Different Types of Hydrogen Cylinders and Their Applications

Hydrogen is an odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly combustible natural gas used for powering various industrial processes. Due to its combustible nature and requirement for safe and controlled gas-depensing, a robust and secure hydrogen cylinder is introduced to fulfill industrial requirements. To inform you about hydrogen cylinders more deeply and comprehensively, this blog is curated. It covers types of hydrogen cylinders with basics, applications, and how to choose them correctly. 

A] Introduction to Hydrogen Cylinder

A hydrogen cylinder is a specialised container engineered to store high-pressure hydrogen gas in liquid or gaseous form. They are also known as containers, cartridges, canisters, and storage vessels. The robust design and in-built security mechanism of hydrogen cylinders make it withstand 350 to 700 bar pressure. Due to their low permeability, high-pressure resistance, lightweight design, and robust security measures, hydrogen cylinders have been the first choice for various industries to store and fulfil hydrogen gas requirements. 

B] Types of Hydrogen Tanks 

1. Type I Hydrogen Tank

Type-I hydrogen cylinders are all metal cylinders made from steel or aluminium alloys. They are common and most-used cylinders due to their simple and cost-effective design. In addition, they can efficiently handle up to 350 bars of pressure and offer 15 grams per litre density. However, they are heavyweight cylinders as they are made from all metal. Therefore, they are only used in stationary industrial hydrogen gas requirements. They are unsuitable for mobile applications and not travel-friendly. 

2. Type II Hydrogen Tank

Type II hydrogen tanks are the extension of type I hydrogen cylinders. They are made from metal liners with composite material wrap for added strength. The materials used for metal liners and wrapping are steel or aluminium and glass fibres respectively. Moreover, they can withstand up to 500 bars of pressure and offer 20 grams per litre density. However, even after the changes in their design and material, they are still not viable for mobile industrial applications. 

3. Type III Hydrogen Tank

Type III hydrogen cylinders are the advancement of type II hydrogen containers with minimal reinforcement of metal liners (typically aluminium). Composite materials (generally carbon fibres) are used to wrap cylinders, making them extremely lightweight. They can withstand up to 700 bars of pressure and offer 25 grams per litre density. Due to their high resilience to internal and external impacts, they have been heavily used in various industrial applications. 

4. Type IV Hydrogen Tank

Type IV hydrogen tanks are entirely non-metallic, utilising composite materials for liner and outer wrapping. These tanks are ultralight and capable of withstanding pressures of up to 700 bar. Their durability, combined with their weight advantages, makes them a popular choice for mobile applications, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and portable industrial systems.

5. Type V Hydrogen Tank

Type V hydrogen tanks are the most advanced type, with a fully composite design and no internal liners. They boast the highest strength-to-weight ratio and can handle extreme pressures and conditions. These tanks are primarily used in modern applications, such as aerospace and advanced hydrogen storage solutions, where performance and weight are essential parameters.

C] Applications of Hydrogen Tanks

1. Type I

• Stationary Industrial Use: Commonly used in industries like chemical manufacturing, metal processing, and power generation where hydrogen storage is required at fixed locations.
• Backup Power Systems: Ideal for storing hydrogen in backup power units for industrial facilities, ensuring energy availability during power cuts.
• Hydrogen Gas Storage for Laboratories: Frequently utilised in research labs for experiments.

2. Type II

• Semi-Stationary Industrial Operations: These tanks are used where some mobility is needed, but weight is not a critical factor like in semi-permanent hydrogen storage units.
• Chemical Production Facilities: Widely used in industries producing ammonia, methanol, or other hydrogen-based chemicals.
• Hydrogen Supply for Combustion Applications: Used in industries requiring hydrogen for heating or combustion processes, including glass and ceramics manufacturing.

3. Type III

• Automotive Applications: Extensively used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles due to their lightweight construction and high-pressure capacity.
• Portable Hydrogen Systems: Suitable for transportable hydrogen storage like emergency response equipment or portable power units.
• Industrial Transportation: Used in mobile hydrogen refueling units or transport trucks to deliver hydrogen to remote locations.

4. Type IV

• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Preferred in advanced hydrogen fuel cell cars, buses, and trucks because of their ultralightweight and high-pressure resistance.
• Hydrogen Refueling Stations: Utilised in storing hydrogen at refueling sites, ensuring efficient and quick refueling of vehicles.
• Renewable Energy Storage: Used in storing hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources like wind or solar.

5. Type V

• Aerospace Applications: Used in cutting-edge aerospace projects, including rockets and spacecraft where weight reduction and high-pressure storage are critical.
• Advanced Hydrogen Storage: Ideal for experimental applications such as hydrogen-based drones, submarines, or deep-sea exploration vehicles.
• High-Performance Systems: Also used in high-tech hydrogen energy systems.

D] How to Choose the Right Hydrogen Cylinders for Your Needs

Selecting the right hydrogen cylinder depends on your specific requirements. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Application: Determine whether your needs are stationary or mobile. For instance, Type I and II are ideal for stationary setups, while Type III, IV, and V are the best fit for mobile or advanced applications.
2. Pressure Requirements: Choose a tank that can handle the pressure your application demands. Type III and IV tanks are optimal for higher-pressure requirements.
3. Weight: For mobile applications, prioritise lightweight tanks like type III, IV, or V.
4. Cost: While Type I tanks are cost-effective, type III and IV offer better performance for advanced needs.

For additional needs like Bio Gas Cascade systems or Medical & Oxygen Gas Cylinders, consult industry experts like Rama Cylinders, one of the world’s largest gas cylinder manufacturers.

Conclusion

Hydrogen cylinders offer exceptionally robust and safe storage for hydrogen. Its ability to withstand high pressure and internal and external impacts makes it a safe space to store highly combustible hydrogen. If you are looking for a composite cylinder manufacturer that has a world-class gas cylinder manufacturing hub while cost-effectively providing hydrogen cylinders, Rama Cylinders is here to help you. We are one of the largest cylinder manufacturers, boasting over 7 million gas cylinders sold across the globe. We are sought-after for our world-class hydrogen cylinders, helping thousands of industries fulfill their hydrogen storing needs. Contact us now and let us offer you tailored hydrogen cylinders perfectly aligned with your storage needs.