Numerical study of the effect of heat transfer on solid phase formation during decompression of CO2 in pipelines

Abstract

CO2 solid phase formation accompanying rapid decompression of high-pressure CO2 pipelines may lead to blockage of the flow and safety valves, presenting significant hazard for safe operation of the high-pressure CO2 storage and transportation facilities. In this study, a homogeneous equilibrium flow model, accounting for conjugate heat transfer between the flow and the pipe wall, is applied to study the CO2 solid formation in a 50 mm internal diameter and 37 m long pipe for various initial thermodynamic states of CO2 fluid and wide range of discharge orifice diameters. The results show that the rate of CO2 solid formation in the pipe is limited by heat transfer at the pipe wall. The predicted amounts of solid CO2 are discussed in the context of venting of CO2 pipelines.