Solid CO₂ in Storage and Transportation

The project is based on Petrell’s proprietary technology ‘Brilliant’, a numerical simulation system that is designed for multiphysic simulations based on integrated fluid flow, stress analysis and advanced thermodynamic. VessFire is developed for time-dependent, non-linear analysis of thermo-mechanical response of process segments and process equipment during blowdown, with or without exposure to fire. VessFire is built on Brilliant and was developed further in the SolidCO₂Sim project (RCN/CLIMIT no. 235128) to also handle phase transitions including formation of solid CO₂. Fluid mixtures are included. Version 2 of VessFire supports flow in pipes and is well suited for a variety of analysis of process systems. VessFire is a leading tool for blowdown analysis in compliance with API 521, but can also be applied for flow assurance, loading and unloading, pressurization of systems and other analysis where flow, phase transitions and heat transport are important, also in conjunction with stress analysis.

Brilliant is also basis for Petrell’s near wellbore simulator (Brilliant NWS). The simulator was developed in a project called «Integrated Analysis of the Near-wellbore Region» (RCN no.215113) and later in an IFU project (Innovation Norway). Both VessFire and Brilliant NWS are thus built on Brilliant.

The focus and objective of the project
The focus and objective of the project was to further develop Brilliant and VessFire to handle multiphase CO₂ in transportation and storage, and implementing multiphase and hydrate prediction as components in the thermodynamic. This then becomes available in VessFire and Brilliant. Brilliant can now simulate 3-dimensional multiphase for transportation and storage of CO₂. This will contribute to fulfil CLIMIT’s goal of early international realization of handling of CO₂, and handling of CO₂ in Norwegian enterprises, including sub-surface storage in the North Sea. Application of the results of the project will contribute to increased knowledge and competence related to handling of CO₂. The ressults of the project will provide a basis for provision of services and software.

The main activities in the project

The main activities in the project were development and implementation of multiphase models for CO₂, including:
• multiphase model with gas as the dominating phase
• multiphase model with liquid as the dominating phase
• multiphase model with minimum two phases that can be regarded as continuum

as well as implementation of model for hydrate formation, an improved solver, and upgrade of the user interface.

We have implemented a platform for 3-dimensional modelling and simulation of multiphase, and several test cases have been run showing good results. Test cases include separation of gas and liquid (bubbles rising in a liquid column, droplets falling in a gas field), and prediction of hydrates.

The user interface can show process parameters and volume factions of the phases that are present as a function of time and space. Petrell is satisfied with the results of the project that we believe will be of benefit to Petrell and the industry in connection with design of systems for transportation and storage of CO₂.