What are the challenges of transporting hydrogen in steel pipelines?
Global economies are focusing on adopting hydrogen as a low-carbon energy carrier alternative to existing energy resources. This transition is not without its challenges, particularly regarding the negative impact hydrogen has on the mechanical properties of steel.
Hydrogen can diffuse into steel, causing reduced ductility of the material, making it more susceptible to cracking. This negative impact is known as hydrogen embrittlement, and it increases the likelihood of steel pipeline failure.
Internal coatings have been proposed as part of the solution to reduce the risk of failure in transporting hydrogen in steel pipelines. Such internal coatings would reduce the permeation rate of hydrogen into steel, possibly reducing the effects of hydrogen embrittlement.
Although, internal coatings have been applied for both new-build pipelines and the legacy pipelines converted for hydrogen use, the method for evaluating the coatings in hydrogen-specific applications is not yet agreed upon.
Joint Industry Project Overview
C-FER Technologies is proposing a joint industry project (JIP) to develop a method of evaluating internal pipeline coatings for use in a hydrogen environment. The proposed evaluations will include both in-situ and shop-applied coatings.
The properties tested and the test methods used will be by consensus of the JIP members, which will include coating vendors and operators. Validation will be done through full-scale and laboratory-scale testing. C-FER will act as a testing facility, as well as a neutral party to facilitate decision making and discussions.
Deliverables
- A comparison of small-scale and full scale testing methods
- A test method outlining the qualification process for internal coatings
- Individual results of coating evaluations for participating coating vendors
