Do hydrogen storage tanks require helium testing?
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The design pressure is 0.44 MpaG, the design temperature is 80°C; the material of the main pressure-bearing components is Q345R. The diameter is 2200, and the length of the cylinder is 3500. Is helium testing required for the welds of the shell? What are the things to keep in mind regarding materials and manufacturing?
It is required according to HG20584
I just checked; flammable media require leak tests. Section 11.3.1 states that these leak tests include a airtightness test, as well as ammonia leak detection tests, halogen leak detection tests, and ammonia leak detection tests. If understood in this way, then a airtightness test is sufficient; there’s no need for ammonia or helium testing, right?
HG/T 20584 specifies requirements, but there are no strict rules for 150; it depends on the designer’s decision. If a leakage test is to be conducted, I believe helium testing should be used, as gas tightness testing is likely to be ineffective and won’t detect any issues. This is just my personal opinion, for reference only!
Which is easier to operate, helium testing or ammonia testing, and which one is more expensive? Also, should the material of the shell be hydrogen-resistant Q345R?
Q345R hydrogen-resistant steel plates are more expensive than ordinary ones. The required levels of P and S are quite strict
Such temperature and pressure conditions do not require Q345(HIC), nor is helium testing necessary; ensuring airtightness is sufficient. Consider using helium testing only in situations where there is a high risk of extreme hazards or extremely strict vacuum requirements. Of course, it’s up to you.
Airtightness tests and leakage tests are two different types of tests. For leakage tests, air can be used as the testing medium, but the test pressure is at the design pressure level, which is relatively high and poses certain risks. In such cases, halogens can be used as the medium to conduct the test at a lower pressure