To ensure safe storage and efficient transport of hydrogen within the drive system, the components that are in direct contact with hydrogen must have special resistance. In conventional systems, these components have so far been made primarily of austenitic stainless steels. However, this has some disadvantages: austenitic stainless steel is very expensive due to its high nickel content, among other things. Since the material has relatively low strengths, the components must be designed with greater wall thicknesses for higher pressure resistance. This increases the weight and the higher material input in turn leads to higher component costs.
To counter these problems, Poppe + Potthoff has developed PPH2. The alloyed carbon steel has high mechanical properties, which are further enhanced by the PPSH annealing treatment developed by the company. As a result, components manufactured with PPH2 can be designed with thinner walls than those made of stainless steel, which, in addition to lower weight, also leads to a reduction in material costs. Effective protection against corrosion is ensured by a zinc-nickel coating.
PPH2 was designed to be particularly suitable for welding processes and to be easy to process. It can therefore be used in familiar manufacturing processes, such as those used in the production of components for diesel engines.
The material is particularly suitable for the production of components for H2 distribution systems (including pipes, rails and valves) and can be used in both mobile and industrial applications. The company already manufactures components made of PPH2 in various dimensions.
PPH2 has been tested and approved by external testing laboratories in accordance with DIN EN ISO 11114 and is thus also approved for use in the area of EU Regulation (EC) No.79/2009 for hydrogen applications. The requirements of the European Industrial Gases Association for pipes and transport containers for the transport of hydrogen are also met by the new material.
Poppe + Potthoff has developed a pipe OD6.35ID4 for 700 bar hydrogen applications using the material. This was successfully tested by an independent certified testing institute according to EC79. The interface provided has a metal-sealing ball-cone connection in accordance with ISO 2974.
