China Pioneers Pure-Hydrogen Pipeline Technology with Breakthrough LSAW Tubes

1. Technological Leap: Conquering Hydrogen Embrittlement

On July 24, 2025, Baoshun (Qinhuangdao) Steel Pipe Co. successfully rolled out China’s first batch of 457mm-diameter LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) pipes for pure-hydrogen transport, marking a critical advancement in material science. The key innovation lies in solving "pipe hydrogen embrittlement"—a phenomenon where high-pressure hydrogen infiltrates steel lattices, causing brittleness and cracks. Baoshun’s approach integrated three breakthroughs 510:

• Ultra-Pure Metallurgy: Adjusted smelting processes to minimize sulfur/phosphorus impurities, enhancing grain boundary cohesion.

• Microstructural Engineering: Achieved ultrafine-grained microstructures through controlled cooling, reducing hydrogen diffusion paths.

• Welding Precision: Optimized heat input during welding to keep heat-affected zone hardness below 220 HV10—25% lower than conventional oil/gas pipes—preventing crack initiation110.

The resulting X52MH/X60MH-grade pipes demonstrate 98% hydrogen compatibility in lab tests, setting a new benchmark for safety in high-pressure (≥10 MPa) hydrogen environments1.

2. Precision Manufacturing and Specifications

Baoshun’s pipes exceed geometric tolerances for hydrogen service:

• Dimensional Accuracy: 25% tighter diameter tolerance and 20% improved roundness versus standard petroleum pipes, minimizing stress concentration510.

• Product Range: Covers diameters from 406mm to 1,422mm, enabling scalable deployment from urban hubs to remote energy bases1.

• Robotics Integration: AI-guided six-axis robots perform end-weld grinding, ensuring millimeter-level consistency10.

3. Launch Project: China’s First Cross-Province Hydrogen Artery

The inaugural batch (1,000 tons, spanning 10 km) will deploy in the Ulanqab (Inner Mongolia)-to-Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei pipeline—a flagship national green hydrogen project510. This corridor aims to displace 500,000 tons of coal annually, aligning with China’s 2060 carbon neutrality pledge3.

4. Market Expansion and Global Implications

Baoshun’s breakthrough unlocks strategic opportunities:

• Domestic Surge: China plans 4,000+ km of hydrogen pipelines by 2035, with Baoshun targeting 60% market share in high-pressure segments1.

• Export Potential: Southeast Asia and MENA regions seek hydrogen-ready infrastructure; Baoshun’s RCEP-compliant pipes gain tariff advantages over EU/US alternatives7.

• Competitive Edge: 20% cost reduction versus nickel-clad pipes (e.g., those for sour gas), making green hydrogen transport economically viable9.

5. Industry-Wide Shift Toward Hydrogen Economy

Baoshun’s success catalyzes broader steel-pipe innovation:

• Policy Backing: China’s 2025 mandate requiring 70% green materials in state projects drives R&D investment14.

• Alliance Building: Partnerships with Sinopec, steel mills (e.g., Baowu), and universities to establish hydrogen pipe standards, filling a regulatory void18.

• Global Race: Competitors like EU’s H2Pipe Project accelerate similar R&D, but Baoshun’s volume production capability (50,000+ tons/yr) offers first-mover leverage9.

Future Outlook

By 2027, Baoshun aims to deploy X80MH-grade pipes for 15 MPa hydrogen transmission—matching natural gas pipeline pressures. Synergies with offshore wind-to-hydrogen projects (e.g., Yarlung Zangbo hydropower) could position Chinese pipes as linchpins in global renewable supply chains7.

Conclusion

Baoshun’s hydrogen-resistant LSAW pipes transcend technical achievement—they enable the hydrogen economy’s infrastructure backbone. As Ulanqab’s pipes begin installation this August, China signals its capacity to lead the energy transition through material innovation. For global steel exporters, the message is clear: hydrogen-compatible certification is no longer optional but imperative to capture the $48B hydrogen pipeline market (2030 forecast).