Leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline

Abstract

A leak tight sealant for a joint between a first metal component assembled with a second metal component wherein the first and second metal components are assembled in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline. Techniques to seal the joint include applying a sealant on the joint to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint. Applying the sealant includes dipping the joint in a molten aluminum or an alloy of aluminum. Applying the sealant includes coating the joint with aluminum, aluminum alloy, and / or applying via vacuum deposition. Applying the sealant includes any of encasing, enclosing, and / or wrapping the joint with aluminum or aluminum alloy. The first and second metal components can be machined from a billet of material composed of tungsten and assembled together at a leak tight joint. Material that is durable, resistant to thermal shock and hydrogen permeation is used for the sealant and / or joint.

Description

LEAK TIGHT CONNECTION IN A HIGH-PRESSURE HYDROGEN PIPELINECross-Reference to Related Application:

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 663,297 filed on June 24, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a leak tight connection between two components in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline.BACKGROUND

[0003] There are many different fuels including gasoline, diesel, natural gas, methanol, propane, and combinations of fuels, that are used in either internal combustion engines or diesel engines. Some fuels are spark ignited such as in the internal combustion engine while other fuels are compression ignited such as in the diesel engine. Emissions regulations are requirements that govern or limit the amount of pollution or air pollutants that can be emitted from an engine. The emissions regulations have progressively established more stringent emission standards for certain pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, to name a few.

[0004] One fuel type that could be used in the internal combustion engine includes hydrogen which is a zero carbon fuel. If hydrogen is a fuel source for the engine, then the engine could produce zero emissions as a result of burning hydrogen. Hydrogen is supplied as a fuel source as pressurized hydrogen through a fuel line. The fuel line typically includes two or more components or pipes connected at a joint to supply the pressurized hydrogen to an injector for injection of the hydrogen into the combustion chamber of the engine.

[0005] Often these pipes and joints are made of metal to form a metal on metal connection. However, to achieve a leak-tight joint for hydrogen in a metal on metal connection requires very precise tolerances on the joint because one of the challenges with hydrogen is its small molecular size.

[0006] Therefore, further contributions in this area of technology are needed to prevent leakage of hydrogen through j oints in the engine.SUMMARY

[0007] A leak tight sealant for a joint between a first metal component assembled with a second metal component wherein the first and second metal components are included in a high- pressure hydrogen pipeline. In one embodiment, the first and second metal components include a pipe assembled with a port and the joint is a threaded joint between the pipe and the port. The pipe, port, and joint are assembled in a common rail system for hydrogen injection. In some embodiments, the first and second metal components are composed of steel, iron, tungsten, aluminum, or other metals, alloys, and / or combinations of any of these materials. Various techniques are disclosed to seal the joint to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint. For example, a sealant is applied on the joint to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint and the sealant. The sealant can be applied by dipping the joint in a molten aluminum or a molten alloy of aluminum. The sealant can be applied by coating the joint with aluminum or an alloy of aluminum. The sealant can be applied to the joint by vapor deposition or chemical deposition. The sealant can be applied by encasing, enclosing, and / or wrapping the joint with aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The first and second metal components can be machined from a billet of material composed of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, tungsten, and / or another material that is impervious to hydrogen leaking through it. The sealant can also be applied by a 3D printer.Other materials for the sealant can be used that are impervious to hydrogen and form a leak tight sealant on the joint.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the illustrative embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The concepts described herein are illustrative by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, references labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0010] A partial cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a fuel line is illustrated in FIG. 1 of the present disclosure.

[0011] A partial view of one exemplary embodiment of a pipe plug is illustrated in FIG. 2 of the present disclosure.

