CO2 Transport Asset Integrity Model

Pipeline transport of CO2 for sequestration is essential for managing emissions of global warming gases. The current pipeline capacity must be expanded considerably to accommodate higher anticipated volumes of CO2. Large-scale pipeline utilization will intersect the public spaces as well as other energy infrastructure. These additional pipelines may be located in significant population centers. A recent pipeline failure at Satartia, Mississippi adversely impacted public health and safety. The presence of moisture and other impurities in the gas stream will likely cause highly corrosive conditions that may threaten safe operation of pipelines. The comingling of CO2 streams from various generators will result in significant variations in impurity concentrations. A tool to predict the effect of varying impurity concentrations and operating parameters on pipeline integrity will be crucial to enable us to plan, construct, and operate pipelines transporting CO2 safely. While general guidance on allowable impurity levels is available, a more accurate model is necessary. The ultimate objective of the proposed project is to develop software that will predict corrosion and integrity of assets that are used for transporting CO2. This project will enhance the current suite of chemical and electrochemical models developed by OLI Systems, Inc. to address the effect of CO2 impurities on the formation of corrosive species and their resulting effects on pipeline integrity. The model will be validated by experiments performed by DNV. The model will be incorporated in a pipeline integrity assessment tool by MC Consult, LLC. The results of Phase 1 will pave the way for developing a comprehensive advisory module that will assist the industry in assessing corrosion risk and implementing maintenance protocols.