Development of methods for evaluating hydrogen compatibility and suitability

The embrittlement of metals exposed to hydrogen environments is well documented. With the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the consumer sector, there is a need to improve the engineering basis for the selection of materials of construction for equipment that stores and distributes high-pressure gaseous hydrogen. This brief overview summarizes publicly available guidance for evaluating materials compatibility with high-pressure gaseous hydrogen. Additionally, a new standard for measuring engineering data in gaseous hydrogen and evaluating materials suitability for service in gaseous hydrogen is introduced: the CHMC1 standard provides a general framework for qualifying materials for hydrogen service. The CHCM1 standard is unique in its broad scope and performance-based strategy for quantitatively assessing materials in their service environment and for the intended structural requirements.