Advanced Structural Technologies receives DOT certification for Type III high-pressure cylinders

On Aug. 18 Advanced Structural Technologies Inc. (AST, Camarillo, Calif., U.S.) announced that it has obtained the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) certification UN ISO 11119-2 to design and manufacture its cylinders for high-pressure hydrogen gas storage, for worldwide usage.

According to AST, the new, large-diameter hydrogen storage vessels will be sold under the name H₂-MAX to signify its unique product characteristics, particularly its faster and complete filling capability. H₂-MAX cylinders are designed for hydrogen storage in various applications for zero-emission and sustainable mobility solutions with service pressure of 350 bar (5,076 psi).

The company notes H₂-MAX’s additional benefits:

• AST claims its product is the largest diameter Type III cylinder for hydrogen applications in the market
  • Custom cylinder diameters fabricated in-house
• Seamless, one-piece aluminum liner
  • Inherent leak before burst failure mode
  • Superior heat tolerance for extended cylinder life
  • Higher impact tolerance for increased safety
• Reportedly faster and complete filling with improved benefits
  • Efficient and complete fills in extreme temperatures
  • Reduced fueling cost; optimized heat dissipation requires no chilling during filling process
  • More complete fueling for reduced range anxiety
• Extended life cylinders
  • No replacement needed after exposure to high temperatures
  • Surpassed testing requirements to meet maximum cylinder life.

“The large diameter of the H₂-MAX allows for fewer cylinders, valves and PRDs; thus, minimizing potential leak points due to the reduced number of fittings and connection points required when compared to a traditional hydrogen storage system designed with conventional cylinders,” says Kevin Black, engineering manager for AST.