6.12 Platform and Pipeline Pressure Let Down System Design Philosophy PDF

KCP-GNS-PCD-DPR-0004
Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project
Document Title:
Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy
Page 1 of 20
Platform & Pipeline Pressure

Philosophy
Let-down Sy stem Design
Table of Contents
1.
Scope and Functional Requirements .................................................................. 3

1.1
Introduction ................................................................................................... 3
1.2
CO2 Properties and Phase Behaviour .......................................................... 4
1.2.1
Phase Behaviour ................................................................................... 4
1.2.2
CO2 Snow Formation .......................................................................... 5
1.3
Rationale for Venting / Depressurisation ...................................................... 7
1.3.1
Process Depressurisation/Relief at the Offshore Infrastructure. ........... 7
1.3.2
Relief Facilities Required. ...................................................................... 9
1.3.3
System Boundaries ............................................................................. 11
1.4
Quantification of Offshore Infrastructure CO2 Inventories........................... 12
1.5
Depressurisation Times .............................................................................. 13
1.6
Consideration of Venting Locations ............................................................ 15
1.7
Requirement for New Facilities/Further Work ............................................. 16
2.
Assumptions ...................................................................................................... 17
3.
Design Requirements ........................................................................................ 18

3.1
Blowdown Initiation ..................................................................................... 18
3.2
Blowdown Criteria ....................................................................................... 18
3.3
Blowdown Pressure .................................................................................... 18
3.4
Blowdown Piping ........................................................................................ 18
3.5
Vent Location .............................................................................................. 18
3.6
Design Temperature / Materials of Construction ........................................ 19
4.
Mandatory References ...................................................................................... 20
5.
Supporting References ..................................................................................... 20
Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

The information contained in this document (the Information) is provided in good faith.
E.ON UK plc, its subcontractors, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, advisers, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) make no
representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the Information and neither E.ON UK plc nor any of its subcontractors,
subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, advisers or DECC shall have any liability whatsoever for any direct or indirect loss howsoever arising from the use of the
Information by any party.
Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 2 of 20
Table of Figures
Figure 1-1 : CO2 Phase Diagram ..................................................................... 4
Figure 1-2 : CO2 Pressure - Enthalpy Diagram ................................................ 6
Figure 1-3 : Proposed Offshore Infrastructure ............................................... 10
Figure 1-4 : Pressure Upstream of the Offshore Depressurisation Orifice as
Function of Time (Gas Phase Operation) ................................................ 13
Figure 1-5 : Pressure Upstream of the Offshore Depressurisation Orifice as a
Function of Time (Dense Phase Operation) ............................................. 14

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 3 of 20
1.
Scope and Functional Requirements
1.1
Introduction
This design philosophy describes the design requirements for the
Offshore Infrastructure Pressure Letdown system. The design
philosophy will ensure that a consistent approach is taken by all
parties throughout the design, construction and operational phases
of the project.
This document will cover the following elements:
CO2 Properties and Phase Behaviour

Rationale for Venting / Depressurisation
Offshore Infrastructure Pressure Letdown System
Quantification of Offshore Infrastructure CO2 Inventories
Consideration of Venting Locations
Requirement for New Facilities/Further Work
This document covers the design of the CO2 pressure letdown

system only. Any pressure letdown requirements associated with
the topsides heater will be dealt with separately in the Heating
System Design Philosophy Doc. No. KCP-GNS-PCD-DPR-0008.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 4 of 20
1.2
CO2 Properties and Phase Behaviour
1.2.1 Phase Behaviour
The CO2 phase diagram has 3 phases gaseous, liquid and solid.
The triple point (5 bara, -56.7C) is defined as the temperature and
pressure where three phases (gas, liquid and solid) can exist
simultaneously in thermodynamic equilibrium. The critical point
(72 bara, 31.1C) is the point above which the liquid and gas phase
cannot exist as separate phases. Another feature is the solid-fluid
phase boundary. Physically this boundary means that the gas /
liquid and solid can co-exist and transform back and forth by
removal or addition of latent heat.
Figure 1-1 : CO2 Phase Diagram

