TÜV Rheinland launches innovative “H2-Ready” certification program

New “H2.23” certification standard combines state-of-the-art technology with global expertise in hydrogen suitability / Focus on safe operation of piping and plant components with pressurized hydrogen / “H2-Ready” test mark confirms technical suitability of components for handling pressurized hydrogen

TÜV Rheinland has launched an innovative certification program that qualifies materials for the emerging hydrogen economy. The “H2-Ready” certification confirms that materials used in critical applications such as piping and pressure vessels in large industrial plants are suitable for use with pressurized hydrogen.

Gunther Sproesser, materials expert at TÜV Rheinland, explains: “Our new 'H2.23' standard combines the latest technology with global expertise to test materials for hydrogen compatibility.” The challenge: Hydrogen can penetrate materials, making them brittle and damaging them to the point of component failure. Upon successful certification, manufacturers can receive the “H2-Ready” test mark to demonstrate to customers that their materials can safely handle compressed hydrogen. The H2-Ready test mark is only awarded to materials that meet strict criteria. The mark also requires regular monitoring of production.

“In Germany, there is a lack of recognized regulations for the long-term and safe use of components with pressurized hydrogen. We are filling this gap with the ‘H2-Ready’ certification. In doing so, we are ensuring greater safety and confidence in the rapidly growing hydrogen industry,” says Sproesser. TÜV Rheinland has already certified several materials from “Busch + Kunz”, the leading European manufacturer of weld fittings, in accordance with the “H2-Ready” standard.

For more information on TÜV Rheinland’s hydrogen services, please visit www.tuv.com/hydrogen.