Risk Assessment for Carbon Capture and Storage Safety

 


Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a crucial technology in mitigating climate change by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources. As CCS facilities become more integrated with hydrogen production and other industrial processes, the need for a comprehensive process safety study for hydrogen facilities and CO2 handling becomes critical. Ensuring the safety of CCS operations requires a robust process safety management (PSM) framework, particularly in facilities that involve high-pressure CO2 transport and underground storage. This paper assesses the risks associated with CCS, integrating best practices from hydrogen safety studies and industrial safety protocols.

Read: What is Process Safety Management 

Risk Identification and Assessment

CCS processes involve several stages: capture, transport, and storage. Each stage presents unique risks that must be systematically analyzed to ensure operational safety.

1. Carbon Capture Risks

The first step in CCS involves capturing CO2 from industrial processes such as power generation, hydrogen production, and chemical manufacturing. Risks in this phase include:

  • Chemical Hazards: Amine-based solvents used in post-combustion capture can degrade, forming hazardous byproducts.

  • Process Failures: Leakage due to equipment failure in CO2 absorption and desorption units.

  • High-Pressure Operations: Compressors used for CO2 pressurization pose explosion and rupture hazards.

2. Transport Risks

CO2 is transported via pipelines, tankers, or ships to storage sites. Risks associated with transportation include:

  • Pipeline Ruptures: High-pressure CO2 can cause brittle fractures in pipelines, leading to rapid decompression and potential asphyxiation hazards.

  • Material Corrosion: Impurities in CO2 streams can lead to corrosion, increasing the risk of leaks.

  • Accidental Releases: Failure in transport vessels can result in uncontrolled CO2 releases, posing environmental and health risks.

3. Storage Risks

The final stage involves the injection of CO2 into geological formations such as depleted oil fields or saline aquifers. Key risks include:

  • Leakage and Migration: Poor sealing of wells or geological faults may result in CO2 migration to the surface.

  • Induced Seismicity: High-pressure CO2 injection can cause small earthquakes, jeopardizing storage integrity.

  • Groundwater Contamination: Leaks can alter groundwater chemistry, impacting ecosystems and drinking water quality.

Process Safety Management (PSM) in CCS

A well-structured process safety management system is essential for mitigating the identified risks. Key elements include:

1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

Techniques such as Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) should be employed to evaluate potential hazards in CCS facilities.

2. Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Automated control systems, including emergency shutdown mechanisms, must be integrated to detect and respond to abnormal conditions.

3. Process Safety Culture

Employee training and organizational commitment to safety are critical. Regular safety drills and audits help in maintaining a safety-first culture.

4. Leak Detection and Mitigation

Advanced monitoring technologies such as fiber optic sensors and gas detection systems should be deployed to detect leaks early and prevent large-scale incidents.

Lessons from Hydrogen Safety Studies

CCS facilities often operate alongside hydrogen production plants. Best practices from hydrogen safety studies can enhance CCS safety, including:

  • Explosion Risk Management: Hydrogen and CO2 handling require strict control of pressure and containment integrity.

  • Material Compatibility: Lessons from hydrogen embrittlement studies inform material selection for CO2 pipelines and storage tanks.

  • Emergency Response Plans: Integrated safety strategies ensure rapid response to CO2 and hydrogen leaks, minimizing human and environmental impacts.

Conclusion

The successful deployment of CCS technology requires a comprehensive risk assessment framework that integrates process safety studies for hydrogen facilities and CCS operations. Key risks include high-pressure handling, potential leakage, and environmental hazards, which can be mitigated through robust process safety management strategies, safety instrumented systems, and regulatory adherence. Lessons from hydrogen safety studies further reinforce the need for proactive hazard management and emergency preparedness. By implementing these safety measures, CCS can become a viable and secure solution for reducing global CO2 emissions while maintaining industrial safety and sustainability.

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Read More On CCS/CCUS Safety Study

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