Member of the month: Alnab Armatur
50 years of experience with hydrogen
One of Vätgas Sverige’s newest members is Alnab, which since the company was founded in Partille in 1975 by Arvid Lennart Nilsson, has always focused on industrial products for use in Swedish refining, petrochemicals, power, paper & cellulose as well as mining and steel industries.
Since its inception, Alnab has worked with hydrogen applications, mainly in the process industry and refineries. Fossil hydrogen from natural gas is used there during cracking. Cracking is a chemical process where large hydrocarbon molecules from crude oil are broken down into smaller and more useful molecules, such as gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products.
From warehouse to management
We had a chat with Jan-Erik Larsson, who has worked at the company for over three decades. He started as a young lad at the warehouse in 1987 and has had an exciting journey within the company, where he worked in various roles until he became CEO in 2004.
This has given him a broad experience and understanding of the company, the products and the industry.
With a strong passion for development, growth and with long experience, Jan-Erik leads the company towards new horizons in the transition to green hydrogen.
“I have always been fascinated by valves and automation solutions. It is a fantastic feeling to see how our products have contributed to a problem-free everyday life for our customers for over 50 years. Now that we are in a major transition from fossil fuels, I am convinced that we will be involved in developing products for at least another 50 years,” says Jan-Erik.
Deliver an optimal product for every application
The company aims to always deliver the right product for the right application.
“It is extremely important that the industry is involved from the beginning to avoid incorrect technical solutions,” explains Jan-Erik Larsson. “We have always had a strong foundation in materials and seals that can withstand harsh conditions, which is essential for long-term sustainability.”
Jan-Erik has a hydrogen-powered table fan and steam machine on his desk and with the help of these two machines, he basically explains every type of process industry and where Alnab’s products come into play. Image source: Alnab
Hydrogen’s journey – from industry to society
After working with hydrogen in the process industry for many years, we now see how hydrogen becomes part of society and how the public gets hydrogen applications in their everyday environment.
“It is a new and exciting challenge to work with hydrogen outside the traditional industrial fences,” says Jan-Erik. “We have the knowledge and experience to handle our products in hydrogen applications in the process industry and now it’s about handling the products in the same way in a safe and secure way also within the green transition. Our customers see the potential of green hydrogen and invest more in these projects.”
Cooperation is the key to solving the green transition
“Alnab Armatur cooperates with many customers who invest in new hydrogen projects and we must be part of the solutions in order to contribute to the green transition. Through collaboration with other actors in and outside the industry, we deepen our knowledge of green hydrogen, its production and applications. To succeed in the transition, the entire supply chain, from innovators and investors to politicians and industry, must work together,” says Jan-Erik.
Why are you members of Vätgas Sweden?
“We see Vätgas Sweden as an important platform for networking, competence development and environmental monitoring. It is important for us to be part of the solution and not stand on the platform when the train leaves,” says Jan-Erik Larsson.
Need to increase competence and awareness of the benefits of hydrogen
“Today, many people do not know the various uses of hydrogen. It is therefore crucial to increase competence and awareness of the benefits of hydrogen in order to drive innovation, ensure safe handling and promote the green transition.”
“We see that Hydrogen Sweden has an important role in spreading knowledge and understanding of hydrogen’s potential in the green transition,” concludes Jan-Erik Larsson.
