Multilayer plastic pipes for a green future

As part of a research project funded by the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water), the SKZ Plastics Center and DBI Gas- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, together with industrial partners, have investigated and evaluated plastic multilayer pipes for the transportation of hydrogen and methane.

In order to make optimum use of the potential of hydrogen, the transport and distribution infrastructures must be further developed into hydrogen-compatible systems. Although much of today’s gas infrastructure is already suitable for hydrogen, minimizing gas losses, ideally to zero, is a key aspect of a future-proof energy supply.

The investigations therefore focused on evaluating the long-term properties, operational suitability and permeation behavior towards methane and hydrogen. Various pipe designs and their possible applications were tested, taking operational aspects into account. The concepts based on solid-wall pipes made of PE 100 and PA-U12 included barrier layers made of EVOH, polyamide or aluminum.

The results show: All the pipe types investigated meet the requirements in terms of pressure resistance in the creep rupture test and do not exhibit any significant restrictions in operation.

"Particularly noteworthy is the significant reduction in gas permeation through the multilayer pipes compared to conventional solid-wall pipes made of polyethylene. This is a decisive contribution to reducing climate damage," emphasizes Dr. Mirko Wenzel, Expert Scientist at the SKZ.

The SKZ is a climate protection company and a member of the Zuse Association. This is an association of independent, industry-related research institutions that pursue the goal of improving the performance and competitiveness of industry, especially SMEs, through innovation and networking.