Hydrogen technology from Germany

Our H2 pressure storage tanks are designed for a technical service life of 20 to 30 years. With regular maintenance as part of our WOLF Safety Technology program and proper operational management, a service life of 30+ years is realistic. The actual service life depends on the number of load cycles, temperature history, and environmental conditions. We would be happy to advise you in a personal consultation and, if necessary, conduct a project-specific service life assessment.

WOLF Safety Technology is our integrated service and inspection concept for hydrogen pressure vessels. It includes periodic inspections in accordance with BetrSichV and manufacturer-specified inspection intervals, documented VT, NDT, remaining service life assessments, and—upon request—coordination with your notified body. Operators have been shown to reduce the lifecycle costs of their storage systems by up to 30%.

Yes. Our ASME-certified manufacturing facilities in Wilnsdorf and Herdorf regularly produce pressure vessels for the U.S., Canadian, and Asian markets. We coordinate Authorized Inspector (AI) appointments, prepare U-1 data sheets and Manufacturer’s Data Reports, and deliver worldwide—including transport-ready segmented fabrication for large vessels with on-site assembly.

For standard volumes from our portfolio, we achieve lead times of 12 to 20 weeks when production capacity is available. Custom high-pressure solutions or complex custom-made products with thick walls typically require 5 to 9 months, including design, material procurement, manufacturing, testing, and documentation. You will receive a specific commitment after the technical specifications have been clarified during the initial consultation.

Our hydrogen tanks are designed and manufactured in accordance with leading international pressure equipment regulations:

• AD 2000 Technical Information Sheet – German standard for pressure equipment

• EN 13445 – European standard for unheated pressure vessels (including cyclic loading tests per Annex T)

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Div. 1 and Div. 2 – Market access in the U.S.

• PED 2014/68/EU – CE conformity for the European Economic Area

• ISO 11120 – seamless steel cylinders with a water capacity exceeding 150 liters (upon request)

Hydrogen embrittlement occurs when atomic hydrogen diffuses into the metal lattice and recombines at grain boundaries or defects. With fine-grained P355NH/P355NL1 steel, clean welding, and consistent heat treatment, the risk is technically controlled—which is why we manufacture approximately 95% of our H2 tanks from carbon steel. Our four-step approach:

• Material selection: P355NH/P355NL1 as fine-grained, H2-compatible pressure vessel steels with high yield strength and stable grain structure—each delivery batch is approved for suitability

• Welding processes: TIG/UP welding with qualified WPS/PQR, controlled heat input, and defined preheating and post-heating regimens

• Heat treatment: Consistent stress relieving heat treatment performed directly in our in-house heat treatment facility—one of the most effective measures against embrittlement

• 100% NDT: Comprehensive inspection of all weld seams using TOFD, phased array, and X-ray

Stainless steel is undeniably less prone to embrittlement—but for the typical pressure ranges of industrial H2 storage tanks (50–400 bar), well-controlled P355-C steel is the more cost-effective choice. We recommend stainless steel only where the application specifically requires it.

Our standard portfolio covers design pressures ranging from 50 bar to 400 bar. In the low-pressure range (up to 50 bar), we supply buffer tanks for electrolysers and industrial processes. The medium-pressure range (88–220 bar) covers traditional industrial applications and stationary supply tanks. In the high-pressure range (330–400 bar), we manufacture bulk storage tanks for H₂ refueling stations and special applications. We can accommodate special pressures and combined load conditions upon request.

When planning pressure vessels for high pressures such as 200 bar or 400 bar, our engineers take several factors into account:

• Wall thickness and choice of material: For high pressures, thicker container walls are required to safely maintain the required pressure. Materials such as high-strength steel or titanium alloys are often used.
• Pressure vessel design: The design is optimized so that it can withstand different loads and pressure fluctuations during operation.
• Safety certifications: All pressure vessels must comply with international safety standards and undergo rigorous testing before they are put into operation.

When planning membrane casings for gas separation processes such as hydrogen recycling or CO₂ separation, our engineers take into account:

• Gas-specific requirements: Vessels must be designed for specific gases, such as hydrogen or CO₂, to avoid leaks and ensure correct separation.
• Pressure and temperature conditions: As these processes often take place under extreme conditions, the design is optimized for high pressure tolerance and thermal resilience.
• Tightness and integrity: Engineers perform detailed tightness tests and use membrane-based technologies that enable reliable gas permeation.

The choice of materials is crucial for the functionality and safety of hydrogen storage tanks. Materials such as high-strength steels, stainless steel or alloyed metals that meet both mechanical and chemical requirements (e.g. hydrogen embrittlement) are selected for the construction. Manufacturing technologies such as TIG welding, tube rolling and cold forming are used to ensure the structural strength and tightness of the vessel. Precise manufacturing is crucial for the safety and performance of the vessels.

