About this Training Course
The CCUS Flow Assurance course provides a comprehensive exploration of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) with a focus on flow assurance principles for CO₂ transport and storage systems. The program begins with a foundational understanding of CCS/CCUS, including the value chain, project types, and current global industry developments. Participants will examine key distinctions between Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and CCS, and explore onshore/offshore storage options, depleted reservoirs, and saline aquifers.
Building on this foundation, the course delves into CO₂ properties, chemical thermodynamics, and mixture behaviour, emphasizing the impact of impurities on pipeline design, operations, and storage integrity. Learners gain insight into corrosion mechanisms, dehydration requirements, and predictive tools, enabling practical evaluation of CO₂ mixtures and their implications for safe long-term storage.
The final component focuses on pipeline design, operating philosophy, and practical flow assurance strategies. Participants explore line sizing, ductile fracture and multiphase flow considerations, thermal management, start-up, shutdown, and depressurization strategies. Through exercises and workshops, learners develop actionable skills for commissioning, operational monitoring, and risk mitigation, preparing them to address real-world CCUS project challenges.
Q1: What is CCUS and why is it important?
A: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, or CCUS, captures CO₂ from industrial sites. Companies then store the CO₂ underground or use it in products. This helps cut emissions and support net-zero goals. In many projects, CCUS Flow Assurance also plays a key role in safe CO₂ transport.
Q2: What are the main stages in a CCUS project?
A: A CCUS project has four main stages: capture, transport, storage, and use. First, operators capture and compress CO₂. Then, they move it by pipeline or ship. Good flow assurance helps keep each stage safe and stable.
Q3: How do CO₂ impurities affect pipelines and storage?
A: Impurities such as water, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur compounds can change CO₂ behavior. For example, they can affect pressure, density, and flow. They can also raise corrosion and hydrate risks. Therefore, impurity control is important for CO₂ transport safety.
Q4: What is flow assurance in CCUS systems?
A: CCUS Flow Assurance keeps CO₂ moving safely from capture sites to storage sites. It helps operators manage pressure, temperature, corrosion, hydrates, and multiphase flow. As a result, it reduces shutdowns and protects pipelines and equipment.
Q5: What types of storage sites are used in CCUS?
A: Common CCUS storage sites include depleted oil and gas fields and saline aquifers. Some projects also reuse existing infrastructure. However, each site must hold CO₂ safely over the long term. Reliable injection also depends on good CO₂ flow management.
Q6: What are the challenges in CO₂ pipeline design?
A: CO₂ pipeline design must address pressure, temperature, corrosion, and fracture risks. In addition, impurities can change how CO₂ flows. Engineers use flow assurance studies to choose pipe size, wall thickness, dehydration needs, and thermal controls.
Q7: What trends are emerging in CCUS technology?
A: Key trends include CCS hubs, CO₂ shipping, shared pipelines, and reused oil and gas assets. Also, better models now help predict corrosion, phase changes, and hydrate risks. These tools improve CO₂ transport reliability and support safer CCUS operations.