Home > Publications > Hydrogen Infrastructure Safety Technical Assessment and Research Results Gap Analysis

Testing Methods (1.6)

Criticality: High
Progress: Addressed, Not Adequately
Score: 20
DOT Relevance: §192.51 – §192.65

Description of Key Area

Subpart B (Materials) of 49 CFR 192 “prescribes the minimum requirements for the selection and qualification of pipe and components for use in pipelines.”

Discussion of Criticality

Most commonly used tests to determine the mechanical properties of metallic materials tend to overwhelm the effects of hydrogen embrittlement. The tests are too fast and the loss of properties is difficult to detect. Commonly used test seem to be strain rate sensitive when it comes to detecting embrittlement.

Discussion of Progress

ASTM Committee G01 on Corrosion of Metals has created a new task group, G01.06.08, to explore the cracking problems that materials exposed to hydrogen may encounter. The purpose of the new task group is to review potential problems with hydrogen as an energy source and to develop test methods and other standards that deal with the issues involved in using hydrogen in conjunction with other materials.

ASME B31.12 will reference test methods as needed to assure that materials used in the design of hydrogen systems have the proper mechanical properties.

Recommendations

Standards for testing methods for hydrogen pipelines and hydrogen storage containers should be established and incorporated by reference into the federal code.