China's First Full-Scale High-Pressure Pure Hydrogen Pipeline Jet Fire Test Succeeds, Filling the Gap in Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Technology

On December 7, the National Pipeline Network Group, in collaboration with the China Academy of Safety Science and Technology, successfully completed the country's first full-scale high-pressure pure hydrogen pipeline jet fire series test at the National Pipeline Network Group's pipeline fracture control test site in Hami, Xinjiang. This achievement filled a technological gap in this field, laying a solid technical foundation for the safe and large-scale transportation of hydrogen pipelines in China.

I. Core Objectives and Platform Configuration of the Test

The core objective of this test was to obtain key data such as flame characteristics and thermal radiation impact range after hydrogen leakage, thereby defining the thermal radiation injury threshold and safety protection distance following hydrogen ignition. The platform constructed for the test consists of a main hydrogen pipeline, jet fire branch pipes, an ignition system, and a data acquisition system. Among these, the main hydrogen pipeline has a storage capacity of 12,000 m³, fully meeting the continuous leakage and jet fire monitoring needs under various test conditions.

II. Multi-Dimensional Test Conditions and Innovative Ignition Methods

Launched on November 11, the test took nearly one month to complete, setting up 33 groups of different conditions to comprehensively simulate real-world scenarios:

1. Test condition coverage: included four leak hole diameters (0.005 meters, 0.01 meters, 0.025 meters, 0.05 meters), three jet directions (horizontal, 45° inclined, vertical), and three pressure levels (3.4 MPa, 6.3 MPa, and 10 MPa);

2. Scenario simulation design: the jet fire branch pipe was installed at the 12 o'clock position on top of the main pipeline, accurately replicating the actual location of hydrogen pipeline leaks;

3. Innovative ignition technology: professional-grade flame-throwing drones and remote high-voltage electronic ignition devices were used in coordination to perform the ignition task. This method, being the first application in China, ensured the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the test data;

4. High-precision monitoring: the test team deployed thermal radiometers, pressure and temperature sensors, thermocouples, and high-speed cameras around the leak point to capture flame characteristics and thermal hazard ranges in real time.

III. Value of Test Results and Future Application Plans

Preliminary analysis shows that the data obtained from this test is complete and valid, providing a scientific basis for determining the safety spacing of pure hydrogen pipelines. Based on the test data, the National Pipeline Network Group will further optimize the thermal radiation assessment model for hydrogen pipeline leak jet fires, contributing to the construction of China's hydrogen pipeline safety standards system. This will provide key technical support for the safe and large-scale transportation of hydrogen energy and the transformation of the energy structure under the "dual carbon" goals.

IV. Industry-Leading Position of the Test Platform

The National Pipeline Network Group's pipeline fracture control test site, where this test was conducted, is the world's third and Asia's only full-scale pipeline explosion test platform. It is also the only platform in China capable of conducting full-scale explosion tests on high-grade steel, large-diameter, and multi-medium pipelines. The test site has completed five full-scale gas explosion tests, three low-temperature crack initiation and arrest tests, and three natural gas pipeline leakage and jet fire tests, providing important technical support for the construction of long-distance pipelines and the formulation of multi-medium pipeline standards.