Pressure storage tanks / Storage tanks

We manufacture in accordance with all relevant pressure equipment regulations worldwide:

• AD 2000 Information Sheet – German standard for pressure equipment

• EN 13445 (Parts 1–5, including Annex B and Annex T for cyclic loading assessment)

• ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 and Div. 2, with U, U2, and S stamps

• PED 2014/68/EU – European Pressure Equipment Directive

• EN 1090-1/-2 (load-bearing steel structures)

• DIN EN ISO 3834 (welding technology), DIN ISO 9001 (quality management)

• Upon request: ISO 11120, GB 150 (China), JIS B 8265 (Japan)

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.

Our four-stage protection concept works equally well for P355 as it does for special stainless steel designs. This is precisely why we can economically manufacture 95% of our H2 storage tanks from P355NH/P355NL1:

• 1. Material selection: Standard grades are P355NH and P355NL1—fine-grained, H₂-compatible, and cost-effective. For highly specialized high-pressure or cleanroom applications, we also supply austenitic stainless steels (1.4301, 1.4541, 1.4571) or duplex (1.4462) upon request.

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

• 3. Heat treatment: Stress relieving heat treatment immediately after welding significantly reduces residual stresses and thus the risk of embrittlement—one of the most important factors

• 4. NDT: 100% inspection of all weld seams using TOFD, phased array, and X-ray detects defects that could lead to hydrogen-induced crack propagation

This design has been proven hundreds of times over in hydrogen and natural gas pressure vessels worldwide. Those who reflexively specify stainless steel out of concern for embrittlement are paying more than necessary—the honest answer is good workmanship, not more expensive material.

Our standard portfolio covers design pressures up to 400 bar and volumes up to 190 m³. Upon request, we also provide:

• Design pressures exceeding 400 bar (e.g., 500 bar or 700 bar with special materials)

• Volumes exceeding 190 m³ using segmented multi-chamber systems

• Combined load assumptions based on internal pressure, external pressure, wind, earthquakes, and thermal expansion

Please contact us with specific details about your project—most of the H2 storage tanks we deliver are custom designs.

To maximize the life and efficiency of pressure vessels, regular maintenance is required, including:

- Inspections for corrosion, cracks or leaks

- Inspection of gaskets and pressure safety valves (PSV)

- Cleaning of deposits or blockages (especially in adsorbers and agitated vessels)

- Inspection and maintenance of agitators or mechanical components

- Pressure tests to ensure structural integrity

The service life of pressure vessels varies depending on the type of vessel and the operating conditions. As a rule, well-maintained pressure vessels can last 10 to 30 years. Adsorbers and feedwater tanks may require earlier replacement or regeneration, while agitated vessels and steam drums can achieve a long service life with regular maintenance and inspection.

• Adsorber
• Feed water tank
• Storage tanks
• Agitator tank
• Steam drums

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.

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.