Existing natural gas pipelines can facilitate low-cost, large-scale hydrogen transportation and storage, but hydrogen may entail safety challenges. These challenges stem from hydrogen’s different properties compared to natural gas, such as higher ignition probability, different flame behavior, and potential for hydrogen embrittlement. Although risk assessments for hydrogen pipelines are increasing, the impact of hydrogen on the risk of third-party excavation damage (TPD), the major cause of pipeline incidents in the U.S., has received little attention. This work presents the SHyTERP model for Safe Hydrogen Transportation and Excavation Risk Prevention for Pipelines. The model incorporates causal models, excavation damage and pipeline failure statistics, and validated physical models of hydrogen and natural gas release and jet flame behavior. Through four case studies, the model compares the TPD risks of hydrogen and natural gas pipelines, offering insights and recommendations for the safe implementation of hydrogen in existing pipelines.

现有的天然气管道可以促进低成本、大规模的氢气运输和储存，但氢气可能会带来安全挑战。这些挑战源于氢气与天然气相比的不同特性，例如更高的点火概率、不同的火焰行为以及氢脆的可能性。尽管对氢气管道的风险评估不断增加，但氢气对第三方挖掘损坏（TPD）风险的影响却很少受到关注，第三方挖掘损坏是美国管道事故的主要原因。这项工作提出了用于安全氢气运输和管道挖掘风险预防的 SHyTERP 模型。该模型结合了因果模型、开挖损坏和管道故障统计数据，以及经过验证的氢气和天然气释放以及喷射火焰行为的物理模型。通过四个案例研究，该模型比较了氢气和天然气管道的 TPD 风险，为现有管道中安全实施氢气提供了见解和建议。