Hydrogen blending mixes hydrogen with natural gas to create a fuel for use in existing natural gas infrastructure. Hydrogen blending is a promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the natural gas industry, as hydrogen produces no emissions when burned.
One of the core benefits of hydrogen blending is that the process can take place using current natural gas infrastructure with modifications to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of hydrogen-natural gas blends. These modifications broadly fall into three categories: pipeline integrity, compression and storage, and corrosion protection.
Pipeline integrity:
- Material compatibility: When assessing the compatibility of existing pipeline materials with hydrogen-natural gas blends, some materials, such as cast iron, may be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and require replacement or reinforcement.
- Leak detection and repair: Implementing advanced leak detection and repair systems identifies and addresses potential leaks. Hydrogen’s smaller molecular size and higher diffusivity can make leaks more challenging to detect using conventional methods.
- Corrosion protection: Corrosion protection measures mitigate the potential for hydrogen-induced corrosion; this may involve using protective coatings, inhibitors, or cathodic protection systems.
Compression and storage:
- Compressor modifications: Modifying existing natural gas compressors can ensure they handle hydrogen-natural gas blends.
- Storage tank compatibility: Some materials may require replacements or reinforcements to withstand the higher pressures and effects of hydrogen.
End-user appliances and equipment:
- Appliance testing: Testing and certifying existing appliances and equipment ensures compatibility with hydrogen-natural gas blends. Some appliances may require minor adjustments or modifications to operate safely and efficiently with hydrogen blends.
- Metering and instrumentation: Evaluating and calibrating existing metering and instrumentation ensures accurate measurement and control of hydrogen-natural gas blends. Hydrogen’s different combustion properties and energy content may require adjustments to metering systems.
Solutions for hydrogen blending modifications
With the UK government recently consulting on the potential to blend up to 20% hydrogen into the gas distribution networks, hydrogen-natural gas blending is set to become one of the many future-facing methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, counteracting gas shortages, and reducing costs. Permabond have developed a ready-to-use, hydrogen-safe, high-performance adhesive, perfect for hydrogen-blending modifications. Permabond F201HV Toughened Anaerobic is an approved sealant material for joining pipe joints and gas connections within hydrogen pipelines. Approved for use by official gas testing organisation KIWA, Permabond F201HV meets the requirements of KIWA’s Inorm KE214 hydrogen certification.
Threaded metal pipe joints & slot-fit parts
Permabond F201HV Toughened Anaerobic applies to threaded metal pipe joints or concentric, metal, slot-fitting parts. Unlike conventional anaerobic thread sealants, Permabond F201HV is not brittle thanks to its unique core-shell toughening, allowing it to flex with the joint and making it suitable for sealing dissimilar metals such as brass to copper. Additionally, Permabond F201HV can absorb differential thermal expansion and contraction stress, ensuring long-term sealing performance. Its high strength and permanent sealing ability help prevent tampering, accidental damage, and joint loosening, which could result in hydrogen leakage.
Benefits of using Permabond F201HV for hydrogen applications:
- High-performance sealing
- Flexes with the joint to accommodate differential thermal expansion and contraction
- Seals dissimilar metals
- Prevents tampering, accidental damage, and joint loosening
- Meets hydrogen gas standards
Permabond F201HV is the ideal thread sealant for industries and appliance manufacturers looking to make hydrogen-ready products. It provides confidence that the sealing material meets the highest hydrogen gas standards.
