About this Training Course
This course provides a comprehensive technical foundation for understanding the full engineering and operational challenges associated with transporting carbon dioxide in CCS and CCUS systems. It covers the entire value chain from CO₂ capture and conditioning through transport in pipelines and alternative modes such as ships, trucks, and rail, with a strong focus on how CO₂ properties influence system design, safety, and operability. The course is designed to bridge CCS system understanding with practical transport engineering considerations in real industrial networks.
A key emphasis is placed on the unique thermodynamic and physical behaviour of CO₂ and CO₂-rich mixtures, including phase envelope behaviour, dense phase transport conditions, and the impact of impurities such as water, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, oxygen, and trace contaminants. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how these properties affect pipeline hydraulics, phase stability, corrosion risks, and overall transport integrity in both steady-state and transient operations.
The course also explores multimodal CO₂ transport systems and CCS hub development concepts, including pipeline networks, shipping interfaces, port operations, and interim storage systems. Operational challenges such as flow assurance, off-spec handling, risk management, and system safety are integrated into a practical framework, enabling participants to understand both the technical and operational dimensions of large-scale CO₂ transport infrastructure.
1. What are CO₂ Transport Networks for CCUS?
CO₂ Transport Networks for CCUS move captured carbon dioxide from industrial sites to storage or utilisation locations. These networks may use pipelines, ships, trucks, or rail. In addition, engineers control pressure, temperature, and CO₂ quality during transport. Therefore, the system can move CO₂ safely and efficiently.
2. Why do operators move CO₂ in dense phase?
Operators move CO₂ in dense phase because it has high density. As a result, more CO₂ can flow through smaller pipelines. Also, dense phase reduces flow instability. However, operators must control pressure, temperature, and impurities to maintain it.
3. How do impurities affect CO₂ pipeline transport?
Impurities can change how CO₂ behaves during transport. For example, water, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen sulphide can affect safety and stability. Water can cause corrosion and hydrates. Meanwhile, nitrogen can reduce density. In addition, hydrogen sulphide adds toxicity and material risks.
4. What are the main challenges in CO₂ pipeline transport?
CO₂ pipeline transport requires stable flow, strong materials, and careful pressure control. Therefore, operators must manage pressure drops and compressor performance. In addition, start-up, shutdown, and depressurisation can create risks. For this reason, designers must assess CO₂ dispersion after accidental releases.
5. What is flow assurance in CO₂ transport systems?
Flow assurance studies how CO₂ moves through transport systems. For example, it reviews pressure drop, phase behaviour, hydrate risk, and operating changes. As a result, operators can avoid unstable flow. Also, they can plan safer start-up, shutdown, and emergency procedures.
6. Why does CO₂ phase behaviour matter in transport design?
CO₂ phase behaviour shows whether CO₂ acts as a gas, liquid, or dense phase. However, small changes can shift CO₂ between phases.
These changes can affect density, flow stability, and safety. Therefore, designers use phase envelopes to avoid two-phase flow.
7. What role do CCUS hubs play in CO₂ transport networks?
CCUS hubs connect multiple emitters to shared transport and storage infrastructure. As a result, industries can reduce costs through shared pipelines and storage sites. In addition, hubs improve network flexibility. Therefore, more emitters can join CO₂ transport networks as capture projects grow.