[0012] A partial cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a fuel line is illustrated in FIG. 3 of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a process according to certain embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a process according to certain embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a process according to certain embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

[0017] A partial cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a fuel line 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the fuel line 20 can be configured differently. The fuel line 20 includes a first metal component or pipe 26 assembled with a second metal component or port 30 at a joint 22. The first metal component or pipe 26 includes a male end 24. The second metal component or port 30 includes a female end 28 that forms a bore sized to receive the male end 24 of the pipe 26 to form the joint 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a sealant 40 is shown that extends over and circumferentially around the joint 22. The sealant 40 wraps around the joint 22 to form a leak tight connection that is resistant to hydrogen leakage through the joint 22 and / or minimizes hydrogen leakage through the joint 22. The sealant 40 can also function as an adhesive.

[0018] One exemplary embodiment of the fuel line 20 is a hydrogen pipeline that may also include a compressor to pressurize the hydrogen and one or more valves to control the flow of hydrogen within the first metal component or pipe 26 assembled with the second metal component or port 30 at the joint 22 with the sealant 40.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment of the fuel line 20, a cap 21 can be assembled over the joint 22 and the sealant 40. In this embodiment, the joint 22 is a crushable joint. The cap 21 and the female end 28 can each include a plurality of threads 27 to matingly engage one another. In this embodiment, as the cap 21 is rotated, the plurality of threads 27 on the cap 21 engage the plurality of threads 27 on the female end 28 to deform the female end 28. The deformation of the female end 28 compresses the male end 24 to form the joint 22. In other embodiments, the sealant 40 can be applied by any of the techniques as disclosed herein over the joint 22.

[0020] A partial view of one exemplary embodiment of a pipe plug 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the pipe plug 200 can be configured differently. The pipe plug200 includes a plurality of threads 202 that extend around an outer surface 204 of the pipe plug 200. A sealant 240 can be applied by any of the techniques as disclosed herein along the outer surface 204. The sealant 240 can be applied on all of or some of the plurality of threads 202. The sealant 240 can be applied to an end surface 203 of the pipe plug 200. The pipe plug 200 includes an opening 210 configured to receive an end of a pipe (not illustrated).

[0021] In some example embodiments, sealant 240 can also be applied to an internal surface 212 of the opening 210. For example, the pipe plug 200 can be assembled with a first pipe and a second pipe to form a joint. The second pipe can include a plurality of threads positioned interiorly to engage with the plurality of threads 202 on the pipe plug 200. The sealant 240 is configured to fill any voids or imperfections on the plurality of threads of the second pipe to form a leak tight connection that is resistant to hydrogen leakage through the joint. These voids or imperfections can be formed by the plurality of threads of the pipe plug 200 not being perfectly aligned with the plurality of threads on the second pipe.

[0022] A partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a fuel line 320 is illustrated in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the fuel line 320 can be configured differently. The fuel line 320 is similar to fuel line 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealant 40 is shown on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the male end 24. The sealant 40 is also shown on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the female end 28. In some embodiments, the sealant 40 may be placed on only one of the interior or exterior surfaces. In yet other embodiments, the sealant 40 may be placed on only one of the male or female ends 24 or 28. In some embodiments, it is preferred for the sealant 40 to be applied on the male end 24. In any embodiment, the sealant 40 wraps around the joint 22 to form a leak tight connection that is resistant to hydrogen leakage through the joint 22 and / or minimizes hydrogen leakage through the joint 22.

[0023] Some exemplary joints between two metal components in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline include a plug, a compression joint, crush fit or joint, threaded joint, and / or a press fit joint, although other types of joints can be used with the present disclosure. Some exemplary materials that can be used for the sealants 40 and 240 include aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, silver, tungsten and / or other materials that prevent hydrogen permeation through the sealant 40 or 240. In some embodiments, the first metal component 26, the second metal component 30, and / or the pipe plug 200 is composed of any of steel, aluminum, tungsten, iron,and / or other metal material that is resistant to hydrogen leakage or permeation even when the hydrogen is present under high-pressure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sealants 40 and 240 can be applied on the joint 22 and / or the pipe plug 200 to form a leak tight connection between the first and second metal components assembled together in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint. In some embodiments, the high-pressure hydrogen is between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

[0025] One technique to apply the sealant 40, 240 includes dipping the joint 22 and / or the pipe plug 200 in a molten aluminum material and / or one or more alloys of aluminum material. The molten aluminum material or molten aluminum alloy material can be applied to the exterior surface of the joint 22 and or to the plurality of threads 202 on the pipe plug 200. The molten aluminum material or molten aluminum alloy material can be applied to the internal surface 212 of the opening 210 of the pipe plug 200.

