This week, DNV and major governmental and industry partners finalised the world’s first guideline for the transmission of CO2 in pipelines. However, a set of knowledge gaps was also identified and DNV is now inviting existing and new partners to join a second phase of the CO2PIPETRANS Joint Industry Project.

The first phase of the Joint Industry Project (JIP) has just been completed and a project-specific guideline has been finalised. This knowledge will help designers and operators limit and manage uncertainties and risks related to the pipeline transmission of CO2.

“The development of the guideline has given us excellent insight into transporting large quantities of high pressure, dense phase CO2. It reflects the best available international practise and knowledge, ongoing international research, and DNV expertise,” says project manager Kaare Helle.

Further development needed
“During our work, we identified several knowledge gaps which have to be dealt with. DNV is therefore initiating a phase 2, which will deliver an updated Recommended Practice. This will give regulators, society at large and the industry sufficient confidence that the risks related to the transportation of CO2 are acceptable and manageable,” explains Mr Helle.

The needed R&D activities that have been identified:

1. CO2 release modelling validation data
2. Fracture arrest – full-scale crack arrest
3. Corrosion – investigation of corrosion rates at high partial pressure CO2
4. Material compatibility – polymers and elastomers
5. Effects of impurities
6. Hydrate formation.

“The industry is requesting more knowledge in these areas and we’re proposing a fast-track project schedule so as to quickly deliver results to our partners” says Mr Helle,

New partners invited
The project’s partners have up to now been StatoilHydro, BP, Shell, Vattenfall, Dong Energy, ArcelorMittal, Gassnova, Gassco, ILF, Petrobras, BG Group and Chevron. In addition, governmental representatives from the UK, Netherlands and Norway have given valuable and necessary support.

Excellent international research institutes and experts will be supporting this phase’s R&D work together with DNV and the industry. The knowledge level will increase in the industry at large, both by making the conclusions available, and through the project’s working process.

Existing and new partners have been invited to contribute to phase 2. Meetings will be arranged in Europe, the United States and Canada. Further information will be given at the following venues at 10:00 AM:

1. Houston, September 16 at DNV`s premises
2. Calgary, September 23 at the Calgary Marriott Hotel
3. London, September 30 at the Cumberland Hotel.