Hydrogen gas embrittlement resistant materials

February 15th, 2024

We will evaluate a number of potential materials (steels, alloys, joints) which can be used in hydrogen reactors, pipelines etc.

Project lead

Dr Liezl Schoeman, liezl.schoeman@csiro.au

Lead researchers

Dr Alex Ilyushkin

Dr Liezl Schoeman

Challenge

One of the key challenges in the development of new technologies dealing with hydrogen production processing is the development of materials capable of sustained operation in specific operational conditions, including high temperature, high pressure, and atmospheres which include pure hydrogen or hydrogen  mixtures. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the alloys and component performance in long term hydrogen environment at industrial conditions.

Understanding the mechanisms of bulk and surface degradation of steels, alloys, welds and joints caused by hydrogen environmental embrittlement or by hydrogen attacking during operation will guide the materials selection or design of new materials to withstand operating conditions typical for hydrogen production by ammonia cracking, methane reforming and syngas processing.

What we are doing

This project will evaluate a number of potential materials (steels, alloys, joints) which can be used in construction of reactors, pipelines and units for hydrogen production. We will test performance at specific temperature ranges, pressures and atmospheres. The effect of hydrogen gas purity and various typical impurity concentrations will be evaluated and characterised.

The outcomes from the project will be an understanding of the degradation mechanisms of metals from H2 embrittlement at simulated industrial conditions, and a ranking of the metals for different industrial applications.

The later stages of the project will also explore surface treatments and the effects that these have on degradation, with the aim of developing more resistant materials for sustained operation.

Outcomes to date

We have conducted a comprehensive review which summarises the gaps in hydrogen embrittlement research that apply to high-temperature, high-pressure systems in industrial processes and applications.

New capability (a disc rupture test rig) has been generated.

New methodology has been developed for assessing materials exposed to industrial conditions.

Lessons learned

Technological research is still needed to develop reliable methods for measuring hydrogen embrittlement of materials.

There can be difficulties with HSE approval and the capability certification due to lack of standard procedures and specifics of the equipment/experimental conditions.

Project finish date

March 2024

Relevant project publications

  1. A. Y. Ilyushechkin, L. Schoeman, L. Carter, and S. Hla, Materials Challenges and Hydrogen Embrittlement Assessment for Hydrogen Utilisation in Industrial Scale, Hydrogen 2023, 4, 599–619. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen4030039
  2. A. Ilyushechkin, C. Chen, A. Cousins, L. Carter, L. Schoeman Characteristics of alloys and compacts exposed in various H2 processing conditions, WREC2022: World Renewable Energy Congress XXI, Perth, Australia, 4-9 December, 2022
  3. A.Y. Ilyushechkin, L. Carter, L. Schoeman, Characterization of materials exposed to H2-containing atmospheres at elevated temperatures and pressure,  MH2022: the International Symposium on Metal-Hydrogen Systems, Perth, Australia,  30 October -4 November, 2022