DNV GL forms JIP to address risks from offshore CO2 pipelines

Oct. 7, 2014
DNV GL has initiated a joint industry project (JIP) to address risks from offshore carbon-dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Several major operators have joined the “Sub-CO2” JIP, including National Grid, Eni, and Petrobras, but participation remains open.

Offshore staff

HØVIK, Norway –DNV GL has initiated a joint industry project (JIP) to address risks from offshore carbon-dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Several major operators have joined the “Sub-CO2” JIP, including National Grid, Eni, and Petrobras, but participation remains open. 

Dr. Mohammad Ahmad, DNV GL project manager, said that the JIP will explore CO2 subsea releases by generating data from experiments under different conditions of leak size, pressure, water depths, and direction of release. DNV GL will simulate punctures, as well as ruptures, in offshore pipelines at its Spadeadam test site in Brampton, UK. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models will be used to investigate the applicability and accuracy of current modelling techniques against the recorded experimental data. He adds that the purpose of this is to identify opportunities for modeling improvement and to provide guidance for modelers undertaking leak consequence assessments.

The JIP will gather information on what happens when CO2 is released underwater, the behavior of plumes and bubbles, and how the CO2 disperses above water. Better understanding is also needed of the CO2 outflow at the leak point for different sizes of release, at different release depths. The effect of CO2 release on water acidity will be measured in various scenarios, including different release rates and water depths. Measurements will also be used to validate and further develop CFD models.

In addition to the guidelines that will result from this JIP, DNV GL has developed other industry guidelines for CO2 handling, such as recommended practices for CO2 capture, CO2 pipelines, and CO2 geological storage.

10/07/2014