Page 16 - Gi August 2020

PIPELINES FOR A

HYDROGEN FUTURE

Andrew Stevenson, Doug Everard and Mebs Bobat, of as a result of internal and external
Sustainable Pipeline Systems, discuss the latest hydrogen- inputs. The pipe structure consists of a
compliant automated pipeline systems with built-in digital polymer liner and reinforcing layers of
pipeline integrity technology high strength steel strip with a patented
interlock. The whole pipe is then coated
for environmental protection. This type
here is growing interest in the The key benefits include reduced of pipe structure is inherently more
introduction of hydrogen into gas time schedule, total installed cost and flexible and more responsive than
grids for energy transmission and carbon footprint, plus enhanced conventional steel pipe structures.
distribution in the UK and flexibility with in-built digital integrity The system is designed to be
T elsewhere. It is important to be monitoring, enabling proactive manufactured in the field with advanced
able to transport hydrogen at high inspection and maintenance. quality control systems ensuring good
pressure as part of the energy The Mobile Automated Spiral information about the initial status of
infrastructure. A new automated pipeline Interlocking Pipe (MASiP) incorporates the pipe. Twelve inch (300mm) diameter
system is being developed, one that is spiral wound optical fibre to provide an pipe has been fabricated and tested at
intrinsically hydrogen-compliant as well enhanced level of real-time information pressures up to 100barg with water
as having several other benefits for rapid about stress-strain patterns in the pipe, media and with hydrogen-rich natural
low-cost pipeline construction. together with pipeline integrity issues gas mixtures. Pressure fluctuations in

FIGURE 1 SCHEMATIC SHOWING THE STRUCTURE OF MASIP WITH LOCATION OF OPTICAL FIBRE WITHIN THE PIPE WALL

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