Gas network conversion and retrofitting

For whom is Gas network conversion and retrofitting?

Kiwa helps energy companies, asset managers, service providers, district system operators, governmental bodies and others to explore the potential for conversion or retrofitting. Our services span from initial asset screening to roadmap delivery and pilot development.
We address concerns ranging from chemical compatibility of materials in components to burner conversion and engineer/mechanic practical trainings. Furthermore, we support gas fitting, pipeline, and appliance suppliers in designing, developing, and testing products tailored for use with renewable gases, such as hydrogen.

Conversion and retrofit

For the retrofit questions Kiwa uses a stepwise approach based on the CEN/TR 17797 consisting of the following steps:

• Screening of assets and categorization
• Definition of necessary adaptions
• Identification of necessary tests concerning unknown assets
• Costs for the required modification
• Drafting implementation plans with timelines

Kiwa has experience in these kind of projects in f.i. The Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Norway

https://www.kiwa.com/en/media/news/2022/kiwa-helps-portugal-convert-to-100-h2/  

Designing and execution of pilot studies

If you have a question regarding the design and execution of pilot studies for gas conversion and retrofitting, we can help you with:

• Design and testing of hydrogen blending pilots
• Training of mechanics for safe conversion of natural gas grids to 100% hydrogen, including appliances
• Training of mechanics for safe operation of H2 transport valves

Kiwa has its own demonstration and H2 training facility in Apeldoorn (NL). The Hydrogen Experience Centre is a test and demo location set up as a residential home which is also used as a training location for heating mechanics and engineers. Find out more: Hydrogen Experience Centre test/demo setup and training location (kiwa.com)

Safety and operation testing of components and work procedures

Safety when renewable gasses are integrated into the existing gas distribution system. That is why we:

• Perform testing of complete gas pressure reduction stations with hydrogen
• Perform testing of venting and flaring of hydrogen
• Retrofitting of natural gas appliances to 100% hydrogen and burner development including the development of Boil Off Management systems for cryogenic hydrogen.

Benefits of working with Kiwa

• Technical experience across Europe
• Consultancy and testing under one roof
• Experts have seat in various relevant national and international standardization committees