Session: 09-02-02 Repurposing pipelines for H2 transportation

Paper Number: 133851

133851 - Going Beyond ASME B31.12: A Technical Feasibility Case Study for the Conversion of a 16” X 20 km Onshore Gas Pipeline to Hydrogen Storage 

Abstract: 

As part of the development of a green hydrogen hub to power regional industry and end-consumers, a 16″, 20-km European onshore natural gas transmission pipeline has been targeted for the storage of gaseous hydrogen for use in peak demand periods and to buffer intermittent hydrogen production. The conversion of existing assets to hydrogen needs to be managed with due diligence, but current industry codes have remained relatively immature in their approach to repurposing and do not yet reflect the rapidly evolving research developments in this area. For instance, ASME B31.12 has been a challenge to apply practically to repurposing pipelines, particularly accounting for the presence of historic defects and damages. This paper provides and describes a case study of the application of a method which addresses pragmatic and safe pipeline repurposing. In line with current industry knowledge, this approach includes the removal of conservatisms associated with some of the design equations given in existing codes. It also considers the challenges posed by current codes and guidelines.

This paper presents the philosophy and process used to methodically assess the technical feasibility of converting the 16″ pipeline to hydrogen storage. The overall objective was to define a safe operating envelope within which the capacity of all segments of the vintage pipeline can be maximized. The definition of this operating envelope required engineering assessments of various future operational scenarios (different operating pressures and predicted pressure variations/fatigue loading) and their effect on current and future operational integrity. The documentation of engineering critical assessment inputs, assumptions made where data was unavailable or incomplete, assessment methods and defect compliance criteria, and results are presented. A proposed test and inspection plan to confirm these assumptions is also discussed as part of future work. The findings are reviewed in the context of current industry knowledge gaps and ongoing industry research planned to address these remaining uncertainties. Conservative decisions in light of these open gaps are highlighted where applicable, and this insight has been used in the development of the full repurposing strategy of the16″ pipeline.

Overall, this study presents the project with an early screening of major barriers (data, integrity, regulatory compliance) that may potentially compromise repurposing. The study ultimately provides a clear, documented demonstration of feasibility for hydrogen storage within a specified operating envelope of restricted pressure and pressure cycling before further committing to subsequent repurposing strategy phases.

Presenting Author: Daniel Sandana ROSEN

Presenting Author Biography: Daniel is a Principal Materials & Corrosion Engineer at ROSEN. Holds a MSC in Materials Science and Engineering from ESIREM in France, and a PhD in SCC of pipeline steels from Newcastle University in the UK.
Daniel has over 15 years experience in Asset Integrity Management within the upstream and transmission markets worldwide. A large part of his experience resides in ensuring assurance of operational integrity of ageing process plants and pipelines, and providing Materials & Corrosion consultancy for front-end-engineering and design projects
His current work focuses in supporting operators for the repurposing of pipelines to hydrogen and CO2 service.
He has published over 25 peer-reviewed papers in conferences and journals, including several on the topic of hydrogen conversion.

Authors:

Daniel Sandana ROSEN
Sarah Hopkin Shell International B.V.
Tom Martin Shell International B.V.
Neil Gallon ROSEN
Jonathon Doyle ROSEN UK
Wim Guijt Shell International B.V.
Robert Timmerman Shell International B.V.
Benjose Baby ROSEN