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.
6 Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Failure Modes | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates | 316L/904L/321Uncoated + Ti/TiN, CrN/TiN, Nb Coatings | 1–0.5 mm Thin Plate; 0.5–2 mm Flow Field Plate | Coating/Polishing | High corrosion rate, rich oxygen + strong acid pH → local pitting, TiN nearly completelyExpired in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ → pinholes/cracking | ISO 22734, ASTM A240, Coating Supplier Specifications |
| Fuel cell bipolar plates | 316L/904L thin strip + conductive corrosion-resistant coating | 0.075–0.15mm | Coating/Glazed | pH 2–4+ cyclic potential→pitting+increased contact resistance | GB/T 20042.1；ASTM A240 |
| ElectrolysisSlabs, ElectrolysisFilter, ElectrolysisPipe | 316L/904L | 2–20mm | 2B/acid washed/coated | Alkaline solution/PEM acidic+Cl⁻+high temperature→pitting/SCC | GB/T 3280；ISO 22734 |
| High-pressure hydrogen storage liner/storage tank lining | 316L | Inner Liner 2-10mm | 2B/ Acid Wash/Degreasing | High Pressure Hydrogen → Hydrogen Embrittlement (Wrinkle Expansion Acceleration) + Cyclic Fatigue | GB/T 33291；ISO 11114-4；ASME VIII-3 |
| Stationary High Pressure Pipeline/Fittings | 316L | Wall Thickness 2-10mm; PN350-700bar | Acid Wash/Degreasing | High Pressure Hydrogen + Cycling Pressure → Fatigue + Hydrogen Embrittlement; Leak at Connection | ISO 19880-1；ASME B31.12 |
| Hydrogen Metallurgy/Chemical Industry Pipelines/Heat Exchangers | 316L/321 | 2–20mm | 2B/Acid Wash | High Temperature High Pressure Hydrogen + H₂S/Cl⁻ → Hydrogen Embrittlement + Corrosion | ASME B31.12；GB/T 3280 |
Table Inside isStandard Configuration.The same part may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 based on different media, temperature, and welding methods —— Explain the usage conditions more than specifying grades.
Key Material Points
- Most common grades in this industry are 316L (6), 904L (3), 321 (2) —— Parentheses indicate the 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 / Duplex (3/6 hits).
- Common Corrosion Sources (2/6 hits): Chloride and salt are the most common sources of corrosion (pitting, crevice corrosion).
- Thickness Range 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 the most for hydrogen production?
Out of a total of 6 components, 316L appears most frequently (6 hits), followed by 904L (3 hits) and 321 (2 hits). Specific to a part still depends on the medium and temperature; for example, stainless steel countertops that come into contact with salt water should switch from 304 to 316L.
Which parts are most prone to issues?
Based on failure descriptions, typical is "PEM electrolyte bipolar plates": high potential + rich oxygen + strong acid pH ~2 → corrosion rate of bare 316L/904L higher; pinholes or peeling in coatings → localized pitting; TiN completely fails after 3 hours in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ at 0.5 M H₂SO₄; 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 is recommended to specify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method during 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