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Gas storage systems include all pressure vessels for gases. But in this context, it refers in particular to pressure receptacles and propellant gas storage systems, but also to stationary storage systems if these are used for a gas as an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen.
Gas storage systems have an inherent hazard potential due to the pressure under which the gas is stored. Accordingly, safety is always at the forefront when assessing gas storage systems, which is more and more defined and evaluated according to risk aspects.
The division "Safety of Gas Storage Systems" conducts research for the safety and probabilistic risk assessment of gas tanks in vehicles and pressure receptacles in the transport of dangerous goods. Here, the focus is on hydrogen as an energy carrier and coordination as a cross-cutting function between the the BAM experts for safety in production, storage and use of hydrogen.
One research focus is the storage of hydrogen in composite pressure vessel (CPV) gas storage systems. The methodological basis is provided by experimental investigations. These are supplemented by numerical simulation methods for load-bearing capacity (FEM) as well as for statistical strength distribution (MCS). With this background, we develop advanced assessment principles that form the basis for our advice to legislators and in standardisation.
Approval according to transparent regulations with the greatest possible worldwide acceptance and the guarantee of safety in operation are the central prerequisites for the success of every new design - from the point of view of manufacturers and operators of gas storage systems.
further information
Fields of expertise
Experience with different safety aspects around hydrogen
Testing of gas storage systems with destructive and non-destructive methods, especially for hydrogen applications
Evaluation of gas storage systems made of composite materials with regard to degradation of their strength
Monitoring and evaluation of the ageing behaviour of gas storage units
Probabilistic analysis of likelihood of occurrence and risk
Active contribution to international regulations on gas storage systems
(transport and vehicles)
Main activities
Contact point and coordination for all aspects of hydrogen technology
Improvement of testing and evaluation procedures for gas storage systems
Implementation of the research results in regulations and standards
Approval of pressure receptacles according to dangerous goods regulations
Range of services/technical equipment
Hydraulic test bench for load cycle testing aiming on the determination of the service life of pressure receptacles and propellant gas storage systems up to over 1000 bar
Hydraulic test bench for load cycle testing aiming on the determination of the service life of pressure vessels and propellant gas storage tanks up to over 1000 bar
Various methods for fire and impact testing (high-load, high-velocity) of composite pressure vessels, also with hydrogen filling
Surveillance of procedures for artificial ageing or destructive testing with non-destructive methods (e.g. acoustic emission analysis, various methods for measuring surface strain and others)
Numerical analysis of the efficacy of approval regulations
Publications of the division
In the database PUBLICA you will find publications by BAM employees.