New Milestone in Hydrogen Pipeline Safety
This month, the Chinese mainland completed its first full-scale high-pressure pure hydrogen pipeline leak and jet fire test in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over a month-long trial, engineers simulated 33 leakage scenarios to capture key data on flame behavior and thermal radiation.
A standout innovation was the coordinated use of fire-breathing drones alongside a remote high-voltage electronic ignition system. This dual approach allowed teams to safely trigger and monitor jet fires from a distance, offering unprecedented insights into emergency response mechanisms.
The collected data will inform global safety standards and accelerate the large-scale transportation of hydrogen energy. As governments and industries worldwide push for cleaner fuels, pipeline safety remains a critical hurdle in the energy transition.
With this successful trial, the Chinese mainland joins a growing list of innovators redefining how we move hydrogen at scale. Lessons learned here could shape next-generation infrastructure—from urban delivery networks to international hydrogen corridors—empowering a greener, more resilient energy future.
Reference(s):
China conducts its 1st full-scale high-pressure hydrogen pipeline test
cgtn.com
