Modcon Systems is examining the growing interest in hydrogen blending into natural gas pipelines –
a promising decarbonization strategy that integrates hydrogen into existing infrastructure. While conceptually appealing, this approach presents engineering, economic, and operational challenges. Emerging technologies, including Modcon’s analyzers, are playing a key role in making hydrogen blending safer, more accurate, and more practical.
The Promise and the Challenge
Hydrogen holds great potential for sectors that struggle to decarbonize. Blending it into natural gas pipelines allows more efficient transport of hydrogen without building entirely new infrastructure. That said, blending hydrogen with natural gas over long distances is not straightforward—it requires careful evaluation across multiple dimensions.
Material Compatibility
One of the biggest obstacles is hydrogen embrittlement—the tendency of hydrogen to weaken or crack pipeline materials over time. There’s also a need to reconcile differences in maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) between pipeline segments. Hydrogen’s properties differ from those of natural gas; these differences can stress materials in unexpected ways.
Because of such risks, some pipeline sections may require retrofits or replacement to ensure long-term integrity under hydrogen-rich environments.
