The UK has some really impressive goals when it comes to the environment. This includes plans to be net zero carbon by 2050. One area getting a lot of attention in pursuit of this goal is using hydrogen to decarbonise industry and infrastructure. We want to have a closer look at this topic here, including the potential benefits and how to use steel tube to transport the gas. Then, if you want to order ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands, you can talk to us.
A focus on cleaner energy
Much of the support for hydrogen in the UK is because of the fact it is abundant here and would allow a move away from burning fossil fuels. This would massively reduce harmful emissions. At the same time, the easy access to the gas would provide more energy security.
There is a lot of support for hydrogen production and use from the UK government. In fact, they want to make it a significant part of our energy infrastructure. The goal is to produce 10GW of power from it by 2030. To put that into perspective, it would be enough energy to power millions of homes.
Focus is also on hydrogen in the UK because of the potential impact on the economy. It could lead to job creation, innovation, and sustainability. Crucially, it could position us as a leader in green tech.
Transporting it
One of the most important things to think about with hydrogen is how to transport it safely. The most efficient way to move any resources is typically to use pipelines, but you need to be careful of potential dangers. As a top producer of ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands, we want to look specifically at using them.
There is a long standing belief that steel is not appropriate for moving hydrogen. However, more recent studies, including in Germany, say it is “fundamentally suitable”.
The main concern with hydrogen is it can cause a number of issues with steel. The permeation can lead to embrittlement and cracks. Corrosion can also become an issue. Plus, hydrogen has really small molecules, meaning leaking can be a serious problem. A solution is to compress or liquefy it, but that requires strong materials.
Ultimately, there is evidence that carbon steel can be suitable for pipes to transport hydrogen. However, there are a number of crucial things to think about. Material selection is important to ensure corrosion and embrittlement won’t cause serious failures. Protective coatings or linings may be necessary, or alloys with higher resistance.
Another crucial thing to think about with hydrogen is the potential for leaks. Because it has such a low density, it can easily escape even through tiny gaps. That means you need to be careful with welds, valves, and connections. The most important thing is to make sure there are no defects or gaps.
Talk to us about ordering ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands
Union Steel Tubes is one of the UK’s leading tubing experts. We specialise in ERW tube, creating high quality products for numerous end uses. More importantly, we can cater for different specifications in terms of the shape, length, width, and finish. It makes us not only a top company, but also a useful source of knowledge and expertise.
So, if you want to order ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands, get in touch with us. We’ll give you a great service and show why we are an ISO 9001 company that always values quality.
