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

Abstract The effect 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 to ASME Section VIII, Division 3 [1] for pressures between 7,500 and 15,000 psi (517–1034 bar). ASME Section VIII, Division 3, Article 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 [2], Hydrogen Crack Growth Rate Constants, Threshold Stress Intensity Factor, KIH, and Critical Crack Size Requirements for SA372 and SA-723 Steels in ASME Section VIII Division 3, has been developed. While rules have been established for the ASME Section VIII, Division 3 design, there is controversy regarding what impact hydrogen has on pressure vessels designed to either ASME Section VIII, Division 2 [3] or ASME Section VIII, Division 1 [4]. 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 has on the life of vessels operated at various pressure ratings when designed to each of the three (3) ASME Section VIII Divisions.