Development of a Safety Management Framework for Hydrogen Transportation in New Gas Distribution Networks
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Date
2025
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Saudi Digital Library
Abstract
The decarbonization of the UK energy system requires that hydrogen is safely and reliably
transported through the existing natural gas transmission infrastructure. The physical properties
of hydrogen, with its wide range of flammability, high diffusivity, very low ignition energy,
and potential for degradation of materials, pose challenges that are not sufficiently dealt with
in existing methane-based standards. This work develops and validates a Safety Management
Framework (SMF) for hydrogen transmission using realistic experiments in the Future Grid
facility in which hydrogen mixed at 2-100% hydrogen were pumped through decommissioned
National Transmission System (NTS) assets. The methodology combines systematic risk
assessment methods such as HAZOP, FMEA and Bowtie with calibrated consequence
modelling tools such as PHAST and ALOHA, as well as SCADA-integrated digital monitoring
systems. Experimental results show a faster pressure decay, reduced weld fatigue life and a
rapid ignition related to higher thermal radiation during full-bore releases. The suggested SMF
is integrated with engineering controls, predictive monitoring, emergency planning zones
(EPZs) and compliance with standard regulations (IGEM/TD/1, IGEM SR/25, ISO/TS 19880-
1). Blends of hydrogen up to 20% have been validated through the use of Future Grid data and
can be introduced with little changeover. In contrast, operation using 100% hydrogen requires
higher inspection frequencies, improved sealing systems, and improved leak detection systems.
The framework provides a practical way of achieving the secure development of hydrogen
networks in the UK and around the world.
Description
The UK Government's Hydrogen Strategy to decarbonize the country includes adding
hydrogen to the current gas transmission systems. This strategy led to the Future Grid project,
which aims at researching how it would be safe to integrate hydrogen into decommissioned
parts of the National Transmission System (NTS). The project is an initiative that involves
National Gas, DNV, and other academic and industrial partners. This is a convenient test station
to test the possible safety and convenience of transporting hydrogen by passing it through gas
pipelines originally built to carry natural gas (primarily methane).
The Future Grid project aims to investigate the application of hydrogen in a range of 2 % to 100
% in tensile pipelines, valves, compression, and other critical components of the National
Transmission System (NTS). In a controlled test setting, these types of tests simulate the
conditions of a real-world operating environment and allow researchers to see and understand
the impacts of the material on material performance, equipment failures, and safety response
processes.
The paper utilizes data from the Future Grid project, which is specifically designed to model
hydrogen behavior in real-world infrastructure and assess the material compatibility of
necessary transmission components. The research will contribute to the body of knowledge and
develop a comprehensive Safety Management Framework (SMF) to ensure the safe execution
of the transportation of hydrogen in the gas distribution network, thereby resolving issues
related to the peculiarities of hydrogen.
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