Abstract:
As global demand for hydrogen energy rises, methanol and liquid ammonia have emerged as promising hydrogen carriers due to their high hydrogen storage density and safety performance.Currently, their transportation primarily relies on highways, railways, and sea routes, while long-distance pipeline transportation technology remains underutilized.In this study, the necessity of methanol and liquid ammonia pipeline transportation was clarified through systematic investigation and analysis of the industry chain's upstream and downstream components, while key technical issues were examined to promote the commercialization and large-scale application of this transportation technology.Focusing on the cases of methanol and liquid ammonia pipeline transportation, the current and future development trends of China's methanol and liquid ammonia resources, market distribution, and supply-demand dynamics were analyzed. Key technical issues, including basic physical properties, processes, corrosion, swelling, and leakage diffusion, were theoretically examined to assess the technical feasibility of long-distance methanol and liquid ammonia pipeline transportation.The study indicated that long-distance pipeline transportation of methanol and liquid ammonia presents significant application prospects, particularly through the utilization of in-service pipelines, which can enable pipeline companies to establish new avenues for business growth.However, the pipeline transportation process faces several challenges, including the special system design requirements imposed by the physical and chemical properties of methanol and liquid ammonia, as well as safety risks such as corrosion, swelling, leakage, and explosion. Furthermore, the study emphasized the need for improved technology standards and specifications due to the limited number of practical methanol transportation cases and the absence of a systematic standard system.As green energy sources, methanol and liquid ammonia hold significant potential for long-distance pipeline transportation.However, to achieve commercialization and large-scale application, it is essential to address various challenges related to flow safety and public safety in pipeline transportation.In the future, it is essential to enhance basic scientific research and technological innovation, establish a robust management system, policy support framework, and technical standards, thereby providing a foundation for future research on methanol and liquid ammonia pipeline transportation technologies in China.