The current IGEM standards for requirements of qualification testing of onshore pipelines do not contain guidance on specific tests for hydrogen. SGN has engaged PIE to develop a material qualification procedure for inclusion in standards for assets in hydrogen service

When completed, the project will identify relevant criteria for fracture toughness, fatigue and any relevant material aspects impacted by hydrogen.  Learning from this project can be applied to other operations to facilitate safe transition to 100% hydrogen.

Benefits

A primary threat to steel pipelines in hydrogen transportation is the ingress of hydrogen into the steel structure and the resulting degradation of material properties through Hydrogen embrittlement. Current standards for hydrogen pipelines, (ASME B31.12 and IGEM/TD/1 Edition 6 Supplement 2) require that:

·        the stress in the pipeline is limited to 180 N/mm2, which is equivalent to an X52 grade pipeline operating at a design factor of 0.5, and

·        the pipeline material is qualified for hydrogen service.

The key benefit following completion of this project will be to have a full understanding of current global research.  This will define relevant criteria for fracture toughness and other testing procedure for material qualification for steel hydrogen pipelines based on small scale material tests.  This will subsequently define a consistent standard for the UK gas industry enabling the transition to a hydrogen network. 

The project will provide unique and referenceable information for Network licensees and Industry for the manufacture of new Hydrogen steel pipelines. The learning gained from the project can be applied to Network Licensees and their network operations to facilitate safe transition to hydrogen from natural gas.