Suitability of the natural gas grid for pure hydrogen distribution, phase 2

The project is a continuation of the project 'Suitability of the natural gas grid for pure hydrogen distribution '(1763/00-0033) (hereinafter called the phase I project). The phase II project will investigate a number of aspects of the Danish gas grid that need to be clarified prior to introduction of the hydrogen society: 1) Further tests concerning gas distribution grid over a period of three years of the plastic test pipes used in the phase I project. These pipes represent used as well as new types of pipe with different connections used in Denmark and Sweden since the introduction in 1980 of natural gas. The phase I project showed a clear tendency towards changes in the pipe materials caused by only one year's exposure to hydrogen. 2) A number of field tests and subsequent tests of material technology of a steel pipe quality that is especially suitable for hydrogen, to be used in the gas transmission system (80 bar high-pressure grid). 3) Investigation of the possibilities of using the distribution grid at a higher gas flow than today. 4) Investigation of methods for leakage detection and monitoring of the hydrogen and hydrogen/natural gas systems. The safety aspect is crucial in hydrogen systems, and stricter safety factors for dimensioning and operation of hydrogen transmission and distribution systems are to be expected. Safety assessment and risk analysis will be included in the project right from the beginning. Very early on in the project the authorities will be contacted for a constructive dialogue to ensure an optimal process of a very unusual project regarding safety. The project is divided into these four phases: 1) Planning and projecting, 3 months 2) Assembly phase, 3 months 3) Operation phase including sampling after 12, 24 and 36 months 4) Analysis / Dissemination phase, 4 months The project participants will have the following expertise: DGC: Project management and field tests with data logging, data processing and reporting and dissemination. Borealis: Plastic technology analyses. Norsk Hydro: Steel pipe analyses, including consequences of environmental strain from the gas in the form of coating, H_2S and pressure fluctuation, as well as literature studies of possible damages to 80 bar gas transmission grid. General hydrogen technology. HNG: Assembly, burying and preparation of plastic and steel pipes. A project group with the participating companies and Swedish Gas Center, Tumab, Gastra and the Danish Energy Authority will follow the project