Testing with Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a versatile element that is playing an increasingly important role in various industries and applications. From energy generation to e-mobility, hydrogen has the potential to tackle numerous challenges in the field of sustainable development.
Possible testing methods in hydrogen atmosphere in our laboratory:
Fracture mechanics
SSRT/ CERT
Fatigue tests LCF
Fatigue tests HCF/VHCF
Thanks to our innovative, seal-less test cell, tests can be carried out extrem efficiently and accurately:
With up to 1,000 bar
With -60 °C up to +900 °C
With 0% to 100% relative hydrogen humidity
Overview of the test procedures, standards and results:
Testing | Test standards (exemplary) | Test results |
1. Fracture mechanics | ||
Threshold | ASTM E647 | Kth (K0) |
Crack propagation | ASTM E647, DIN EN ISO 11114-4, ISO 12108 | Paris Parameter: C,m |
Fracture toughness – brittle
material | ASTM E399, DIN EN ISO 11114-4,
ISO 12135 | KIcH |
Fracture toughness – ductile
material |
Material
ASTM E1820 (J-integral) | KJIcH |
2. SSRT / CERT | ISO 6892-1, ASTM G129 | Material properties & area reduction: Rm, Rp 0,2, E (mE), Ag, A, S |
3. LCF tests
| ASTM E606, ISO 12106
| Elastic and plastic material properties
|
3. 4. HCF / VHCF tests | DIN 50100, ASTM E466, ISO 1099 | S-N curve, SlgN |
Unique seal-less concept
patented H₂-test chamber
Without the use of moving seals, the pressure chamber offers various advantages:
- No friction: no stochastic frictional forces, thus no interference signal and therefore precise force or strain control.
- No wear or leaks (micro-movement at the seal) and therefore no retooling times and lower costs. This makes the tests more efficient and reliable.
- No compensation force resulting from pressure and piston area needed.
- High test frequencies: This means that fatigue strength tests can also be carried out cost-effectively with statistical validation.
- Combination with the SincoTec POWER SWING, which is known for its energy efficiency and high test frequencies. If necessary, slower tests with servohydraulics are also possible.
SINCOTEC hydrogen test laboratory equipment
- Capacity: Up to 4 test containers with fully
equipped test equipment - Temperature control unit (-60 °C to +220 °C) induction up to 900 °C
- Hydrogen humidity control system 0% to 100%
- Infrastructure: Hydraulics, electricity, communication, H2-, N2-supply
- Test frequencies: Up to 200 Hz
- Extensive measuring equipment
- Safety approved
- Certification: EX approval
Application examples for hydrogen testing:
Fracture mechanics tests for Hydrogen-Pipes up to 200 bar or Hydrogen-Tank materials up to 1,000 bar
- Pressure: Up to 200 bar; up to 1,000 bar
- Temperature: Ambient temperature
- Test frequency: Quasi-static and up to 200 Hz
- Measurement technology: Force, strain, extensometer, frequency
- Evaluation: Crack propagation; service life
- Test standards: E.g: ASTM E647 / ASTM E399; e.g: DIN 50100
- Actuator: Servohydraulic; resonance
- Test parts: Pipes; pressure tanks
Fatigue test with temperature for Hydrogen-Internal combustion engines
- Pressure: 50 bar
- Temperature: up to 900 °C (inductive)
- Test frequency: Quasi-static and up to 200 Hz
- Measurement technology: Force, strain, temperature (pyrometer)
- Evaluation: Service life
- Test standards: e.g: DIN 50100
- Actuator: Servohydraulic or resonance
- Test parts: Test parts of Hydrogen combustion engines and compressors
Tensile tests in Hydrogen at low temperatures
- Pressure: 1,000 bar
- Temperature: – 60 °C
- Test frequency: Quasi-static (SSRT)
- Measurement technology: Force, strain (e.g. ultrasound, extensometer)
- Evaluation: Material properties (Rm, Rp0.2, E,…) up to 40 % elongation
- Test standards: E.g: ISO 6892
- Actuator: Servohydraulic
- Test parts: Material samples
Tests with 3-point bending or axial load
Hydrogen-Tests under the influence of humidity and temperatures
- Pressure: Max. 100 bar
- Temperature: Up to 150 °C
- Rel. humifity: Approx 5% – 95%
- Test parts: Materials for fuel cells
Futher test applications in development, including:
- Tests for the transportation of liquid H₂ at up to – 253 °C
Why SINCOTEC?
SINCOTEC Hydrogen-KNOWHOW
- Various chambers for testing in a hydrogen atmosphere
- Testing in horizontal and vertical test systems
- Safety test chamber for fatigue strength tests with potentially higher risk
- Patented test cell
- Testing with resonance and servo-hydraulic test systems
- Various test methods possible: fracture mechanics (e.g. crack propagation tests), SSRT, fatigue tests, LCF, HCF/VHCF
- Energy-efficient technology to reduce energy costs
- Over 35 years of experience in fatigue strength testing for various industries
- Accredited testing laboratory with more than 160 different testing machines
- Manufacturer of testing systems
- Member of the North German Hydrogen Strategy
Hydrogen embrittlement under control?
Using our specialized test rigs, we evaluate your materials and components under realistic H₂ conditions – delivering reliable data on service life, safety and material behavior. Get in touch – together we’ll develop the right testing strategy for your application.
