A specialised inspection of the pipes in the Hydrogen Network North Sea Canal Area and Western Netherlands projects
Recently, a specialised inspection was carried out on an existing natural gas pipeline that is part of the Hydrogen Network North Sea Canal Area and Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands projects. This pipeline is being prepared for a new future: transporting hydrogen. But how do we ensure that a pipeline can be used for hydrogen? The first step is to assess the condition of the pipes. Pigging engineer Patrick de Vries explains how this process works.
Pigging engineer Patrick de Vries.
Why is it important to inspect pipelines?
Every natural gas pipeline is inspected about once every 10 years to ensure that the pipes are in good condition and can safely transport gas. Before an existing natural gas pipeline can be converted for hydrogen transport, it is essential to know the quality of the pipes. The hydrogen molecule is much smaller than the natural gas molecule, allowing it to penetrate even the tiniest cracks in a pipe. This makes a thorough inspection extremely important.
‘Every pipe is different’, Patrick explains. ‘Sometimes we come across stones or sand during the inspection, and we remove them immediately. We are always very thorough in our inspections to ensure that everything remains safe and reliable.’
How do you inspect the inside of a pipe?
We send special inspection devices through the pipeline along with the gas flow to assess the condition of the pipes. We call these devices pigs (short for Pipeline Inspection Gauges). The pigs clean the pipe and collect information about the inside and outside of the structure. Patrick: ‘You can think of it as a kind of smart scrubbing brush that also immediately scans the pipe. Several pigs are used for this inspection, each with its own task: from cleaning to detecting hairline cracks or other abnormalities.’
Watch a video of an inspection and read more about exactly how it works in this article: How we monitor the safety of underground pipes.
What work was carried out in the North Sea Canal Area and Western Netherlands projects?
The Hydrogen Network North Sea Canal Area and Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands projects partly involve converting an existing natural gas pipeline to make it fit to carry hydrogen. The inspection of the pipeline running through these project areas took place along a 135-kilometre stretch from Wijngaarden in South Holland to Oudelandertocht in Middenmeer.
Patrick: ‘Pipeline inspections are carried out using large equipment and can sometimes be heard and even felt if you are close to the pipes. This pipeline is largely located outside residential areas, so nearby residents were generally unaware of this work.’
One of the cleaning pigs is removed from the pipe following the inspection at Oudelandertocht.
What happens after the inspection?
The data collected during the inspection for the North Sea Canal Area and Western Netherlands projects is being analysed now. A comprehensive report with results is expected at the end of 2025.
Patrick: ‘Then we will know exactly what the quality of this pipeline is. If the results reveal damage or other anomalies at certain locations, we will have to dig up the pipes there and inspect them. We will then assess whether and what work is needed to repair the pipeline. In short, by the end of this year, we will have a clearer picture of the work that remains to be done to make the natural gas pipeline suitable for transporting hydrogen in these areas.’
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Would you like to learn more about the project or other developments related to hydrogen? Then visit the projectpages of North Sea Canal Area and Western Netherlands on our website. You can also stay up to date by subscribing to the newsletter.