Research

This project studies the hydrogen permeation through a full-thickness pipe-wall at pipeline pressure and acting through a single surface. A test system is deployed to quantify the amount of hydrogen found in the full-thickness pipe material when a pressure gradient is developed by exposing a single surface to a pressurised gas mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. The project provides immediate knowledge to industry about:

• Susceptibility of the pipe material to hydrogen impregnation.
• Hydrogen’s impact on the existing infrastructure and how hydrogen changes the current structural integrity assessment models.
• Mechanical testing required for fracture control on the appropriate levels and conditions needed to assess line pipe steels in a hydrogen environment.

The project results in deploying a testing facility that helps the operators of trnasmission pipelines with investigating the level of hydrogen concentrated in their structural components and the anticipated leakage of hydrogen. This also informs the industry on the pressure and time span the steel pipes will be susceptible to critical levels of hydrogen. This project is a key component to understanding hydrogen’s impact on the existing infrastructure and how hydrogen changes the current structural integrity assessment models.

Douglas Proud

Research & Utilisation Program Coordinator

douglas.proud@futurefuelscrc.com