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

Paper Number: 133988

133988 - Technical Challenges and Strategies for the Repurposing of Existing Gas Distribution Pipeline Networks for Hydrogen Transport 

Abstract: 

Enbridge aims to transport hydrogen blends through an existing gas distribution system to users in Quebec, Canada.
Demonstrating suitability of existing pipelines for hydrogen repurposing is a complex task, with the limited industry consensus or historic empirical data on hydrogen pipelines adding uncertainty to the process. The 2023 edition of CSA Z662 has provided some clarity through the engineering assessment approach introduced for hydrogen repurposing; however, it leaves aspects of the assessment to be further defined. While more prescriptive requirements may be referred to in other standards, such as ASME B31.12, these requirements are currently in a state of flux and liable to change in the near future.
The subject pipeline network poses particular engineering assessment challenges due to assets being unpiggable, the limited availability of integrity data and the wide range of pipe populations, with construction spanning multiple decades. In the absence of specific data, inspection and testing are essential to reducing conservatism and refining the risk assessments. Recognizing the challenges in collecting data for an unpiggable and urban distribution system, it is critical to optimize the strategy for testing and inspection.
This paper details a project completed jointly by Enbridge and ROSEN to explore the effects of hydrogen on the integrity of the pipeline system in the face of limited data, with an approach centered on an extensive sensitivity study assessing fracture and fatigue. The approach also used an asset ranking model drawing on the findings of the sensitivity study to support effective targeting of inspection and testing to maximize the value of the gathered data. In addition to the project findings, this paper provides insights on the implications for hydrogen repurposing of distribution pipelines and systems with limited specific data to support detailed engineering assessments.
Keywords: hydrogen, pipeline integrity, repurposing, gas distribution network, risk, feasibility, strategy

Presenting Author: David Shanks ROSEN Group

Presenting Author Biography: David is a Principal Engineer with over 20 years of experience in consultancy, project management, and in-line inspection. David is one of ROSEN's subject matter experts on cracking management, and supports integrity assessments for a wide variety of integrity threats. His experience covers many integrity assessment methods, integrity management programs and plans, Engineering assessments, managements systems consulting, and cathodic protection.

Authors:

Derek Landschoot Enbridge Gas Inc.
Johana Gomez Enbridge Gas Inc.
Oliver Burkinshaw ROSEN Group
Benjose Baby ROSEN Group
David Shanks ROSEN Group