Energy
⚡ PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates
Thin flat plate (0.3-2mm) with flow-field channels (parallel/serpentine/interdigitated), port holes for fluid distribution, large surface area up to 2m2
What is PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates?
⚡ PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates represents a complete system of precision titanium components engineered for Energy applications. Thin flat plate (0.3-2mm) with flow-field channels (parallel/serpentine/interdigitated), port holes for fluid distribution, large surface area up to 2m2 The system integrates 2 distinct component types manufactured through 3 specialized processes.
Key manufacturing processes for this system include Closed-die forging net shape for hydrogen hardware geometry, CNC precision machining with SPC sampling, TIG welding all positions with SPC sampling, DPI dye penetrant inspect with SPC sampling, CNC precision machining with 0.5mm corner radius, each selected and qualified to meet component-specific requirements.
Engineering & Design Principles
Material: Grade 1 (CP-Ti) is the base material for PEM electrolyzer bipolar plates due to its native oxide passivation at high anodic potential. Coated with Pt or Au to reduce contact resistance.
Form: Thin sheet (0.3-1mm) for flow-field plates. Precision stamping or etching of channel patterns. Coating (Pt/Au) applied via PVD or electroplating.
Standards & Material Specifications
Standards: ASTM B265 Grade 1 sheet, Pt-coated (0.5-2um), contact resistance <10 mohm.cm2@1N/cm2, 100% leak tested
Engineering Solution Blueprint
Nuclear Power & Hydrogen Energy Infrastructure
Energy · Chemical Processing
1 Part Feature Analysis
Seamless condenser tubes up to 20m length, fuel pool rack spacers with precision slot grids, venturi nozzle profiles for steam generator feedwater, radioactive waste evaporator coils, control rod drive mechanism housing seals, ECCS valve stems, spent fuel cask bolts, hydrogen storage valve stems, liquid hydrogen cryogenic flange bolts, fuel cell end pressure plates, UHP hydrogen tube fittings, sintered flame arrestor disks, high-pressure gas manifold check valve blocks
- ⚠️ Radiation-induced embrittlement of conventional alloys in neutron flux fields
- ⚠️ Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) of carbon steel in high-velocity steam/water
- ⚠️ Hydrogen embrittlement of steel at 700+ bar hydrogen pressure
- ⚠️ Cryogenic brittleness of standard steel at -253C liquid hydrogen temperature
- ⚠️ Alpha case formation during hot forming causing premature fatigue failure
2 Material Selection Rationale
Grade 2 CP-Ti — Industrial pure Ti, general corrosion resistance
Grade 2 CP-Ti for condenser tubes, fuel pool liners, and general nuclear service — zero corrosion in seawater/cooling water, no FAC, no radiation embrittlement. Grade 5 for pressure-containing components, hydrogen valve stems, and spent fuel cask bolts. Grade 23 ELI for cryogenic hydrogen service requiring fracture toughness at -253°C. Grade 7 for radioactive waste evaporator coils requiring extreme acid resistance.
3 Form Selection Rationale
Seamless Tube — for fluid systems, heat exchangers
Seamless tube for condenser bundles and hydrogen piping. Heavy plate for fuel pool liners. Forged bar for valve stems and cask bolts. Forged/rolled rings for flanges and connectors.
4 Manufacturing Process & Services
Core Processes:
Toll Processing Services:
Process Pitfalls:
- ⚠️ Hydrogen service requires surface finish Ra<0.8um to prevent hydrogen molecule trapping at surface asperities
- ⚠️ Nuclear-grade Ti must have low Co content (<0.05%) to minimize activation under neutron flux
5 Procurement Specifications
ASME SB-338 / SB-265 Grade 2, nuclear-grade low-Co, 100% UT + PMI, traceable to melt
Manufacturing Process Flow
Fiber laser cutting of titanium uses a focused 1 µm wavelength beam to melt and expel material through a coaxial assist gas jet. The narrow (0.1–0.3 m
Titanium anodizing (AMS 2488) grows a controlled oxide layer through electrochemical conversion in an electrolyte bath. Type II produces interference
Press brake forming of titanium sheet uses CNC-controlled backgauges and variable-radius tooling to produce precision bends. Titanium's high springbac
Components in This System
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Titanium PEM Bipolar Plate | Grade 1 CP-Ti (Pt-coated) |
| Titanium PEM Gas Diffusion Layer | Grade 1 CP-Ti (Pt-coated) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What titanium grades are used in PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates systems?
What manufacturing processes are used for PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates?
What quality standards apply to PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates components?
What industries use PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates?
Can you provide DFM feedback for PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates designs?
Engineering Trends
- ▸ Process: Sheet stamping / chemical etching of flow fields
- ▸ Process: Laser cutting of port holes
- ▸ Process: PVD coating (Pt or Au)
Related Manufacturing Capabilities
These specialized processes support PEM Electrolyzer Bipolar Plates component manufacturing.
One Metal. One Focus. Infinite Precision.
Founded in 2011 in Baoji's Titanium Valley, BOZE Metal is dedicated exclusively to titanium — from raw material to precision engineering. AS9100D, ISO 13485 & ISO 9001 certified with 500+ clients across Aerospace, Medical & Motorsport industries, we deliver end-to-end precision titanium CNC machining with full material traceability from source to component.
Boze CNC Ti is the dedicated titanium manufacturing center of Baoji Boze Metal Products Co., Ltd.