Topic 27c - Inline Monitoring of Hydrogen Blends and Automated Pipe Leakage Detection

The introduction of hydrogen as a consumer fuel has caused heightened concern over its safety. As hydrogen concentration in the pipeline increases due to hydrogen-methane blending, the development of hydrogen monitoring and leak detection tools has become increasingly important. In the proposed project, we will develop a modular gas sensor package capable of measuring hydrogen concentrations while operating in a high-pressure blended methane-hydrogen gas environment. The multi-sensor platform will be packaged into a rugged enclosure and integrated onto a robotic platform as part of a comprehensive inline inspection platform. In parallel, our industry partners at ULC Technologies LLC (ULC) will enhance their acoustic-based methane leak detector so that it is also capable of detecting leaks and further repairing them utilizing their magnetic patch technology while operating in a blended hydrogen-methane environment. In the Phase I project, we will demonstrate the sensor’s current capabilities to accurately detect hydrogen in hydrogen-methane blend fuels. In parallel, our partners at ULC will identify ideal configurations for their acoustic leak detector to successfully detect hydrogen-methane blend leaks. Finally, in preparation for the Phase II sensor package fabrication, we will perform design trade studies to select appropriate materials and sensor configurations to operate in a high-pressure hydrogen-enriched environment. Blending hydrogen into existing natural gas pipeline networks offers an effective means of delivery by utilizing existing assets while negating the high cost of implementing a purpose-built hydrogen pipeline infrastructure⸺with added benefits of energy storage, grid resiliency, and emissions reductions. With safety as a primary concern, accurate and fieldable hydrogen monitoring and leak detection sensors are required to assist with integrity management of the pipeline infrastructure. In addition to pipeline flammable gas monitoring, there are abundant commercial applications including industrial chemical processes, refineries, fuel cell reformers, and fuel cell electric vehicles.