HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT-RELATED ISSUES AND NEEDS IN THE HYDROGEN VALUE CHAIN

摘要

Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are part of a portfolio of options to solve major energy security and climate change challenges that face countries today in reducing oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen has the potential to occupy a unique position because it brings flexibility to the energy system and it does not produce CO_2 emissions at the point of use once generated. However, the intensive usage of hydrogen as an energy carrier and its well known embrittling effects on metallic materials create some challenges in terms of materials selection, the use of appropriate materials testing and standards, design codes and integrity assessment of installations dedicated to handle hydrogen at various pressure levels. This paper will present an overview of hydrogen embrittlement-related issues and needs in hydrogen production, distribution, storage, and dispensing of hydrogen to end-users in hydrogen filling stations. Special attention will be addressed to the actual needs for the gathering of mechanical properties, such as ductility, fracture toughness, fatigue and fretting strength when the metal or alloy is in contact with hydrogen gas at high pressures, expected to reach up to 100 MPa. The testing methods to assess the risk of hydrogen embrittlement will be discussed with emphasis on their relevance and the need to find the optimum test methodology demonstrating that a material is fit for hydrogen service.