Viscosity of Hydrogen-Enriched Natural Gas Blends (xH2 = 0, 5, 20, 50, and 80%) from 223 to 323 K and up to 30 MPa

Abstract

Natural gas (NG) transmission networks have been recognized as a cost-effective strategy for the distribution of hydrogen (H₂). Thermophysical properties of H₂-enriched NG are critical to the design and operations of these mixtures. Viscosities of H₂-enriched NG mixtures (with H₂ mol % values of 0, 5, 20, 50, and 80) were measured at temperatures from 223 to 323 K and pressures up to 30 MPa using a capillary tube viscometer. The measured viscosity data were evaluated against the predictions of a residual entropy scaling (SRES) method, the corresponding states using molecular dynamic simulations of Lennard-Jones fluids, a one-fluid reference corresponding states model (Pedersen), and an extended corresponding state SUPERTRAPP model. All the models were adequate for predicting the measured viscosities. This work contributes accurate viscosity data for H₂-enriched NG blends and enhances the understanding of the blends’ properties, which enable modification to the NG distribution facilities to accommodate H₂ transportation.