Requirements in hydrogen and energy infrastructure

Due to its molecular properties, hydrogen places particularly high demands on materials and joining technology. Even the smallest leaks or unsuitable materials can lead to safety-critical issues in the long term.

In practice, topics such as hydrogen embrittlement, HIC resistance, and the highest requirements for tightness and weld quality are the focus. At the same time, components must withstand high pressure loads during transport and storage.

Design is carried out taking into account relevant codes and standards such as ASME B31.12, EN 13480, AD 2000, and the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.

Nirotec specifically addresses these requirements in material selection and manufacturing—for safe and durable pipe fittings in H₂ applications.

What Nirotec offers in hydrogen and energy infrastructure

With our own forming production and targeted sourcing, we deliver flexible solutions for different requirements within hydrogen projects—from individual components to the complete pipe fittings supply for a plant section.

Our components are used in:

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Hydrogen pipelines and distribution networks (gaseous and liquid)

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Hydrogen production plants (electrolysis, steam reforming)

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Compression and storage systems

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Power-to-X plants (PtH₂, PtAmmonia, PtMethanol)

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H₂ refuelling station infrastructure

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Existing natural gas networks with H₂ blending

Typical products & solutions

Available to EN 10253 and ASME B16.9—in H₂-compatible materials, all common nominal sizes and wall thicknesses.

Materials

Material selection is critical for H₂ applications. Not every steel is H₂-compatible—especially at higher pressures and temperatures.

  • Austenitic stainless steels (preferred for H₂): 1.4301 · 1.4307 · 1.4404 · 1.4435 · 1.4571 – low susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement
  • Low-alloy steels (suitable depending on pressure): L245 · L360 · P355NL – HIC testing to project-specific requirements
  • Duplex & special materials: 1.4462 · 1.4410 – for aggressive or chloride-containing H₂ environments
  • Nickel alloys: Alloy 625 (2.4856) · Alloy 825 (2.4858) – for extreme applications

 

Material selection is project-specific, taking into account pressure, temperature, medium and the applicable code or standard.

Quality & documentation

Nirotec is certified to ISO 9001 and AD 2000. Typical services:

  • Inspection certificates to EN 10204 (3.1 / 3.2)
  • Non-destructive testing (UT, RT, PT, MT)
  • Positive Material Identification (PMI)
  • Leak and pressure testing
  • HIC test reports on request
  • Third-party inspections by TÜV, SGS or customer inspectors
  • Project-specific ITPs on request

            Applications & industries

            Discover our other industries

            At Nirotec, we provide solutions worldwide for industrial piping systems.

            Energy and Power Plant Facilities
            Nuclear Technology
            Hydrogen and Energy Infrastructure
            Chemical and Process Industry
            Refineries and Offshore Facilities
            Apparatus and Mechanical Engineering

            Pipe fittings for hydrogen and energy infrastructure

            H₂-suitable materials, standards-compliant documentation. We supply pipe fittings for hydrogen systems, Power-to-X plants and modern energy infrastructure—from our own production and targeted sourcing, with complete technical documentation.

            Planning a hydrogen project?

            Nirotec supports you with material selection, standards compliance and the supply of H₂-suitable pipe fittings—with the required documentation and technical advice.