[0026] One technique to apply the sealant 40, 240 includes coating the joint 22 or pipe plug 200 with aluminum and / or one or more alloys of aluminum material. In this embodiment, coating the joint 22 or pipe plug 200 with this material to form the sealant 40, 240. For example, the sealant 240 can be applied as a coating or a paste to the plurality of threads 202.Alternatively, the sealant 40 can be applied to the joint 22 as a coating or a paste. The sealant 40 can also include material properties to create an anti-seize coating to prevent hydrogen leakage through the joint 22 or the pipe plug.

[0027] One technique to apply the sealant 40, 240 includes vapor deposition such as chemical or physical deposition. One technique includes positioning the pipe plug 200 or the first and second metal components 26 and 30 inside a vacuum chamber. Next, a volatile precursor gas is introduced into the chamber. The chamber is then heated to a specific temperature. The precursor gas reacts or breaks down, forming a solid phase. The solid phase deposits onto the substrate surface, creating a thin film or coating such as the sealant 40, 240. The thin film or coating can be applied to any or all of the external or internal surfaces of the pipe plug 200 or the first and second metal components 26 and 30. The precursor gas includes a composition that is resistant to hydrogen permeation after the gas breaks down to form a solid phase thereby creating the coating. Some materials for the composition of the gas include aluminum, alloys of aluminum, tungsten, copper, and silver, to name a few.

[0028] Some other techniques to apply the sealant 40, 240 to the joint 22 or the pipe plug 200 include any of encasing, enclosing, and / or wrapping the joint 22 or the pipe plug 200 with aluminum and / or one or more alloys of aluminum.

[0029] In another embodiment, a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline is formed by first machining from a billet of material composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten the first metal component 26 and the second metal component 30. Other material resistant to hydrogen permeation can be used for the billet of material. The first and second metal components 26 and 30 are configured for use in a high- pressure hydrogen pipeline. The leak tight connection is formed after assembling the first and second metal components 26 and 30 to form the joint 22. In this embodiment, the joint 22 is a leak tight connection that prevents permeation of hydrogen through the joint 22. In other embodiments, the sealant 40, 240 is applied to the joint 22 to further prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint 22. In one embodiment, the first metal component 26 and the second metal component 30 are assembled in a common rail system for hydrogen injection. Further, the common rail system can be assembled with a manifold.

[0030] In another embodiment, a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline is formed by first printing the first metal component 26 and the second metal component 30 with a three-dimensional (3D) printer or other additive manufacturing system. Some exemplary embodiments of additive manufacturing include any suitable type of additive manufacturing, such as powder bed fusion, binder jetting, direct energy deposition (wire or powder), bound powder extrusion, selective laser melting, electron-beam additive manufacturing, and / or sintering. The material for the additive manufacturing system is composed of material with a low permeability to hydrogen. Next, the first and second metal components 26 and 30 are assembled at the joint 22. The material used in the additive manufacturing system can include any of aluminum, aluminum alloy, tungsten, copper, silver, and / or other material that prevents hydrogen from leaking through the joint 22. Optionally the sealant 40, 240 is applied to the joint 22 to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint 22.

[0031] Preferably, the materials used for the sealant 40, 240 are durable and resistant to thermal shock. For example, during operation of an engine, many of the components are subjected to very high temperatures and then these components cool down very quickly which can cause components to crack due to thermal shock. Therefore some materials such as siliconcarbide may be very resistant to hydrogen permeability but would shatter or crack due to the rapid heating and cooling that occurs during operation of an engine. Additionally, preferably, the materials used for the sealant 40, 240 are resistant to a pressure differential of the engine. For example, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and tungsten are durable, resistant to thermal shock, able to withstand high temperatures, and preferential differentials.

