ReadHY

Objectives

Developed skills

·         Strengthen Belgium’s leadership in hydrogen technologies by creating competencies and testing methods that are highly relevant to the emerging hydrogen economy.

·         Foster the growth of a robust hydrogen market by providing in-depth insights into how hydrogen interacts with real-world pipeline materials, helping to develop efficient and safe hydrogen transport processes.

·         Enhance collaboration between Walloon and Flemish universities and research centers, driving innovation and supporting industries connected to gas infrastructure.

 

Update 

Update 1: June 2024

During 1st semester, work packages 1, 2 and 3 were started. Work was focused on materials selection, determination of specifications to be established for the DTRT, as well as on feasibility studies. Regarding material, X52 grade was chosen, for its good knowledge in literature, its use in gas transport applications and its availability in adequate formats. Material was obtained from a provider and disseminated between different partners. In terms of specifications of DTRT, many constraints were considered in order to establish them, going from dimension considerations of the tube to technologies for hydrogen cyclic compression, and including also safety, industrial representativity and  budget considerations. To go further, the latter were also rapidly assessed through feasibility studies. More specifically, the different technologies of hydrogen compressors are analysed. Preliminary computations were performed to assess typical size of tubes and defects to be considered, the latter having to be consolidate by numerical means ulteriorly in the project. First proof-of-concepts trials are being elaborated (and will be performed and assessed during 2nd semester) to assess the feasibility of certain technical choices. Finally, an important feasibility study on the use of ultra-sound technique for crack growth propagation was held. This study enabled to highlight that this technique is very promising, but that many artifacts can render the measurement very complicated and that an adequate measurement requires a very good knowledge of the tested material. In order to go further with this technique, real case studies will have to be performed to assess the global potential for measuring crack growth propagation, which will be done in the framework of the proof-of-concept trials foreseen.

 

Update 2: November 2024

During 2nd semester, different activities were performed. In terms of project management, two technical meetings were held, in July (Teams) and in October (in Gent). A first communication about the project was also presented by Gent University as a poster at European Conference on Fracture (ECF 2024) in Zagreb in August 2024. Regarding WP2, the definition of the specifications, as well as the technological choices, were accompanied by the implementation of a first DTRT prototype working with inert gases (WP5). Indeed, some preliminary trials are required in order to make the correct technological decisions, mainly for hydrogen compression according to our specifications. In parallel, investigations about different techniques to follow crack propagation had to be conducted and especially focused on ultrasounds and on a compliance method. Complementary trials of crack propagation were also prepared using a tensile-fatigue machine, requiring some further development. WP4 also started during this semester, through the characterization of studied materials. Furthermore, specific investigations on hydrogen charging (electrochemical and gaseous ways) were held and adequate procedures were proposed for the project as well as for round-robin tests. Finally, as already mentioned, WP5 focusing on the manufacturing of the DTRT and its specimen, also started. A preliminary prototype was built for proof-of-concept trials using inert gases and will be updated to a final set-up progressively. First specimens were also prepared.

 

Update 3: June 2025

During third semester of ReadHY project, it was decided to decompose the Dynamic Tube Rupture Test ( DTRT) into 3 specific and independent prototypes. Indeed, the technological complexity and the safety precautions drove to this decomposition, that will enable to obtain more rapidly scientific results to exploit and disseminate, as well as to get technical feedback on the implementation to support the development of the subsequent prototype. Basically, a first prototype will consist in a mechanical fatigue solicitation of the tube with an internal constant pressure of hydrogen, to which an internal notch is exposed. Second and third prototypes will enable to reach ReadHY initial objectives by consisting in a tube, in which a pre-crack is preliminarily mechanically initiated, exposed to cycle hydrogen internal pressure. The difference between the two latter prototypes will be based on their hydrogen gas supply and consumption. Indeed, the second prototype will use hydrogen gas as a consumable from pressurized hydrogen gas cylinders, while the third one will recycle hydrogen gas through the use of a hydrogen close loop and a booster. P&IDs of the three prototypes are discussed and prepared, together with associated risk analyses.

Investigations were also ongoing regarding the identification of the adequate technique for crack propagation follow-up during a DTRT test. If ultrasound technique was previously considered, it appears that it is not the adequate technique for this project. A compliance method is currently investigated using strain gauges distributed along the tube. Furthermore, the use of Direct Current Potential Drop (DCPD) is considered. Regarding samples, welding was scrutinized. Longitudinal welds were produced by firstly straightening the bulk tube and then using Gas Metal Arc Welding. Girth welds were obtained through Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Girth welds were characterized in terms of microstructure in their different zones, while longitudinal welds will be studied during next semester. Slow Strain Rate Tensile Tests were set in air and for ex-situ hydrogen-charged bulk samples with smooth and notched specimen.

 

Update 4: November 2025

During fourth semester, the design of the 3 different prototypes was finalized and manufacturing was started. First prototype, based on a mechanical fatigue solicitation of a tube containing a constant pressure od hydrogen gas, is currently being finalized to be commissioned in the coming weeks through first tests in neutral atmosphere and then in hydrogen environment. Second prototype, based on cyclic hydrogen gas pressurization, is being built, while the third one, whose working principle differs from the second one by its hydrogen recycling will be manufactured after commissioning of the two first prototypes.

Investigations regarding crack propagation follow-up included the commissioning of the DCPD technique and first proof-of-concept trials using DCPD and strain gauges techniques. At this stage, both techniques remain interesting to consider, as an evolution of their signal is recorded as the crack propagates. Their sensitivity with respect to the crack size has however to be assessed.

In WP4, characterization of longitudinal welds microstructure was further performed, while hydrogen electrolytic charging of the circular weld (or girth weld) was scrutinized. The latter led to specific questions regarding a galvanic coupling appearing between different regions of the girth weld. In parallel, Slow Strain Rate Tests are prepared by designing a cell for in-situ hydrogen charging and 2D Digital Image Correlation is considered for test follow-up.