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 5 of 20
1.2.2
CO2 Snow Formation
A phenomenon occurs when venting high pressure CO2 known as

CO2 snow formation and results in a highly visible plume of CO2
snow which is formed through a combination of JT cooling effects
and the regions of phase co-existence as explained below. The
theoretical explanation for this is described below but the physical
means of designing for it in terms of safe venting and dispersal
equipment is not well understood and requires further research.
The CO2 pressure enthalpy diagram provides an insight to the
phase changes that occur during CO2 snow formation. The
features include the same 3 phases of the phase diagram
(envelope) along with the regions of pressure and enthalpy where
these phases co-exist. These regions were phase boundaries in
the previous phase diagram. For ease of explanation the process
of expansion across a vent valve is assumed to be isenthalpic
(ideal gas behaviour) e.g. the pressure decreases vertically along a
line of constant enthalpy.
With a gas fed source (e.g. gas phase operation of the system) as
the pressure drops across the vent valve and cools, the liquid
vapour region will be entered. Liquid droplets will start to nucleate
and the percentage of liquid increases. At the interface between
the liquid/gas and gas/solid regions (approx 5.5 bar), liquid
evaporates and provides the cooling required to overcome the
latent heat of fusion, yielding a small amount of solid CO2 (typically
about 3%).
With a dense phase fed source (e.g. dense phase operation of the
system) as the pressure drop across the vent valve. Gas bubbles
form and the percentage of gas increases until the fluid/solid
boundary is met. The percentage of CO2 snow (dry ice) that
forms is related to the ratio of latent heats of evaporation and
fusion (typically about 65%).
The actual size of the ice particles that form during CO2
depressurisation will be a function of the vent valve/nozzle design
and size, CO2 phase, depressurisation rate etc.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 6 of 20
Figure 1-2 : CO2 Pressure - Enthalpy Diagram
DensePhase
GasPhase

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 7 of 20
1.3
Rationale for Venting / Depressurisation
1.3.1 Process Depressurisation/Relief at the Offshore Infrastructure.

There are four main circumstances under which venting or
depressurisation of pressurised gas process facilities will normally
be required. These scenarios are considered in more detail under
the specific application of high pressure CO2 transportation:
1.3.1.1
Full Flow Process Relief
It is assumed that all the vessels and pipework will be fully rated for
the maximum pressure that could be seen. Full flow process
pressure relief will therefore not be required.
1.3.1.2
Depressurisation Initiated via an Emergency

Shutdown
The shutdown system on the offshore installation may be designed

such that a shut down event requiring a depressurisation maybe
required. This is a likely outcome if a significant leakage from the
process is detected. The system would in this case be shutdown
and depressurised in a controlled manner to protect any personnel
that maybe on board. This may also apply to other emergency
shutdown events.
It should be noted that during an emergency shutdown it may be
necessary to vent CO2 without the operation of the vent heaters.
For an estimate of the mass of CO2 on the topsides, then reference
should be made to section 1.4 if this philosophy.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 8 of 20
1.3.1.3
Fire/Thermal Relief
Fire relief would normally be provided for the process vessels for a
typical hydrocarbon gas duty. However, CO2 is not flammable or
explosive and as such poses no risk. Obviously the rupture of the
vessel/pipework itself in the event of a fire would be unacceptable.
However, the causes of a fire in a non flammable process would
have to be considered and credible scenarios whereby a pool fire
or impingement fire could occur would need to be demonstrated. It
is highly unlikely that such a scenario could occur, although there is
the potential if a fired heater is used in the development (e.g. dense
phase mode of operation.
It is usual for an electrical heater in a hydrocarbon system to be
protected against overpressure due to overheating. This is usually
catered for by the provision of a relief valve on the shell of the
exchanger. However, consideration should be placed on the
elimination of this type of relief valve on the CO2 system.
Consideration should be given to utilizing a high temperature trip
on the shell in conjunction with a high temperature trip(s) on the
heating elements.
When the design matures further thought will be required into
whether venting for CO2 fire or thermal relief should be provided
for.
1.3.1.4
Maintenance Venting
During any intrusive maintenance activities at the Offshore

Infrastructure facilities, (planned or otherwise), the relevant process
facilities within the Boundary ESDVs will have to be vented to
enable access. This is part of normal maintenance procedures for
which there is no practical alternative other than to vent.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 9 of 20
1.3.2 Relief Facilities Required.

