5 questions on the storage and transportation of hydrogen – Interview with Dirk Leibel

24. September 2024

Industry, Sustainability

Technical meshes are used in numerous applications along the hydrogen cycle. Dirk Leibel, Key Market Manager Energy & Mobility at the GKD Group, explains the challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation that are solved with special mesh.

1. What special challenges does the storage of hydrogen pose compared to other energy sources?

Due to its low density, hydrogen has specific storage requirements: it must either be highly compressed or very strongly cooled. The material requirements for storage containers are correspondingly high. They must be resistant to pressure and temperature, but also to corrosion. What many people do not know is that specially adapted mesh is also used in these tanks.

2. To what extent do technical meshes from GKD contribute to safety during storage or transportation?

GKD’s filter solutions are actually more important than you might think. By filtering contaminants from the lines, they ensure the integrity of the system. Specially adapted mesh laminates can withstand high pressure and temperature requirements and prevent particles from entering the transport medium, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and associated hazards.

3. What role does the pore structure play in this?

At best, the pore structure enables an even distribution of the hydrogen, which is particularly important when filling and emptying storage tanks. Homogeneous pore distribution is therefore a quality and safety criterion.

4. How does GKD ensure that its products meet the high requirements of the hydrogen economy?

GKD uses materials that have been specially developed to meet the challenges of the hydrogen economy. These meshes are corrosion-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. In addition, the meshes are tested in a comprehensive test procedure under real conditions to ensure that they meet the requirements in practice.

5. What future prospects do you see for the use of GKD meshes in hydrogen infrastructure?

With the global trend towards decarbonization and the increasing importance of hydrogen as an energy carrier, we expect the demand for specialized meshes to continue to rise. GKD is therefore expanding its capacities worldwide. Globalized supply chains and production platforms ensure security of supply. We are also continuing to invest in research and development. After all, the hydrogen age has only just begun and we will certainly see many more development steps. We want to help shape them.

Check out our LinkedIn post here, where Dirk Leibel talks about GKD’s hydrogen solutions at ACHEMA 2024 (video in German):