In the spring of 2023, HySTRA successfully conducted a loading and unloading demonstration test using the world's first "steel pipe loading arm system" for ship-to-shore liquefied hydrogen transfer, which was newly installed at the liquefied hydrogen loading demonstration terminal "Hy touch Kobe.
" The "steel pipe loading arm system" is a more compact system overall than the existing "flexible hose loading arm system," making it advantageous for larger systems in the near future and a more practical specification. HySTRA will continue to use these loading arm systems to conduct liquefied hydrogen loading tests in order to establish safer and more efficient loading and unloading methods.
TB Global Technologies Co., Ltd. (28F Kyobashi Edgrand, 2-2-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Laurent Poidevin; hereinafter referred to as TBG), a group company of Tokyo Boeki Holdings Co., Ltd. (27F Kyobashi Edgrand, 2-2-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shusuke Tsubouchi), has successfully completed a demonstration loading operation of a steel pipe-type loading arm (hereinafter referred to as LA) for liquefied hydrogen, which was developed with Kawasaki Heavy Industries,Ltd. At the Kobe Hydrogen Terminal (Hy touch Kobe/HySTRA), liquefied hydrogen was loaded on February 24, 2023 using a "steel pipe-type LA for liquefied hydrogen (caliber: 6") and unloaded on March 4, successfully completing the first loading operation. This is the world's first achievement in the loading and unloading of liquefied hydrogen using a steel pipe-type LA.
The development of a "steel-tube-type LA for liquefied hydrogen" is considered essential for building a supply chain in a future carbon-neutral society, and development began in 2014 as one of the research and development themes of the Cabinet Office SIP (Strategic Innovation Promotion Program).
In the range of liquefied hydrogen (-253°C), which is even lower than LNG (-162°C), existing cryogenic technology alone cannot cope with it, and a new structure is required for the entire LA, including the swivel joint, ERS (emergency release system), and pipe section. TBG applies a vacuum double-tube structure to the entire LA liquid-contacting pipe, and takes measures against heat input and heat transfer in the swivel joint and ERS section. In addition, we have repeatedly conducted trial and error, such as testing the compatibility of sealing materials and testing with actual liquefied hydrogen, to create the current design specifications and structure.
It took about five years as a SIP project, and in 2018 the prototype passed testing. In 2022, it was installed and delivered to the Kobe Hydrogen Base (Hy touch Kobe/HySTRA), and the first loading and unloading was successfully completed. This is truly an achievement that was achieved by overcoming the challenge of unknown basic research and development.
"We are pleased to beable to share this achievement with all TBG members, including HySTRA, which has promoted and implemented the liquefied hydrogen supply chain demonstration project, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., our joint development company, JAXA, which provided technical guidance on liquefied hydrogen technology and cooperation with the test base, and our partner companies who have taken on the challenge of new production together.
TBG will continue to develop a stable supply of clean energy for a sustainable society."
