C-FER’s Jarek Nowinka shares how we are bringing together industry to
develop a new protocol for connection testing in hydrogen.
Harnessing Hydrogen
Hydrogen is increasingly used as a global energy source for various applications.
To support this, hydrogen-resistant tubulars (ie, casings, pipes) and connections are essential for transportation and storage, such as in underground storage sites.
However, there is no accepted industry standard for evaluating threaded connections for hydrogen applications.
Some companies have developed their own protocols, while others have conducted product-specific research.
Despite these efforts, knowledge gaps remain regarding the technical and procedural aspects of hydrogen testing (“H-testing”).
Consistent Methodology for H-testing
By resolving current knowledge gaps and creating an industry-approved protocol for evaluating threaded connections for hydrogen service, operators and suppliers will be able to:
- overcome current challenges in interpretating the results of one-off tests,
- assess the performance of different products (eg, premium connections), and
- predict the long-term performance of products in hydrogen applications.
Consistent use of such a protocol will also enable direct comparisons of test results and create a basis for qualifying connections for a variety of hydrogen applications.
Driving Standards for Hydrogen Applications
This Connection H-Test Protocol Joint Industry Project (H-Test JIP) aims to consolidate and advance industry efforts to develop a technically-rigorous protocol for evaluating casing connections in hydrogen applications.
The new protocol will be based on existing standards for non-hydrogen environments, with additional considerations specific to hydrogen service. Subject to JIP Participants’ decision, the protocol might eventually become a seed document for an international standard.
H-test JIP Phases
Classification of Technical Gaps
Phase 1
- Consolidate existing knowledge and industry experience
- Analyze current technical and procedural gaps
- Provide recommendations for analyses and laboratory testing to resolve gaps
Connection Performance Study and Gap Resolution
Phase 2
- Enhance understanding of in-hydrogen connection performance (structural strength, deformation tolerance, fatigue resistance, sealability)
- Conduct analyses and laboratory tests to close identified technical gaps
- Support the selection of test parameters for an Connection H-test Protocol
Protocol Compilation and Review
Phase 3
- Implement findings from prior phases into the Connection H-test Protocol
- Develop a seed document for submission as an international standard (optional)
Validation and Implementation
Phase 4 (Optional)
- Apply the Connection H-test Protocol to full-scale test programs of selected candidate connections
H-test JIP Deliverables
- Comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art in connection H-testing
- Classification of current gaps and resolution recommendations
- Results of performed analyses and tests; interpretation of connection performance
- Test parameters and equipment requirements for Connection H-test Protocol
- Compiled, reviewed, and issued Connection H-test Protocol document
- Recommendations for protocol modifications and enhancements, continuing development, and protocol standardization
- Test reports for candidate connections assessed with the Connection H-test Protocol
Guiding the Frame into the Fixture in the SEC
Leverage C-FER's Experience & Third-party Perspective
For over 40 years, C-FER Technologies has been bringing industry together to tackle challenges across the energy industry related to premium connection qualifications through project such as:
- Casing Connection Evaluation for High-temperature Geothermal Applications – A Case Study
- An Integrated Analytical Approach to Casing Connection Evaluation for Geothermal Applications
Drawing on our experience in the energy industry and with structural testing, this Joint Industry Project will tap into existing infrastructure and testing facilities.
C-FER’s third-party perspective ensures non-biased results.
Contributor
Jarek Nowinka
Principal Engineer
Dr. Jarek Nowinka is a Principal Engineer at C-FER Technologies with 30 years of experience in the energy industry, specializing in well tubulars and materials for extreme service wells. He is currently focused on the energy transition to renewable resources and has been involved in global reviews of underground hydrogen storage. Jarek represents Canada in the ISO Technical Committee 67 and is the primary author of ISO 12835.
Jarek holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary and is registered with APEGA.
