Skip to main content

News

Rosen conducts research project for National Gas on the inhibition of H2 embrittlement

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.