FEA Simulation and Verification of Composite Pipeline End Fittings for Hydrogen and CCUS service

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

With the increasing demand for the distribution of Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide for Underground Storage, the challenges associated with end connections in composite pipelines are becoming a critical concern for manufacturers. Smartflow has extensive design & manufacturing expertise in this niche industry, supported by physical pipe testing capabilities. However, clients often require more scientific analysis as different materials are used to form metal connections into polymer pipes, and the characteristics of these 'raw' metals can change, including their mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.A combined scientific FEA analysis and physical material testing project would both support Smartflow's new technical designs and also unlock large opportunities as Hydrogen and CCUS pipeline demand grows in the composite pipeline industry. Smartflow's end connections incorporate a sharp serrated steel fitting that is inserted into the composite pipe and then 'swaged' out to 'bite' into the polymer liner to produce a permanent connection. While Smartflow has successfully implemented this system multiple times, having an independent and shareable technical analysis when proactively implementing solutions with pipeline manufactures. Additionally, the FEA modelling of new Hydrogen ready connection designs the will accelerate the overall development programme.Undertaking independent analysis work with Astute, allows Smartflow to share the critical, independent, data that our clients require. As each pipe manufacturer has a slightly different pipe composition, modelling our serrated fittings 'swaged' into a composite pipe and then testing computationally would give confidence in our design capabilities. Although we would always need to design a system bespoke to our clients, we could use this FEA modelling approach as a first step before verifying the results with physical burst testing of the pipe connection system.