Hydrogen – Competence for a sustainable future
As the world moves towards a decarbonized future, global demand for energy continues to rise. Meeting the demand while simultaneously reducing overall emissions challenges the energy sector. In this context, renewable hydrogen as a flexible energy carrier will be a key player in moving the industry forward. New and existing pipeline systems offer ideal conditions for storing, transporting and distribution increasing amounts of hydrogen.
We support pipeline operators in the process of converting their existing gas grids to hydrogen. This requires informed decisions for this mission. Our many years of experience in all aspects of performance, safety, and security of pipelines ensure that we know what needs to be done for your success in a hydrogen economy.
Knowing the assets and their individual condition precisely is key to safely convert them. This is what we do all day in order to support operators in the best possible way.
H2 competence: Data, experience and technology – all under one roof
Introducing hydrogen into an existing natural gas grid comes with some challenges. Whether completely converting an existing pipeline to hydrogen transportation or introducing a hydrogen blend, regulatory requirements dictate a series of preparatory actions. Making this process digestible through our phased approach allows for a step-by-step guide, that, in the end, results in a hydrogen pipeline.
Integrity assessments for your decision making process
Pipelines transporting hydrogen are still pipelines, so all the threats operators face with natural gas lines are still relevant. Therefore, pipeline operators will need to continue managing these threats. However, there are certain characteristics of H2 that may introduce new risks or increase the severity of existing threats due to the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of steel.
In essence, hydrogen decreases ductility and fracture toughness and increases fatigue crack growth rates. This means that understanding existing cracks and the actual pipeline material properties in hydrogen becomes crucial for well-founded decision making. Our dedicated phased approach has shown its value in numerous projects that were recently conducted. Each standardized step fills data gaps and ends with your go/no-go decision to allow for cost certainty while ensuring maximum safety for your conversion project.
Hydrogen materials testing
Hydrogen can have an adverse effect on the fracture and fatigue properties of steel. The magnitude of the effect can vary depending on steel grade and microstructure, concentration of H2, and other factors. Therefore, integrity assessments need to be based on the material properties which we investigate in our laboratory in Lingen, Germany, one of the world's finest hydrogen laboratories.
Our executed projects show clearly: A data-based risk assessment enables you to add another building block to your risk management in a hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen inspection technologies to close the data gap
In-line inspection has been one of the most effective ways of gathering data points for the integrity management of pipelines. Our deep understanding of hydrogen allows for in-line inspections in hydrogen pipelines with any technology of our broad portfolio.
Our latest sensor technologies detect hydrogen-related threats and defects to minimize potential risks. Learn more about our most appropriate inspection solutions, either for new or converted hydrogen pipelines.
Strong H2-partnerships and collaborations
We foster the constant exchange of knowledge among industry, associations, universities and research institutes to drive the transition to hydrogen and a more sustainable future. Therefore we are strongly engaged in EPRG and PRCI activities as well as various initiatives.