Materials integrity
The mechanical properties of materials are affected in the presence of hydrogen and may cause degradation in for of so-called hydrogen embrittlement. In areas like hydrogen storage and transport, it is therefore important to contain the harmful influence of atomic hydrogen entering the materials. For the maritime Norwegian industry, this is not a new phenomenon, as hydrogen is produced when protecting metals from corrosion by cathodic protection. Through research and development funded by industry and the Research Council of Norway, the industry has learned to handle and contain these challenges, and the acquired knowledge is implemented in rules and guidelines for design and operation. However, the additional source of atomic hydrogen from pressurized H2 gas, requires further research and competence building.
