Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloy Pipes for New Energy: Hydrogen, LNG and Solar Thermal
Recommended Pipe & Tube Materials
The energy transition is creating demand for piping that can handle hydrogen at high pressure, liquefied natural gas at −162 °C, and molten salt at around 565 °C. Each condition places different demands on the material. This article explains which stainless steel and nickel alloy pipes and tubes are used in hydrogen, LNG and concentrated solar power (CSP) projects.
1. Hydrogen Systems
The Challenge
Hydrogen can reduce the ductility of some metals (hydrogen embrittlement), particularly at high pressure and in the presence of stress and defects. Piping for electrolyzers, storage, compressors, refueling stations and pipelines must combine strength with hydrogen compatibility.
Materials
- 316 / 316L austenitic stainless steel is the most widely used material for hydrogen tubing and piping because it keeps good ductility and toughness in hydrogen environments.
- Higher nickel content in 316L (often specified at around 12% Ni or higher) is commonly requested for high-pressure hydrogen service because it improves stability against embrittlement.
- Cold-worked 316 tube or seamless tubes with high strength are used in refueling stations and high-pressure lines.
- Nickel alloys are considered for extreme temperature or corrosive conditions, such as some electrolyzer components.
Typical design references include ASME B31.12 for hydrogen piping and pipelines, ASME B31.3 for process piping, and ISO 11114 for material compatibility.
2. LNG and Cryogenic Systems
The Challenge
LNG is stored and transported at about −162 °C, where many carbon steels become brittle.
Materials
- 304 / 304L and 316 / 316L austenitic stainless steel stay tough at cryogenic temperatures and are widely used for LNG piping, vacuum-insulated pipe (inner line), instrumentation tubing and terminal systems.
- Seamless and welded pipes to ASTM A312 are typical, with impact testing or design provisions according to the applicable code.
- Precision tubing is used for instrumentation, fuel gas supply and cold boxes.
3. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Molten Salt
The Challenge
CSP plants circulate molten nitrate salt (commonly a sodium nitrate/potassium nitrate mixture) at about 290 to 565 °C, so materials must resist oxidation, creep and salt corrosion at elevated temperature.
Materials
- 316H and 347H stainless steel for hot-salt piping, heat exchangers and steam generators
- Alloy 800H/HT and Alloy 625 for receiver tubes and higher-temperature or more corrosive sections
- Advanced nickel alloys such as 230 or 617 under evaluation for next-generation, higher-temperature salt systems
Other New Energy Applications
- Geothermal: duplex, super duplex and nickel alloys for chloride-rich, sour brines
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): stainless steel and duplex for CO₂ handling, and nickel alloys for corrosive amine or wet CO₂ conditions
- Biofuels and ammonia: stainless steel and duplex for process and storage lines
Materials Summary
| Application | Typical materials |
|---|---|
| High-pressure hydrogen | 316L (higher-nickel), cold-worked 316 tube |
| LNG and cryogenic | 304L, 316L |
| CSP molten salt | 316H, 347H, Alloy 800H, Alloy 625 |
| Geothermal | Duplex 2205, super duplex 2507, Alloy 625 |
| CO₂ / CCS | 316L, duplex, Alloy 825 for wet CO₂ |
Key Standards
- ASTM A312 / A269 / A213 (austenitic pipe and tube)
- ASTM A790 / A789 (duplex)
- ASTM B444 / B423 (nickel alloys)
- ASME B31.12, ASME B31.3, ISO 11114
Buying Tips
- State the medium, pressure and temperature range, including cryogenic or high-temperature extremes
- For hydrogen, confirm the required nickel content, cleanliness, surface finish and any special testing
- Ask for seamless tubing with tight tolerance for high-pressure lines and instrumentation
- Request full traceability and certificates, since these are safety-critical systems
- Email: info@duplex-stainless-steel.com
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- Send Your Inquiry →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is 316L preferred for hydrogen piping?
316L retains ductility and toughness in hydrogen environments and is well established in codes and industry practice, so it is the default choice for hydrogen tubing and piping.
Q2: Can 304L be used for LNG?
Yes, 304L and 316L austenitic stainless steels are commonly used for LNG piping because they stay tough at −162 °C.
Q3: What materials are used for molten salt piping in CSP plants?
Typically 316H and 347H stainless steel, with nickel alloys like 800H/HT or 625 in the most demanding or highest-temperature sections.
Q4: Can you supply high-pressure seamless tubing for hydrogen refueling stations?
Please give us the pressure rating, size, grade requirement (including Ni content) and certificates you need.
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