
Safe Use of Hydrogen Train Tanks: Measures to Prevent Leaks
Hydrogen as a fuel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, especially in the transport sector. Hydrogen-powered trains have gained increasing popularity in recent years and are touted as a clean and environmentally friendly solution for rail transport. However, as with any new technology, hydrogen-powered trains face challenges that need to be addressed. One of these challenges is the possibility of leaks in hydrogen tanks in trains. In this article, we will take a closer look at what leaks in hydrogen train tanks are, how they can occur, and what can be done to prevent them.
What are Leaks in Hydrogen Train Tanks?
A hydrogen train tank is a container that stores hydrogen gas under high pressure and delivers it to a fuel cell engine that provides the necessary energy for the train. Leaks in hydrogen train tanks occur when hydrogen gas escapes from the tank. This can happen due to material fatigue, poor maintenance, inadequate installation, or damage to the tank from external influences such as accidents or collisions.
The possibility of leaks in hydrogen train tanks is a major concern because hydrogen gas in high concentrations is explosive and poses a risk of fire or explosion. Additionally, a leak can also be a source of environmental pollution, as hydrogen gas is a greenhouse gas.
How Can Leaks in Hydrogen Train Tanks Occur?
- Material Fatigue: Hydrogen train tanks are made of various materials such as aluminum or composites. The constant stress from hydrogen pressure and the continuous expansion and contraction can lead to cracks or material fatigue, which can result in leaks.
- Poor Maintenance: Poor maintenance of the tank can cause it to become damaged or leaky. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that the tank is in good condition.
- Inadequate Installation: Improper installation of the hydrogen train tank can cause it to become damaged or leaky. It is important that the tank is installed by qualified personnel to ensure that it functions properly.
- External Influences: Hydrogen train tanks can be damaged by external influences such as accidents or collisions, which can lead to leaks.
How Can Leaks in Hydrogen Train Tanks Be Prevented?
There are several measures that can be taken to prevent leaks in hydrogen train tanks. Here are some of them:
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure that the tank is in good condition. Inspections should include visual checks, leak tests, and a review of tank integrity. Regular maintenance can also help identify and address potential issues before they lead to serious leaks.
Use of High-Quality Materials
The use of high-quality materials in the manufacture of hydrogen train tanks can help reduce the likelihood of material fatigue and cracks. Aluminum and composites are commonly used materials in the manufacture of hydrogen train tanks.
Qualified Installation
The installation of the hydrogen train tank should be carried out by qualified personnel. The staff should have the necessary expertise and experience to install the tank properly and ensure that it functions correctly.
Monitoring Systems
The use of monitoring systems can help detect leaks in hydrogen train tanks before they become serious problems. These systems can monitor the pressure in the tank, the temperature, and other important parameters and trigger an alarm in case of anomalies.
Staff Training
It is important that staff working with hydrogen train tanks have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate the tank safely and effectively. Training the staff can help identify and prevent potential problems.
Conclusion
Hydrogen-powered trains are a promising alternative to fossil fuels in the transport sector. However, the possibility of leaks in hydrogen train tanks is a major concern because hydrogen gas in high concentrations is explosive and poses a risk of fire or explosion. It is important to take measures to prevent leaks in hydrogen train tanks. Regular inspections and maintenance, the use of high-quality materials, qualified installation, monitoring systems, and staff training are some of the measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of leaks in hydrogen train tanks. By implementing these measures, hydrogen train tanks can be operated safely and effectively without compromising the safety of passengers and the environment.
- Sensor ranges from -196 ... +600 °C (-320 ... +1.112 °F)
- For mounting in all standard thermowell designs
- Spring-loaded measuring insert (replaceable)
- Pt100 or Pt1000 sensors
- Explosion-protected versions
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- Safety version with solid baffle wall designed in compliance with the requirements and test conditions of EN 837-1
- Excellent load-cycle stability and shock resistance
- Completely from stainless steel
- Scale ranges from 0 … 0.6 to 0 … 1,600 bar

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- Excellent load-cycle stability and shock resistance
- All stainless steel construction
- German Lloyd approva
- Scale ranges up to 0 … 1,600 bar

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- For extreme operating conditions
- Compact and robust design
- Diagnostic function (option)
- Signal clamping (option)
- Customer-specific modifications possible
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- CSA and FM approved as “explosionproof” for class I, div. 1 hazardous areas
- ATEX approved as “flameproof enclosure” for II 2 G Ex d II C
- Current or voltage output
- Designed for harsh ambient conditions
- Low-power version available as an option

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- Measuring ranges from 0 ... 0.1 to 0 ... 6,000 bar [0 ... 3 to 0 ... 15,000 psi]
- Approved for use in hazardous areas, e.g. ATEX, IECEx, FM and CSA

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- TÜV certified SIL version for protection systems developed per IEC 61508 (option)
- Operation in safety applications to SIL 2 (single instrument) and SIL 3 (redundant configuration)
- Configurable with almost all soft- and hardware tools
- Universal for the connection of 1 or 2 sensors
- Resistance thermometer, resistance sensor
- Thermocouple, mV sensor
- Potentiometer - Signalling in accordance with NAMUR NE43, sensorbreak detection in accordance with NE89, EMC in accordance with NE21
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- Good price/performance ratio
- Wetted parts made of special material
- Non-wetted flange from 316/316L stainless steel
- Thermowell welded to one unit
- Possible thermowell forms: - tapered, straight or stepped - "Quill Tip" version (with open tip)
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- Connection between flange and thermowell in threadwelded design
- Model TW10-S: No directly wetted welded joints (standard)
- Model TW10-B: Additional weld seam on the process side (sealing joint)
- Coating for corrosive or abrasive process loads
- Possible thermowell forms: - tapered, straight or stepped - “Quill Tip” version (with open tip)
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- Heavy-duty design
- Model TW10-F: Full penetration weld version Model TW10-P: With double fillet weld weld seam strength a = 3 mm Model TW10-R: With double fillet weld weld seam strength a = 6 mm
- Coating for corrosive or abrasive process loads
- Possible thermowell forms: - tapered, straight or stepped - “Quill Tip” version (with open tip)
- Welding process test to ASME Sec. IX
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