Risks associated with hydrogen leakages from high-pressure pipelines

Abstract

This study investigates the risks associated with hydrogen transport through high-pressure pipelines, focusing on potential leakages and their impacts. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, various conditions, including soil type, pipe depth, leak size, and groundwater level, were analyzed to understand their influence on hydrogen leakage. A Monte Carlo analysis was employed to account for uncertainties regarding the conditions under which these leakages might occur. The results indicate that leak size is the most critical factor affecting leakage rates, followed by the type of surrounding soil. The maximum horizontal dispersion of hydrogen was found to be 4.5 meters, suggesting that this should be considered the minimum safety distance to prevent hydrogen-fueled fires. On average, it was determined that approximately 0.06% of the hydrogen transported will leak annually. The environmental impact of these leakages is minimal, particularly when compared to current natural gas emissions. However, the financial implications can be significant, with potential losses accounting for nearly 10% of Gasunie’s total profits in the worst-case scenario. These findings underscore the importance of implementing accurate and efficient leak detection methods to mitigate the risks associated with hydrogen transport.