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Although hydrogen is seen as a clean option in energy passage, it creates technical and economic challenges to carry on existing natural gas pipelines. In this article, we consider the basic challenges in the transportation of hydrogen with existing pipelines, technical requirements and how the existing infrastructure of Turkey can be assessed in this context.
1. Integration of Hydrogen to Pipeline Infrastructure: Technical and Structural Challenges
Material Compatibility:
Hydrogen creates brittleness (hydrogen embrittlement) in some metallic pipe materials, which can speed up crack formation and pipe breakage. While modern steels like API X70 are more resistant to the risk of brittleing, this risk is higher in the old pipelines in Turkey. For example, studies conducted in America show that more than 10% of hydrogen blending in steel pipes working under high pressure can increase the risk of crack.
Pressure and Sealing Requirements:
The small molecular structure of hydrogen shows more leaking trend than natural gas in pipelines. This can lead to sealing problems especially in old steel pipes and splice points. In low pressure urban distribution lines, the risk of hydrogen leakage is reduced by 15%-20, in high pressure transmission lines, this ratio can be above 25%. This requires new solutions and high security measures in terms of sealing.
Debates Efficiency in Reduce Hydrogen Carbon Emission:
The potential to reduce carbon emissions by blending hydrogen with fossil gas is limited. Hydrogen can only carry energy up to three of the meta in terms of energy handling capacity. This can lead to the reduction effect of emissions even a hydrogen mixture by 20% to remain at 6-7 levels. It is thought that energy needs such as Turkey are quite limited to this impact in high countries and can remain insufficient in achieving effective carbon reduction targets.
2. Suitable for Hydrogen Composition of existing Pipelines in Turkey
Approximately 60% of the current natural gas infrastructure of Turkey consists of modern steel pipes, but a 40% part contains old cast iron and low-strength steel pipes, which limits the compliance of hydrogen blend.
Pipe Line Age and Material Distribution:
About 50% of pipelines in Turkey are older than 20 years, which increases the risk of material fatigue and abrasion. It is estimated that about 70% of the modern pipelines in Turkey are suitable for hydrogen blending by 5%, while this rate decreases up to 30% in old lines.
Featured Project Example:
TANAP Pipeline is made using high-strength steel, such as API X70, with 5% rate hydrogen blending technique Suitable as However, due to high pressure levels require special safety and sealing measures.
Hydrogen Composition of Natural Gas Pipelines in Turkey:
- Pipe Lines with New Construction and High Standards: TANAP is built with modern technology and is one of the most suitable pipelines for hydrogen blending.
- Middle Old and Good Care According To Pipe Lines: Blue Current Gas Pipeline has the potential to be suitable for hydrogen blending thanks to regular maintenance and modernization work.
- Former and Maintenance-Content Pipe Lines: The old pipelines remaining from the 1980s such as Western Line may require improvement studies for hydrogen blending.
- Local Distribution Networks: In urban and regional distribution networks work at lower pressures, but requires comprehensive assessment and improvement.
This sorting offers an overview and detailed technical analysis is required for hydrogen blending compliance of each pipeline.
3. Technical Standards and Requirements for Hydrogen Blending
ASME B31.12 – Hydrogen Pipeline Standard: It covers strict safety and pressure management protocols to ensure material safety during the transportation of hydrogen. Specifically, hydrogen recommends additional measures against the brittleing effect on steel.
European Hydrogen Backbone (HB): 69% of pipelines in Europe are predicted to adapt to hydrogen transport by 2040. Turkey can also work on the hydrogen compliant of modern pipelines to become part of this network.
ISO EN 15916: This ISO standard, which determines safety measures in hydrogen transportation systems, provides an international guide against the risk of leakage and misconduct.
4. Recommendations for Turkey: Steps to Be Held in Hydrogen Composition Pass
- Pilot Projects: As in Germany and UK examples, pilot projects should be started to blend hydrogen by 5% – 20%. These projects to be applied especially in large lines such as TANAP and BOTAŞ will be evaluated according to the local conditions of technical and economic feasibility.
- Infrastructure Updates: 40% of the old steel pipes in Turkey is hydrogen compliant, it is necessary to renew durable materials or support with protective coatings.
- Regulator Compatibility: Through Turkey, EPDK and related regulatory institutions, ASME B31.12 and ISO TR 15916 standards must create local regulations. This will contribute to providing safety and material durability during hydrogen blending.
Risks and Safety Problems:
The high-burning range of hydrogen and invisible flame feature increases the risk of fire and explosion in case of leakage. In countries where security standards are high, special security measures and risk assessments are required for hydrogen blending. This makes it mandatory for the creation of new regulatory frameworks.
