In future the challenging medium hydrogen will be utilised across increasing fields of application. All components in direct contact with hydrogen must be suitable and tested leak-tight in order to guarantee safe operation. Hydrogen valves and
wellheads must therefore meet the design criteria and metallurgy for a leak-tight and secure hydrogen application.
Hartmann offers two hydrogen tests for both Hartmann ball valves and wellheads as well as for the products of other manufacturers (based on documentation).
Molecular hydrogen H2 is comparatively stable and marginally reactive, therefore corrosion in the conventional sense is unlikely. So-called hydrogen embrittlement, i.e. hydrogen induced stress corrosion (see image), presents a risk for highly stressed pressurised components which requires particular consideration. Within the scope of the material suitability test, the material selection is comprehensively tested for hydrogen application.
The test is performed on the basis of the following standards:
The following criteria are considered:
Being a small molecule, hydrogen can migrate through sealing elements. A comprehensive seal test provides assurance that the threshold values are adhered to and fugitive emissions are minimised.
