New Study on Energy Reveals Insights into Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas

Strategic Insights -

A new study on energy has explored the potential of blending hydrogen into existing natural gas pipelines as a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at the University of North Texas have investigated the effects of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) on stainless steel alloys, specifically 316L, when subjected to gas charging. The study found that additive manufacturing (AM) can improve the resistance of 316L to HE when subjected to gas charging, with well-controlled AM processing conditions yielding superior performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study explored the effects of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) on stainless steel alloys, specifically 316L, when subjected to gas charging.
  • Researchers at the University of North Texas found that additive manufacturing (AM) can improve the resistance of 316L to HE when subjected to gas charging.
  • The study demonstrated that well-controlled AM processing conditions can yield superior performance in terms of resistance to HE.
  • The results have significant implications for the development and implementation of AM 316L for hydrogen/natural gas applications in pressure regulators.
  • The study highlighted the importance of understanding the effects of HE on AM 316L to ensure its safe use in energy applications.
  • Researchers Ali Babakr, Gerardo Gamboa, and Marcus L. Young contributed to the study, which was presented at TMS in Las Vegas in March 2025.
  • The study was published in the journal Metals in April 2025, and a free version of the article is available online.

Statistics:

  • 316L stainless steel alloy was investigated in the study, which is commonly used in hydrogen service due to its superior resistance to HE.
  • The study found that AM 316L specimens had as-received/printed samples that were used as controls, and that the samples underwent mechanical evaluation through tensile testing and hot chemical extraction.
  • The results from the study revealed significant changes in the microstructure near the fracture area of the soaked samples using scanning electron microscope fractography and metallography.
  • The study found that well-controlled AM processing conditions can yield superior performance in terms of resistance to HE, with a 50% blend of hydrogen and natural gas used in the study.

Sources:

  • Research from University of North Texas Broadens Understanding of Energy (Effect of Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas on Additive-Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel in Ambient Oil and Gas Environments). Energy Weekly News. August 15, 2025; p 393.
  • Effect of Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas on Additive-Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel in Ambient Oil and Gas Environments. Metals, 2025, 15(7):689. (Metals - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/metals).
  • NewsRx. Research from University of North Texas Broadens Understanding of Energy (Effect of Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas on Additive-Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel in Ambient Oil and Gas Environments). Energy Weekly News. August 15, 2025; p 393.