Succes Story: Shell Holland Hydrogen I Sampling Systems

Mechatest is proud to complete the Holland Hydrogen 1 Manual Sampling Project in its role as Shell’s Preferred Supplier. 

This success story outlines how Mechatest contributed to this milestone by delivering reliable manual sampling systems to ensure safety and process control at Shell’s first large-scale 200 MW renewable hydrogen electrolyser in Europe.

Doedijns / Mechatest Sampling Solutions was selected by Worley to design and manufacture 24 pcs. high-integrity Manual Sampling Systems for the Shell Holland Hydrogen Electrolyser project.

BACKGROUND

Shell Holland Hydrogen 1 is situated at the Maasvlakte 2 in the Port of Rotterdam. Powered by offshore wind, this largest 200 MW plant produces up to 60,000 kg/day of renewable hydrogen through 10 parallel alkaline water connected electrolysers of 20 megawatts each. The hydrogen produced will feed directly into Shell’s Pernis refinery, replacing grey hydrogen and reducing CO₂ emissions. The plant also handles several critical fluid streams—such as cooling water, nitrogen, MEG, and potassium hydroxide—requiring safe and precise manual sampling for operational monitoring and quality assurance.

PROJECT CHALLENGE 

Operating in a hydrogen production environment presents a unique set of technical challenges. Sampling flammable gases like hydrogen without leakage or contamination and compatibility with aggressive or corrosive fluids such as 

30 % KOH (potassium hydroxide), ensuring corrosion resistance, representative, emission-free samples under varying temperature and pressure conditions.

OUR SOLUTION 

Mechatest designed, engineered, and delivered 24 customized manual sampling systems, using a combination of SS316 and Super Duplex materials for maximum chemical resistance and durability.

Each system was tailor-built for the specific fluid application, including:

Hydrogen (H₂), Nitrogen (N₂), Demineralized Water, Cooling Water + 25 vol% Monoethylene Glycol (MEG),  Fresh & Spent 30 % KOH  (potassium hydroxide) in Water and Service Water.

DELIVERY & SERVICES 

• 24 pcs. Manual Sampling Systems  in SS316 and Super Duplex Stainless Steel
• Application-based design consultation, tailored for process-specific  gas and liquid sampling applications
• Full 3D AutoCAD modelling
• Procurement, planning & document control
• Production and FAT execution
• Completion, May 2025

 WHY CHOOSE US

• Proven Experience: Extensive track record in gas and liquid sampling  and analyser systems for electrolyser and hydrogen projects
• Sampling systems are more than just valves on a panel, delivering truly representative samples is our core responsibility.
•  Partnership Mindset:  Long track record with Shell and Worley for sampling projects globally, fully conform onshore O&G requirements.
• Superior Sampling Expertise: Decades of experience, precision-built for process control & assurance, we guarantee representative sample taking from tap to lab and reliable laboratory results.
•  Total Cost of Ownership Advantage: Long service life, minimal downtime, optimized operability