Programme Overview
An industry-leading, multi-phase joint industry programme (JIP) has been proposed to better understand the viability of using legacy pipeline networks for blended or pure hydrogen service. The project will develop methods to evaluate the performance of in-service pipelines based on combining historical material test data with small- and full-scale tests of line pipe specimens from continuous, pressurised hydrogen environments.
This information will be built into an assessment framework to evaluate the impact of introducing hydrogen into legacy pipeline systems without extensively sampling in-service pipe. The assessment framework will then serve as the basis for new recommended practices and revisions to codes and standards for validating the suitability of legacy natural gas transportation pipeline networks for either blended or pure hydrogen gas service.
Approach
Phase 1: Legacy pipeline material data survey and assessment to establish availability of material property data and specimens for candidate pipeline materials to be used in small- and full-scale testing programmes.
Phase 2: Small-scale hydrogen exposure testing to establish the impact on legacy pipeline material performance and to draw correlations between material properties and performance in hydrogen environments.
Phase 3: Full-scale hydrogen exposure testing on full cross-section line pipe specimens with defects to identify differences in pipe performance between small- and full-scale tests.
Phase 4: Material classification and performance modelling to provide pipeline operators and pipe vendors with assessment models to classify materials for hydrogen service, and to predict the remaining life of legacy pipelines converted to hydrogen service.
Benefits to JIP Participants
This project will offer a range of benefits to participants. Pipeline operators and pipe vendors considering legacy pipelines for hydrogen service will benefit from:
- Guidance as to the suitability of selected legacy pipeline materials
- Information on the impact of features, such as dents and girth welds
- Models to estimate the remaining life of legacy pipelines
- Guidance for revising codes and standards
Project Team:
- C-FER Technologies is a Canadian research and technology organisation that integrates full-scale testing with engineering analysis and risk assessment for pipelines
- TWI Ltd provides authoritative and impartial expert advice, knowhow and safety assurance through engineering, materials and joining technologies
- Sumitomo Corporation is a Japanese trading company with an international network dealing in pipeline materials and logistics
Launch Meeting Date
The project team will meet with interested industry participants on 10 November 2021.
Price and Duration
The overall price for the work will be determined following the outcome of phase 1. In the launch meeting, the project team will lay out the proposed project schedule and hear industry feedback on the proposed work scope. If sufficient industry interest is demonstrated, contracts for phase 1 of the programme will be sent to interested parties immediately after the meeting.
Phase 1 requires US$50,000 per company for a duration of 6 months starting in January 2022. It is anticipated that phase 1 will commence with a minimum of four participants.
Register Your Interest Here
Please email us to register your interest in this project:
Email Abbas Mohimi at TWI