The use of hydrogen is considered as an alternative energy source. Transportation of hydrogen in natural gas pipelines will be considered. As it is possible to transport natural gas in “dense phase”, the purpose of the study is to know the possibility of transporting hydrogen in “dense phase” as well. In a dense phase, gas density remains as high as a liquid, whereas its viscosity is very low, closer to that of a gas. In the present study, the governing equations and conditions are presented in a dimensionless form to define the influential parameters describing flow behavior. The numerical solution of these equations is implemented with appropriate boundary conditions using ProMax software. It provides user-friendly alternatives and offer a wide range of simulation patterns based on selected sets of equations and components. Velocity inside the pipes is kept appropriately low to prevent corrosion. Three cases are demonstrated for validation; Natural Gas simulation (Case I), part of Natural Gas station simulation (case II), and Hydrogen normal phase simulation (case III). Velocity, pressure drop, temperature, density, viscosity, and liquid holdup results are obtained based on the influential dimensionless parameters. These comparisons ensure that Promax produces the same results as previous studies and have been proven. Finally, transportation of Hydrogen in dense phase is studied as a case study. Despite its density high value decreases, Hydrogen in the dense phase was found to be in liquid form due to its low critical temperature and pressure. Accordingly, the transportation of hydrogen is not recommended.

Eng. Ahmed MSc Thesis