Hydrogen is poised to become a key player in the global shift towards sustainable energy, offering a versatile solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate targets.
It can be produced from diverse renewable sources and holds the potential to decarbonize sectors resistant to electrification, such as heavy industry, aviation, and long-distance transportation.
Global Investment and Technological Advancements
Governments and industries worldwide are investing substantially in hydrogen technologies, recognizing its ability to provide a stable and clean energy source.
Innovations in production methods, particularly green hydrogen generated through water electrolysis using renewable energy, are driving down costs and making hydrogen more feasible.
With evolving infrastructure and regulations, hydrogen’s integration into the global energy mix is expected to accelerate significantly.
Pipeline Transportation: A Cost-Effective Approach
The projected global expenditure on hydrogen production for energy purposes until 2050 is estimated at a staggering $6.8 trillion, with an additional $180 billion allocated for hydrogen pipelines and $530 billion for ammonia terminals.
As investment in the hydrogen sector surges, pipeline transportation is widely considered the most cost-effective method for delivering this energy source, thus becoming a focal point for the industry.
The United States, for instance, boasts over three million miles of natural gas pipelines and over 1,600 dedicated pipelines.
Adapting these existing networks for hydrogen transportation presents numerous advantages, including cost savings and faster implementation.
Blending hydrogen with natural gas allows for the gradual integration of hydrogen into energy systems while utilizing existing pipelines.
Material Compatibility Challenges
However, the unique properties of hydrogen pose challenges in terms of material compatibility within pipelines and compressors, which were not originally designed for hydrogen transport.
Studies have shown a significant loss of ductility in current pipeline materials when exposed to hydrogen. Embrittlement of steel, fatigue crack growth, and reduced ductility are constraints that demand immediate attention.
Exploring Corrosion Inhibitors as a Solution
While pipeline coatings are commonly used to mitigate corrosion, acting as a barrier between pipeline material and hydrogen, they have limitations.
Coatings must be compatible with hydrogen and other chemicals to prevent degradation, and hydrogen molecules can still diffuse through some coatings, leading to embrittlement.
In response to these challenges, ChampionX has conducted testing procedures to investigate the potential of corrosion inhibitors as an effective mitigation method.
Their research focused on the resistance of materials like API X65 steel to hydrogen absorption in the presence of different corrosion inhibitors.
Results showed that inhibitors can impede hydrogen absorption, causing atoms to recombine and leave the surface, thus reducing the risk of embrittlement.
Benefits and Considerations for Corrosion Inhibitors
With growing market demand, further exploration of corrosion inhibitors for hydrogen transportation is warranted. While new infrastructure ideally calls for hydrogen-resistant materials, reusing existing infrastructure offers significant benefits.
Corrosion inhibitors provide a cost-effective alternative to replacing pipelines entirely. Many oil and gas pipelines are already equipped with systems for injecting and monitoring these inhibitors, making the transition smoother.
Additionally, corrosion inhibitors can be adjusted based on real-time monitoring, enabling adaptive management strategies.
As the energy transition progresses, and hydrogen gains prominence in achieving a net-zero future, chemical corrosion inhibitors present a viable solution for its widespread adoption. However, continued investment in research and development is crucial to fully unlock their potential.