5. Conclusion: Turkey’s Hydrogen Transportation Future
Compliance Rate: 50%-60 of the existing natural gas infrastructure in Turkey is predicted to be compatible for 5%-10% hydrogen blending.
Cost & Event: The blending method provides a more economical solution than the full conversion of existing infrastructure. However, hydrogen is estimated to reduce emissions of a 20% blending rate, only by three energy per volume of meta carries.
More Effective Alternatives: Electification:
Instead of mixing hydrogen with fossil gas, electrification on building heating and industrial devices is evaluated as a more efficient carbon reduction strategy. Elektrification can be a more sustainable solution both economic and environmental. This situation is supported in reports of organizations such as International Energy Agency (IEA) and can be recommended as a long-term solution for countries such as Turkey.
Next Steps: Turkey Energy with hydrogen blending can contribute to the transition. However, there is critical importance to speeding the integration process of the existing infrastructure and supporting new technologies. With technical analysis, infrastructure development and security measures to be made for effective and safe use of hydrogen, Turkey can have an important role in energy transition.
IPEC has contributed to the construction of energy infrastructure safely and efficiently with its engineering and construction experience in many pipelines in Turkey, especially TANAP. With its strong technical infrastructure and comprehensive project management competencies in the future-oriented projects such as hydrogen blending, Turkey’s energy transformation. As IPEC, we are proud to provide comprehensive support to our national and international business partners in clean energy solutions and sustainable engineering projects.
Take steps safely to the future of hydrogen with IPEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can hydrogen be transported in natural gas pipelines?
- Yes, hydrogen blended in certain proportions can be transported in existing natural gas pipelines, but safety and material compatibility is important.
- Are the natural gas pipelines in Turkey suitable for hydrogen blending?
- Most modern pipelines can be suitable for hydrogen blend in low proportions, but it may be necessary to perform compliance tests for older pipes.
- What proportions of hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas?
- Generally safe accepted rates range from 5%-20, special infrastructure may be required for higher rates.
- What standards apply to hydrogen transport?
- ASME B31.12 is used in international standards such as ISO TR 15916 and the Hydrogen Backbone projects of Europe.
- How does hydrogen pipeline affect materials?
- Hydrogen can cause brittle in some steels, so hydrogen-compatible materials should be preferred.
- Is pipeline updates required for hydrogen blending?
- Yes, most pipelines may require additional sealing and material durability updates.
- Are there pilot projects for hydrogen blend in Turkey?
- Yes, TANAP and some other projects are used as pilot projects to investigate the feasibility of hydrogen blending.
- Is Hydrogen blending economically advantageous?
- Yes, the cost advantage can be achieved using the existing natural gas infrastructure, but in the long run, the compliance requirements can improve costs.
- Why is the higher risk of leakage while carrying hydrogen?
- The small molecular structure of hydrogen can cause sealing problems, so special connections and materials are required.
- How to convert existing pipelines to carry hydrogen?
- High-resistant coatings, sealed connections and special materials can be added and the existing pipelines can be made in accordance with hydrogen transport.
- What engineering services are provided for hydrogen transport projects?
- Extensive engineering services such as material selection, compliance test, sealing systems and infrastructure assessment for hydrogen transport projects are provided.
- What are the long-term effects of hydrogen to pipeline infrastructure?
- Hydrogen can lead to material abrasion and brittle over time, so regular maintenance and inspection is necessary.
- Need special compressors to carry hydrogen?
- Yes, Compressing hydrogen more energy As required, specially tailored compressors are required.
- What types of pipelines are not suitable for hydrogen blending?
- Cast iron or old steel pipes may not be suitable for hydrogen transportation and carry high risk of leakage.
- How to ensure the safety of hydrogen transport?
- Safety is provided using leakproof materials, security sensors, regular maintenance and monitoring systems.
- Does hydrogen and natural gas mixture pose risk in terms of shortage?
- Yes, due to the high-burning range of hydrogen and low-igning energy, the risk of deflaming increases.
- How does IPEC contribute to hydrogen projects?
- IPEC contributes to the sector by providing engineering, project management, infrastructure compatibility and security consultancy in hydrogen projects.
- How does hydrogen blending affect the carbon emissions of Turkey?
- Mixing hydrogen with natural gas can reduce carbon emissions from 10%-30.
- Is it sustainable in the long term of blending hydrogen into the natural gas line?
- Blending at low rates can be sustainable, but special infrastructure may be required for high rates.
- What are the main risks encountered in hydrogen transport processes?
- High-burning of hydrogen increases safety risks in the transportation process, such as leakage risk and brittleness under pressure due to low molecular weight.
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