Mitigating the impact of climate change has a significant reliance on the implementation of carbon capture and storage strategies. Carbon capture and storage strategies involve the capture of CO2 emissions, their transportation and storage. Due to the reliability and capability of moving large volumes of CO2, pipelines are a common transportation choice. However, the transportation of CO2 through pipelines poses a unique set of challenges that demand a unique set of solutions.
Unlike traditional gases, CO2 exhibits distinctive properties that require careful consideration when designing and operating pipelines. Challenges such as increased corrosion, higher operating pressures, and the increased potential for phase transitions all must be overcome. This paper discusses the importance of developing accurate and reliable simulation models to better understand these challenges and how to address them.
Equations of state play a pivotal role in accurate CO2 pipeline simulation and this paper explores the important equations of state employed for the modelling of CO2 behaviour. The paper compares the equation accuracies against an operational case study pipeline. These equations of state include the Peng Robinson, GERG 2004, BWRS, and AGA8 equations.
It highlights their strengths and limitations in calculating the thermodynamic properties of CO2 under varying conditions, emphasizing their role in ensuring the accuracy of the pipeline simulations.
Understanding the fundamental properties of the critical parameters governing CO2 behaviour – the critical pressure and critical temperature - is essential for predicting phase behaviour, pressure drop, and heat transfer within CO2 pipelines. Detailed insights into the significance of these parameters in CO2 transport are provided, offering valuable guidance for pipeline design and operation.
A critical aspect of CO2 pipeline systems is the potential for leaks, which can have environmental and safety implications. This paper examines the special characteristics of leaks in CO2 pipelines compared to traditional gas and liquid pipelines, including the supercritical fluid properties of CO2 when operating at typical pipeline conditions.
Lastly, the paper reviews the specialized pumping systems used in CO2 transportation. These components are essential for maintaining the flow and pressure required for efficient pipeline operations.
