There is currently an emphasis across the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral in the near future. Transitioning from carbon-based fuels to hydrogen and the capture of carbon dioxide both have the potential for a significant impact on the existing pipeline infrastructure across the country. The pipeline industry is working to address these challenges and TRC is heavily involved in tracking these efforts.
While the transportation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen by pipeline is not new, it does require the use of different materials, methods of construction, quality control testing and operational procedures than traditional hydrocarbon pipelines. Of the more than 3 million miles of pipelines in operation in the U.S., less than 1% of those pipelines were designed and constructed to transport carbon dioxide or hydrogen. In order to meet carbon reduction goals, existing pipelines may need to be repurposed to transport carbon dioxide, hydrogen or hydrogen/natural gas blends.
Hydrogen: The Zero Emission Fuel
While the combustion of natural gas and other hydrocarbon-based fuels produces carbon dioxide as a residual byproduct, the combustion of hydrogen produces water as the only byproduct. Blending of hydrogen into natural gas is the first step in the transition to a hydrogen fuel economy. A total duplication of the natural gas infrastructure for purity hydrogen would cost trillions of dollars and take decades to construct. Blending of hydrogen into existing natural gas is the most cost-effective approach and will result in the immediate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is currently modifying the natural gas pipeline standard to accommodate the blending of hydrogen into natural gas. The pipeline industry is spending millions of dollars on research to determine the safe amount of hydrogen that can be blended into existing natural gas pipelines with no modifications, and to determine what changes will need to be made to safely transport higher blends, potentially up to 100% hydrogen. The results of this research will be reviewed by the appropriate ASME committee and adopted into the natural gas pipeline standard for use by the industry and regulators.
Carbon Dioxide – Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Carbon Dioxide has been transported by pipelines as a liquid for decades for use primarily in enhanced oil recovery in underground formations and is already covered by existing ASME standards. Most of this carbon dioxide has come from naturally occurring underground reservoirs or separated from raw natural gas streams as part of the treating process. Today’s greenhouse gas emission reductions are focused on the removal of carbon dioxide from industrial processes such as the production of ethanol, or from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels for electrical power generation or industrial uses. This carbon dioxide recovery will be at low pressure and may require its transportation as a vapor instead of as a liquid, which currently is not covered by an ASME standard. After the carbon dioxide is recovered it will need to be transported to a suitable location for injection into an underground formation for sequestration.
ASME is in the process of reviewing the current carbon dioxide liquid transportation standard to determine what inspection, testing and modifications will be required to convert existing gas or liquid pipelines for the transmission of carbon dioxide. At the same time, the current natural gas transportation standard is also under review to determine similar requirements for transporting carbon dioxide as a gas. All of these modifications are necessary to ensure that all forms of carbon dioxide can be transported safely to their final destination.
TRC Can Help
TRC is your one-stop-shop for answers to today’s decarbonization challenges and is uniquely qualified to provide solutions for any or all phases of your project. We have in-house experts who can start small with the conceptual investigation and grow as needed for the design, construction and commissioning of your project.
Learn More From Our Subject Matter Expert
TRC’s Chief Engineer Kevin Bodenhamer, PE, has been involved for decades with the creation, development and constant modernization of internationally recognized engineering, design and construction standards for pipelines, pressure piping and equipment published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These standards are the cornerstone technical documents used in the United States for the safe engineering, design, construction, operations and maintenance of energy infrastructure pipelines. Mr. Bodenhamer sits on the Board within ASME that is responsible for the development and publication of these standards.
Mr. Kevin Bodenhamer currently serves as the Vice President and Chief Engineer of TRC’s Energy and Renewables Engineering group. He has proven accomplishments in engineering, operations, compliance and environmental, health and safety (EHS) leadership positions in corporate and field locations; onshore and offshore facilities; plant and pipeline projects; plant, pipeline and facility integrity; joint venture business relationships; and risk reduction and process improvement initiatives. He has extensive experience in the origination and implementation of industry codes and standards with American Petroleum Institute (API), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI). Mr. Bodenhamer has engineering, operational and compliance expertise in renewable fuels including biogas, renewable natural gas and renewable liquid fuels and hydrogen generation, production, storage and transportation.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
The Importance of Effective Construction Management in Data Centers
January 7, 2025
In today’s digital age, data centers form the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the vast array of digital services we rely on daily. As the demand for data centers rises, companies are racing to expand these facilities.
Understanding Engineering Critical Assessment: A Guide to Pipeline Integrity
October 4, 2024
Ensuring pipeline integrity in industries such as oil, gas and water transport is essential. One key tool used to assess and maintain the health of pipelines is the Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA).
EPA Issues Regulations for Oil and Natural Gas Sector Tank Emissions
April 30, 2024
Storage Vessel or Tank Battery Operators Must Reduce Emissions by 95%.
PHMSA Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule Now Effective
July 24, 2023
TRC summarizes the revised or added sections of RIN2.
PHMSA Releases Proposed Rulemaking for Pipeline Safety and Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair
June 15, 2023
TRC explains the Proposed Rulemaking for Pipeline Safety and Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair
PHMSA Issues Gas Gathering Final Rule Summary & Requirements
November 30, 2021
PHMSA announced that they issued a final rule that significantly expands Federal pipeline safety oversight to all onshore gas gathering pipelines.
PHMSA Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020
June 11, 2021
PHMSA announced it has submitted an advisory bulletin underscoring to pipeline and pipeline facility operators requirements to minimize methane emissions.
DHS Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements for Critical Pipeline Owners and Operators
June 3, 2021
The Security Directive will require critical pipeline owners and operators to report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents.
Environmental Compliance Key for Transloading Success
February 24, 2021
Transloading projects that support the transfer of oil from truck to rail and vice versa are an increasing growth opportunity for the rail industry. However, since transfer requires the handling of the goods, transloading can be expensive, and the risk of damage and spills is high.
TCEQ to Assume Oil and Gas Wastewater Permitting from RRC
January 11, 2021
Historically, the Railroad Commission of Texas has been responsible for wastewater permitting of upstream oil and gas facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Integrity Dig Integrated Services
August 4, 2020
Our Integrity Engineers, Surveyors, Right-of-Way Experts and Environmental Scientists are well-versed in all phases of integrity dig programs from preparing the pipeline for a tool run, interpreting results, verifying proper repair procedures and obtaining federal and state environmental approvals. Our team includes former pipeline operators, survey experts, PHMSA and environmental regulators and trainers. We developed the current ILI training curriculum for PHMSA’s training program.
INGAA Foundation Interview with Lauren O’Donnell
June 22, 2020
TRC’s own Lauren O’Donnell is currently the elected Chair of the INGAA Foundation. The Foundation’s primary activity is to sponsor research aimed at promoting natural gas use and safe, efficient pipeline construction and operation.
Targeting Perfection in the Construction and Operation of Pipelines
October 18, 2019
To have an impact on the delivery or operation of a pipeline, it’s vital to eliminate the intra- and inter-company barriers, including those in the areas of communications, culture and technology.
PHMSA Publishes New Rules to Increase the Safety of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Gas Transmission Pipelines
September 25, 2019
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration this week published important new rules aimed at improving pipeline safety.