Session: 09-03-01 Emissions, Safety & Risk Analysis

Paper Number: 87131

87131 - Consequence Modeling of Hypothetical Releases From Carbon Dioxide Transport Pipelines 

Reducing carbon emissions is increasingly becoming a priority to combat climate change. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is one of the primary approaches to help combat carbon emissions in the oil and gas and other industries. These technologies involve capturing the carbon dioxide (CO₂) from combustion, refining, or other types of industrial activities, then transporting that CO₂ to another location where it can be utilized or stored underground or below the sea floor. Pipelines are one of the primary transportation methods, and as more CCUS operations start to come online, more pipelines will be built or converted from transporting hydrocarbons to transporting CO₂.

Like most products transported by pipeline, there are risks associated with CO₂ transport. However, these risks are quite different from those of hydrocarbon transport. CO₂ is not flammable and is less toxic. The primary risk associated with a release of a large quantity of CO₂ is the displacement of oxygen that can cause an asphyxiation hazard. Direct exposure to cooled CO₂ liquid or gas can cause irritation or even frostbite. CO₂ releases into water can harmfully alter the water pH level. Due to these risks, it is necessary for operators to understand the potential consequences of an accidental loss of containment.

This paper will review an approach for consequence modeling used for the potential  conversion of service from crude oil transport to CO₂, for a confidential pipeline operator. This will include an overview of the modeling tools used, the inputs and assumptions incorporated, the range of hypothetical release scenarios considered (including a full-bore ruptures and smaller leaks) and overview of the results. This assessment was used to answer a variety of questions asked to evaluate whether this conversion was a viable project. This included determining the potential impact area from a worst-case discharge, what receptors are at risk, and identifying optimal operational considerations (i.e. valve type and placement, leak detection requirements, etc.).

This approach for consequence modeling for CO₂ pipelines can be used to help ensure safety during the coming energy transition.

Presenting Author: Jeremy Fontenault RPS

Presenting Author Biography: Jeremy Fontenault is the Director of Geospatial Services at RPS, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He specializes in GIS and data management, specifically regarding the modeling of the fate and transport of hazardous liquids and vapors in terrestrial environments (on land and in streams). He has nearly 9 years of experience in land-based spill modeling from hundreds of pipelines and facilities throughout the United States and Canada, and around the world. This experience includes compiling and preparing input data, performing the spill model simulations, and developing and improving the models.