Alabama-based Cimarron Composites has signed a five-year purchase agreement with Shell Oil company to provide advanced composite cylinders for hydrogen gas transport modules.

The large 2,000-litre tubes operate at 517 bar (7,500 psi) and will allow Shell to transport at least 1,200kg of hydrogen on 40’ long trailers, further enhancing its capabilities.

Approved for worldwide applications, Cimarron said the initial cylinder application will transport hydrogen between fuelling stations in California; however, similar trailers will be used in many locations in Europe.

The composite tubes enable gas distribution of many hydrogen systems and can be used for other industrial gases. Cimarron’s carbon composite tubes can be custom made to various lengths for volumes between 540 and 3,000 litres. Cimarron is currently developing a 700 bar (10,000 psi) version of a similar tube for vehicular use

All of Cimarron’s tanks pass all of the required tests for US DOT and ADR approvals as specified by the UN ISO 11515 document.