ENERGY TRANSMISSION

Joining for Hydrogen

The increasing global demand for energy not only requires investment in the development of fossil and renewable energy sources, but also in their safe, sustainable and efficient transportation through pipes and pipelines. This safety-critical energy transmission infrastructure is often built and operated in extreme environments and therefore requires reliable and innovative technology. Friction Stir Welding is increasingly being used in energy transmission technology for pipes and pipelines made of high-strength steel. The resistance to hydrogen and sour gases is crucial, especially in industries such as the oil and gas sector. The transportation of hydrogen in high-pressure pipelines is therefore associated with challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement. The weld where the pipelines are joined together is one of the most critical parts. The quality and seamless surface of the weld is of utmost importance to minimize the likelihood of cracks. This is where the FSW technology scores with its unique advantages. Market launch/feasibility using the patented Stirtec technology for Friction Stir Welding of pipeline steels has already started.

Expert perspectives on FSW processing

API Spec 5L steel grade X80 (S555) | Welding speed: > 200 mm/min | Welding depth: 15mm

Bimetallic Pipes

To save material costs, bimetallic pipes with a stainless-steel layer are increasingly utilized. To facilitate welding or bolting on-site, stainless steel rings or flanges can be welded to these bimetallic pipes using a FSW concept protected by Stirtec's patent.

HEAT EXCHANGERS MADE OF COPPER

The application of FSW to copper heat exchangers demonstrates its versatility in providing reliable and efficient solutions for joining materials with excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper. With the help of the FSW process, it is possible to design heat exchangers with more complex 3D structures by joining two copper semi-shells to form a single component.

Nuclear Waste

To package spent nuclear fuel rods for long-term storage, nuclear waste containers in Sweden and Finland are sealed using the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process with 50 mm thick copper. In the United States, boron-containing aluminum composite materials are utilized to manufacture these containers through the FSW method.

Are you interested in determining the feasibility of a new concept using friction stir welding? Or do you need support in selecting the most suitable system for series production in your application?

Please contact us directly – we would be happy to advise and support you.

sales@stirtec.at

+43 316 30 98 43