Flow assurance studies for CO2 transport
report
In order to compensate for the relative lack of experience of the CCTS community, Flow Assurance studies of new CO2 pipelines and networks are a very important step toward reliable operation. This report details a typical approach for Flow Assurance study of CO2 transport pipeline. Considerations to take during the design of a pipeline are highlighted, with an emphasis on operability of the system. The steady state aspects of a pipeline operation are first addressed, putting some highlight into the nature of CO2 flow in wells, and its intrinsic effects on pipeline outlet conditions. Two-phase flow in the wells cannot be avoided for a wide range of reservoir pressures, and the implications of this on the operability of a pipeline are being discussed. Specific aspects relating to the injection into multiple wells are also looked at. It is concluded that it is not more challenging than a single well operation and that balancing effects between wells may even rend the operability of the entire system simpler. Finally, transient phenomena during dynamic operations are addressed, with special emphasis on an Emergency Shut Down process as a worst transient scenario. Again, the worst case is obtained in the case of a single well, as the presence of additional wells provide a buffering effect
for large pressure fluctuations. Large temperature drops at the wellhead may be unavoidable during an ESD, making the use of special (arctic rated) tubing preferable.
for large pressure fluctuations. Large temperature drops at the wellhead may be unavoidable during an ESD, making the use of special (arctic rated) tubing preferable.
TNO Identifier
533569
Collation
25 p.