United States are completed.

CEO Jeon Yeongchan of PK Valve said that “While the demand for hydrogen is on the rise with appraisal to be the eco-friendly energy of the future, Infrastructure for liquified hydrogen, unlike ones for gas hydrogen is deeply lacking in Korea. PK Valve is presenting the valve for liquified hydrogen for the first time in Korea, to preemptively respond to the liquified hydrogen market, an integral market for intercontinental and ground transportation.” Jeon added that “based on our technology that had been applied to large-volume storage facilities, PK Valve will gallop the efforts to spread the infrastructure for liquified hydrogen by expanding the business area to related industries, including international standards cryogenic container(ISO containers)” and hydrogen fuel cell ships and vehicles.

PK Valve is the largest company in Korea specializing in industrial valves with a 76-year history. After successfully producing cryogenic valves and high-temperature and high-pressure valves domestically, the company is supplying its products to 70 countries around the world. PK Valve is renowned for its technical excellence, marked by controlling 80% of the market for cryogenic butterfly valves used in LNG vessels around the globe. PK Valve was acquired by STX in 2020.

Introduction to STX Corp.(http://stx.co.kr)

STX Corporation is a global professional trading company that connects demands and supplies around the world through cumulated experience in international trades, extensive overseas networks, and know-how in shipping and logistics. STX was listed in stock exchange in Korea Exchanges in September 1990 and established as an operating holding company in May 2001. STX is leading business with 4 focus areas: Energy business such as Petroleum and LPG, trading raw materials such as steel and non-steel metals, machinery and engines business including plants, ship engines and equipment, and shipping business utilizing various vessels including owned and chartered vessels. In particular, as the 4th generation industries and eco-friendly businesses become the forefront of the economy, STX is diversifying its portfolio centered around eco-friendly and future growth energy business including advanced materials and securing its drive for growth as a ‘global business platform company leading the innovation in energy and logistics’. STX is continuously consolidating the foothold for future growth industries with numerous efforts including holding stakes for a nickel mine in Ambatovy, Madagascar, and concentrating on the production and supply of high-quality wood pallets after establishing STX Forest Malaysia. STX has local corporations and offices in 16 regions worldwide including China and Japan. Its primary subsidiaries include STS Marine Service (Vessel Management, Plant maintenance and repairs), PK Valve (Korea’s First, and largest company specializing in industrial valves), STX resorts, and STX Aero Service (Aviation MRO). 

Additional introduction to primary subsidiaries

1) STX Marine Service, a Korean Shipping line, is Korea’s No.1 third-party vessel management company. RV Araon, Korea’s one, and only icebreaker were certified with ISO45001, first as an internationally voyaging vessel, proving its distinctive expertise concerning marine safety.

2) PK Valve & Engineering is the largest industrial valve company in Korea with a 76-year history, holding the technology for cryogenic valve for LNG vessels and cryogenic valve for liquified hydrogen. 

3) STX Resort Is a high-quality leisure facility located in Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk, it specializes not only in relaxing and recreation, but also in corporate training, banquets, and other group events.

4) STX Aero Service has been designated as an IATA’s strategic partner in aircraft maintenance for the first time in Korea, and is leaping as high-end Aviation MRO specialist based on robust R&D.