Hydrogen Gas Filters for Fuel Cells and Dispensers | Vantech

2025.04.24

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How Hydrogen Gas Filters Enable a Renewable Future | Vantech

Hydrogen is driving innovation in clean energy. As a zero-emissions fuel, it offers a powerful, portable alternative to traditional lithium batteries, with superior energy storage potential. While hydrogen fuel infrastructure still lags behind fossil fuels, Vantech is actively advancing this technology by engineering high-performance, cost-effective Hydrogen Gas Filters to meet the increasing demands of this burgeoning industry.

Hydrogen fuel must be chilled, pressurized, and purified to protect sensitive fuel cell components and maintain system efficiency. Vantech’s Hydrogen Gas Filters meet these demands by removing contaminants such as water, oil, and particulates. Our range of filtration solutions – like our porous, non-woven sintered metal mesh filters, or our mission-critical woven mesh filters – ensure optimal hydrogen purity for applications ranging from fuel cell vehicles and dispensing stations to PEM Electrolysis systems, and everything in between.

Vantech’s hydrogen gas filters play a critical role in making hydrogen energy safer, more reliable, and commercially viable. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next hydrogen project!

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Filters come in a variety of forms to suit different applications, with sintered mesh filters commonly used to prevent particulates from entering and damaging the anode side of the Fuel Cell Stack. We custom-manufacture each filter to match specific operating conditions and technical requirements. These filters can withstand the pressure changes that occur when compressed hydrogen is depressurized for electrochemical reactions, and Vantech’s Hydrogen Gas Filters are engineered with these demands in mind.

During PEM Electrolysis, filtration downstream of the Electrolyser Stack protects coolers, purifiers, and compressors from damage. Particulates often result from membrane or catalyst degradation, water vapor, or microdroplets left behind after electrolysis. Our wide range of filters safeguard these components, supporting system longevity and reliability.

We custom-manufacture each filter to match specific operating conditions and technical requirements. One common example is the sintered mesh filter, which prevents particulate intrusion on the anode side of a PEM Fuel Cell Stack. These filters can withstand the pressure changes that occur when compressed hydrogen is depressurized for electrochemical reactions, and Vantech’s Hydrogen Gas Filters are engineered with these demands in mind.

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about our Hydrogen Filters:

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Why Are Hydrogen Fuel Cell Filters Important?

Hydrogen used in Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) must meet ISO 14687 standards, which define very strict purity levels:

H2 Fuel Index (minimum mole fraction)99.7%
Total non-hydrogen gases (maximum)<300 µmol/mol
Water<5 µmol/mol
Total Hydrocarbons except Methane<2 µmol/mol
Methane (CH4)<100 µmol/mol
Oxygen (O2)<5µmol/mol
Helium (He)/Nitrogen(N2)/Argon(Ar)<300 µmol/mol
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)<2 µmol/mol
Carbon Monoxide (CO)<0.2 µmol/mol
Total Sulphur (sulphur particle sizes range from 1-20 µm; aggregate from 5-20 µm)<4ppb
Maximum Particulate Concentration1 mg/kg in concentration

Vantech’s Sintered Mesh Filters can remove particulates as small as 1 µm, effectively capturing contaminants that would compromise hydrogen purity. Even in closed hydrogen systems, particulates may accumulate during preparation stages. These may include metal shavings from compressor components, flakes from piping and welds (e.g., rust or weld slag), or contaminants such as dirt or oil introduced during maintenance. Filters are therefore essential to protect critical system components.

How Are Filters Used in Hydrogen Refueling Stations?

