Session: HT-07-01 Design and Analysis of High Pressure Hydrogen Equipment (Joint with CS-02 and MF-02)

Paper Number: 106712

106712 - Case Study on the Affect of Hydrogen on Ground Storage Tanks Designed to ASME Section VIII 

The affect of hydrogen on the cyclic life of stainless steel tanks is widely debated. Many ground storage tanks built for the hydrogen economy, and particularly for hydrogen fueling stations, are designed and built to ASME Section VIII, Division 3 (ASME VIII-3) for pressures between 7,500 and 15,000 psig (500-1000 bar).  ASME VIII-3, Part KD-10 has rules for these hydrogen vessels regarding the assessment of life using fracture mechanics. This assessment leverages empirical testing for crack growth rate and determination of the threshold intensity factor for hydrogen assisted cracking.  Additionally, Code Case 2938, Hydrogen Crack Growth Rate Constants, Threshold Stress Intensity Factor, KIH, and Critical Crack Size Requirements for SA-372 and SA-723 Steels in ASME VIII-3, has been developed. 

 

While rules have been established for the ASME VIII-3 design, there is controversy regarding what impact hydrogen would have on pressure vessels designed to either ASME Section VIII, Division 2 or ASME Section VIII, Division 1.  This paper is a case study to provide a comparison of the life assessment of various vessels in hydrogen and dry air.  This study will attempt to provide background in the discussion for the magnitude of impact  that hydrogen would have on the life of vessels operated at various pressure ratings when designed to each of the three (3) ASME Section VIII Divisions.

 

Presenting Author: Erick Ritter Structural Integrity Associates

Presenting Author Biography: Erick Ritter will fill in later.

Authors:

Daniel T. Peters Structural Integrity Associates, Inc.
Erick R. Ritter Structural Integrity Associates