Tata Steel, one of Europe’s leading steel producers, has demonstrated its readiness to supply the gas networks of the future with its H2-ready line pipe.
Hydrogen is predicted to play a key role in the decarbonisation of the UK’s energy network. With the initial focus on local transport and industry, its use is expected to grow significantly with thousands of tonnes of H2-ready line pipe being required to achieve the government’s net zero strategy. The UK government has set a target ambition for up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
To support the energy transition, Tata Steel has successfully completed external testing of its High-Frequency Induction (HFI) welded steel line pipe, produced at its 20” pipe mill in Hartlepool, UK.
To ensure it meets the technical requirements of material for hydrogen transportation, external validation was performed with testing specialists, Element Materials Technology. Fracture mechanics testing was undertaken on Tata Steel’s material to the necessary requirements of ASME B31.12 (2019) option B in 100% Hydrogen. This enables pipelines made from Tata Steel’s L450 (X65)/L485 (X70) grade steel to apply increased design factors.
In addition to the standard testing, a second, novel method, developed by Element, involving more accurate elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (ASTM E1820) was undertaken to further explore the capability of Tata Steel’s material.
On both accounts Tata Steel successfully demonstrated that their material exceeded the minimum required stress intensity, in the body and weld, under conditions of 100 bar hydrogen for 1000 hours, with no crack growth recorded.
This places Tata Steel’s 20” pipe mill and Hartlepool at the centre of UK capability being among only a handful of mills able to supply H2-ready pipeline worldwide.
Further scopes of testing with gas distribution network providers, the Steel and Metals Institute (SaMI), and Element to expand this capability are now being explored.
Anil Jhanji, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Steel UK said: “Our investment in green technologies, and the wider supply of steel into hydrogen, wind and solar projects, positions us as a key contributor towards the UK’s energy transition.”
Steel is a vital material for the UK’s decarbonisation strategy, with millions of tonnes required. The company’s UK manufactured line pipe supports the government’s ambition for a robust hydrogen supply chain.
For more information visit Tata Steel's website