[0032] With additional reference to FIGS. 4-6, exemplary processes 400, 500, and / or 600 that may be performed is illustrated. Blocks illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. The blocks for exemplary processes 400, 500, and / or 600 are directed to any of the embodiments described herein for FIGS. 1-3.

[0033] The process 400 includes forming a leak tight connection between the first metal component assembled with the second metal component at the joint wherein the first and second metal components are assembled in the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline. The process 400 includes block 402, which generally involves applying a sealant on the joint to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint. In the illustrated embodiment, block 404 involves dipping the joint in a molten aluminum material and / or one or more alloys of aluminum material. The process 400 also includes block 406, which generally involves coating the joint with aluminum and / or one or more alloys of aluminum material. The process 400 also includes block 408 involves encasing, enclosing, and / or wrapping the joint with aluminum and / or one or more alloys of aluminum.

[0034] The process 500 includes forming a leak tight connection between the first metal component assembled with the second metal component at the joint wherein the first and second metal components are assembled in the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline. The process 500 includes block 502, which generally involves machining from a billet of material composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten a first metal component of the high- pressure hydrogen pipeline configured for assembly with a second metal component of the high- pressure hydrogen pipeline. In the illustrated embodiment, block 504 involves machining from the billet of material the second metal component. The process 500 also includes block 506, which generally involves assembling the first and second metal components at a joint configured to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

[0035] The process 600 includes forming a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline. The process 600 includes block 602, which generally involves forming a first metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline configured for assembly with a second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline with an additive manufacturing technique. The process 600 includes block 604, which generally involves forming the second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline with an additive manufacturing technique. The process 600 includes block 604, which generally involves assembling the first and second metal components at a joint configured to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

[0036] As is evident from the figures and text presented above, a variety of aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated.

[0037] According to one aspect, a method of forming a leak tight connection in a high- pressure hydrogen pipeline, wherein the method comprises: assembling a first metal component with a second metal component at a joint; and applying a sealant on the joint to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

[0038] In one embodiment, wherein the applying the sealant includes dipping the joint in a molten material that includes aluminum and / or an alloy of aluminum.

[0039] In one embodiment, wherein the applying the sealant includes coating the joint with aluminum and / or an alloy of aluminum.

[0040] In one embodiment, wherein the coating the joint includes vacuum deposition.

[0041] In one embodiment, wherein the applying the sealant includes any of encasing, enclosing, and / or wrapping the joint with aluminum and / or an alloy of aluminum.

[0042] In one embodiment, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline includes hydrogen gas at a pressure range between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

[0043] In one embodiment, wherein the first metal component includes a male end and the second metal component includes a female end that forms a bore sized to receive the male end of the metal component to form the joint.

[0044] In one embodiment, further comprising: assembling a cap over the joint and the sealant.

[0045] In one embodiment, wherein the cap and the female end each include a plurality of threads to matingly engage one another.

[0046] In one embodiment, wherein the assembling the cap includes rotating the plurality of threads on the cap engage the plurality of threads on the female end to deform the female end.

[0047] According to another aspect, a method of forming a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the method comprising: machining a billet of material composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten, to form a first metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline configured for assembly with a second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline; machining the billet of material or another billet of material to form the second metal component; and assembling the first and second metal components to form a joint that prevents hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

[0048] In one embodiment, wherein the assembling the first metal component and the second metal component occurs in a common rail system for hydrogen injection.

[0049] In one embodiment, further comprising: sealing the joint with a seal composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten.

[0050] In one embodiment, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline includes hydrogen gas at a pressure range between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

[0051] According to another aspect, a method of forming a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the method comprising: forming a first metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline configured for assembly with a second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline with an additive manufacturing technique, wherein a material for the first metal component has a low permeability to hydrogen; forming the second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline with the with an additive manufacturing technique, wherein the material for the second metal component has a low permeability to hydrogen; and assembling the first and second metal components at a joint that prevents hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

[0052] In one embodiment, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline includes hydrogen gas at a pressure range between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

[0053] According to another aspect, a leak tight joint in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the leak tight joint comprising: a first pipe having a male end; a second pipe having a female end, the female end includes an internal surface that defines a bore sized to receive the male end of the first pipe therein to form the joint; a sealant composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten, wherein the sealant is applied to the joint.

