TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Infrastructure – Future Pathways
Pipelines, Storage and SPRs
Forum 8 | Hall 5 Digital Poster Plaza 2
13
October
12:30
14:30
UTC+3
Effective management of pipelines, storage facilities, and Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) is paramount for ensuring energy security and market stability. As global energy demand exhibits fluctuations, the infrastructure required for oil transportation and storage must adapt to guarantee a reliable supply. This forum will examine advancements in pipeline technology, storage solutions, and the strategic significance of SPRs in mitigating supply disruptions. Key areas of discussion encompass enhancing pipeline safety, optimising storage capacity, and the role of SPRs in emergency response and market stabilisation, thereby contributing to a resilient energy system within a dynamic global context. The geopolitical relevance of this topic is undeniable, as the diversification of pipeline routes emerges as a cornerstone of energy security for entire regions.
Among various options, subsurface storage in salt caverns has emerged as a commercially viable and technically robust solution for large-scale hydrogen storage due to their low permeability, self-healing properties and high operational flexibility. However, the relatively small volumetric capacity of individual caverns compared to other subsurface porous media limits their overall storage efficiency and economic viability.
Traditionally, hydrogen is stored in salt caverns by injecting compressed gas into the void space. Here we introduce a novel approach to enhance hydrogen storage capacity by filling caverns with microporous sorbent materials prior to gas injection. A range of microporous sorbents—including activated carbons and metal-organic frameworks—were evaluated under representative pressure-temperature conditions. Among them, activated carbon may be the most scalable and cost-effective option for field deployment. The use of commercially available sorbents with favorable cost-performance ratios makes this approach applicable to both existing caverns and new constructions.
Our experimental results show that microporous materials can significantly increase volumetric hydrogen storage, especially under shallow cavern conditions where gas compression is less effective. When filled with microporous activated carbon, for example, hydrogen storage capacity can be increased by up to 15% when compared to empty caverns. This enhancement offers both economic and operational benefits by maximizing the working gas volume per cavern and reducing capital and operational costs. Additionally, sorbents may provide extra mechanical support, potentially lowering the minimum operational pressure and improving cavern stability during cyclic injection and withdrawal.
This approach represents the first known application of microporous sorbents for enhancing hydrogen storage in engineered salt caverns. It bridges the gap between surface-based hydrogen storage technologies and subsurface geological storage systems. Future research will focus on searching more cost-effective sorbent materials, optimizing the performance of existing sorbents under specific geological settings, evaluating long-term performance under cyclic loading, and conducting field-scale demonstrations to validate the concept.
Traditionally, hydrogen is stored in salt caverns by injecting compressed gas into the void space. Here we introduce a novel approach to enhance hydrogen storage capacity by filling caverns with microporous sorbent materials prior to gas injection. A range of microporous sorbents—including activated carbons and metal-organic frameworks—were evaluated under representative pressure-temperature conditions. Among them, activated carbon may be the most scalable and cost-effective option for field deployment. The use of commercially available sorbents with favorable cost-performance ratios makes this approach applicable to both existing caverns and new constructions.
Our experimental results show that microporous materials can significantly increase volumetric hydrogen storage, especially under shallow cavern conditions where gas compression is less effective. When filled with microporous activated carbon, for example, hydrogen storage capacity can be increased by up to 15% when compared to empty caverns. This enhancement offers both economic and operational benefits by maximizing the working gas volume per cavern and reducing capital and operational costs. Additionally, sorbents may provide extra mechanical support, potentially lowering the minimum operational pressure and improving cavern stability during cyclic injection and withdrawal.
This approach represents the first known application of microporous sorbents for enhancing hydrogen storage in engineered salt caverns. It bridges the gap between surface-based hydrogen storage technologies and subsurface geological storage systems. Future research will focus on searching more cost-effective sorbent materials, optimizing the performance of existing sorbents under specific geological settings, evaluating long-term performance under cyclic loading, and conducting field-scale demonstrations to validate the concept.
In our work on pipeline safety, we’ve seen how girth weld defects—micro-cracks or incomplete fusion—quietly threaten strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) pipelines, particularly in remote regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. These flaws risk leaks, environmental harm, and energy disruptions, yet traditional nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, like magnetic flux leakage, often falter due to logistical delays and limited sensitivity. In our view, a smarter approach is overdue. We propose a predictive AI-IoT framework to detect these defects early, aligning with TÜV standards (DIN EN ISO 5817, TÜV H2.23) to safeguard SPR pipelines and support net-zero ambitions.