In order to accommodate the relief and blowdown scenarios
identified in the previous sections, the following relief equipment
and configuration may be required (See diagram below).
Simplistically the vent system will discharge the CO2 directly, to a
safe location.
A separate vent heater, which hasnt been shown in this diagram,
as it is assumed that the process heaters on each flowline, would
provide this duty.
Vent heating is assumed as the planned CO2 venting may require
heat addition to aid dispersion and avoid solids formation within the
piping systems. Pending further analysis (i.e. dispersion modelling
and a detailed assessment of venting needs) it may be necessary
to add a totally separate vent heater.
The primary concern during a CO2 release is that there is a risk of
CO2 suffocation, especially during a major release. This risk could
be managed by the offshore operations philosophy, CO2 detectors,
low oxygen concentration detection devices, and appropriate
escape to safe area procedures. However, before any decision can
be made as to what facilities are needed, a detailed understanding
of how high pressure CO2 behaves during such circumstances and
what dispersion characteristics are evident as a result. This will
drive the allowable depressurisation rate and preferred location.
In addition, the relief system will require to be designed to be
suitable for minimum temperatures that could be anticipated during
a blowdown of the system (approximately -78C).
Furthermore, it is recommended that the system is not completely
depressurized to atmospheric pressure (unless decommissioning /
or loss of containment) during a depressurisation event, to avoid
the potential for solid formation inside the system. Notionally a
minimum pressure of 7 barg in the system should be maintained
after depressurisation.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 10 of 20
Figure 1-3 : Proposed Offshore Infrastructure

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 11 of 20
1.3.3 System Boundaries

It is assumed that the Offshore Infrastructure Letdown System will
be designed to handle a maximum inventory of CO2 from the
topsides shutdown valve through to the isolation at the wells. The
isolation to the wells could also include the inventory down to the
subsurface isolation valve.
Depressurisation of the entire subsea flowline via the offshore
infrastructure is not anticipated to be a credible event scenario. At
this stage of design it is assumed that if the sealine were required
to be depressurised the CO2 inventory in the flowline would be
displaced with an alternative motive fluid (i.e. dry air) into the
reservoir. The sealine could then be depressurised after being
emptied of CO2. If this changes then the design (capacity) of the
system may need to be modified.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 12 of 20
1.4
Quantification of Offshore Infrastructure CO2 Inventories

The majority of the CO2 inventory in the system will be contained
within the sealine section of the system. The amount of CO2
isolated in the Offshore Infrastructure will be small in comparison.
Based on a assumed volume of approx 100 m of 36 inch OD
pipework, the CO2 inventory between the topsides isolation valve
and the well isolations is estimated at approximately:
Table 1-1 : Offshore CO2 Blowdown Inventories
Mode of
Operation
Approx.
Operating
Pressure
(barg)
Estimated
Density
at 4C
(kg/m3)
Physical
Volume
(m3)
Mass
Inventory
(kg)
Gas
Volume
(Sm3)
Gas Phase
35
~90
59
5,310
2854
Dense Phase
80
~950
59
56,050
30,121
Dense Phase
150
~980
59
57,820
31,072

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 13 of 20
1.5
Depressurisation Times
The time to depressurise the individual sections is driven by a
number of technical and HSE factors. The HSE factors are outwith the scope of this report as they pertain to issues such as
dispersion and corresponding risk to individuals from suffocation
etc. These are considered in a separate report.
A range of typical depressurisation times have been determined for
a range of orifice sizes for both gas phase and dense phase
operation. The primary driver for depressurisation is obviously the
mass inventory and pressure of the CO2 within the system.
Typically as the pressure declines during depressurisation through
a fixed orifice or valve opening, the driving force reduces with time
and the depressurisation rate declines giving a classic decay profile
(see figures 1-4 and 1-5). It should be noted that the curves
presented are typical only, and that these curves are provided to
show how the pressure could decline to atmospheric pressure.
Depending
on
the
depressurisation
orifice
size
(i.e.
depressurisation rate), it is estimated that the system can be let
down at the following rates from gas phase or dense phase
operating conditions:
Figure 1-4 : Pressur e Upstream of the Offshore Depressurisation Orifice

as Function of Time (Gas Phase Operation)
0.25"
0.5"
0.75"
1"

