TULSA, Okla., Sept. 6, 2024 — On Thursday, U.S. Sen. James Lankford toured The University of Tulsa’s College of Engineering & Computer Science, where he witnessed a demonstration of the latest hydrogen blending project.
The research taking place at UTulsa’s North Campus investigates the optimal way to introduce hydrogen into natural gas pipelines. By substituting a portion of methane in the gas with hydrogen, which releases no carbon dioxide when combusted, hydrogen blending lowers carbon emissions. However, the effectiveness hinges on the hydrogen blend percentage and potential leakage and material fatigue issues within the pipeline system.
“The University of Tulsa possesses unique equipment and facilities that enable us to address complex challenges within the energy sector. Companies needing relatively fast test results can turn to us, as we have the infrastructure in place to provide a swift response,” said ECS Dean Andreas A. Polycarpou. “North Campus offers an exceptional experiential environment, and our faculty are among the brightest minds in petroleum, mechanical, and chemical engineering, as well as cyber studies. From Fortune 100 corporations to niche firms, industry partners recognize they can rely on UTulsa.”
University researchers are collaborating on this project with Tulsa-based Sagebrush, LLC, a leading player in the pipeline industry since 1961. Sagebrush, among its offerings, designs and manufactures gas and liquid measurement systems, control valve systems, and pressure control systems for transmission pipeline and midstream companies. Sagebrush also produces Aether DBS’ engineered modular systems – including natural gas line heaters, gas blenders, fuel gas vaporizers, and conditioning equipment – for energy, power, and utility customers.
“Hydrogen blending is a hot topic for many of our customers,” said Sagebrush CEO Tom Blair. “We reached out to TU two years ago, and we have already completed phase one of the testing. We anticipate results early next year on the second phase, which will commence soon.”
Blair highlighted that the majority of Sagebrush’s clientele lack a facility comparable to North Campus. This allows the company to work in tandem with the university to pinpoint the precise amount of hydrogen to blend into the natural gas pipelines, maximizing results while minimizing complications.
Professor of Petroleum Engineering Cem Sarica leads the project. He mentioned that the college’s compact, collaborative nature facilitates research advancement on an accelerated timeline to meet the requirements of corporate partners.
SOURCE The University of Tulsa