Hydrogen Pipeline Transport: Materials, Reactive Phenomena, and System Design

About the Project

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying.

Hydrogen (H2), produced by renewable energy (green), thermochemical conversion of biomass (low-carbon) or methane pyrolysis (turquoise, low-carbon), is expected to be a key enabler of the energy transition, both as an energy carrier (LHV~242 kJ/mol) that does not emit CO2 when combusted or oxidised electrochemically within fuel cells, and as a feedstock for other valuable materials, such as fertilisers and liquid fuels [1, 2]. Large-scale H2 transport and storage will be required to satisfy seasonal variation in demand and ensure energy security at national level [3].The chemical interactions between hydrogen and the materials used for its storage and transport are both complex and diverse. Future transmission networks must be sufficiently robust to guarantee safe and effective containment of H2. Metals and alloys are vulnerable to physisorption of H2 on the material surface, dissociation of H2 atoms, chemisorption, altered layer formation, diffusion of H2 atoms into the bulk, and formation of solid solutions [4, 5].

In this project, we will use different models to investigate the interactions of pure and blended H2 with pipeline materials, based on experimental absorption data obtained through innovative methods. More specifically, we will test the diffusion properties of H2 through steels of different grades with various coatings as barrier materials, subjected to various conditions (i.e., previously subjected to chemical and/or corrosive offshore environments)

To do that, we will design relevant models for offshore and land pipeline systems, describing the grain distribution, density, and microstructure of the materials under study along with chemical reaction processes. By using these designs and models the rate of H2 adsorption and diffusion through various materials will be determined. Predictive models will be proposed to explore H2 adsorption at pores and cracks, and optimised hydrogen transport systems will be defined. The results will be combined with technical and safety data to predict mechanical failure and optimal gas and pipeline material compositions to prevent (minimise) leakages and embrittlement.

The research will be complemented with a techno-economic model of the application of steels for H2 transport, which will include safety recommendations.

Candidates must have a strong academic background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, and related Undergraduate and Masters degrees.

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php.

You should apply for PhD in Engineering to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project titleon the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you do not need to provide a research proposal with this application.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr A Martinez-Felipe at a.martinez-felipe@abdn.ac.uk. If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at researchadmissions@abdn.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are February or October.

Fees for this programme can be found here Finance and Funding | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen