FUKUI: leading safety valve specialist driving innovation in clean energy
FUKUI is a distinguished Japanese manufacturer specialising exclusively in safety valves—a critical component in industrial safety systems. With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to quality, the company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner across a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, petrochemicals, power generation, offshore development and maritime transport.
At the heart of FUKUI ’s philosophy is a dedication to “Made in Japan” excellence. Every product is designed, manufactured, and tested in Japan, ensuring the highest standards of precision, reliability, and durability. This commitment to domestic production is not just a matter of pride—it’s a strategic choice that allows the company to maintain strict quality control and deliver products that meet the most demanding global standards.
Safety valves: the last line of defense
Safety valves are essential for protecting pressure vessels, pipelines, and other equipment from overpressure conditions. When pressure exceeds safe limits, these valves automatically release excess pressure to prevent catastrophic failure. As such, they are often referred to as the “last line of defense” in industrial safety.
FUKUI ’s product portfolio includes a wide variety of safety valves tailored to different applications, pressure ranges, and media types. From standard models to highly customised solutions, the company offers valves that meet international certifications and customer-specific requirements. Its engineering team works closely with clients to develop solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing systems while enhancing overall safety and performance.
Expanding horizons: LCO₂, hydrogen, and ammonia applications
In recent years, FUKUI has taken bold steps to align its product development with the global shift toward decarbonisation and clean energy. Recognising the growing expectations for new carbon-neutral technologies such as liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂), hydrogen, and ammonia, the company has invested heavily in R&D to create safety valves that meet the stringent demands of these applications.
Hydrogen, for example, is a highly flammable and diffusive gas that requires exceptional sealing performance and corrosion resistance. FUKUI has developed specialized valve designs that minimise leakage risk and ensure long-term reliability under high-pressure conditions. These valves are suitable for hydrogen storage tanks, hydrogen electrolyses, and liquified hydrogen carries—key infrastructure in the transition to a hydrogen industry. FUKUI’s products have been adopted across the entire supply chain of the liquefied hydrogen transport demonstration project between Japan and Australia, including the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier, Suiso Frontier, led by HySTRA. This highlights the reliability and safety of our solutions in pioneering hydrogen applications.
Ammonia, while promising as a carbon-free fuel, presents its own set of challenges due to its corrosive nature and toxicity. FUKUI , drawing on over 60 years of experience in the ammonia industry, offers a comprehensive product lineup of ammonia-compatible safety valves with high leak-tightness performance and excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring safe operation in manufacturing processes, transport vessels, and storage tanks. Fukui’s products have been supplied for use in JERA’s Hekinan coal-fired power plant cofiring project, which is recognised as one of leading initiatives in ammonia utilisation.
LCO₂ is gaining attention as an efficient transport medium for CCS technologies, which are recognised as a direct means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. FUKUI ’s LCO₂ solutions play a vital role in safety design by taking into account phase changes at the triple point. These products are engineered to maintain reliable performance even under demanding environments, contributing to the safe deployment of CCS technologies. FUKUI’s products have been adopted for use in the world’s first commercial CCS initiative, the Northern Lights Project, as well as Japan’s Tomakomai CCS demonstration project led by JCCS, both of which utilise LCO₂ carriers.
Engineering excellence and quality assurance
FUKUI ’s strength lies not only in its product range but also in its engineering capabilities. The company maintains a state-of-the-art testing facility where valves are subjected to rigorous performance evaluations under simulated operating conditions. These tests include cryogenic testing, flow measurement test, and steam testing ensuring that every valve meets or exceeds industry standards.
In addition, the company’s quality management system is certified to international standards, and its production processes are continuously refined to incorporate the latest manufacturing technologies. From material selection to final inspection, every step is guided by a commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
A partner in the energy transition
As the world moves toward a more sustainable energy future, FUKUI is positioning itself as a key enabler of that transition. By developing safety valves for next-generation energy systems, the company is helping industries adopt cleaner technologies without compromising safety.
Whether it’s supporting hydrogen utilisation, enabling carbon capture, or facilitating ammonia-based power generation, FUKUI ’s products are playing a vital role in shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow. The company’s deep expertise, agile development approach, and unwavering focus on quality make it a preferred partner for clients seeking innovative and dependable safety solutions.
