Zero Embrittlement H2 Tank Coating Testing ( Phase 3 )

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As the hydrogen economy grows, so does the demand for safe hydrogen storage. This demand is constantly growing and for larger storage capabilities. Running parallel with increasing demand is the need to reduce the overall cost of producing and storing hydrogen and to ensure its safety in residential, commercial and industrial settings.Hydrogen storage usually takes place in tanks made of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium & ceramic lined and carbon fibre for higher pressures ( mostly for transportation ). In order to achieve the above requirements of increasing volume and lowering cost, the most cost-effective method is using carbon steel tanks. However, there is a major drawback using carbon steel, in that pressurised hydrogen stored in a steel tank will in time cause embrittlement of the steel with potential catastrophic consequences. The Health & Safety Executive Research Report RR715 published in 2009 states **"Hydrogen can cause embrittlement of high strength steels, titanium alloys and aluminium alloys with cracking and catastrophic failure of the metals at stress".**Creo International has designed a hybrid epoxy polymer coating to line the inside of hydrogen storage tanks which will prevent embrittlement taking place, hence increasing the safety and lifespan of the tanks. In addition, the coating will also prevent hydrogen leaks ( one of the biggest problems in storing hydrogen ). Creo already manufactures hydrogen storage tanks in Pembroke Dock and has been working with Swansea University to test the coating in intense and high pressure environments. Phase 1 testing by Swansea University has been a great success and Phase 2 testing will commence December 2023 at Creo's expense outside of this grant application.This application however, is to take the testing to a new level with Phase 3 from the 1st April 2024 and will include long-term testing of the coating with pressurised hydrogen at 40 Bar. Phase 4 will consider the implications with much higher pressure up to 200 Bar.This testing will take place in Pembrokeshire and be monitored and tested by Swansea University (as in phases 1 and 2). A successful project will enable a range of safe and affordable hydrogen storage tanks with long lifespans and low maintenance to be manufactured in Pembrokeshire for industry, transportation and residential use.In addition, a successful result from this project will also enable retrofit coating of steel pipelines and coating of new pipelines ready for methane/hydrogen blending or 100% hydrogen pipelines.