The National Transmission System (NTS) uses dry scrubbers, filters and strainers to remove contaminants in the gas stream. Introducing hydrogen raises new challenges due to its distinct properties, which could affect the performance and efficiency of these existing cleaning assets. The project investigates the compatibility of these assets with hydrogen and hydrogen blends to ensure gas quality without compromising the safety or efficiency. Alternative4 cleaning technologies, such as wet scrubbers, membrane filtration systems, adsorption methods and other innovative technologies, are being evaluated for their potential to enhance or replace current equipment so it is fit for purpose. This research and testing project will inform technology selection and prepare the integration of hydrogen into the NTS
Benefits
Enhanced system efficiency and integrity by removing contaminants in the gas stream, maintaining optimal gas composition for hydrogen
Supporting the development and delivery of Project Union to create a UK hydrogen backbone and empower a UK hydrogen economy
Aligning with the UK’s decarbonisation goals by effectively managing low carbon gases like hydrogen in the NTS
Supporting the transition to net-zero future while maintaining gas quality standards.
Learnings
Outcomes
Value tracking Data Point Data Point Definition
Maturity TRL2-3 Research project investigating the suitability of assets with hydrogen.
Opportunity 100% or multiple asset classes Covers a range of types of filter and scrubber on the network.
Deployment costs - No solution is being developed for deployment in this project.
Innovation cost £227,929 Cost of desk based research, OEM engagement, safety workshops, reporting and dissemination.
Financial Saving - No financial savings are expected to be generated from this project.
Safety - Although no direct safety improvements are being developed, the project will inform the safe operation and repurposing of filters and scrubbers for hydrogen.
Environment - No direct environmental benefits but the outputs will support the development of a hydrogen network.
Compliance Supports compliance Findings will help National Gas comply with relevant legislation including GSMR, PSR and PSSR.
Skills & Competencies Individuals The project will only impact individual competencies in the short term.
Future proof Supports business strategy Supports the development of the Hydrogen Safety Case.
The benefits of this project are a clear understanding of how existing NTS filters and scrubbers could be repurposed for hydrogen service for blends and 100% hydrogen. These findings will feed into the hydrogen Safety Case development and major hydrogen programmes including NTS Blending and Project Union.
Lessons Learnt
Although the methodology used was suitable to address the problem statement, the approach was heavily reliant on certain data which was difficult to obtain, particularly materials data sheets and mill certificates for the assets. This made in depth materials analysis difficult and when assets are to be repurposed, this information should be obtained ahead of time to allow the materials assessments and/or fracture mechanics assessments to be completed in full.