Hydrogen fueling stations include multiple systems to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of hydrogen to FCVs. As discussed, filtration is vital to ensure compliance with international standards. In stations with on-site H₂ generation, filters are required for the following reasons:

PEM Electrolysis Stack and Hydrogen Storage
  • Compressor Guard Filters: Downstream of the hydrogen purifiers to protect the compressor
  • Hydrogen Gas Inline Filters: After the compressor to capture metal particles produced from wear and tear
  • Last-Chance Filtens Upstream of the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank to ensure hydrogen purity

Even stations that don’t generate hydrogen on-site must still use hydrogen storage tanks and low-temperature chillers, both of which require particulate filters to remove contaminants present in piping or storage vessels. Filters can utilized in the following areas:

  • Upstream and downstream of the ball-valve to capture lingering metal particulates such as rust of metal flakes
  • Within the fuel dispenser (last-chance filtration before FCV entry)
Diagram of hydrogen gas and HVAC filtration points in a refueling station
Refueling Station Without On-Site Hydrogen Production

What Are the Challenges of Filtering High-Pressure Hydrogen?

Vantech’s hydrogen regulator filters are purpose-built to remove particulates from high-pressure hydrogen gas. The sintered metal filter media we use is engineered to withstand the extreme demands of hydrogen fuel cell systems—including the low temperatures used during fueling (–40 °C) and the high-pressure environments involved in hydrogen storage and regulation. These filters play a critical role in protecting system integrity as hydrogen is depressurized prior to entering the fuel cell stack, where lower pressure is required to prevent damage and ensure efficient PEM fuel cell operation. Vantech’s durable sintered metal filters offer solutions for high-pressure hydrogen filtration, ensuring that pressure changes do not compromise filtration performance.

What Uses Do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Offer?

Beyond their clean emissions, hydrogen fuel cells offer on-demand electricity generation and significantly higher energy density than lithium batteries, enabling longer vehicle ranges—especially in aviation drones and other high-endurance applications. While hydrogen infrastructure is still expanding, on-site hydrogen generation at refueling stations offers a unique advantage over gasoline. FCVs refuel in just 3–10 minutes when connected to a hydrogen gas dispenser, compared to up to an hour for EVs. Additionally, with limited global lithium supplies, hydrogen fuel cells—requiring only small amounts of platinum—present a scalable alternative for the decarbonization of transportation.

Why Must Hydrogen Gas Be Cooled Before Use?

When the hydrogen gas from a refueling station enters the FCV via the fuel dispenser, it must be cooled to –40 °C to prevent excessive heat buildup in the vehicle’s storage tank. H₂ gas produced by the Electrolyser Stack during PEM Electrolysis must also be compressed for storage—typically to 350–700 bar (and up to ~875 bar in some systems). However, compressing gas naturally increases its temperature (sometimes above 150 °C/302 °F), so the gas must be chilled before storage to reduce thermal stress on components and to maximize storage density. Vantech manufactures both sintered and woven mesh filters for use in compressor and chiller systems, offering a range of materials and specifications for specialized applications. For more information on our extensive range of hydrogen fuel related metal filters and strainers, select an option below or contact us for a custom-manufactured solution!

High-pressure Resistant Sintered Metal Mesh Filter for Hydrogen station dispensers.
Hydrogen Fuel Station Dispenser Filter
Fuel cell filters are specialized filters designed to remove impurities and contaminants from the fuel that is supplied to fuel cells.
Fuel Cell Filters (for Fuel Cell Vehicles) | Custom Made
Mesh filters and strainers protect the air conditioning unit during the refrigerant cycle.
Custom-Made Metal Filters for Compressors

Golden Week Holiday Closure Notice

2025.04.22

Greetings from Vantech! Please be advised that Vantech will be closed for the holidays from Thursday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 6, in recognition of the Golden Week Holiday – a series of National Holidays that take place between the end of April and the beginning of May.


We will remain open during our usual hours on Tuesday, April 29 (Showa Day) and Wednesday, April 30, and will resume normal operations on Wednesday, May 7. All inquiries related to our high-performance metal filters, custom filtration components, or precision mesh products received during the closure will be responded to in the order they were received once we return – in the meantime, please feel free to contact us for a quote or submit a custom filter request, or connect with us on our LinkedIn page to learn more about our filtration solutions for the HVAC, automotive, hydrogen fuel industries and more!


Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the world’s top performance metal filters when we return!

