DNV GL releasing data to enhance CO2 pipeline design

The DNV GL-led CO2PIPETRANS joint industry project (JIP) is releasing new data that will focus on the transportation component of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) projects, to enhance the design of CO₂ pipelines.

DNV GL is releasing first-of-its-kind data relating to the depressurization of CO₂ pipelines that will help fill the gaps associated with safe and reliable pipeline transport of CO₂. The data will also result in cost efficiencies though an improved design basis for CO₂ pipelines. 

DNV GL says computer simulations of gas dispersion are used to assess the consequences of an accidental release from a pipeline.

“Previously, CO₂ pipelines have been designed using unvalidated computer simulations of CO₂ dispersion due to the lack of experimental data,” says Jock Brown, DNV GL project manager. “This uncertainty contributes to an unnecessary gold-plating of the pipelines."

According to DNV GL, this new data builds on the success of previous experimental data released by the company and can be used by the carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry and designers to validate computer simulations used in CO₂ pipeline design, optimizing the design process.

The datasets contain the results of depressurization tests on a CO₂ pipeline collected at the DNV GL Spadeadam test site in the UK as part of the second phase of the CO2PIPETRANS JIP that started in 2011. Improvements to the understanding of CO₂ pipeline propagating cracks and corrosion rates with various CO₂ stream impurities have also been made available.

DNV GL says the CO2PIPETRANS project will drive the technology price curve down and help speed up the roll out of CCUS technology.

The CO2PIPETRANS JIP consists of 15 partner organizations including: Arcelor Mittal, BP, DNV GL, Endesa, ENI, E.ON Ruhrgas, Gassco, Gassnova, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) UK, Maersk Oil, Petrobras, Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway, Shell, V&M Deutschland, and Vattenfall. 

Image from DNV GL