New Method Developed to Predict CO2 Pipeline Leak Hazard Zones

Scientists from China's PipeChina Group have developed a new method to predict hazard zones around carbon dioxide pipeline leaks, addressing a critical safety gap in carbon capture and storage (CCUS) infrastructure. The research, published in the Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering, combines full-scale burst tests with advanced modeling to determine safe distances around potential CO2 pipeline failures.

The significance of this development cannot be overstated as CCUS technology becomes increasingly vital for meeting global carbon emission reduction targets. CO2 pipeline failures pose unique risks beyond physical damage, including potential frostbite and asphyxiation hazards for nearby living organisms due to CO2's properties under pressure.

Lead researcher Professor Yuxing Li and his team conducted China's first full-size CO2 pipeline burst fracture tests, examining four different scenarios to understand how initial conditions affect CO2 concentration dispersion. The research produced a novel PSO-BP neural network model that can quickly predict hazard zones for leaks at any point along a pipeline, significantly improving upon existing safety assessment capabilities.

This advancement arrives at a crucial time as the global CCUS industry expands, with more CO2 pipelines being planned and built. The new prediction method could become an essential tool for pipeline operators and emergency responders, helping to establish more effective safety protocols and emergency response plans. For communities near CO2 pipelines, this research provides a scientific basis for safety zone determinations and emergency planning.