Aramid Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes RTPs for Transport of Hydrogen Gas

Abstract

Fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) are increasingly used for the transportation of oil and gas. This paper is on the development of special RTPs for the transportation of high pressure hydrogen gas. Production of hydrogen fuel is an attractive way to store renewable energy, and cope with increasing demand and supply needs to adapt renewables. Renewable energy generation like wind and solar with combined hydrogen production requires future offshore and onshore hydrogen transport. We demonstrate the applicability of aramid reinforced thermoplastic pipes for hydrogen transport. We predict the dimensional stability of RTPs in general with an analytical model. The capability of para-aramid reinforced thermoplastic pipes is investigated both conceptually and theoretically. This paper shows the versatility of fiber reinforced pipes and their potential use in decarbonized energy systems. We built a simple analytical model facilitating the design process of RTPs. The model predicts how design parameters like pipe diameter, fiber layer thickness, orientation and amount of reinforcement per unit pipe length affect the deformation of the pipe under a given pressure. Accurately predicting the lifetime of RTPs is one of the main challenges. The analytical model rigorously translates pipe loading into yarn stresses and strains and is therefore a useful tool to understand pipe failure in terms of the yarn's long-term properties. The model provides an easy and fast understanding of the mechanics of RTPs, without requiring the complexity of, for instance, FEM calculations.