A PRISMA-guided review of studies from 2015 to 2025 across Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ResearchGate informed our approach. From 320 studies, we selected 50 focusing on AI-IoT integration, field-validated setups, and weld defects under 1.5 mm. Our framework integrates IoT sensors (temperature, pressure, acoustic) for real-time monitoring, AI-driven defect classification using YOLOv8 with convolutional block attention modules, and a TÜV-compliant reporting system. Python simulations, leveraging SymPy for Bayesian risk modeling and PyTorch for neural network training, used API and PHMSA datasets to replicate corrosion and seismic challenges in African SPR pipelines. Cybersecurity is addressed through AES-256 encryption and edge computing for secure, low-latency data processing.
Results demonstrate 98.5% detection accuracy, surpassing magnetic flux leakage (89.5%), with 70% faster detection, 60% fewer false alarms, and 40% reduced maintenance costs. Synthesized field trials confirm enhanced resilience in Sub-Saharan pipelines, though data gaps in ultra-remote areas suggest broader validation is needed. This framework paves a transformative path for predictive, TÜV-compliant pipeline safety, advancing sustainable energy delivery in challenging regions. Expanded field tests could solidify its global impact.
Keywords: AI-IoT fusion, girth weld flaws, predictive NDT, TÜV benchmarks, SPR resilience, net-zero pathways, Sub-Saharan pipelines, pipeline safety.
A PRISMA-guided review of studies from 2015 to 2025 across Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ResearchGate informed our approach. From 320 studies, we selected 50 focusing on AI-IoT integration, field-validated setups, and weld defects under 1.5 mm. Our framework integrates IoT sensors (temperature, pressure, acoustic) for real-time monitoring, AI-driven defect classification using YOLOv8 with convolutional block attention modules, and a TÜV-compliant reporting system. Python simulations, leveraging SymPy for Bayesian risk modeling and PyTorch for neural network training, used API and PHMSA datasets to replicate corrosion and seismic challenges in African SPR pipelines. Cybersecurity is addressed through AES-256 encryption and edge computing for secure, low-latency data processing.
Results demonstrate 98.5% detection accuracy, surpassing magnetic flux leakage (89.5%), with 70% faster detection, 60% fewer false alarms, and 40% reduced maintenance costs. Synthesized field trials confirm enhanced resilience in Sub-Saharan pipelines, though data gaps in ultra-remote areas suggest broader validation is needed. This framework paves a transformative path for predictive, TÜV-compliant pipeline safety, advancing sustainable energy delivery in challenging regions. Expanded field tests could solidify its global impact.
Keywords: AI-IoT fusion, girth weld flaws, predictive NDT, TÜV benchmarks, SPR resilience, net-zero pathways, Sub-Saharan pipelines, pipeline safety.
A gas hydrate is a crystal structure formed of cage-like hydrogen bonds between water molecules and trapping guest gas molecules in the hydrate cage at low-temperature and high-pressure thermodynamic conditions. By clogging pipes, valves, and other oil and gas refining and transmission equipment, natural gas hydrate causes pressure drop and flow reduction, ultimately leading to pipeline explosion and causing financial and life risks. So far, physical and chemical methods have been used to prevent this problem. Physical methods such as pipeline insulation, depressurization, dehumidification, and heating are not technically and economically desirable. Therefore, chemical methods are considered as an alternative approach. Chemical methods refer to inhibitors, which include Thermodynamic Hydrate Inhibitors (THIs) and Low-Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHIs). Low-Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors are divided into Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHIs) and Anti-Agglomerates (AAs). Thermodynamic Inhibitors are not economically and environmentally acceptable, due to the required high-weight percentages to be effective. Anti-Agglomerates are unacceptable due to their reaction with other additives, such as corrosion inhibitors, and their effectiveness after hydrate formation. However, Kinetic Inhibitors are a suitable option due to their low dosage and delaying hydrate formation reaction. In this study, the Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were functionalized with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer (Fe3O4@PVP) as a Kinetic Inhibitor using the Co-precipitation method and characterized by PXRD, FESEM/EDX, and TGA analyses. Then, a PVT test in a high-pressure cell was used to investigate Fe3O4@PVP inhibitory effect. In this method, the time of hydrate formation is obtained by detecting the pressure stabilization point when temperature decreases at a constant volume. The same steps are repeated for PVP, and the Fe3O4 effect on this material's inhibition is determined by comparing the PVT graphs. The reusability of Fe3O4@PVP is determined by creating a magnetic field; the nanostructure is separated and dried at 100°C. Finally, the recycled nanostructure is added to the system, and its inhibition is measured by PVT testing and compared with previous graphs. Fe3O4@PVP with a large surface area is expected to reduce the weight percentage of the kinetic inhibitor required and increase the performance due to the increased contact surface of PVP with water molecules in the gas flow line. In addition, Fe3O4@PVP is easily separated with a strong magnet due to the magnetic nature of its core, which makes it possible to reuse as an inhibitor. This chemical inhibitor's recyclability and small quantities required make it an environmentally friendly and economical inhibitor.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is recognized as an effective tool for enhancing safety and ensuring the integrity of structures, thereby reducing maintenance and repair costs. Among various techniques, the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) method, which employs piezoelectric materials, has emerged in recent decades as a powerful, non-destructive, real-time approach for early damage detection in critical equipment and structures.
