Interaction of hydrogen and fatigue on structural integrity of pipelines for hydrogen transport

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Hydrogen is believed to play a critical role in energy transition and achievement of the 2050 net-zero emission goal. Hydrogen delivery is integral to the entire value chain of hydrogen economy, where pipelines provide an economic and efficient means to transport hydrogen. Particularly, repurposing existing natural gas pipelines is a "low-cost option for delivering large volumes of hydrogen".Safety is paramount for hydrogen transport by pipelines. Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) can potentially occur on steel pipelines in high-pressure hydrogen gas environments, compromising structural integrity and causing failures of the pipelines. At the same time, gas pipelines usually experience frequent pressure fluctuations, inducing a cyclic loading to cause pipeline fatigue. Nowadays, the role of hydrogen in fatigue cracking has not been fully understood. Sometimes, controversial results are obtained. The hydrogen adsorption/absorption behavior on steels under cyclic loading has rarely been studied.The objective of the proposed international collaboration is to investigate the interaction of hydrogen and fatigue on the structural integrity of steel pipelines in high-pressure hydrogen gas environments, filling knowledge gaps and providing technical recommendations for the safe transport of hydrogen by pipelines. The research will investigate the role of hydrogen in fatigue cracking of pipeline steels, and of the effect of cyclic loading on hydrogen atom permeation and local trapping in the steels under pipeline operating conditions (such as pressure fluctuation amplitude and frequency, temperature, internal pressure, hydrogen/natural gas blending ratio and steel grade). The project will develop an international collaboration in pipeline HE and fatigue research. The outcomes will contribute to accelerated realization of hydrogen economy for global energy transition and decarbonization, placing Canada a leading position in hydrogen pipeline technology in the world.