Funded through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), the joint project will explore whether introducing controlled amounts of oxygen could offer a practical way to mitigate the well-known effects of hydrogen on pipeline steel, including reduced fracture toughness and increased fatigue crack growth. The study supported NGT’s wider ambition to repurpose parts of the existing 5,000-mile National Transmission System and build around 1,500 miles of new hydrogen infrastructure to help decarbonise industrial demand.
The project was carried out from Penspen’s Newcastle office with technical input from its engineering teams in Aberdeen and Abu Dhabi. The work focused on assessing the feasibility of oxygen inhibition, evaluating alternative inhibitor gases, designing potential dosing concepts and outlining a roadmap for validation and future deployment.
“With our experience supporting operators with hydrogen infrastructure projects, mechanical testing programs, and process equipment design, Penspen are uniquely placed to support National Gas with this innovative project. The results will play a critical role in defining an optimised operating window in both new and repurposed pipelines, supporting the transition to low-carbon energy.” – Dominic Wynne, Regional Business Development Manager at Penspen
“Gas inhibitors have the potential to optimise the efficiency of pipeline networks containing hydrogen by enabling higher operating pressures plus larger, and more frequent, pressure variations, conferring substantial benefits to pipeline operators. However, significant challenges remain with regards to the implementation of this technology. We are pleased to partner with Penspen on this multidisciplinary project exploring the viability of such technologies for the National Transmission System.” – Robert Best, Innovation Engineer at National Gas
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