This research focuses on monitoring the health of buried pipelines subjected to transverse loading, using the electro-mechanical impedance method. This technique relies on the interaction between the structure (the pipe) and the piezoelectric material, which acts as both a sensor and an actuator. To address this problem, both finite element modeling and experimental testing have been employed. In particular, transverse loading on fuel transfer pipes is primarily caused by ground subsidence phenomena.
In the adopted method, any defect that affects the structure results in a change in its natural frequency, which in turn alters the structure’s frequency response. This leads to variations in the impedance of the structure. In this study, transverse loading and its effects—including stress, plastic deformation, and work hardening—are considered as potential damages to the pipe. The pipes tested are made of carbon steel X60, similar to those used in gas and oil transmission pipelines.
Initially, based on the actual model and existing standards, a small-scale laboratory model was designed in COMSOL Multiphysics software. For this model, considering laboratory capabilities, three-point bending and four-point bending experimental setups were modeled, and the impedance method was applied under both healthy and loaded conditions. Subsequently, experiments were conducted on specimens similar to these models. Piezoelectric patches were attached to the pipes, and by applying voltage to them, electro-mechanical impedance monitoring was performed during loading.
Finally, the results obtained from implementing the impedance method in COMSOL were compared with experimental data to validate the approach.
The results indicate that as stress increases, the impedance output shifts slightly to the right, and the resonance peaks of the impedance significantly increase. Moreover, due to plastic deformation and work hardening, the impedance signals exhibit behavior opposite to that in the elastic range; that is, before plasticity and within the elastic region, increasing load and tension lead to an increase in impedance amplitude with slight rightward shifts. However, after surpassing the elastic limit and entering the plastic zone, the impedance amplitude decreases and shifts leftward. Similar behavior is observed due to work hardening, with notable differences in amplitude variation compared to the elastic state. The behavior in this case is highly dependent on the magnitude of the applied load, especially in the plastic region.
This research focuses on monitoring the health of buried pipelines subjected to transverse loading, using the electro-mechanical impedance method. This technique relies on the interaction between the structure (the pipe) and the piezoelectric material, which acts as both a sensor and an actuator. To address this problem, both finite element modeling and experimental testing have been employed. In particular, transverse loading on fuel transfer pipes is primarily caused by ground subsidence phenomena.
In the adopted method, any defect that affects the structure results in a change in its natural frequency, which in turn alters the structure’s frequency response. This leads to variations in the impedance of the structure. In this study, transverse loading and its effects—including stress, plastic deformation, and work hardening—are considered as potential damages to the pipe. The pipes tested are made of carbon steel X60, similar to those used in gas and oil transmission pipelines.
Initially, based on the actual model and existing standards, a small-scale laboratory model was designed in COMSOL Multiphysics software. For this model, considering laboratory capabilities, three-point bending and four-point bending experimental setups were modeled, and the impedance method was applied under both healthy and loaded conditions. Subsequently, experiments were conducted on specimens similar to these models. Piezoelectric patches were attached to the pipes, and by applying voltage to them, electro-mechanical impedance monitoring was performed during loading.
Finally, the results obtained from implementing the impedance method in COMSOL were compared with experimental data to validate the approach.
The results indicate that as stress increases, the impedance output shifts slightly to the right, and the resonance peaks of the impedance significantly increase. Moreover, due to plastic deformation and work hardening, the impedance signals exhibit behavior opposite to that in the elastic range; that is, before plasticity and within the elastic region, increasing load and tension lead to an increase in impedance amplitude with slight rightward shifts. However, after surpassing the elastic limit and entering the plastic zone, the impedance amplitude decreases and shifts leftward. Similar behavior is observed due to work hardening, with notable differences in amplitude variation compared to the elastic state. The behavior in this case is highly dependent on the magnitude of the applied load, especially in the plastic region.
