Researchers Develop Novel Method to Predict CO2 Pipeline Leakage Hazard Distances

Researchers from the PipeChina Group have pioneered a comprehensive method for calculating and predicting potential hazard distances following carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline leakages, addressing a critical safety challenge in carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) technologies.

The study, published in the Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering, represents the first full-size CO2 pipeline burst fracture test conducted in China. Led by Prof. Yuxing Li from the Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation Safety, the research aims to mitigate potential risks associated with CO2 transportation in supercritical or dense phase states.

CO2 pipeline leaks pose significant environmental and safety risks, potentially causing severe consequences beyond property damage. High-concentration CO2 can lead to frostbite and asphyxiation of plants and animals in the surrounding area, making precise hazard distance prediction crucial for industrial safety.

The research team conducted four comprehensive burst tests under varying initial conditions to understand CO2 concentration dynamics in near and far-field leakage scenarios. By developing and verifying a CO2 concentration diffusion model, they created a novel approach to hazard distance calculation that accounts for complex pipeline characteristics.

Recognizing the challenges posed by temperature and pressure variations along industrial-grade CO2 pipelines, the researchers introduced a sophisticated Particle Swarm Optimization-Backpropagation (PSO-BP) neural network. This innovative model can predict hazard distances for leaks at any pipeline location, offering a computationally efficient solution to a complex safety challenge.

The study's significance extends beyond immediate safety concerns, potentially revolutionizing risk assessment in CCUS infrastructure. As global efforts to reduce carbon emissions intensify, such research provides critical insights into safe and efficient CO2 transportation technologies.

Funded by PipeChina Co., Ltd. and supported by the National Key R&D Program of China, this research represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and reliability of carbon dioxide transportation infrastructure.