Thermoplastic composite pipe suitable for high-pressure hydrogen service, Strohm says

Thermoplastic composite pipes (TCP) have shown exceptionally low hydrogen permeation values, demonstrating technical suitability for high-pressure hydrogen service, Dutch TCP producer Strohm reported following a TCP hydrogen testing program.

Strohm recently completed an extensive six-month hydrogen testing program on its TCP at Tüv-Süd in Germany, which saw the comprehensive permeation assessment cover a range of pressures and temperatures, using a full-scale TCP equipped with two end-fittings.

According to the Dutch company, the testing demonstrated “highly promising results” and both the TCP itself and the end-fittings exhibited exceptionally low hydrogen permeation values, underscoring the technical suitability of the product for high-pressure hydrogen service.

The study further shed light on the remarkable barrier properties of the TCP’s reinforcement layer, Strohm said, explaining that when compared to traditional unreinforced pipes, the TCP demonstrated a significant reduction in hydrogen permeation, approximately tenfold, thanks to this innovative design feature.

Strohm believes that the results demonstrate its TCP technology feasibility as a robust and reliable solution for offshore hydrogen infrastructure, offering corrosion resistance, superior fatigue life, and a reduced environmental footprint.

“As the world transitions toward sustainable energy sources, TCP’s performance in hydrogen transport positions it as a key player in the energy transition journey,” said Bart Steuten, Product Development Manager, Energy in Transition, Strohm.

“Not only does it ensure extremely low levels of permeation, especially when compared to conventional pipes, but it is also spoolable and simple to install, meaning it slashes the carbon intensity of projects. We would like to thank Tüv-Süd for their cooperation in this study, the results of which clearly demonstrate the benefits of TCP for use in hydrogen projects.”

In terms of other news coming from Strohm worth mentioning, at the end of 2023, the company received DNV qualification for its deepwater TCP flowline, claiming to be the first player to receive accreditation of this kind from the verification body.

Strohm was also present at the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) held in November 2023, where Steuten gave a presentation about the production of hydrogen offshore, what we can expect in the future, the good sides of laying pipes instead of cables, as well as using pipes as storage.