Manufacturing factors affecting H2 components

Manufacturing technology plays a key role in determining how well a component performs in a hydrogen environment. Welds are often critical weak points and can promote microcracking and porosity. Surface roughness and microcracks resulting from surface finishing are potential entry points for hydrogen. Heat treatment also influences hydrogen absorption through its effects on microstructure and stress state. In additive manufacturing, porosity and inhomogeneities pose risks. We evaluate and optimize the relevant manufacturing processes.

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FAQs – Examples of customer questions

Reference projects

Publications

FAQs – Examples of Customer Questions

Every question is unique, and the answer is tailored to the customer. These answers will give you an initial idea of where to start when addressing the issue. Please contact us. Together, we will find a (non-binding) solution to your challenge.

Can certain manufacturing processes lead to hydrogen absorption during production?

Electroplating and welding processes, in particular, can lead to manufacturing-related hydrogen absorption. We determine the local hydrogen concentration in components using thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS).

How do I remove hydrogen from the component?

The hydrogen concentration in the component can be reduced through heat treatment. Using diffusion models, we calculate the correct temperature and duration for this process. The hydrogen concentration can be experimentally determined before and after the heat treatment.

Which manufacturing steps lead to increased susceptibility during hydrogen operation?

Many manufacturing steps alter the microstructure and residual stress of the materials and thus their interaction with hydrogen. Potentially critical factors include, for example, weld seams, defect density resulting from additive manufacturing processes or casting processes, and dislocation density following cold forming

What influence do surface properties have on hydrogen absorption?

Surface properties such as roughness, residual stresses, and oxide layers influence the component’s hydrogen absorption. The exact influence of surface properties on hydrogen absorption is complex and the subject of current research.

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Reference projects

EU PilgrHYm

Hydrogen Pipelines

The transport of natural gas via pipelines has proven to be safe and efficient for decades. However, the decarbonization of European industry and the reduction of CO2 emissions require that a significant part of the existing pipeline infrastructure be used to transport high-pressure gaseous hydrogen across the continent, from production sites to end users. The pipelines, which were originally designed for natural gas, are not considered H2-compatible, and transmission system operators must demonstrate their compatibility with hydrogen. Existing standards, such as ASME B31.12, are often viewed as too conservative and not conducive to the development of pure hydrogen networks.

Project Profile: EU PilgrHYm

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Publications

Michler T.; Oeser S.
Surface modification to mitigate gaseous hydrogen effects in a 1800 MPa martensitic steel
Engineering Failure Analysis 167/Part B (2024) Art. 109086, 10 Seiten Link

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