4 ms·
> Namely: It'll diffuse through just about anything on a fairly short time scale if it isn't kept as a liquid at cryogenic temperatures, and it causes almost al
by Hypx 6y ago
> Namely: It'll diffuse through just about anything on a fairly short time scale if it isn't kept as a liquid at cryogenic temperatures, and it causes almost all metals to become brittle.
Both claims are wildly wrong. Neither actually happens except at high temperatures and only with certain metals.
- theamk 6y agoCould you elaborate about “wildly wrong”? I am not an expert on this, but random internet searches such as [0] indicate that common materials, like high strength steel, are susceptible to both diffusion and embrittlement at room temperature [0] https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/03/f10/pipeline_group_feng_ms.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/03/f10/pipeline...
- Hypx 6y agoThose tests seem to be at >200˚C if I’m not mistaken. Hardly room temperature. Regardless, the main trick is to avoid using certain types of high-strength steel, line exposed surfaces with polymers, or using composites where ever possible. The problem is for the most part solved.
- TylerE 6y agoSo you're admitting the problem exists, which is my entire point. It's hardly a theoretical-only problem, either: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_span_replacement_of_the_San_Francisco%E2%80%93Oakland_Bay_Bridge#Bolt_failure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_span_replacement_of_th...
- Hypx 6y agoIn the same sense all chemicals have handling issues. In practice, it is basically solved. That's probably due to them using a vulnerable alloy, and was likely exposed to hydrogen while at a high temperatures. This is nothing like a gas tank filled will hydrogen.
- 8note 6y agoWhat's a high temperature though? -50C?
- Hypx 6y agoWell into the hundreds of degrees C.