Discussion on flow velocity of hydrogen transmission pipeline based on impact comparison

Author of the article:CHEN Junwen1, TANG Xiaoyong1, HUA Zhengli2, LI Yuxing3, ZHU Hongjun4, SHEN Guiyu1, CHEN Feng1, LI Tianlei1, ZHANG Shuanglei1, LIU Cuiwei3

Author's Workplace：1. CPECC Southwest Company, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; 2. Institute of Process Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China; 3. College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, China; 4. Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, China

Key Words：Hydrogen pipelines; Erosion velocity; Flow-induced noise; Discussion

Abstract：The efficient utilization of hydrogen energy has been a research hot spot around the world in recent years and is also one of the important development directions of new energy. When transporting hydrogen on a large scale, pipeline transportation is more efficient and safe. The use of hydrogen pipeline transportation is an effective way to promote large-scale utilization of hydrogen energy. Compared with natural gas, hydrogen has a lower calorific value per unit volume and a lower molecular weight. In pipeline transportation, there is a greater demand for increasing the flow rate of hydrogen pipelines to overcome the problem of low calorific value per unit volume. Therefore, the potential impacts on the pipeline system are worth exploring when increasing the flow rate of hydrogen. Based on the physical properties of hydrogen and natural gas, a scenario analysis of the impact of the flow rate of hydrogen and natural gas was carried out, and the main considerations in selecting the flow rate of hydrogen pipelines were put forward; The evaluation methods for the erosion velocities of hydrogen and natural gas were analyzed, and in particular, the extent of erosion caused by impurities in the natural gas and hydrogen was compared and discussed. The flow induced noise problem of hydrogen and natural gas pipelines was discussed, and a quantitative comparative analysis was carried out. Research shows that when compared to exposed pipeline systems, buried pipeline systems should pay more attention to flow rate issues; the threshold for erosion velocity in hydrogen pipelines is higher, allowing for the potential to increase gas velocities within the system. However, it is important to continuously monitor and address the issue of impurities entrained in the gas. Under the same energy transmission scenario, the sound pressure value of the flow induced noise in the hydrogen pipeline is slightly greater than that of the natural gas pipeline, and conventional noise control methods can be used to manage it. The research results can provide reference for hydrogen pipeline design.