Vantech Co., Ltd will participate in AHR Expo 2025, Booth no. 7446

2025.01.28

Vantech Co., Ltd will be participating in this year’s AHR Expo which will take place in Orlando, Florida from Feb 12-15.  Our booth number is 7446. We are a metal mesh filter making company specialized in customized solutions suggested by our customers. Please feel free to visit our booth at 7446 to explore our wide range of products based on custmer’s unique needs. We look forward to seeing you.

Winter (end of year) Holidays

2024.12.2

Vantech Co.,ltd will be closed for winter vacation during the following time period.

December 28th (Saturday) – January 5th (Sunday)

Please note that inquiries received during this period will be answered from January 6th (Monday) onwards. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding.

We wish our customers an advnaced Merry christmas and Happy new year. We hope that this new year brings more happiness and prosperity for you.

Summer Holidays 2024

2024.07.30

Vantech Co.,ltd will be closed for summer vacation during the following time period.

August 10th (Saturday) – August 18th (Sunday)

Please note that inquiries received during this period will be answered from August 19th (Monday) onwards. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding.

Vantech Co., Ltd featured in TIME Asia

2024.05.22

Vantech Co., ltd President Mr. Toru Oshima recently gave an interview to Time magazine about our company policy and future goals. Time magazine finally published the article at page 35 named as Manufacturing for a New Era (time.com) content by Global Kigyo Co., Ltd where they quoted our President Mr. Toru Oshima saying, “Our company’s strengths lie in our tailored solutions. Although our work remains hidden, it is indispensable.” Vantech Co., Ltd can customize solutions based on customer requirements. Therefore, we believe that our customers will continue to entrust us with more requests in future.

Vantech Co.,Ltd is participating in AHR Expo 2024, booth S9283

2024.01.19

Every year AHR expo brings together manufacturers and suppliers of different countries to share their new ideas and talk about the future of HVACR technology.

Vantech Co.,ltd is participating in AHR expo 2024 which will be held in McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois from January 22th to 24th. Our booth number will be S9283. We are encouraging our customers to visit our booth in order to understand future business opportunities. We are also encouraging participators and attendees to visit our booth to learn more about our new products and technology. We believe that we are one of the topmost metal mesh filter making company in the world. Therefore, if you are looking to know more about our quality products, please visit our booth at S9283.

Notice of winter holidays 2023

2023.12.4

 

 

We regret to inform you that we will be closed during the following period.

Thank you for understanding.

Winter holiday period
Friday, December 29, 2023 – Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Please note that inquiries received during the closure period will be answered in order from January 4th (Thursday) onwards.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Vantech Co., ltd is participating in this year’s “Italy Innovation Day 2023: Space Chapter and Beyond”

2023.12.4

The embassy of Italy in Japan collaborating with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the Society of Japanese Aerospace company (SJAC) and the Italian Space Industries Association AIPAS, will organize the “Italy Innovation Day 2023: Space Chapter and Beyond”.

We mass produce metal filter for automotive industry. But we also want to explore opportunities in other industries. In order to expand overseas business Vantech Co., ltd participates in exhibition around the world. We also participate in exhibitions within Japan to find out new customers.

In this era, satellite technology is playing a major role in technological advancement. By attending “Italy Innovation Day 2023: Space Chapter and Beyond”, we believe that we will understand more about satellite technology and will be able to figure out any possibility of filter usage in the satellite industry.

1st Automotive World Autumn Exhibition Notice

2022.08.31

We are exhibiting at the first Autumn Automotive World 。

Seminars as well as other events will be taking place, and industry leaders will take the podium and talk about the latest trends in the industry. If you are interested, please stop by.

In addition to metal wire mesh filters, we will exhibit filters of various shapes including laminated sintered mesh filters and metal non-woven fabric filters.

Feel free to check out our booth【A10-36】

We are eagerly waiting to meet you! 

Exhibition Information】
August 31st, 2022 (Wednesday) ~September 2nd (Friday)10:00~17:00
Location:Makuhari Messe Halls 2 and 3

Entering the venue:Pre-registration is required (free of charge)

Booth Number:【A10-36】

Exhibition Website:Automotive World English Site

 

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Feel free to inquire about prototyping, mass production and mesh sizing.+81 283-86-8668

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