CCUS Value Chain: CO₂ Physical Effects, Containment Loss & Safety Measures
24th March, 2025
The latest white paper from ORS Consulting 'Quantification of Physical Effects in Relation to Potential Loss of Containment in the CCUS Value Chain' is now published and available for download [see below].
This white paper explores potential loss of containment in the CCUS value chain, focusing on CO₂'s physical effects. It covers release models for liquid and dense phase CO₂, running ductile fracture in dense phase CO₂ pipelines, and potential BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion). Each topic includes theoretical insights and engineering guidance, emphasizing the importance of understanding CO₂'s unique properties, such as its ability to exist in gas, liquid, and solid states, and its associated risks.
Main conclusions of the paper are:
The Homogeneous Equilibrium Model (HEM) can estimate CO₂ release rates with the right discharge coefficient.
Pipeline design must include prediction of decompression wave speed to assess running ductile fracture risk. The Battelle two-curve method is unreliable; a semi-empirical approach based on experimental data is recommended.
BLEVE can occur without fire exposure and with non-flammable materials like CO₂. The paper provides guidance on potential CO₂ BLEVE risk regions and conditions.
Publication can be downloaded from the below.
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