This project aims to assess the depressurisation of domestic pipework and entrainment of oxygen into the pipework after depressurization. By undertaking the experimental work we aim to understand this depressurisation rate during the process, and at what stage and up to what extent the oxygen ingression may occur in the pipe. 

In addition to the test work, the project will present potential mitigations to prevent health and safety risks to the end user and safe methods/procedures to reinstate gas in the pipework after such depressurisation. It also investigates whether and how to disable a gas appliance and/or the gas supply after the supply has been shut off. 

Benefits

The H100 Neighbourhood Trial is aiming to convert around 300 properties to hydrogen. In this trial SGN is committed to providing safety of customers through a thorough safety case which is based on the Hy4Heat Safety Annex and recommendations from industry experts where other industry hydrogen standards such as IGEM/H/2 have fallen short. While so far many questions have been closed and many gaps have been addressed, a few are still outstanding due to lack of information or ongoing research.

One of the gaps remaining to be addresses is related to the depressurisation of domestic pipework and entrainment of oxygen into the pipework after depressurization to atmospheric pressure. This question needs to be answered immediately so that we can assure HSE that all gaps have been addressed for the delivery of H100.

Benefit of this project is that it helps understand the mentioned risk and offer mitigations for addressing this health and safety consideration. This enables H100 to proceed in a safe and timely manner which will produce vital evidence for the potential roll-out of hydrogen across UK.