The ROSEN Group, together with National Gas (formerly National Grid Gas Transmission), has started work on an intensive research project to find ways to mitigate the potential for embrittlement of pipeline steel in H₂ service. This project will utilize ROSEN’s newly developed materials testing laboratory dedicated to testing under H₂ conditions.

The conversion of existing pipeline infrastructure to transport H₂ or blended mediums rather than natural gas alone is a critical element of the energy transition. Therefore, fully understanding the effects of H₂ on pipeline materials is vital in determining potential asset lifetimes, understanding potential issues, and determining safe operating conditions. Steel embrittlement is one such issue, and developing methods for mitigating this risk will be invaluable when it comes to safeguarding the use of existing assets while transitioning to a decarbonized future.

The goal of this research is to understand the impact of H₂ on steel pipelines and how it may be mitigated. Several studies have shown that oxygen may reduce the embrittlement effects of H₂.

Slated for completion during 2023, the project promises to deliver:

• Fracture and fatigue property tests in air to give a baseline of pipeline material properties
• An understanding of what quantities of oxygen are required to mitigate H₂ embrittlement effects
• The design and execution of a test program to quantify the effects of oxygen on different materials
• Gas composition for the tests in line with the H₂ specifications of IGEM (Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers).

The dedicated ROSEN H₂ test laboratory built by ROSEN in Lingen (Ems), Germany, is fully equipped to conduct all the necessary tests and supported by a dedicated team of materials and pipeline integrity experts on hand to analyze the results of those tests. It serves as a critical element in ROSEN’s ambitious mission to de-risk the introduction of renewable fuels and help operators by assuring a safe and reliable future energy supply.

The ROSEN Group looks forward to working together with National Gas and its partners to further improve the understanding of H₂ and its effects on materials. Together, we will enable National Gas to continue to play its leading role in the introduction of H₂ into the UK National Transmission System.