LIFETIME ASSESSMENT OF HYDROGEN PIPELINES: MODELING HYDROGEN-INDUCED FATIGUE USING FRACTURE MECHANICS APPROACHES
Keywords:
Hydrogen Embrittlement, Pipeline Steel, Lifetime ModelingAbstract
Hydrogen pipelines are a critical infrastructure for the transition toward a sustainable energy future. However, hydrogen embrittlement (HE) poses significant challenges to the integrity of pipeline steels, leading to accelerated fatigue crack growth and potential failures. In this study, a comprehensive lifetime prediction model for hydrogen pipelines was developed based on fracture mechanics principles outlined in ASME B31.12 and API 579-1/ASME FFS-1. The model simulates crack propagation under cyclic internal pressures using a cycle-by-cycle computational approach, incorporating material properties, crack geometry, and fatigue crack growth laws specific to hydrogen environments. Validation against literature models reveals strong agreement, with noticeable variations in some cases that are likely attributed to differences in stress intensity factor (SIF) solutions. A case study on API 5L X52 steel pipelines revealed the influence of initial crack depth and pressure fluctuation range on predicted allowable number of load cycles. The developed model offers a reliable framework for assessing hydrogen pipeline integrity to ensure safe design and operation.
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