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The present condition and outlook for hydrogen-natural gas blending technology

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Abstract

Korea’s economy should develop a safe and cost-effective hydrogen transport system to realize the hydrogen economy. Among the methods of hydrogen transport, pipelines are the only feasible means of achieving cost-effective and safe transport over longer distances. This technical report proposes a method that would allow for using existing natural gas pipelines to transport mixed gas (hydrogen-natural gas). The properties of the mixed gas, the durability of the pipeline caused by hydrogen embrittlement, and gas loss from leakage are reviewed according to the hydrogen ratio. In addition, several separation methods of mixed gas are introduced. From the survey of international research or pilot projects, if hydrogen is blended with a concentration less than 20%, that does not significantly affect gas quality, safety, risk, materials, and network capacity. This study also suggests the suitable hydrogen supply methods for domestic use.

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Acknowledgements

This paper was supported by research funds of Jeonbuk National University in 2020, the Institute of Information & communications Technology Promotion (IITP) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2020-0-01557, 2021-0-02129) and Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement grant funded by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (21IFIP-B133607-05).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environment and Energy, Jeonbuk National University, 567, Bakje-daero, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Korea

    Min Ju Chae & Young Soo Lee

  2. Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567, Bakje-daero, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Korea

    Ju Hyun Kim

  3. MKS Investments Ltd, T2P 3T7 SW, Calgary, AB, Canada

    Bryan Moon

  4. Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

    Simon Park

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  1. Min Ju Chae
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Correspondence to Young Soo Lee.

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Chae, M.J., Kim, J.H., Moon, B. et al. The present condition and outlook for hydrogen-natural gas blending technology. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 39, 251–262 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-021-0960-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-021-0960-8

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