Hydrogen Car Fuel Tank: Preventing Permeation & Valve Check

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how hydrogen-powered cars prevent the permeation of hydrogen through the filling valve of their fuel tanks. Participants explore the types of valves used and their effectiveness in containing hydrogen, as well as related design considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific type of valve used in hydrogen car fuel tanks and whether a regular check valve suffices or if a specialized valve is necessary.
  • Another participant suggests that a Schrader valve with a ball bearing could be effective for hydrogen, noting that it acts as a check valve and could prevent permeation when the fill hose is removed.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of such valves, with a recommendation for a secondary manual ball valve and its own safety relief valve to enhance safety.
  • A participant points out that hydrogen is particularly challenging to contain due to its tendency to permeate through most materials.
  • Another participant mentions that sensor manufacturers use gold plating or "super-alloys" to mitigate the effects of hydrogen permeation, although this does not directly address the valve issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness of different valve types and materials in preventing hydrogen permeation. There is no consensus on a single solution or design approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of hydrogen containment and the potential limitations of various valve designs. The discussion does not resolve the specific technical details or assumptions regarding valve effectiveness.

chemisthypnos
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How do hydrogen powered cars prevent the permeation of hydrogen through the valve used to fill the car's tank with hydrogen? Is a regular check valve used or is the valve special in some way?
 
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chemisthypnos said:
How do hydrogen powered cars prevent the permeation of hydrogen through the valve used to fill the car's tank with hydrogen? Is a regular check valve used or is the valve special in some way?
That's a design detail that may vary. I can tell you this though; my large neighborhood propane tanks use a type of Schrader valve using a ball bearing instead of a center post. It acts as a check valve, with the pressure and a spring popping it into place as soon as the fill hose is removed. I see no reason why this wouldn't work for H2...

...but these valves are not foolproof and a secondary manual ball valve would be a good idea...though it would also need it's own safety relief valve.
 
That is true for most compounds, but hydrogen is very hard to contain as it goes through the walls of most materials through permeation.
 
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Ok. Thanks everyone.
 

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