Carbon capture and transportation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by pipelines is expected to play a critical role in the drive towards net-zero. Multi-emitter hubs seek to link various emissions sources into a common, shared infrastructure.  While CO₂ transport by pipeline has been practised for decades, the interacting effects and management of impurities associated with varying, dynamic anthropogenic emission sources are less established.  

 In supporting the advancement of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) hubs, a proposed fluid composition and pipeline design standard was developed by leveraging literature reviews from current operators, state-of-the-art reports, and consultant recommendations.  Hydraulic simulations were performed to understand the theoretical effects of impurities in dense-phase operation. 

Compositional impurity limitations and design philosophies were ultimately driven by the need to balance the long-term integrity and reliability of pipeline and storage assets, uncertainties associated with multi-emitter hub operations, and techno-economic considerations. 

Enbridge has developed a preliminary CO₂ fluid quality and pipeline design standard in support of multi-emitter hubs that will support the industry’s decarbonization efforts.  The standards reflect industry best practices based on existing CO₂ pipelines while incorporating the latest research, development and understanding.  There is a need to remain cognisant that this is a rapidly emerging industry, such that company standards remain flexible and adaptable to the latest developments, including ongoing research and industry lessons learnt.