Why is this research needed?

The AssureFlow-CCS project aims to address the challenges in CO2 storage within depleted gas fields, focusing on the impacts of impurities in CO2 streams on hydrate formation, salt solubility, and corrosion.

This research proposal involves comprehensive experimental investigations to enhance existing thermodynamic models for simulating CO2 streams with diverse impurities. By predicting CO2 phase behaviour under various conditions and integrating hydrate phase boundary modelling, the project seeks to ensure CCS process safety and efficiency. Collaboration with TÜV SÜD, Hydrafact, and ChampionX will provide critical experimental data, enhancing the reliability of these models for real-world CCS scenarios.  A key objective is to analyse the thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2 mixtures, with a focus on conditions leading to salt precipitation and corrosion. Corrosion tests will inform material selection and mitigation strategies, ensuring the longevity and safety of CCS infrastructure.

The project also aims to develop optimization and scale-up strategies for CO2 injection with impurities into storage sites. By identifying key parameters influencing capture efficiency and long-term stability, the research will support the design and implementation of large-scale CCS operations.

The expected outcome is to provide practical solutions for managing CO2 streams with impurities, enhancing the effectiveness and scalability of CCS technologies. This research aligns with the UKCCSRC’s mission and supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. By addressing the critical challenges of CO2 flow assurance, this project contributes to the broader goal of achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The AssureFlow-CCS project aims to advance the field of CCS by integrating experimental investigations, enhanced modelling, and practical policy engagement, ultimately making significant contributions to global CO2 mitigation efforts.

What is this research investigating?

Objective 1: Enhance and apply comprehensive thermodynamic models to simulate CO2 streams with diverse impurities
This objective focuses on enhancing our existing thermodynamic models to simulate the behaviour of CO2 streams with diverse impurities. By building on our established models, we will accurately predict CO2 phase behaviour under various conditions, incorporating hydrate phase boundary modelling to ensure CCS process safety and efficiency. The model will also analyse how impurities influence salt formation and system stability. Collaboration with TÜV SÜD, Hydrafact, and ChampionX will integrate experimental data into the model, enhancing its reliability for real-world CCS scenarios. This objective will provide insights into managing impure CO2 streams, including strategies to mitigate risks of salt deposition and hydrate formation.

Objective 2: Collect experimental data on CO2 impurities under different capture scenarios
To support the enhanced thermodynamic models, we will conduct experiments to gather data on CO2 impurities under different capture scenarios. This data will be critical for developing reliable simulations and predictions. By understanding the specific impurity profiles and their effects, we can refine our models to better simulate real-world conditions. This objective will involve systematic data collection and analysis, providing a solid empirical foundation for our modelling efforts.

Objective 3: Analyse the thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2 mixtures, emphasizing conditions leading to salt precipitation and corrosion
This objective involves analysing the thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2 mixtures, with a particular emphasis on conditions leading to salt precipitation and corrosion. We will conduct corrosion tests under varying CO2 compositions to inform material selection and corrosion mitigation strategies. This analysis will provide a thorough understanding of CO2 mixture properties, particularly under conditions that lead to salt precipitation and corrosion. By addressing these factors, we aim to enhance the longevity and safety of CCS infrastructure.

Objective 4: Disseminate research findings, provide policy recommendations
The final objective is to disseminate the research findings and provide policy recommendations based on the outcomes. This will involve publishing research results in scientific journals, organizing industry workshops, and participating in conferences to share insights and promote the adoption of best practices in CCS operations. By engaging with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the scientific community, we aim to bridge the gap between research and practical application, facilitating the integration of our findings into national and international climate change mitigation strategies.

What does the research hope to achieve?

The proposed research on CO2 flow assurance in geological storage will deliver substantial benefits to various stakeholders across academia, industry, and society at large.

Academic beneficiaries will gain significantly from this project. The investigation into the impacts of CO2 impurities on hydrate formation, salt solubility, and corrosion will advance fundamental knowledge in fields such as geology, geochemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental sciences. Comprehensive experimental studies and enhanced thermodynamic models will generate valuable data, serving as a crucial resource for future research. Scholars will be able to build upon these findings, exploring new avenues of investigation and deepening our understanding of CO2 storage processes. Moreover, the research outcomes will contribute to scientific publications, conferences, and seminars, enriching academic discourse and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers.

Industry stakeholders including energy companies, engineering firms, and CCS technology developers will benefit from the insights and practical guidance offered by the optimization and scaling-up strategies for CO2 storage methods. The findings will inform the design and implementation of large-scale CCS operations, enabling industry partners to develop more efficient and economically viable CO2 storage technologies. Involvement of industry collaborators throughout the project will facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaboration between academia and industry, spurring innovation and accelerating the adoption of carbon capture and storage solutions.

Society at large will experience significant benefits as well. In the face of urgent climate change mitigation needs, the development of effective CO2 storage solutions is paramount. By addressing the variability in CO2 composition and its impact on storage, this research offers promising approaches to secure underground CO2 storage. Enhancing the safety and efficiency of CO2 storage systems will build public confidence and acceptance of this technology, driving the transition to a low-carbon future.

Moreover, the research findings will support policymakers and regulators by providing robust scientific evidence necessary for informed decision-making. This will facilitate the development of policies and regulations that support the widespread adoption of CCS technologies, enabling society to meet emission reduction targets and fulfil climate change commitments.

The research on CO2 flow assurance for geological storage holds significant potential for improving the landscape of carbon capture and storage. Academic researchers will benefit from expanded knowledge, industry stakeholders will gain practical insights, and society will reap the rewards of enhanced sustainability and climate change mitigation efforts. Through collaborative efforts, this research will fuel scientific advancements, foster technological innovation, and ultimately contribute to a more prosperous and resilient future for all.