Energy and mobility businesses are changing. The limited availability of fossil fuels and the increasing environmental responsibility encourage the search for alternative drive systems and storage possibilities for renewable energy. The element that meets these requirements is hydrogen.

Hydrogen is primarily used in the chemical and petrochemical industry, but there are also applications in mobility which are becoming more important. Hydrogen-powered passenger cars that are fully suitable for everyday use are already on the market, and buses, trucks and rail vehicles are also being launched. The chemical energy of hydrogen is converted into mechanical energy. This is done either by the combustion of hydrogen in a hydrogen engine or by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell to drive electric motors.

Steel is an essential material for the production, transport and storage of hydrogen. It’s for components and fittings such as pipes, tubes, nozzles, injection systems in fuel cells, but also for flanges, valves, nozzles, filters and gas outlets. Deutsche Edelstahlwerke has summarized its products used in
hydrogen technologies as “Hydrogen Steel H₂”.

Components which are in direct contact with hydrogen must have a certain resistance to hydrogen.

Especially austenitic steels with high nickel contents are suitable for these applications. In addition to the typically used steels 1.4435 (AISI 316L) and 1.4307 (AISI 304L), other special steels are part of the Hydrogen Steel portfolio.

You are looking for steel solutions for your H₂ application? We can assist you in choosing the right steel for your application. Just contact us.