Strohm and Evonik collaborate on carbon fiber thermoplastic composite pipes with PA12 for green hydrogen transport

Latest:Strohm and Evonik have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and certify their respective thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) technology and unidirectional carbon fiber PA12 tape for use in energy transition applications .

As part of the collaboration, the two companies will develop a green hydrogen transport solution for offshore wind developers with a non-corrosive, carbon-neutral manufacturing footprint and through DNV’s dynamic and static hydrocarbon services certification.

Strohm and Evonik have been working together since 2009 and in 2011 produced the first thermoplastic composite pipe in PA12. Currently, the combined technology is used by traditional energy operators in North and South America.

Now, the new memorandum of understanding will allow the two companies to demonstrate its versatility in hydrogen and bring it to market, Strohm said.

Due to its fatigue resistance and permeation behavior to hydrogen, the carbon fiber PA12 thermoplastic composite pipe is considered an ideal solution for surface-to-subsea dynamic hydrogen delivery for offshore wind-to-hydrogen applications.

Thermoplastic composite pipes, on the other hand, are non-metallic, corrosion resistant, and insensitive to hydrogen and hydrogen embrittlement. It is proven and accepted in the offshore oil and gas sector, which is said to be one of the most risk-averse industries because it requires no maintenance and is designed for a long life.

Additionally, thermoplastic composite pipe technology offers customers cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

Commenting on the MoU, Strohm’s managing director Martin van
“We are very pleased to sign this MoU with Evonik and begin the development and certification of thermoplastic composite pipes in PA12 to support green hydrogen transport pipeline solutions in the offshore wind sector,” said Onna.

Ralf, Head of Evonik Performance Polymers
Düssel added: “At Evonik, we strive to find solutions that bring high sustainability benefits to our customers, and we are delighted to be able to bring solutions to the market with our partner Strohm through this memorandum of understanding. We Proud of the role our co-developed eco-friendly hydrogen transport technology has played in supporting the transition to greater sustainability and climate-friendly solutions.”

Earlier this year, Strohm and Evonik received full DNV certification that the unidirectional carbon fiber PA12 tape used in Strohm’s thermoplastic composite pipes is suitable for dynamic hydrocarbon (with and without sulfur), water and gas injection applications.