Can a hydrogen distribution station for ion-exchange membrane caustic soda be made of stainless steel?
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For the hydrogen distribution unit in the chlor-alkali production process using ion exchange membranes, our factory currently uses 16MnR material. Due to the low temperature in this unit, water condensation and rusting occur easily during summer; therefore, we want to switch to stainless steel. However, according to relevant information, hydrogen can cause hydrogen embrittlement in stainless steel materials. I would like to ask fellow sailors: are there any manufacturers that use stainless steel for hydrogen distribution tables, and what is the performance of such tables? What grade of stainless steel is used? :D
Our company uses Q345R; I don’t think I’ve seen stainless steel being used anywhere
Stainless steel can definitely be used to make hydrogen distribution tables, but it is more expensive, and its strength is generally slightly lower than that of carbon steel. The advantage is that stainless steel is relatively resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, and no corrosion protection is required.
All of our company’s hydrogen pipelines and equipment are currently made of carbon steel, but the hydrogen storage tanks are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel should be suitable for use in hydrogen systems at normal temperatures; it’s just that the cost is probably too high