Ali Masoumi
Speaker
MSc Student in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Engineering
Tabnak Higher Education Institute
In our work on pipeline safety, we’ve seen how girth weld defects—micro-cracks or incomplete fusion—quietly threaten strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) pipelines, particularly in remote regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. These flaws risk leaks, environmental harm, and energy disruptions, yet traditional nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, like magnetic flux leakage, often falter due to logistical delays and limited sensitivity. In our view, a smarter approach is overdue. We propose a predictive AI-IoT framework to detect these defects early, aligning with TÜV standards (DIN EN ISO 5817, TÜV H2.23) to safeguard SPR pipelines and support net-zero ambitions.
A PRISMA-guided review of studies from 2015 to 2025 across Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ResearchGate informed our approach. From 320 studies, we selected 50 focusing on AI-IoT integration, field-validated setups, and weld defects under 1.5 mm. Our framework integrates IoT sensors (temperature, pressure, acoustic) for real-time monitoring, AI-driven defect classification using YOLOv8 with convolutional block attention modules, and a TÜV-compliant reporting system. Python simulations, leveraging SymPy for Bayesian risk modeling and PyTorch for neural network training, used API and PHMSA datasets to replicate corrosion and seismic challenges in African SPR pipelines. Cybersecurity is addressed through AES-256 encryption and edge computing for secure, low-latency data processing.
Results demonstrate 98.5% detection accuracy, surpassing magnetic flux leakage (89.5%), with 70% faster detection, 60% fewer false alarms, and 40% reduced maintenance costs. Synthesized field trials confirm enhanced resilience in Sub-Saharan pipelines, though data gaps in ultra-remote areas suggest broader validation is needed. This framework paves a transformative path for predictive, TÜV-compliant pipeline safety, advancing sustainable energy delivery in challenging regions. Expanded field tests could solidify its global impact.
Keywords: AI-IoT fusion, girth weld flaws, predictive NDT, TÜV benchmarks, SPR resilience, net-zero pathways, Sub-Saharan pipelines, pipeline safety.
A PRISMA-guided review of studies from 2015 to 2025 across Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ResearchGate informed our approach. From 320 studies, we selected 50 focusing on AI-IoT integration, field-validated setups, and weld defects under 1.5 mm. Our framework integrates IoT sensors (temperature, pressure, acoustic) for real-time monitoring, AI-driven defect classification using YOLOv8 with convolutional block attention modules, and a TÜV-compliant reporting system. Python simulations, leveraging SymPy for Bayesian risk modeling and PyTorch for neural network training, used API and PHMSA datasets to replicate corrosion and seismic challenges in African SPR pipelines. Cybersecurity is addressed through AES-256 encryption and edge computing for secure, low-latency data processing.
Results demonstrate 98.5% detection accuracy, surpassing magnetic flux leakage (89.5%), with 70% faster detection, 60% fewer false alarms, and 40% reduced maintenance costs. Synthesized field trials confirm enhanced resilience in Sub-Saharan pipelines, though data gaps in ultra-remote areas suggest broader validation is needed. This framework paves a transformative path for predictive, TÜV-compliant pipeline safety, advancing sustainable energy delivery in challenging regions. Expanded field tests could solidify its global impact.
Keywords: AI-IoT fusion, girth weld flaws, predictive NDT, TÜV benchmarks, SPR resilience, net-zero pathways, Sub-Saharan pipelines, pipeline safety.
