Bridgestone, one of the world leading tire manufacturers, has developed a high-pressure filling hose for the dispensers of hydrogen (H2) stations and started to sell regularly from September 29.

In the past Bridgestone has supplied the hose for a combined purpose of technical demonstrations to the H2 stations run by JX Nippon Oil & Energy or Taiyo Nippon Sanso (TNSC)’s mobile station “HYDROSHUTTLE” as well as for the system developments of Toyota’s Development Division.

From now on, however, Bridgestone is planning to expand sales targeting to all dispenser manufacturers. They say that after the start of sales on a full-scale basis Bridgestone has already been selling to hydrogen stations in various regions at a good pace.

For the inner layer of hose the product employs plastic materials which give excellent effects to control hydrogen permeation. By winding 6-layered steel wire on the reinforcing layer positioned in the center a high anti-pressure property has been realized to meet filling of hydrogen at the pressure of 70MPa currently applied to many commercial hydrogen stations and also to cope with an anticipated filling pressure of 82MPa in the future. Furthermore, with the use of plastics instead of rubber for the outer layer, the product has attained properties of lightweight and flexibility considering the operability of hose while seeking hydrogen embrittlement resistance.

Bridgestone has so far mass-produced hoses to meet the maximum pressure of 300MPa for such applications as to metal processing by ultrahigh-pressure water jet, cleaning of products and chipping of reinforced concrete for the side walls of buildings or bridges. The technology fostered in such applications has turned out to be utilized for hydrogen.
The delivery record to other customers incudes the Development Division of Toyota Motor which utilizes the product for the development of vehicles.

As for the future development, the company aims for a decisive lead in the market of filling hoses for commercial hydrogen stations and explores entry into the demand relating to hydrogen infrastructures not limited to filling purposes, in order to contribute to the hydrogen society which is expected to expand.