Skip to content

AS-SCHNEIDER INSIGHTS

Follow this blog by email. Get exclusive insights on AS-Schneider.

Hydrogen pipelines and trees stand for hydrogen embrittlement prevention and control.

Hydrogen embrittlement prevention and control [Part 4 of 4]

At last, we reached the final delivery of our hydrogen embrittlement series. In part IV, we continue our interview with Material Testing Institute’s expert, Brain Kagay. Before, in part III, he shared precise insight into the effect of hydrogen embrittlement in different materials (metallic and non-metallic). Now, he’s disclosing more vital information relevant to the future blended operations of natural gas-hydrogen to be held in Germany’s existing grid and what’s next for research of hydrogen effects on materials.

Read More
Hydrogen pipelines and trees stand for effects of hydrogen embrittlement on different valve materials.

Effects of hydrogen embrittlement on different valve materials [Part 3 of 4]

Here is the third part of our hydrogen embrittlement series with special guest Materials Testing Institute’s expert Brian Kagay. In part II, we addressed the causes of hydrogen embrittlement in valves. So, naturally, in this installment, our conversation flowed toward the effects of embrittlement by H2 in different types of valve materials.

Read More
Hydrogen pipelines and trees stand for causes of hydrogen embrittlement in valves.

Causes of hydrogen embrittlement in valves [Part 2 of 4]

Welcome to the second delivery of our hydrogen embrittlement series. In this follow-up piece, our talk with Materials Testing Institute’s expert Brian Kagay turns to a new topic that complements part I’s basics of H2 embrittlement and its effects on valves. Here, the focus is on the causes behind valve embrittlement by H2. We also go over the enabling factors, how they impact the welding process, and the ways to spot affected materials.

Read More
Hydrogen pipelines and trees stand for hydrogen embrittlement of valves.

Is hydrogen embrittlement a threat to valves? Get the answer here! [Part 1 of 4]

Germany is hard at work on becoming a decarbonized region. The country found a scalable solution in hydrogen that favors all parts—the environment, citizens, and industries. To get the H2 initiative started, the government, with the help of the scientific community, is developing several macro projects. The first phase focuses on blended operations that lead to the controlled addition of hydrogen into the existing natural gas grid infrastructure.

Under such a novel context, it is natural to inquire about the potential implications of gas blending. How can the addition of hydrogen affect the existing systems? Is hydrogen embrittlement of materials a possibility? What are the causes? How to prevent it? These are rather important questions raised by plant operators. So, as valve manufacturers, AS-Schneider felt committed to taking action and finding answers. We sent our team to a one-on-one meeting with specialist Dr. Brian Kagay. His work in the prestigious Materials Testing Institute at the University of Stuttgart qualifies him as an expert in this subject. If you are a plant operator, you don’t want to miss out on what he had to say.

Read More
Natural gas terminal meets 99% supply availability with DBB valves.

How a natural gas terminal meets 99% supply availability with DBB valves

The cease of natural gas imports from Russia forced Germany to switch from energy providers. Since then, Norway has grabbed the number one spot as the main supplier. To secure reliable gas transfer and distribution, all facilities within the circuit must be at peak capacity. One of those facilities is a Gassco plant located in northern Germany. The revamped Emden natural gas terminal kicked off operations in 2016 with the operative premise of providing an availability delivery rate above 99%. Since the start-up the plant did not reach its potential due to a leakage problem at the shut-off valves. Together with the customer, we set about working out a solution to achieve the high requirement of 99% availability. Here’s how we helped Gassco get to the promised target.

Read More
Practical test installation of DBB piping ball valve in natural gas plant.

Practical test installation of a DBB Piping Ball Valve at a gas storage facility

One of the things that I enjoy the most about my job is discussing new improvement opportunities with clients. Situations like that push me to engineer viable solutions that solve operational setbacks, so they can enjoy more reliability and safety at work. And that was what happened when I designed the practical test installation procedure I’m about to share. It was for a double block and bleed (DBB) ball valve installed in a gas storage facility.

Read More