Reyhaneh Pouryousef
Speaker
Master of Science Student
College of Engineering, University of Tehran
A gas hydrate is a crystal structure formed of cage-like hydrogen bonds between water molecules and trapping guest gas molecules in the hydrate cage at low-temperature and high-pressure thermodynamic conditions. By clogging pipes, valves, and other oil and gas refining and transmission equipment, natural gas hydrate causes pressure drop and flow reduction, ultimately leading to pipeline explosion and causing financial and life risks. So far, physical and chemical methods have been used to prevent this problem. Physical methods such as pipeline insulation, depressurization, dehumidification, and heating are not technically and economically desirable. Therefore, chemical methods are considered as an alternative approach. Chemical methods refer to inhibitors, which include Thermodynamic Hydrate Inhibitors (THIs) and Low-Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHIs). Low-Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors are divided into Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHIs) and Anti-Agglomerates (AAs). Thermodynamic Inhibitors are not economically and environmentally acceptable, due to the required high-weight percentages to be effective. Anti-Agglomerates are unacceptable due to their reaction with other additives, such as corrosion inhibitors, and their effectiveness after hydrate formation. However, Kinetic Inhibitors are a suitable option due to their low dosage and delaying hydrate formation reaction. In this study, the Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were functionalized with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer (Fe3O4@PVP) as a Kinetic Inhibitor using the Co-precipitation method and characterized by PXRD, FESEM/EDX, and TGA analyses. Then, a PVT test in a high-pressure cell was used to investigate Fe3O4@PVP inhibitory effect. In this method, the time of hydrate formation is obtained by detecting the pressure stabilization point when temperature decreases at a constant volume. The same steps are repeated for PVP, and the Fe3O4 effect on this material's inhibition is determined by comparing the PVT graphs. The reusability of Fe3O4@PVP is determined by creating a magnetic field; the nanostructure is separated and dried at 100°C. Finally, the recycled nanostructure is added to the system, and its inhibition is measured by PVT testing and compared with previous graphs. Fe3O4@PVP with a large surface area is expected to reduce the weight percentage of the kinetic inhibitor required and increase the performance due to the increased contact surface of PVP with water molecules in the gas flow line. In addition, Fe3O4@PVP is easily separated with a strong magnet due to the magnetic nature of its core, which makes it possible to reuse as an inhibitor. This chemical inhibitor's recyclability and small quantities required make it an environmentally friendly and economical inhibitor.
Mahnaz Shamshirsaz
Speaker
Professor
Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic)
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is recognized as an effective tool for enhancing safety and ensuring the integrity of structures, thereby reducing maintenance and repair costs. Among various techniques, the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) method, which employs piezoelectric materials, has emerged in recent decades as a powerful, non-destructive, real-time approach for early damage detection in critical equipment and structures.
This research focuses on monitoring the health of buried pipelines subjected to transverse loading, using the electro-mechanical impedance method. This technique relies on the interaction between the structure (the pipe) and the piezoelectric material, which acts as both a sensor and an actuator. To address this problem, both finite element modeling and experimental testing have been employed. In particular, transverse loading on fuel transfer pipes is primarily caused by ground subsidence phenomena.
In the adopted method, any defect that affects the structure results in a change in its natural frequency, which in turn alters the structure’s frequency response. This leads to variations in the impedance of the structure. In this study, transverse loading and its effects—including stress, plastic deformation, and work hardening—are considered as potential damages to the pipe. The pipes tested are made of carbon steel X60, similar to those used in gas and oil transmission pipelines.
Initially, based on the actual model and existing standards, a small-scale laboratory model was designed in COMSOL Multiphysics software. For this model, considering laboratory capabilities, three-point bending and four-point bending experimental setups were modeled, and the impedance method was applied under both healthy and loaded conditions. Subsequently, experiments were conducted on specimens similar to these models. Piezoelectric patches were attached to the pipes, and by applying voltage to them, electro-mechanical impedance monitoring was performed during loading.
Finally, the results obtained from implementing the impedance method in COMSOL were compared with experimental data to validate the approach.
The results indicate that as stress increases, the impedance output shifts slightly to the right, and the resonance peaks of the impedance significantly increase. Moreover, due to plastic deformation and work hardening, the impedance signals exhibit behavior opposite to that in the elastic range; that is, before plasticity and within the elastic region, increasing load and tension lead to an increase in impedance amplitude with slight rightward shifts. However, after surpassing the elastic limit and entering the plastic zone, the impedance amplitude decreases and shifts leftward. Similar behavior is observed due to work hardening, with notable differences in amplitude variation compared to the elastic state. The behavior in this case is highly dependent on the magnitude of the applied load, especially in the plastic region.
This research focuses on monitoring the health of buried pipelines subjected to transverse loading, using the electro-mechanical impedance method. This technique relies on the interaction between the structure (the pipe) and the piezoelectric material, which acts as both a sensor and an actuator. To address this problem, both finite element modeling and experimental testing have been employed. In particular, transverse loading on fuel transfer pipes is primarily caused by ground subsidence phenomena.
In the adopted method, any defect that affects the structure results in a change in its natural frequency, which in turn alters the structure’s frequency response. This leads to variations in the impedance of the structure. In this study, transverse loading and its effects—including stress, plastic deformation, and work hardening—are considered as potential damages to the pipe. The pipes tested are made of carbon steel X60, similar to those used in gas and oil transmission pipelines.
