Applus+ assesses pressure test at a hydrogen fuel station

How do hydrogen stations work?

Electrolysis converts electricity and water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H). The hydrogen is intensively pressurised via a compressor and transferred through a stainless-steel tubing pipe system to various buffer vessels.

Through barrels, the hydrogen is further transported to various filling stations, which ensure that a car, truck, or ship can refuel. In addition to the filling station, there are also two trailer docks on site.

The pressure equipment is divided into categories according to their level of hazard. The Conformity Assessment procedures to be followed by Applus+ as Certified Assessment Body (CAB) depend on the category of the equipment. In this case, according to the classification, the piping system is category 1 (Table 7), followed by the so-called Module A (internal production control).

“Internal production control” means the conformity assessment procedure, whereby the manufacturer complies with the obligations under 2014/68/EU and guarantees and declares under his responsibility that the pressure equipment meets the requirements of this directive.  

The activities performed by Applus+ consisted of assessing the testing procedure, attending the strength test, inspecting the pipework, and providing a report (if there are no deviations). The installation works with very high pressures (up to 1000 Barg) and the consequences are incalculable if leaks occur. The outcome has been successful.