Imagine trying to use an old water pipe to carry a different, more aggressive liquid that might eat through the metal. This project tests different types of steel and welds to see exactly how they react to hydrogen gas. By doing this, they can create a safer, more realistic rulebook so we don't have to replace every single pipe in Europe.
Current hydrogen pipeline standards are too conservative, forcing companies to potentially replace safe pipes. This creates a massive financial barrier to decarbonizing the European industrial grid.
A material characterization database, a harmonized testing protocol, and a numerical model for predicting hydrogen-assisted fracture.
If you are a TSO dealing with outdated safety codes like ASME B31.12 that are too strict, this project developed a pre-normative testing protocol that reduces over-conservatism. This allows you to repurpose existing grids for hydrogen without unnecessary and costly replacements.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with uncertainty about how your steel grades handle hydrogen, this project developed a database of material characterization for 8 base materials. This provides quantified data to prove the durability of your products in hydrogen networks.
If you are an inspection firm dealing with a lack of clear regulations for hydrogen flaws, this project developed a numerical modelling approach for predicting hydrogen-assisted fracture. This enables more accurate fitness-for-service assessments for clients.
Based on available project data, specific implementation costs are not provided; however, the goal is to reduce costs by avoiding over-conservative standards.
Yes, the project aims to provide quantified data covering more than 70% of the EU grid.
Based on available project data, the project is developing a pre-normative framework to support a European standard, implying a move toward open standardization rather than private licensing.
The project specifically addresses the over-conservatism of existing standards such as ASME B31.12.
The project period runs from 2024-01-01 to 2027-12-31, suggesting the results will be available by the end of 2027.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward technical execution with 12 partners across 6 countries. With a 42% industry ratio (5 industrial partners) and 6 research organizations, the project balances academic rigor with practical application. The presence of TSOs ensures that the research is aligned with the actual needs of the European gas grid.
Contact NATRAN in France for technical specifications on the testing protocols.
Contact us to find out how these new hydrogen standards will affect your pipeline asset valuation.
