Measuring instrumentation and system solutions for your hydrogen applications

KROHNE metering systems are used throughout the energy value chain, from production via (un)loading of ships, pipeline transport, to industrial consumers or underground storage sites. KROHNE takes full project responsibility for the system, including measurement skids, analysers and flow computers, integrated into the measurement and control cabinet, equipped with all control and validation software.

Depending on the production process and the intended application, hydrogen as a fuel gas has different properties that need to be taken into account. Depending on the production method, hydrogen may also contain impurities such as H2O, O2, CO2, CO or CH4. Depending on the application, KROHNE designs and produces measurement solutions that meet these requirements. This implies mechanical and electrical design considerations, as well as specific analysers and CT flow calculations certified for hydrogen. KROHNE metering systems are often designed as a master-duty configuration, with a Z-cross enabling periodic verification of duty meters against the master meter. In addition, the diagnostic characteristics of the flow meters are used to ensure maximum performance and the lowest measurement uncertainty.

Highlights Custody transfer measurement system

• Based on ultrasonic, Coriolis, turbine or PD flowmeters

• Low pressure loss

• SUMMIT 8800 flow calculation certified for hydrogen custody transfer

• Consisting of flow measurement skid, flow control, measurement and control cabinets, sampling and analysis systems, including all control and validation software

• Complies with international and local standards, e.g. OIML R137, MI-002

• Single source responsibility for measurement and analysis systems

• From the initial design phase to on-site commissioning and training

The ALTOSONIC V12 is a 12-pad ultrasonic custody transfer (CT) flowmeter for pure hydrogen, natural gas and mixtures of hydrogen with natural gas. KROHNE offers a wide range of ultrasonic transducer materials, such as an epoxy-based version. This type of transducer is perfect for hydrogen applications as it has excellent acoustic properties and is not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement at high temperatures compared to titanium transducers. In addition, the gas flow meter comes with comprehensive diagnostics. Among other things, the meter features a vertical diagnostic path, which detects fouling at the bottom of the measurement tube (bottom-fouling detection). This provides an accurate picture, enabling predictive maintenance.

Using the Reynolds flow profile principle, the meter can be calibrated in a natural gas calibration facility, at exactly the same flow profiles that will be seen in a hydrogen application. The flowmeter is normally calibrated at six flow values and is certified to MID-002.

Highlights ALTOSONIC V12

• Pure hydrogen and mixtures of hydrogen with natural gas

• First-ever ultrasonic flowmeter with OIML R137 class 0.5 approval

• 12-pad meter, for high-precision flow measurement of gases

• Epoxy-based transducers suitable for hydrogen applications

• OIML R137 (class 0.5), MI-002, AGA9 etc.

• DN100...1600 / 4...64″; max. PN450 / ASME Cl 2500

A key prerequisite for energy transition is the ability to transport hydrogen safely and economically. Pipelines have proven to be a safe and economical means for this purpose. Nevertheless, small leaks sometimes occur due to the properties of hydrogen. Phenomena such as hydrogen embrittlement due to absorbed hydrogen, increase the risk. Reliable leak detection for hydrogen pipelines is therefore essential.

Classical systems have limitations due to attenuation of physical effects such as negative pressure waves or changes in piping systems due to compressibility. This leads to long detection times or high thresholds. The systems will respond with reduced sensitivity or in the worst case with false alarms. This is different with KROHNE PipePatrol.

PipePatrol is a leading system for detecting and locating leaks in pipelines. It is the most sensitive internal leak detection system (LDS) available and provides accurate leak information for a high degree of safety. PipePatrol combines the Real Time Transient Model (RTTM) with a patented leak pattern recognition module to create an Extended Real Time Transient Model (E-RTTM). This improves the overall robustness for hydrogen applications as it accepts different compositions and mixtures associated with imbalance and anomalies. In this way, the system reliably detects leaks in 100% hydrogen pipelines and pipelines carrying mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas and separates false alarms from real leaks.

The system complies with relevant national regulations (e.g. the German TRFL) and international industry standards - e.g. API 1175 for the pipeline leak detection programme, API 1130 for computerised pipeline monitoring, AB 864 and CSA Z662.

KROHNE PipePatrol systems can be retrofitted to existing pipelines as a system management upgrade, using existing instrumentation. KROHNE also supplies complete project packages, including flow and other instrumentation, complete with remote data communication solutions.

Highlights Leak detection system

• The most sensitive internal leak detection system available

• Reliable detection and localisation for 100% hydrogen applications and for mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas

• Multi-method leak detection enables leak detection under stable and changing pipeline conditions

• Excellent reliability thanks to "leak pattern recognition"

• Supports various protocols (including OPC, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus Serial, HART and Profibus)

• Standard interface to SCADA