Bekaert develops cord for hydrogen pipes

Belgian wire specialist Bekaert is investing to adapt its “Armofor” steel cord lightweight reinforced tape for use in pipelines for hydrogen transport at high pressure. It is currently used in oil and gas pipes.

The company is leading the “Comforthybel” project, supported by the EU and the Belgian government.

Armofor is made of several high strength steel cords positioned side-by-side within a thermoplastic or rubber matrix. Applied on flexible pipes it guarantees reinforcement for application with high pressure and impact.

Several pipemakers in Europe are developing solutions to repurpose the current gas pipeline for hydrogen transport. “Completing the network – beyond the backbone – to create an interconnected grid that stretches from production areas to distribution points and end-users, will require numerous new, small to medium diameter pipelines,” Bekaert says in a note seen by Kallanish. Pipemakers such as Vallourec and Tenaris are boosting their technological offerings for hydrogen offshore pipeline transport, mobility and industrial applications.

Italian certification company Rina has issued a methodology for the production of steel pipelines for hydrogen transport and distribution. The so-called H2-Ready Method Statement provides pipemakers “with a clear and systematic definition of the applicable requirements to be satisfied during the production of carbon steel pipes for gas transmission pipelines, in order to qualify line pipes as ‘hydrogen ready’ in accordance with the principles of the ASME B31.12:2019 standard for Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines”, Rina says.

Its new method covers the entire production process and includes material traceability, manufacturing routes, steel grades, chemistry, mechanical properties, welding, hydrotesting and inspections. After proper verification, Rina will issue an official statement to certify that the pipes produced are H2-Ready.

Vallourec is taking part in certification company DNV’s H2Pipe Joint Industry Project (JIP) to develop guidelines for hydrogen transport offshore pipelines (see Kallanish passim).

Natalia Capra France