As investment in hydrogen infrastructure gathers pace, the focus is extending beyond production technologies to the pipeline networks and components needed to transport the gas safely and reliably.

Transporting hydrogen under high- pressure conditions requires confidence in the performance of pipeline materials and components. To address this, Italian piping specialist Tectubi Raccordi, a flagship company of Allied Group, has undertaken a multi-year programme to characterise and qualify its piping components for hydrogen service. The initiative supports both hydrogen blending with natural gas and pipelines designed to transport up to 100% hydrogen.

The programme covers a range of products manufactured in various carbon steel grades using alternative production processes. Qualified components include long-radius elbows, 3D bends, 7D bends, tees, reducers, end caps and welded pipes, offering a comprehensive range for hydrogen applications.

A key element of the programme has been independent verification. In 2022, Tectubi Raccordi partnered with RINA’s laboratories in Rome, Italy, to assess the performance of selected piping components under demanding hydrogen service conditions. Testing was conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standards, including ASME B31.12 and ASTM E1681.

The qualification programme evaluated the fracture toughness of the materials in an environment containing 100% hydrogen at a pressure of 100 bar. Each test extended for more than 1 000 hours, providing long- duration performance data under representative operating conditions.

The results confirmed the suitability of the tested elbows, tees and reducers for hydrogen service, demonstrating that the materials maintained the required mechanical performance under the specified conditions.

Beyond qualifying finished components, the programme also provides assurance that the manufacturing processes used to produce piping systems are suitable for hydrogen application. Independent qualification gives pipeline operators, contractors and developers greater confidence when specifying components for hydrogen infrastructure.

Tectubi Raccordi is currently expanding its hydrogen qualification programme through the characterisation of hot induction bends in collaboration with RINA.

Hydrogen is expected to form part of future energy systems in many countries. New pipeline infrastructure is being designed to accommodate hydrogen, while existing natural gas networks are also being assessed for hydrogen blending.

For companies developing this infrastructure, material qualification is fundamental to ensuring safety, reliability and long-term asset performance.

“We see a very positive potential for hydrogen, driven by the continuous growth in global energy demand,” says a representative of Tectubi Raccordi.

“Although some uncertainties remain in the short term, hydrogen is expected to become one of the key drivers of the energy transition,” he adds.