DESSERT
Advanced thread connected production string for hydrogen storage in underground formations
The project aims to design, develop and experimentally validate a new prototype of an advanced production string for safely injecting and withdrawing hydrogen gas, from surface to any underground hydrogen storage location. The new production string will consist of austenitic stainless steel pipes joined by a premium coupled threaded connection specifically designed to keep the hydrogen gas tight under a wide range of pressures, temperatures and axial loads.
Two main challenges will be overcome during DESSERT project:
- the selection of the most suitable materials (steels, coatings and lubricants);
- the design of a premium threaded connection (geometries and mechanical features).
A new microstructural material model and ad-hoc test methodologies will be specifically developed to analyze the behavior of selected steels, coatings and lubricants in presence of pressurized hydrogen gas operating at conditions representative of the real application. In parallel, a new premium threaded pipe connection will be designed assisted by finite element analysis and tightness modelling to avoid hydrogen gas leakage during operation, thus ensuring the integrity of the whole system. Based on it, ad-hoc tests will be developed with the aim of studying the viability of the connection design focusing on phenomena responsible for the main failure modes of this type of threaded components. Finally, the validation of the whole prototype string will be done in an upscaled testing frame under real loading conditions and accordingly adapted to operate under high pressure hydrogen atmosphere.
Our Role
ENCO will conduct a thorough Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) about environmental sustainability, a Life Cycle Costing (LCC) with a specific focus on underground hydrogen storage and a comprehensive assessment of the social impacts arising from the implementation and operation of underground hydrogen storage.
WEBSITE URL
www.dessert-project.eu
FUNDING PROGRAMME
Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS)
BUDGET
€ 2.501.516,30
PROJECT DURATION
36 months
START DATE
July 1 st , 2024