[0054] In one embodiment, wherein the male end of the first pipe has an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the sealant is applied on either the exterior surface or the interior surface of the male end.

[0055] In one embodiment, wherein the female end of the second pipe has an exterior surface, wherein the sealant is applied on either the exterior surface or the internal surface of the female end.

[0056] According to another aspect, a leak tight joint in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the leak tight joint comprising: a first pipe having a male end; a pipe plug having an outer surface that includes a plurality of threads that extend around the outer surface, the pipe plug includes an internal surface that defines an opening having a diameter that is sized to assemble with the male end of the first pipe; and a sealant composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten, wherein the sealant is applied to the plurality of threads of the pipe plug.

[0057] In the above description, certain relative terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like.These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

[0058] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more embodiments.

[0059] The described features, structures, advantages, and / or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and / or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In some instances, the benefit of simplicity may provide operational and economic benefits and exclusion of certain elements described herein is contemplated as within the scope of the invention herein by the inventors to achieve such benefits. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and / or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

[0060] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of forming a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the method comprising: assembling a first metal component with a second metal component at a joint; and applying a sealant on the joint to prevent hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying the sealant includes dipping the joint in a molten material that includes aluminum and / or an alloy of aluminum.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying the sealant includes coating the joint with aluminum and / or an alloy of aluminum.

4. The method of claim 4, wherein the coating the joint includes vacuum deposition.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying the sealant includes any of encasing, enclosing, and / or wrapping the joint with aluminum and / or an alloy of aluminum.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline includes hydrogen gas at a pressure range between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first metal component includes a male end and the second metal component includes a female end that forms a bore sized to receive the male end of the metal component to form the joint.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: assembling a cap over the joint and the sealant.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cap and the female end each include a plurality of threads to matingly engage one another.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the assembling the cap includes rotating the plurality of threads on the cap to engage the plurality of threads on the female end to deform the female end.

11. A method of forming a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the method comprising: machining a billet of material composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten, to form a first metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline configured for assembly with a second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline; machining the billet of material or another billet of material to form the second metal component; and assembling the first and second metal components to form a joint that prevents hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the assembling the first metal component and the second metal component occurs in a common rail system for hydrogen injection.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: sealing the joint with a seal composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline includes hydrogen gas at a pressure range between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

15. A method of forming a leak tight connection in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the method comprising: forming a first metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline configured for assembly with a second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline with an additive manufacturing technique, wherein a material for the first metal component has a low permeability to hydrogen;forming the second metal component of the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline with the with an additive manufacturing technique, wherein the material for the second metal component has a low permeability to hydrogen; and assembling the first and second metal components at a joint that prevents hydrogen from leaking through the joint.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline includes hydrogen gas at a pressure range between 2,500 PSI and 10,000 PSI.

17. A leak tight joint in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the leak tight joint comprising: a first pipe having a male end; a second pipe having a female end, the female end includes an internal surface that defines a bore sized to receive the male end of the first pipe therein to form the joint; a sealant composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten, wherein the sealant is applied to the joint.

18. The leak tight joint of claim 17, wherein the male end of the first pipe has an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the sealant is applied on either the exterior surface or the interior surface of the male end.

19. The leak tight joint of claim 17, wherein the female end of the second pipe has an exterior surface, wherein the sealant is applied on either the exterior surface or the internal surface of the female end.

20. A leak tight joint in a high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, the leak tight joint comprising: a first pipe having a male end; a pipe plug having an outer surface that includes a plurality of threads that extend around the outer surface, the pipe plug includes an internal surface that defines an opening having a diameter that is sized to assemble with the male end of the first pipe; anda sealant composed of any of aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, and / or tungsten, wherein the sealant is applied to the plurality of threads of the pipe plug.

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