The thermal load capacity of membrane casings and hydrogen storage tanks is ensured by careful selection of materials and thermal simulations during the planning process. Engineers use finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the behavior of the material under extreme temperature conditions. In addition, special alloy steels and corrosion-resistant materials are used to ensure the integrity of the vessels at both low and high temperatures.

The design of hydrogen storage tanks and membrane casings must comply with a large number of international norms and standards, including:

• AD-2000 for the design of pressure vessels.
• EN 13445 for unfired pressure vessels.
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for American requirements.
• ISO 11120 for gas-filled vessels.

These standards ensure that all products meet the highest safety standards and are suitable for use in extreme conditions as well as for the international market.

The technical planning of a hydrogen storage tank or membrane housing is carried out in close cooperation with our engineers and taking into account the specific requirements of the project. First, the construction requirements, operating pressure, storage capacity and environmental conditions are taken into account. The design is then created based on standards such as AD-2000, EN 13445, and ASME. Engineers then perform strength calculations and structural analysis to ensure that the vessels can withstand the mechanical and thermal loads.

WOLF hydrogen storage tanks are designed for a long service life. With regular maintenance and regular inspections as part of WOLF Safety Technology, these vessels can be operated safely and efficiently for many years. The service life can vary depending on use and environment. We will be happy to advise you in person for a more precise assessment.

A customized hydrogen storage tank from WOLF offers several advantages:

• Optimum adaptation to the specific requirements of your plant.
• Increased efficiency through storage capacity and pressure precisely tailored to your needs.
• Long-term reliability through the use of high-quality materials and innovative safety technology.

If you have a hydrogen storage system with special volume or pressure requirements, WOLF offers customized solutions. You can request a customized hydrogen storage system that is precisely tailored to your needs. WOLF will work closely with you to design and manufacture the ideal vessel for your specific requirements.

Compliance with standards such as AD-2000 and EN 13445 guarantees that WOLF's hydrogen storage tanks are manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards. These standards ensure that the vessels meet international safety requirements for pressure vessels, including strength, tightness and corrosion-resistant materials.

WOLF Safety Technology ensures that the hydrogen storage tanks are regularly inspected to maintain their safety and functionality. This includes preventive maintenance and tests carried out at set inspection intervals to check the pressure vessel for possible defects or wear and tear.

WOLF's hydrogen storage tanks are made of high-quality materials that meet the safety requirements for operation at high pressure. These include high-strength steel alloys and special materials that are also suitable for storing hydrogen under extreme conditions.

Yes, WOLF offers customized hydrogen storage vessels that are specifically designed to meet individual customer requirements and requests. These customizations can include volume, pressure requirements and other specific features to provide the exact solution required for your project.

WOLF offers hydrogen storage tanks for various pressure ranges to meet the different requirements of customers. The available pressure ranges extend from 50 bar to very high pressures of 400 bar, so that they can be used in a variety of applications, from industrial processes to hydrogen mobility.

WOLF Safety Technology ensures the safe use of hydrogen storage tanks by enabling the regular inspection and testing of hydrogen pressure vessels according to specified inspection intervals. This technology ensures that all safety requirements are met and that the storage tanks continue to operate reliably and safely in the long term.

WOLF manufactures hydrogen storage tanks that are produced in accordance with various international standards to ensure a high level of safety and quality. The most important standards include

• AD-2000 (pressure vessel construction).
• EN 13445 (pressure vessel standard).
• ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).

Special customer requirements are also taken into account if necessary.

WOLF hydrogen storage tanks are ideal for applications where hydrogen needs to be stored safely and efficiently. These include

• Industrial applications such as the storage of hydrogen for chemical processes
• Energy supply for the storage of hydrogen as a renewable energy source.
• Mobility solutions such as hydrogen filling stations for vehicles

WOLF offers a range of standardized volumes for hydrogen storage vessels designed for different pressure requirements. These include:

Volumes: 10 m³, 20 m³, 33 m³, 50 m³, 75 m³, 95 m³, 100 m³, 115 m³, 130 m³, 160 m³, 190 m³.

Pressure ranges: Up to 50 bar, as well as for higher pressures of 88 bar, 110 bar, 130 bar, 200 bar, 220 bar, 330 bar and 400 bar.

We offer customized and standardized hydrogen storage solutions from simple storage tanks to membrane housings and quick closures, and we produce both standardized volumes and customized hydrogen storage tanks that are manufactured specifically for your projects and needs.