Materials Processing Institute Commissions High-Temperature Hydrogen Testing Facility

The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has commissioned a new hydrogen testing facility designed for advanced materials testing and research under high-temperature conditions up to 1,650°C. The facility operates in a controlled 100% hydrogen environment with integrated safety and operational controls.

The facility was developed by repurposing existing infrastructure and included a comprehensive Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study to ensure safe operation. It is designed to support material compatibility and degradation studies, including hydrogen embrittlement and oxidation analysis, as well as component validation and qualification for hydrogen service applications.

Intended applications include research and trials for hydrogen-based industrial processes. MPI stated the facility aims to reduce deployment risks, support compliance with emerging standards, and accelerate development of hydrogen-ready technologies. The capability is expected to assist asset owners, original equipment manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and materials developers in transitioning to hydrogen-based processes.

Dr. Hichem Hakka, Head of Energy and Process Decarbonisation at MPI, emphasized that the facility addresses a key barrier to hydrogen adoption by allowing testing of materials and components under real operating conditions. The facility was developed and operates in accordance with UK and international process safety standards, including DSEAR and ATEX principles. The project was funded through Innovate UK's PRISM programme of Research and Innovation.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Tech World. Read the full article →