Dexon Inspects First Hydrogen Line in France

Dexon Technology Europe has 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. The inspection marks the first step in Terega’s effort to repurpose existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen.  

The project involved a comprehensive assessment of:  

• Geometric defects  

• Metal loss  

• Circumferential and axial cracks  

• Pressure capacity  

𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲  

Prior to this project, the underground, 468m line had been decommissioned, but Europe’s shift towards green energies resuscitated the line.  

This refurbished line will set the blueprint for future conversions in the HySoW corridor, a 650km infrastructure network for hydrogen transport and storage aimed at decarbonizing southwestern France.  

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻  

A thorough inspection is vital prior to opening any line. Inspections ensure the line is ready for use and complies with France’s stringent standards. In-line inspections (ILI) not only verify the line's integrity but also establish a baseline for future monitoring.  

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀  

Hydrogen pipelines present unique difficulties. Hydrogen molecules are significantly smaller and more permeable than conventional fuels. Over time, hydrogen can seep into the metal and create tiny cracks, weakening the line and increasing the risk of fractures. 

Combine these qualities with a high risk for explosions, and operators are left with a potentially dangerous cocktail running through their premises. 

Inspection methods with exceptionally high resolution are needed to detect and monitor the smallest of defects to minimize the risk of leaks and explosions. 

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 

Dexon was selected due to our top-of-the-line Ultrasonic Testing Crack Detection and Sizing (UT-CD) Hawk suite, offering the highest coverage in the world and able to detect tiny cracks with diverse geometries.  

The inspection involved two main runs:  

1⃣ Circumferential Crack & Metal Loss UT-CD Hawk: This tool combines high-resolution circumferential crack detection (1.00mm), metal loss (1.00mm), and geo-mapping.  

2⃣ Axial UT-CD Hawk: This tool excels at detecting axial cracks with 1.00mm accuracy and with diverse geometries.  

Both runs went without a hitch, delivering accurate and actionable data for the client. 

𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲  

We are proud to partner with Terega to lead the energy transition in France and Europe.  

As industries transition to hydrogen, accurate crack detection is paramount to the fuel’s long-term safety and viability. Dexon is equipped for the task, with our tools able to provide the highest coverage and some of the best resolution available.  

✅ Reach out today to see how our top-of-the-line tools and seasoned operators can ensure your line’s safety—now and for the future.