Understanding risks and safeguards in high-pressure hydrogen systems
Hydrogen is playing a key role in the shift to clean energy, but working with it comes with serious challenges. One of the biggest threats is hydrogen embrittlement (HE) – a failure mechanism that weakens metals from the inside, leading to unexpected breakdowns in critical systems. Unlike visible wear and tear, HE happens on a microscopic level, making it a silent but dangerous issue for industries relying on high-pressure hydrogen transport and storage.
Austenitic stainless steel hoses and pipes are widely used in hydrogen systems due to their corrosion resistance and durability. However, even these materials are not immune to embrittlement. Understanding how hydrogen interacts with metal, what increases the risk, and how to prevent failures is essential for engineers, manufacturers, and operators handling hydrogen infrastructure.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes, mechanisms, and mitigation strategies for hydrogen embrittlement in austenitic stainless steel hoses, with the aid of case studies from various industries.