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10th July 2024 – Ultima Forma, Bramley – Ultima Forma, a leader in advanced manufacturing technologies, is excited to announce its latest funded project aimed at revolutionising the aviation industry with the development of lightweight liquid hydrogen pipes. This initiative, one of four supported by the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII) and Connected Places Catapult, represents a significant step forward in creating sustainable aviation fuel systems.
The project will focus on the design, manufacture, and testing of flexible, hermetically sealed twin-walled vacuum pipes using Ultima Forma’s patented electroforming process. These innovative pipes are designed to offer substantial weight savings over traditional stainless-steel technology, thus addressing one of the key challenges in adopting liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a viable aviation fuel.
Key Project Highlights:
- Flexible and Lightweight Design: The project aims to create a pipe system that can withstand significant thermal gradients and be operated by autonomous robotics, while remaining lightweight and leak tight.
- Cryogenic Testing: In collaboration with Filton Systems Engineering, the project will test the pipe under cryogenic conditions using liquid hydrogen. The tests will measure vacuum integrity, validate mass per unit length, and assess heat flux properties.
- Safety and Efficiency: The new technology will ensure high flow rates for fuelling and defueling, ensuring aircraft turnaround times are maintained.
Ultima Forma’s innovative approach addresses critical needs identified in the CleanSky2 report and aims to support the early introduction of LH2-powered short-haul aircraft at regional airports. By doing so, the company seeks to significantly reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts associated with aviation.
“We are excited to embark on this ground breaking project with the support of the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative and our partners,” said Steve Newbury, MD of Ultima Forma. “Our patented electroforming technology will play a crucial role in advancing liquid hydrogen technology for aviation, paving the way for a more sustainable future in air travel.”
The Hydrogen Innovation Initiative, funded by Innovate UK, aims to build robust and resilient hydrogen technology supply chains. By accelerating the development of critical technologies, the initiative supports UK industry in creating high-value jobs, boosting resilience, and driving decarbonisation efforts.
Connected Places Catapult’s Concept Demonstration Team Lead, Alan Nettleton, stated, “We’re delighted to announce our support for these ground breaking demonstrations partnering with Hydrologiq, National Gas Metering, Wild Hydrogen, and Ultima Forma. Together, we’re exploring the potential of hydrogen-based technologies across multiple sectors.”
For more information about Ultima Forma and its innovative projects, please visit www.ultima-forma.com or contact selena.faye@ultima-forma.com
About Ultima Forma:
Ultima Forma is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, specialising in electroforming technology to create high-performance, lightweight components for the sectors of aerospace, hydrogen, defence and beyond. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Ultima Forma develops cutting-edge solutions that address the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.