Research

There are thousands of kilometres of buried steel pipes throughout Australia, that currently transports natural gas.  If these pipes are going to be re-purposed for hydrogen transport a significant issue would be the risk of hydrogen embrittlement of the steel that needs to be adressed. A potential solution to these problems is to apply an internal coating to the pipe in-situ.

This project develops internal coatings for existing steel pipelines that can be applied in-situ, cost effectively, without exposure or removal of the buried pipe. The coatings are evaluated for protection against hydrogen permeation, in order to reduce the risk and incidence of hydrogen embrittlement. This research examines, in literature review and experimentally, a range of approaches including spray application and layer by layer coating. This project also includes an economic analysis of the cost of coating application, to assess the cost effectiveness.

Australia gas and pipeline industry benefits from the application of developed coating and protection of pipeline network carrying the pure hydrogen. It helps industry with repurposing the steel pipes to carry future fuels cost effectively.

Douglas Proud

Research & Utilisation Program Coordinator

douglas.proud@futurefuelscrc.com