b'18 Partner News Summer 2023EnterpriseHow pipeline leak detection can support carbon capture and storage (CCS)By Daniel Short CEng MIET, transporting the gas because, in some cases, it will need to travel long distances Senior VP Commercial - Sales,to reach the storage site. Atmos International Pipelines will play a vital role in the future of carbon capture and storage, but with that comes a responsibility to ensure there is effective leak detection across the pipeline network.The importance of pipeline leak detection in carbon capture and storageLeak detection is non-negotiable on a CCS pipeline. The CO2 is transported as either In a collective effort to meet Net ZeroTo keep global warming below 2C, carbona gas or a supercritical fluid at extremely emissions and support the removal ofcapture and storage (CCS) is becominghigh pressure, making the explosive carbon from the atmosphere, many nationspopular as a means of reducing emissionsdecompression of a CCS pipeline faster than have taken actions following last yearsfrom industrial processes that wouldthe equivalent explosion in a natural gas COP27. For example, Luxembourg haveordinarily release large amounts of thepipeline.agreed to invest in the developmentgreenhouse gas CO2.of negative emissions technologies likeIn the event of a leak or rupture on a CCS direct air carbon capture, while the UK hasWhats involved in carbon capture pipeline, the collateral damage can include recently announced plans to open multipleand storage? groundwater contamination for onshore carbon capture plants across the country.During CCS, the CO2 is first separated fromlocations, a threat to life, impact on the the other gases produced during industrialenvironment and health hazards.When its considered that carbon dioxideprocesses. The captured CO2 is then (CO2) is part of the respiratory process forcompressed and transported to a storageGreenhouse gasses would also be most living things, why is decarbonizationsite. After reaching its destination, the CO2released back into the environment, a so high on countries agendas? is then injected into rock formations deepcounterproductive step back for a CCS underground for permanent storage. pipeline.CO2: Causing an atmosphereCO2 is one of the most damagingBecause pipelines are the safest meansHow can leak detection supportgreenhouse gases. In the past 200 yearsof transporting any gas, theyre typicallyCCS pipelines?alone, atmospheric CO2 has increased byused to transport CO2 to the storage siteUsing flow and pressure data from control more than 50%, intensifying the effectsduring the CCS process. The sites which areroom systems like the supervisory control of global warming. In high concentrations,allowed to store the CO2 produced fromand data acquisition (SCADA), a leak CO2 is an asphyxiant too which poses anCCS must fit specific geological criteriadetection solution such as Atmos Pipe can increased danger to human life. too, making pipelines the best suited fordetect leaks quickly and effectively.'