Role of Hydrogen Gas in the Degradation of Natural Gas Pipelines

In response to rising greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for more sustainable fuels has greatly increased. Hydrogen (H2), a completely decarbonized gas molecule, has been identified as one potential replacement for natural gas (CH4). Using hydrogen gas can reduce carbon emissions but presents many challenges regarding safe transportation and storage. The purpose of this project is to determine the effect of hydrogen on the lifespan of existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure. To do so, multiple pipeline samples have been prepared and these will be exposed to pure hydrogen and mixtures of methane and hydrogen in a static low-pressure environment. The levels of corrosion and other chemical and physical changes in metal crystallinity in the metal samples is being quantified by mapping and using XPS, XRD, SEM, TGA, and DMA techniques. We are also studying the degradation of polyethylene pipeline samples. The methodology involves characterizing pipeline samples before and after exposure to hydrogen and/or mixtures with methane. The ongoing and planned measurements will determine the viability of hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas in metal and polymer pipelines.