Preparations for 100% hydrogen: TÜV AUSTRIA assesses existing natural gas pipeline of Wiener Netze

12.07.2024

With the increasing shift from pure natural gas to natural gas-hydrogen mixtures and even 100% hydrogen gas flows, there is a growing need to check existing gas pipelines and networks for their adaptability and resistance to hydrogen molecules. As Austria’s leading testing, inspection and certification service provider, TÜV AUSTRIA is on hand to provide advice and support, with a focus on safety-relevant processes.

From data analysis to evaluation

TÜV AUSTRIA recently provided support in the evaluation of an existing natural gas pipeline of Wiener Netze for the transportation of up to 100% hydrogen. The focus was on researching standards and examining the state of the art. Specifically, the use of materials and welding seams for hydrogen transportation was examined. The special challenge in this project was that essential data had to be extracted from documents that were more than 30 years old using data mining. For this purpose, a separate database was created with all the necessary data for the relevant sections (Simmering to Donaustadt power plant and Donaustadt power plant to Aderklaa). This included the type of various components, their material, age, diameter, wall thickness, heat treatment condition and fracture toughness value. This was followed by comprehensive analysis and evaluation procedures to assess the existing natural gas pipeline and to determine the safety factor of the pipe string and calculate the maximum allowable operating pressure (MOP) based on the available information.

The detail is in the molecule

As hydrogen (H2) is a much smaller molecule than natural gas (CH4), it can penetrate the material more easily and also penetrate seals more easily, for example. In addition, hydrogen can cause limited material defects such as (hairline) cracks and small corrosion spots to grow. The strength properties of materials, such as hardness, tensile strength and impact strength, are impaired and lead to hydrogen embrittlement. Therefore, a thorough investigation and evaluation must be carried out to assess whether existing networks are suitable for the transportation of hydrogen.

Shipping and Industry sector

TÜV AUSTRIA Trust IT announces new strategic partnerships

The first partnership involves a leading service and software provider for the maritime industry, aiming to enhance the protection of its facilities in Greece and Cyprus. At the same time, TÜV AUSTRIA Trust IT enters into a partnership with a company specializing in the provision of environmental protection products and services, which serves both the shipping and industrial sectors.

Strategic partnership

TÜV Austria Egypt and MRG Egypt:
Offering comprehensive training, certification, and product registration services

Strategic partnership between TÜV Austria Egypt and MRG Egypt: Offering comprehensive training, certification, and product registration services together for the Egyptian market.
This collaboration combines TÜV Austria Egypt’s global expertise in technical safety, quality, and environmental protection with MRG Egypt’s deep understanding of local regulations and industry needs.

Aluminum Stewardship Initiative

Sustainable aluminum management:
TÜV AUSTRIA TURK receives ASI certification

TÜV AUSTRIA TURK is now officially listed as an organization recognized by the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This recognition confirms its adherence to high standards of sustainability and quality in the aluminum sector.

TPA KKS - TÜV AUSTRIA Group - Schallemissionsprüfung
ICT - Industrielle Computer Tomographie / Industrial Computed Tomography (C) TÜV AUSTRIA, Christian Kraus

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