A new model to predict the small-hole decompression process of long CO2 pipeline

Abstract

CO2 pipeline transportation is considered as an economical and safe way of moving large quantities of CO2 in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) projects. However, design and planning of CO2 pipelines passing through populated areas require careful risk assessment of accidental pipeline failure scenarios leading to CO2 pipeline decompression. In this study, a new zero-dimensional multi-stage outflow model describing transient decompression of CO2 is developed. The model accounts for the experimentally observed liquid level variation along the pipeline and uses the liquid volume fraction threshold parameter (αt) to mark the end of the saturated liquid flow decompression stage. Besides, the Lee model is applied to describe the mass transfer in gas-liquid phases. The model was validated against experimental data obtained large-scale pipeline decompression tests and can be recommended for simulation of outflow of supercritical and liquid CO2 from pipelines longer than 258 m and the orifice-to-pipeline diameter ratios smaller than 0.21. The advantage of this model lies in its use of the relatively simple Vessel Blowdown Model (VBM) to accurately model the depressurization process. It addresses the inconvenience posed by the heavy computational burden of high-dimensional models when predicting long-duration leakages in large-capacity pipelines.