Pipeline Component Design (8)

Criticality: High
Progress: Addressed, Not Adequately
Score: 20
DOT Relevance: §192.141 – §192.161

Description of Key Area

Pipeline component design is addressed under Subpart D of 49 CFR 192. Per the code, “This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for the design and installation of pipeline components and facilities. In addition, it prescribes requirements relating to protection against accidental overpressurization.

Discussion of Criticality

This category includes components such as valves, flanges, fittings, vaults, etc. It also should encompass processes such as tapping, and should address compressor station components as well.

Discussion of Progress

CGA has created a non-mandatory standard for hydrogen pipes that addresses design, construction, pre-service, operation and monitoring and safety.

SRNL is working on a project currently that “provide(s) a facility for the testing of safety codes and standards with emphasis on the development of components, materials, and repair techniques for piping in high pressure hydrogen service.” One of the key issues for the project is to address design concerns regarding hydrogen pipeline components, such as leakage of mechanical joints.

Recommendations

Recommendations should be made for tests of pipeline component designs to verify design integrity. The primary issues for component design are the material of construction and sealing mechanisms. Also, new standards will be needed for any new components developed specifically for hydrogen. These standards, once established, should be incorporated by reference into the federal code.