Supporting theenergy transition

Accurate and reliable data are
key to delivering safe hydrogentransportation

Baker Hughes, Process & Pipeline Services (PPS) iscommitted to assisting operators through the ongoing
period of energy transition.
Through the provision of accurate and reliable in-line
inspection (ILI) data, as well as associated engineering
services, PPS can help operators make informed decisions
about introducing different products into their pipelines.

Existing threats
Pipelines are under attack. Whether it’s from the productthe pipeline is carrying, the condition of the pipeline’s
coating, or an excavator digging a trench, the threats
are ever present. PPS has a long history of providing
accurate and reliable data on the condition of pipelines,
using industry leading ILI technology to help operators
understand and mitigate these threats.
In addition to providing information on the current
condition of a pipeline, ILI data can be used (along withother data points) to predict the future condition of thepipeline. This process can take into account the pipeline
remaining in its current mode of operation, or changes toits future operation. And things are changing.

What is happening?
As the globe targets significant reductions in carbon
emissions, the energy industry is adapting at an everincreasing pace. Hydrogen has long been identified as azero-carbon fuel source and now things are taking shape.
Like any other fuel, hydrogen will need to be transported
from its place of production to the location it isrequired. Pipelines are a highly cost-effective methodof transportation, and the existing global pipeline
infrastructure is mature and sizeable. Clearly it makes
sense to utilize this network to transport hydrogen aroundthe globe.

What about the threats?
The impact of introducing hydrogen into carbon steel
pipelines is currently under significant investigation. In
trying to understand the risks of doing so, many factors
must be taken into consideration:• Pipeline– Construction year
– Hydrostatic pressure test history– Pipe type and steel grade– Pipe and weld fracture toughness properties– Past service– Failure history– Current condition– Pipeline length• Planned operating conditions– Percentage of hydrogen in product– Intended operating pressure and cyclic regime– Flow rate
– Temperature
Such pipeline and operational considerations areimportant because the presence and severity of threats
will vary depending on these factors. Looking at pipeline
threats by category, the following observations canbe made.
Material
In comparison with hydrocarbon operation, carbon steel
has inferior fracture toughness and fatigue properties evenat low concentrations of H2. In addition, severe bulging
laminations can occur due to H2 accumulation in seamless
linepipe material.

Cracks
The reduction in fracture toughness can lead to thepossible failure of smaller cracks in H2 operation thanwould typically fail under previous hydrocarbon operation.
The presence of H2 puts both base metal and welds atincreased risk of accelerated fatigue crack growth.
Ground movement
Ground movement induces additional strain on pipelines
and has been the cause of many pipeline failures. After H2introduction, the strain capacity of both base material andgirth welds will be reduced by H2 embrittlement, further
increasing the risk of failure.
Third-party damage
Pipelines containing H2 will have a lower tolerance tothird‑party damage. This threat is one of the leading
causes of pipeline failures.
Hard spots
The inferior fracture toughness and fatigue properties
previously referenced could increase the integrity threat ofexisting hard spots in the pipeline.

How can Baker Hughes,
Process & Pipeline Services help?
As previously covered, PPS has a wide variety of ILI tools
designed to help detect and monitor all of the previously
referenced threats and you can rest assured that we will
be ready for hydrogen services when you need them.
Through either advanced screening of pipelines prior tohydrogen transition or, regular inspection of pipelinestransporting hydrogen, PPS can support you with yourintegrity requirements.
Furthermore, with an integrity engineering team containing
hundreds of combined years of pipeline experience, we canprovide detailed advice and guidance on how to ensure
your network is safely prepared and maintained prior toand during the energy transition.

Please contact your local sales representative
for more information.

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06/2021bakerhughes.com