Effect of corrosion defect on hydrogen atom diffusion, trapping and the resulting cracking of existing pipelines for hydrogen transport

Repurposing existing natural gas pipelines is “a low-cost option for delivering large volumes of hydrogen”, accelerating the realization of full-scale hydrogen economy for energy transition. Hydrogen-steel interactions would induce the so-called hydrogen embrittlement, causing cracking and pipeline failure. The corrosion defect present on the existing pipelines tends to facilitate occurrence of the hydrogen-induced cracking. The project will investigate the effect of corrosion defect on hydrogen diffusion, trapping and the resulting cracking of “aged” pipelines, filling knowledge and technical gaps and providing an assessment technique to support safe transport of hydrogen by pipelines. The research is original, novel and highly relevant to implementation of the national hydrogen strategy. The project will improve InnoTech Alberta’s knowledge and technical expertise in hydrogen pipelines and better enable the organization to develop a reputation and competitiveness in engineering innovation community and pipeline operators.

Faculty Supervisor:

Frank Cheng

Student:

Partner:

InnoTech Alberta

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Sustainability & the Environment; Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program: