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.
Success in research, innovation and sustainability
Strong team performance
TÜV AUSTRIA Annual Report
CEO Stefan Haas & CFO Christoph Wenninger present the TÜV AUSTRIA annual report “Living the Future 24”. The TÜV AUSTRIA annual report focuses in particular on the areas of testing, inspection and certification, digitalization and innovation, sustainability, education and training as well as research and development and the associated initiatives and solutions offered by the independent Austrian group of companies operating in 37 countries with over 100 locations and currently more than 3,900 employees.
Corporate Social Responsibility
TÜV AUSTRIA presents its
CSR Report 2025
TÜV AUSTRIA Group presents its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report 2025.
Certificazioni SI!
TÜV AUSTRIA acquires Imola-based inspection and certification specialist
CERTIFICAZIONI srl joins TÜV AUSTRIA Group, delivering expert inspection and certification services across Italy and abroad – from elevators and electrical systems to microbiological analysis.
Training
Internationally renowned:
Our training center for non-destructive testing (NDT)
TÜV AUSTRIA operates an internationally renowned, state-of-the-art training center for non-destructive testing (NDT) at the Technology & Innovation Center in Vienna-Inzersdorf.
OK Recycled
Cambodia’s First OK Recycled / EN 15343
Certification Successfully Issued
HONG HING Packaging Materials (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. officially obtained the OK recycled certification from TÜV AUSTRIA, becoming the first company in Cambodia to achieve this international certification.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME-Audit:
TÜV AUSTRIA was successfully audited as an AIA (Authorized Inspection Agency).
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