This research project will investigate design of relief valves (RVs) and associated piping for CO2 rich streams in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facilities. Correctly sized RV systems mitigate severe safety consequences such as high-pressure loss of containment and ensure the CO2 sequestration system meets industry standards for pressure-relief.
Pressure-relief for CCS facilities involves CO2 rich mixtures in the dense phase or supercritical phase flowing downstream to low pressure disposal (e.g. atmospheric vent). The mixture therefore transitions to the subcritical region within the RV system.
Thermophysical property and vapour-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for RV system design are usually obtained from cubic Equations of State (EoS), such as Peng-Robinson (PR). However, such EoS are known to be inaccurate in the supercritical and dense-phase regions, where large changes in thermophysical properties occur between slightly different pressures and temperatures.
For CCS facilities, appropriate EoS selection helps deliver an RV system design that accommodates the phase behaviour and fluid characteristics found in real overpressure events.
Partners: Curtin University, Woodside Energy
Project Researchers: Dr Luke McElroy
Duration: 6 months