Project aims to develop world’s first guideline for hydrogen pipeline transport

Hydrogen

Vallourec is among the core members of DNV’s H2Pipe Joint Industry Project (JIP), which is set to mark a key step towards the sustainable development of the hydrogen industry.

On 20 September, Vallourec outlined how there is currently no standard that is dedicated solely to the transportation of hydrogen through an offshore pipeline, something DNV’s H2Pipe JIP is seeking to rectify. Initially, the project’s aim is to develop a guideline for a safe and reliable design, re-qualification, construction and operation of pipelines that are intended for transportation of hydrogen gas, complementing the existing DNV standard for submarine pipeline systems – already widely recognised in industry.

Through the project’s second phase, a comprehensive experimental test program will take place to enhance understanding of the governing hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms and how hydrogen impacts the integrity of line pipe material. This will further support the development of the guideline, giving industry players a recommended practice to ensure design and material requirements do not compromise pipeline integrity and safety.