B10 · Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen Stainless Steel Plates: 316L/904L Selection and 6 Part Lists
In Hydrogen, we organized 6 parts using stainless steel: commonly used 316L / 904L / 321, with thickness ranging from 0.075–700 mm.
List of six parts and material selections
| Part / Component | Recommended grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Main falless modes | Referensstandaarde |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEM Electrolyser Bipolare Platies | 316L/904L/321Ongepolierde + Ti/TiN, CrN/TiN, Nb Coating | Thin plates 0.1–0.5mm; flow field plates 0.5–2mm | Coating | High potential on the anode + enriched oxygen + strong acid pH ~2 → high corrosion rate | ISO 22734; ASTM A240; coating supplier specifications |
| Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates | 316L/904L Thin Strip + Conductive Corrosion-Resistant Coating | 0.075–0.15mm | Coating/Glossy | Acid pH 2–4 + Potential Cycling → Pitting + Increased Contact Resistance | GB/T 20042.1；ASTM A240 |
| Electrolyzer Endplates/Catalyst Frames/Piping | 316L/904L | 2–20mm | 2B/Acid Washing/Coating | Alkaline/Hydrogen PEM Acidic + Cl⁻ + High Temperature → Pitting/Scaling Corrosion | GB/T 3280；ISO 22734 |
| High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage Liner/Storage Tank Lining | 316L | Inner liner 2-10mm | 2B/acid washed/passivated | High pressure hydrogen→hydrogen embrittlement (crack propagation acceleration) + cyclic fatigue | GB/T 33291；ISO 11114-4；ASME VIII-3 |
| Stationary high-pressure tubing/waterways | 316L | Wall thickness 2-10mm, PN350-700bar | Pickling/Stripping | Hydrogen Metallurgy/Hydrogen Pipelines/Heat Exchangers | ISO 19880-1；ASME B31.12 |
| High Pressure Hydrogen+Cycling Pressure→Fatigue+Hydrogen Embrittlement; Joint Leaks | 316L/321 | 2–20mm | 2B/acid washed | High temperature high-pressure hydrogen+H₂S/Cl⁻→hydrogen embrittlement+corrosion | ASME B31.12；GB/T 3280 |
Table below isStandard configuration. Same part may use 316L, 316H or 2205 depending on media, temperature and welding method— specify usage conditions to save time.
Key considerations for selection
- Most commonly used grades in this industry are 316L (6), 904L (3), 321 (2)— parentheses indicate number of affected areas, as a starting point for quoting and material preparation.
- In acidic media, 316L is just the baseline; higher concentrations or temperatures require 904L/bi-metallic (3/6 hits).
- Corrosion from chloride and salt is the most common (click for more).
- Thickness 0.075–700 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common issues
Which stainless steel is used most for hydrogen storage?
Out of the total 6 components, 316L appears most frequently (6 occurrences), followed by 904L (3 occurrences) and 321 (2 occurrences). Specific to a part still depends on the medium and temperature; e.g., stainless countertops that come into contact with salt water should switch from 304 to 316L.
What parts are most prone to issues?
Based on failure descriptions, typical is "PEM electrolyte bipolar plates": high potential + rich oxygen + strong acid pH ~2 → bare 316L/904L corrosion rates are higher; pinholes or peeling of coatings → localized pitting; TiN in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ for 3 hours almost completely fails; recommended grades: 316L/904L/321 bare plates + Ti/TiN, CrN/TiN, Nb coatings, specifications: thin plate 0.1–0.5 mm; flow field plate 0.5–2 mm. For these conditions, it's recommended to specify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning methods in the design phase.
What thickness should I select?
Thickness range in the list is 0.075–700 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by manufacturer for the same location, review your drawing or operating conditions.
Related Materials and Adjacent Industries
Applications6
Thickness0.075–700mm
Grades075/700