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 14 of 20
Figure 1-5 : Pressur e Upstream of the Offshore Depressurisation Orifice

as a Function of Time (Dense Phase Operation)
It should be noted that extremely low temperatures will not only be

generated at the pressure let down location but also potentially in
the transportation system where liquids are present. The fluid
temperature will remain low if liquid is evaporating in a particular
pipe section. Once all the liquid is evaporated at a particular point,
the temperature increases due to the heat transfer with the
surroundings. The system topography is therefore of primary
importance when calculating the minimum fluid and inner wall
temperatures along the pipeline system during the depressurisation
sequence. One of the actions to consider when designing the
depressurisation system is to limit the depressurisation rate so that
the depressurisation sequence is not primarily adiabatic, i.e. the
fluid in the transportation system has time to warm due to the heat
transfer with the surroundings and therefore will not compromise
the design temperature of the system.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 15 of 20
1.6
Consideration of Venting Locations

One of the more challenging technical issues when dealing with
CO2 is what to do with the CO2 in a depressurisation, relief or
venting scenario. The normal relief strategy applied to hydrocarbon
releases of collecting the gases in a flare drum and venting via a
flare stack cannot be applied. Cold CO2 is heavier than air, and so
if large quantities of CO2 were released via a vent stack with
benign weather conditions, the CO2 would sink back down onto the
plant and potentially present a significant suffocation risk. Also,
when CO2 is let down from over 80 barg and 4C to atmosphere,
the Joule Thompson cooling effect drops the CO2 temperature to
around -78C, and so a mixture of solid CO2 (dry ice) and gas is
produced (similar to using a CO2 fire extinguisher). A conventional
collection header, drum and vent stack arrangement cannot
therefore be used owing to the high potential for solids blockage.
Consideration should be given to using vents that discharge
downwards to sea level. Typical issues that would need to be
addressed, if vents discharged downwards, would be the proximity
to escaping personnel and boats and subsequent emergency
response. If the vent is discharged beneath the water then the risk
of impact to nearby ships needs to be assessed, together with the
risk of vent system blockage due to ice or marine growth.
Given that the CO2 is heavier than air, accumulation above sea
level should mitigate against any effect on the platform personnel,
as they are located at an elevated level. This in conjunction with a
predictable prevailing wind and a highly controlled working
environment provides a good basis for such an operation.
However, such assertions would still be subject to rigorous
dispersion modelling studies.
The downside is that offshore
venting is more likely to be interrupted by platform logistics
requirements such as supply boat deliveries, helicopter flights,
fishing boat incursions etc which could prolong the duration of the
venting programme.
A Joint Industry funded study should be carried out that will
determine the best practicable solution for a CO2 Vent System

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 16 of 20
1.7
Requirement for New Facilities/Further Work

The need for further modeling to establish the behavior of high
pressure CO2 depressurisation to atmosphere needs to be
performed.
Given the lack of operating knowledge in the UK, it would be
prudent to undertake some reconnaissance or fact finding visits to
those areas where high pressure transportation of dense phase
CO2 is common place (i.e. the USA and Canada). This may prove
the most beneficial way to quickly progress up the learning curve
certainly from an operational perspective.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 17 of 20
2. Assumptions
1. It is assumed that all the vessels and pipework will be fully rated
for the maximum pressure that could be seen. Full flow process
pressure relief will therefore not be required.
2. It is assumed that the Offshore Infrastructure Let-down System
will be designed to handle a maximum inventory of CO2 from the
topsides isolation valve, installed at the top of the riser through
to the isolation at the wells. The isolation to the wells could also
include the inventory down to the subsurface isolation valve.
At this stage of design it is assumed that if the sealine were
required to be depressurised, the CO2 inventory in the flowline
would be displaced with an alternative motive fluid (i.e. dry air)
into the reservoir. The sealine could then be depressurised after
being emptied of CO2. If this changes then the design (capacity)
of the system may need to be modified.
3. A vent heater, which could also be one of the topsides process

