As hydrogen emerges as a big player in the global clean energy market, the materials and infrastructure involved in its generation, transportation, distribution, and storage are presenting new challenges to the industry. Element has extensive technical expertise in testing materials, coating, and electrochemistry in environmental conditions.
As an energy carrier, hydrogen (H2) offers numerous advantages: it can be used in internal combustion engines or fuel cells, producing virtually no greenhouse gas emissions when combusted with oxygen.
Hydrogen can be transported, stored, and even blended with other sources such as natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions. So-called "green" hydrogen produced with electricity from renewable sources such as wind power or solar cells instead of fossil fuels allows CO2-free Energy production.
Testing in a hydrogen environment
Hydrogen-related technologies for production, storage, transportation, and utilization are evolving, and understanding them is an essential part of today's world of energy and sustainability.
The interaction of materials with hydrogen and the associated hazards and failure consequences have made material science and electrochemistry two fundamental areas of research for further development and wider safe application of hydrogen-related technologies.
With decades of experience in testing and qualification of materials, Element is well prepared and actively involved in further development and application of safe hydrogen-related technologies, emphasizing testing, characterization, and qualification of materials, both metals, and polymers, exposed to hydrogen-containing environments.
Element supports customers with their Carbon Capture Usage & Storage projects (CCUS), developing fuel tanks for the aerospace and transportation industry, as well as hydrogen pipeline and storage facilities for the energy sector.
Element's current research and development activities are focused on expanding the facilities and infrastructures for performing mechanical and fracture mechanics testing in H2 environments.
The result of such testing scenarios will be implemented in a fracture mechanics-based design approach for hydrogen containment and transport components such as steel piping systems and pipelines that carry gaseous hydrogen. This will, in turn, significantly reduce concerns about catastrophic failures due to embrittlement and sub-critical crack propagation in structural materials.
Hydrogen testing under cryogenic conditions
Hydrogen can be stored binding it to chemical compounds and as a gas or liquid. Storage of H2 as a gas typically requires high pressures up to 800 bar, while its boiling point of -253°C at one bar requires cryogenic temperatures to keep it liquid.
For the characterization and qualification of materials used for liquid hydrogen storage tanks, Element offers a full range of cryogenic testing for mechanical and fracture mechanics in cryogenic environments as low as -268 °C.
Hydrogen permeation testing on polymers
Because of its small molecular size, hydrogen can permeate through polymeric (non-metallic) materials much faster than methane or other gases traditionally associated with fossil fuels. This needs to be quantified so that, for example, the amount of hydrogen permeating through the walls of a thermoplastic transmission line can be calculated, as well as the losses through seals in compressors etc.
Element is already conducting testing with hydrogen on elastomers and thermoplastics at pressures to 100 bar and has been able to compare permeation rates to previously tested gases.
The Element advantage
Element offers outstanding knowledge and expertise in the fields of materials science, corrosion, coatings, and electrochemistry. Our engaged experts have state-of-the-art equipment to provide testing, certification, and consulting for many areas of hydrogen-related technologies.
For more information about our hydrogen testing capabilities or to request a quote, contact us today.
Understanding Hydrogen Permeation Testing on Non-Metallic Materials
Hydrogen permeation testing can provide manufacturers with important knowledge such as how much hydrogen is going to pass through a material.
Read MoreWhitepaper: Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) Tests Involving Hydrogen Sulfide
This white paper demonstrates that H2S is a more hostile gas than CO2 towards housed elastomeric seals subjected to repeated pressure cycling in RGD tests.
Read MoreSimulating gust-induced sloshing in the fuel tank of a liquid hydrogen powered aircraft
Element Digital Engineering was commissioned to investigate the problems associated with the thermo- and fluid dynamics of the liquid hydrogen fuel whilst the aircraft is on ground and in flight.
Read MoreOur modelling and simulation work
Element’s Digital Engineering team are utilizing modeling, simulation, data science and other digital solutions to overcome complex challenges across a range hydrogen projects.
Read our case studies to learn how we partner with energy companies working at the forefront of the energy transition to drive projects forwards.
Read our hydrogen case studiesMore Energy Testing Services
Mechanical Testing at Cryogenic Temperatures
Element’s cryogenic testing services ensure the reliability and optimum performance of your materials in low-temperature conditions.
Modeling and Simulation
We specialize in modeling and simulation to accelerate your research and development initiatives, optimize your designs and support safe, efficient operations.
ASME B31.12 Hydrogen Piping System Testing
Element performs testing of steel pipe systems and pipelines designed to carry gaseous hydrogen.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Element's NDT services comply with a wide variety of industry standards, government contracts, military specifications and unique customer requirements.
Corrosion Testing Services
Find out about Elements extensive corrosion testing expertise in the Energy industry across a global network of laboratories.
Supercritical CO2 (scCO2)
Element supports the energy industry in managing the challenges of polymeric materials like in service in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) environments.
Product Testing
From environmental & dynamic testing to highly specialized tests such as bird strike and hydrodynamic ditching testing, we're the trusted testing partner to the world's most recognized component and system manufacturers.
Rapid Gas Decompression Testing (RGD)
Element offers rapid gas decompression testing to help manufacturers and users of elastomers better understand the behavior of this material in true sour RGD conditions.
Weld Testing
Our team includes Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI), Certified Welding Engineers (CWEng), and industry-dedicated technical staff to assist with projects across sectors and applications.
Carbon Capture and Storage
Learn more about our testing capabilities to prevent corrosion at transport infrastructure for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Exposure Testing Services
We offer extensive services for the qualification and compatibility of polymer materials exposed to production fluids at high pressure and high temperature (HPHT).
Permeation & Diffusion Testing
With a unique range of permeating capabilities for polymers, thermoplastics, elastomers and composites, we can simulate the high pressure and extreme temperatures found in deep wells, or the conditions in an automotive applications, utilities industry or chemical processing equipment.