Oak Ridge National Laboratory research on fiber-reinforced polymer pipes could help distribute hydrogen more efficiently to service stations of the future. High-pressure fluidized hydrogen can cause cracks, leaks and other failures in metallic piping. The ORNL team led by Tim Armstrong has found fiber-reinforced polymer material significantly reduces embrittlement created in metallic materials. Polymer material also reduces the number of welds and joints, where failures tend to occur. The research has determined installation of the polymer pipeline is cheaper and allows for installation of sensors that can more quickly and accurately identify the pipeline failures. The funding source is the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Program office.
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