Hydrogen is seen as a key component of the global plan to achieve a net-zero future. To combat climate change, Tenaris is committed to lowering its carbon footprint and developing a portfolio of energy-related products.
Tenaris’ line pipe technology team has conducted an experimental activity to qualify medium and large diameter pipes up to X70 grade for high-pressure gaseous hydrogen transportation with a hydrogen content of up to 100 percent at 200 bars in support of these actions.
Pressurized pipelines are considered a relevant solution for transporting molecular energy from the point of production or storage to the point of consumption. Tenaris Pipeline Technology Senior Director and Chairman of the DNV H2PIPE joint industry project on hydrogen pipelines, Philippe Darcis, explains that “Due to the susceptibility of steel to hydrogen embrittlement the pipeline material needs to be qualified to demonstrate its readiness for hydrogen transportation and the new standards and guidelines require specific characterizations in gaseous hydrogen environments.”
Because of their small size, hydrogen atoms can easily diffuse into the metal’s crystalline lattice. The interaction with the metal’s microstructure can eventually cause the metal’s mechanical properties to deteriorate, resulting in a loss of mechanical ductility, reduced fracture toughness, and fatigue resistance. The severity of the embrittlement can be influenced by purity, temperature, and pressure. As a result, it’s critical to figure out how new and existing pipeline materials will react to the various compositions, pressures, and temperatures that these pipelines will face.
Tenaris has developed THeraTM, a new technology that provides a long-lasting and fully recyclable material with a verified product lifecycle thanks to material testing in pressurized hydrogen environments.
