LIBERTY becomes first UK producer of hydrogen pipeline material

Physical testing specialist Element Materials Technology has confirmed that LIBERTY’s 42 in. submerged arc welded (SAW) line pipe meets international requirements for hydrogen piping and pipelines set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in the standard ASME B31.12 (2019). The demanding fracture mechanics testing loaded the weld, heat affected zone and pipe material to twice the required stress intensity and exposed them to a 100 barg hydrogen atmosphere for 1000 hr with no crack growth recorded.

Demand for SAW line pipes is rising rapidly as part of the expected need for significant quantities of new pipelines required in the UK over the next 20 years to meet the demands of the transition to net-zero. The UK Hydrogen Strategy announced in 2021 aims for 10 GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, aimed at bringing down emissions in UK industrial sectors and provide flexible energy for power, heat and transport.

LIBERTY Steel in Australia announced in April 2023 that it has engaged global equipment suppliers for the installation of a direct reduction plant (DRP) at its Whyalla steelmaking operations to produce low carbon iron. The unit will initially use a mix of natural gas and green hydrogen as the reducing agent, before fully transitioning to green hydrogen as it becomes available at scale.

The successful SAW tests are an important step in LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool’s development of a suite of hydrogen service fracture mechanics tests, including future quasi-static testing. The company will continue to work with Element Materials Technology to further extend its availability of pipes suitable for hydrogen. LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool has also developed line pipe steel capable of supporting the emerging market in CO₂ gas gathering, transmission and sequestration.

Martin Connelly, Technical Director for LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool said: “LIBERTY is the first steel pipe producer in the UK and one of only a handful globally to confirm it can meet hydrogen standards. We see huge demand in this market and believe it positions us well in forthcoming tenders for several hydrogen service projects”

Martyn Curnow, Commercial Director for LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool said: “The UK has a window of opportunity to be a world leader in low carbon hydrogen production and LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool is eager to support this strategy.”

 

Read the latest issue of World Pipelines magazine for pipeline news, project stories, industry insight and technical articles.

World Pipelines’ May 2023 issue

The May 2023 issue of World Pipelines includes a special section on pipeline design and operation in extreme environments. Also featured are technical articles on field joint coatings, pipeline steels, and safety and risk management for pipeline networks.