Composite pressure vessel production in China

Hexagon Purus and CIMC Enric, a Chinese manufacturer of pressure vessels, have agreed to build a jointly owned production facility and R&D center In China.

This follows previous joint ventures made between the two companies with regards to cylinder and systems production for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen distribution in China and Southeast Asia.

Construction of the new composite cylinder and systems manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang is expected to begin in Q2 2022. Plans are for the facility to make Type 3 and Type 4 composite hydrogen cylinders from 350 to 700 bar. Relevant industrial standards for Type 4 cylinders are currently being established by the Chinese government, the companies say.

The portfolio includes hydrogen fuel storage systems for on-road vehicles, rail and maritime applications intended for the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.