2025 Spring Meeting and 21st Global Congress on Process Safety

(127d) Maintaining Safe and Sustainable Operations in Hydrogen Services Using Integrated Data Management Systems

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Hydrogen safety has emerged as a critical concern in various industrial applications, primarily due to the detrimental effects of hydrogen on materials through mechanisms such as hydrogen cracking and embrittlement. Hydrogen-induced embrittlement results in reduction in ductility and an increased susceptibility to fracture. This phenomenon poses significant risks in sectors that utilize hydrogen, such as energy production, transportation, and storage, where pressure and structural integrity are paramount. The interactions between hydrogen and metallic components can compromise the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure, including pipelines, pressure vessels, and storage tanks.

In addressing these risks, an effective predictive reliability and data management strategy is essential for monitoring and predicting material behaviour under hydrogen exposure. Advanced software tools that integrate data analytics, simulation, and predictive modelling are increasingly being employed to assess the impact of hydrogen on material properties. These tools enable engineers to analyse large datasets derived from experimental studies and real-time monitoring, facilitating a better understanding of the failure mechanisms associated with hydrogen embrittlement. Furthermore, the incorporation of data driven reliability algorithms can enhance predictive capabilities, allowing for proactive management of hydrogen systems by identifying vulnerable components before catastrophic failures occur.

As the global shift toward hydrogen as a clean energy carrier accelerates, ensuring the safety of hydrogen systems through the comprehensive study of hydrogen damage, embrittlement, and effective data management practices is imperative. This approach being presented in this work, not only aids in safeguarding public and environmental safety but also promotes the sustainable and reliable deployment of hydrogen technologies in the future.