Abstract: A method for producing ultra-pure hydrogen is provided which includes heating water for stripping argon from the water; and separating the argon-stripped water into an oxygen stream and a hydrogen stream, wherein the hydrogen stream includes an ultra-pure hydrogen stream. A related system for producing an ultra-pure hydrogen stream is also provided which includes a container in which argon is stripped from water by steam; at least one electrolyzer cell to be contacted by the argon-stripped water; wherein the at least one electrolyzer cell provides an oxygen stream and a hydrogen stream with an argon content less than 0.25 ppm.

Abstract: A method for recycling argon from an industrial process; in which the gaseous argon is compressed after the use thereof in the industrial process, is fed to a main heat exchanger and is cooled there in contact with a first cooling medium. The compressed and cooled argon is fed to a rectification column or another cryogenic separating device and is liquefied there by direct heat exchange with a second cooling medium and is freed of low-boiling substances by rectification. The liquefied argon is drawn from the bottom of the rectification column and, after use as the first cooling medium in the main heat exchanger, is fed back into the industrial process, the raw argon being brought into thermal contact with cryogenically liquefied pure argon in the main heat exchanger and/or the rectification column. The product argon that results is highly pure and can be fed back to the industrial process.