PGO S.A. has completed the first melt of cast steel as part of the project “Development of innovative cast steel for hydrogen service”. This is an important stage in research and development work on a material intended for applications where resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and component durability are critical.
Project assumptions
“Development of innovative cast steel for hydrogen service” is a research and development project aimed at developing and testing an innovative cast steel product designed for hydrogen service. The material is to be produced using a dedicated, integrated cast steel production process.
The project, co-financed by the European Union under the FENG programme, is being carried out by a consortium. PGO S.A. is the project leader, and Łukasiewicz Research Network – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology is a consortium member. As part of the R&D Module, work is being conducted on material and process solutions intended to provide increased resistance of cast steel to hydrogen embrittlement. This phenomenon is particularly important for components operating in installations exposed to demanding service conditions.
What is the purpose of developing cast steel for hydrogen service?
The purpose of the project is to develop cast steel with properties adapted to hydrogen service. This means focusing on material resistance, service durability and the stability of mechanical properties across a wide temperature range. Another important direction is maintaining material properties under elevated pressures. For industry, this means developing competencies in materials for the energy transition. For PGO S.A., it is another step in building technological capabilities for customers from sectors that require steel castings for demanding applications.
How did the first melt of cast steel for hydrogen service take place?
The first melt was carried out on 16 July at PGO S.A. Pioma-Odlewnia, Piotrków Trybunalski Plant. It marked the transition from several months of analysis and preparation to testing the assumptions under real foundry conditions. The process was carried out in two stages. First, the melt was produced in an electric arc furnace. The liquid steel was then treated in an AOD converter. The planned process made it possible to obtain the required chemical composition and high metallurgical purity of the alloy. These are key parameters in the development of cast steel for hydrogen service, as further testing of the material properties depends on composition control and metallurgical quality. This stage of industrial research was completed successfully. The next step will be testing the cast samples in the laboratories of PGO S.A. and Łukasiewicz – GIT.
What is AOD and why is it important in cast steel production?
AOD, or Argon Oxygen Decarburization, is a liquid steel treatment technology used in the production of special and high-alloy cast steels. The process enables precise control of the chemical composition of liquid metal and improves the metallurgical quality of the alloy. In practice, AOD is a refining stage after melting. Liquid steel is transferred to the converter, where controlled gas interaction and process parameters make it possible to reduce unwanted elements and stabilize the expected material properties. For industrial customers, this means greater control over the quality of steel castings. In the cast steel for hydrogen service project, AOD technology is particularly important because it supports the achievement of the required chemical composition and high metallurgical purity of the alloy.
Why is resistance to hydrogen embrittlement important?
Hydrogen embrittlement is a phenomenon that can negatively affect the mechanical properties of metallic materials operating in contact with hydrogen. This is why, when designing cast steel for such applications, chemical composition control and strict control of the manufacturing process are essential.
This is important for customers from industries where safety, repeatability of parameters and material reliability directly affect the operation of entire installations.
Where can cast steel for hydrogen service be used?
Products manufactured using the new technology are intended primarily for the gas sector and the energy industry. These are sectors in which the development of hydrogen technologies requires materials adapted to demanding operating conditions. PGO S.A. is developing this area as a manufacturer of castings and forgings for industry. PGO S.A. Pioma-Odlewnia, Piotrków Trybunalski Plant, which specializes in steel casting production, plays a particularly important role in this process.
What does this stage mean for PGO S.A.’s customers?
The first melt shows that PGO S.A. is developing competencies in materials for hydrogen applications. The company combines research and development work with the foundry experience of its experts under real production process conditions. It is also a signal to the market that Polish industry is developing competencies needed for the energy transition. Hydrogen is becoming one of the important development directions for the energy and gas sectors, while materials for hydrogen service will play a significant role in designing future equipment and installations.
What is the value of the project?
The project value is PLN 15,359,886.71. The amount of funding from European Funds is PLN 8,669,058.18.
Are you looking for a partner for a steel casting project for the gas sector, energy industry or another demanding sector? Contact the PGO S.A. Pioma-Odlewnia team and let’s discuss the technological possibilities.