heaters, has been assumed to aid CO2 dispersion and avoid a
visible plume of CO2 snow.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 18 of 20
3.
Design Requirements
3.1
Blowdown Initiation
The scenarios that should initiate a blowdown of the Offshore
Infrastructure should be confirmed at the next stage of design.
3.2
Blowdown Criteria
Unlike a typical oil and gas installation there should not be a
requirement to blowdown the offshore installation within a specific
timeframe.
There could however be a requirement to limit the speed of
blowdown to avoid creating wall temperatures in the system below
the design temperature. This is an issue where boiling liquids are
present during depressurisation (i.e. dense phase mode). Using an
extended blowdown time will ensure that the operation becomes
less adiabatic i.e. the fluid will have more time to warm due to the
heat transfer with the surroundings.
3.3
Blowdown Pressure
It is recommended that the system pressure is not depressurised to
below a pressure of 7 barg. This will avoid the potential for solid
formation within the transportation system following a blowdown
event.
3.4
Blowdown Piping
A conventional collection header, drum and vent stack
arrangement cannot be used owing to the high potential for solids
blockage. The blowdown piping and vent stack needs to be
designed to avoid blockage with solids.
A fully rated flare system may require to be installed to guard
against this potential outcome.
3.5
Vent Location
The vent location needs to be placed in a suitable location that will
limit the potential asphyxiation risks to personnel.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 19 of 20
3.6
Design Temperature / Materials of Construction

The design temperature/materials of construction of the flare
system will need to accommodate the worst case J/T effects and
isentropic expansion that could be exhibited. It is estimated that a
material with a minimum design temperature of circa -85C should
be sufficient.

Rev.: 03
Project Title:
Document Title:
Page 20 of 20
4.
Mandatory References
M1
5.
Guide For Pressure Relieving and Depressuring

Systems, API 521.
Supporting References
S1
Internal Report - Hewett CO2 Pipeline Transient Analysis

(Pipeline Option) Technical Note.
S2
Guidelines for the Safe and Optimum Design of

Hydrocarbon Pressure Relief and Blowdown Systems,
The Institute of Petroleum.
S3
Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-Relieving

Devices in Refineries, Part 1 Sizing and Selection, API
520.
S4
Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-Relieving

Devices in Refineries, Part 2 Installation, API 520.


6.12 Platform and Pipeline Pressure Let Down System Design Philosophy PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

6.12 Platform and Pipeline Pressure Let Down System Design Philosophy PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

KCP-GNS-PCD-DPR-0004

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Platform & Pipeline Pressure

Let-down Sy stem Design

Scope and Functional Requirements .................................................................. 3

Design Requirements ........................................................................................ 18

Mandatory References ...................................................................................... 20

Supporting References ..................................................................................... 20

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Scope and Functional Requirements

CO2 Properties and Phase Behaviour

This document covers the design of the CO2 pressure letdown

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

CO2 Properties and Phase Behaviour

1.2.1 Phase Behaviour

Figure 1-1 : CO2 Phase Diagram

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

CO2 Snow Formation

A phenomenon occurs when venting high pressure CO2 known as

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Figure 1-2 : CO2 Pressure - Enthalpy Diagram

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Rationale for Venting / Depressurisation

1.3.1 Process Depressurisation/Relief at the Offshore Infrastructure.

Full Flow Process Relief

Depressurisation Initiated via an Emergency

The shutdown system on the offshore installation may be designed

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

During any intrusive maintenance activities at the Offshore

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

1.3.2 Relief Facilities Required.

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Figure 1-3 : Proposed Offshore Infrastructure

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

1.3.3 System Boundaries

Kingsnorth CCS Demonstration Project

Kingsnorth Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Platform & Pipeline Pressure Let-down System Design Philosophy

Quantification of Offshore Infrastructure CO2 Inventories

Table 1-1 : Offshore CO2 Blowdown Inventories