Initially, based on the actual model and existing standards, a small-scale laboratory model was designed in COMSOL Multiphysics software. For this model, considering laboratory capabilities, three-point bending and four-point bending experimental setups were modeled, and the impedance method was applied under both healthy and loaded conditions. Subsequently, experiments were conducted on specimens similar to these models. Piezoelectric patches were attached to the pipes, and by applying voltage to them, electro-mechanical impedance monitoring was performed during loading.
Finally, the results obtained from implementing the impedance method in COMSOL were compared with experimental data to validate the approach.
The results indicate that as stress increases, the impedance output shifts slightly to the right, and the resonance peaks of the impedance significantly increase. Moreover, due to plastic deformation and work hardening, the impedance signals exhibit behavior opposite to that in the elastic range; that is, before plasticity and within the elastic region, increasing load and tension lead to an increase in impedance amplitude with slight rightward shifts. However, after surpassing the elastic limit and entering the plastic zone, the impedance amplitude decreases and shifts leftward. Similar behavior is observed due to work hardening, with notable differences in amplitude variation compared to the elastic state. The behavior in this case is highly dependent on the magnitude of the applied load, especially in the plastic region.
Among various options, subsurface storage in salt caverns has emerged as a commercially viable and technically robust solution for large-scale hydrogen storage due to their low permeability, self-healing properties and high operational flexibility. However, the relatively small volumetric capacity of individual caverns compared to other subsurface porous media limits their overall storage efficiency and economic viability.
Traditionally, hydrogen is stored in salt caverns by injecting compressed gas into the void space. Here we introduce a novel approach to enhance hydrogen storage capacity by filling caverns with microporous sorbent materials prior to gas injection. A range of microporous sorbents—including activated carbons and metal-organic frameworks—were evaluated under representative pressure-temperature conditions. Among them, activated carbon may be the most scalable and cost-effective option for field deployment. The use of commercially available sorbents with favorable cost-performance ratios makes this approach applicable to both existing caverns and new constructions.
Our experimental results show that microporous materials can significantly increase volumetric hydrogen storage, especially under shallow cavern conditions where gas compression is less effective. When filled with microporous activated carbon, for example, hydrogen storage capacity can be increased by up to 15% when compared to empty caverns. This enhancement offers both economic and operational benefits by maximizing the working gas volume per cavern and reducing capital and operational costs. Additionally, sorbents may provide extra mechanical support, potentially lowering the minimum operational pressure and improving cavern stability during cyclic injection and withdrawal.
This approach represents the first known application of microporous sorbents for enhancing hydrogen storage in engineered salt caverns. It bridges the gap between surface-based hydrogen storage technologies and subsurface geological storage systems. Future research will focus on searching more cost-effective sorbent materials, optimizing the performance of existing sorbents under specific geological settings, evaluating long-term performance under cyclic loading, and conducting field-scale demonstrations to validate the concept.
Traditionally, hydrogen is stored in salt caverns by injecting compressed gas into the void space. Here we introduce a novel approach to enhance hydrogen storage capacity by filling caverns with microporous sorbent materials prior to gas injection. A range of microporous sorbents—including activated carbons and metal-organic frameworks—were evaluated under representative pressure-temperature conditions. Among them, activated carbon may be the most scalable and cost-effective option for field deployment. The use of commercially available sorbents with favorable cost-performance ratios makes this approach applicable to both existing caverns and new constructions.
Our experimental results show that microporous materials can significantly increase volumetric hydrogen storage, especially under shallow cavern conditions where gas compression is less effective. When filled with microporous activated carbon, for example, hydrogen storage capacity can be increased by up to 15% when compared to empty caverns. This enhancement offers both economic and operational benefits by maximizing the working gas volume per cavern and reducing capital and operational costs. Additionally, sorbents may provide extra mechanical support, potentially lowering the minimum operational pressure and improving cavern stability during cyclic injection and withdrawal.
This approach represents the first known application of microporous sorbents for enhancing hydrogen storage in engineered salt caverns. It bridges the gap between surface-based hydrogen storage technologies and subsurface geological storage systems. Future research will focus on searching more cost-effective sorbent materials, optimizing the performance of existing sorbents under specific geological settings, evaluating long-term performance under cyclic loading, and conducting field-scale demonstrations to validate the concept.
