The short- to medium-term impact of hydrogen on internal, gas-facing defects is becoming well understood via testing underway worldwide. However, there is limited data on how high-pressure hydrogen affects the long-term performance of pipeline steels.
Barrier coating systems have been considered to mitigate the effects of hydrogen embrittlement. Whilst testing has shown reduced permeation of hydrogen through coatings there is a gap in quantifying the benefits of such barrier systems in terms of increased pipe lifetime or mechanical performance.
This project aims to create a model to investigate the long-term effects of hydrogen on pipeline materials. This will feed into assessments of pipeline hazards, influence business case analyses of hydrogen barrier systems, whilst also informing leakage rate assessments and resulting effects on pipeline coatings.
Benefits
Better understanding of the permeation of hydrogen through pipeline materials.
A reusable model for future modelling needs
Improved understanding of long-term performance of steel pipeline in high-pressure hydrogen where no significant growing defects are present.
Quantify the benefits of hydrogen barrier systems in terms of resulting mechanical performance.
Learnings
Outcomes
The model created in the project is expected to give the following benefits:
· Improved understanding of the long-term performance of steel pipelines in high-pressure hydrogen.
· Quantify the benefits of hydrogen barrier systems in terms of pipeline lifetime extension.
· Quantification of the permeation of hydrogen through pipeline materials.
· A flexible model potentially able to feed into future continuous monitoring systems (integrity management via virtual data twins).
The overall benefit will be the ability to transport hydrogen in lieu of natural gas thus contributing to greenhouse gas emission reductions. Repurposing existing assets will represent the lowest cost and quickest solution to the end-user.
The project value tracking is listed below:
· Maturity
o TRL 2-3. Research project to understand capabilities of models for hydrogen impact on steels.
· Innovation Opportunity
o 100% of single asset class. All line pipe
· Deployment Costs
o £0.00. Project is research and there will be no technology developed to be deployed.
· Innovation Cost
o £ 527,467.00. Cost of innovation project (Phase 1).
· Financial Saving
o £ 0.00. Model generated in the project could enable operation of gas network assets at higher pressures than would otherwise be permissible thereby avoiding the need for new pipeline assets to be installed.
· Safety
o 0%. Model generated in the project will inform assessment of defects in hydrogen ensuring continued safe operation.
· Environment
o 0.0 tonnes CO2e. Not expected to result in CO2e save or other environmental benefits. Project should inform levels of leakage expected through pipes due to permeation.
· Compliance
o Support compliance. Work supports transition to hydrogen.
· Skills & Competencies
o Individuals. Work will augment knowledge of individuals involved in project. Certain individuals will be trained on model once created.
· Future Proof
o Supports business strategy. Results will support operation of future hydrogen national transmission system.
Lessons Learnt
Lessons learnt from this project include:
- More clarity on expectations of delivery and quality of output. There was some confusion at the end of the project as to the quality of the end model and what we expected was not delivered. This will be mitigated in future with clear scopes, RASICs and ensuring the correct stakeholders and input is gathered from around the business.
