European standards for transport of fluid and gas in pipelines and prospective developments for transport of CO2
There are no specific technical standards for CO2 pipelines at European level. Factors like the purity requirements of transported CO2 are left to Member States' discretion, based on their own risk assessment mechanisms. Nevertheless, some existing European standards which apply to the design, construction, operation and abandonment of oil and gas pipelines may also be suitable for CO2 pipeline networks.
These technical requirements and recommendations could provide a useful basis for dedicated technical regulation of CO2 transport across Europe for CCS. Although they are not legally binding, they may give legislators valuable information about best practice in the field and thereby offer a viable model for the regulatory process. Under these standards, CO2 would be classified as 'a non-flammable, non-toxic fluid which is gaseous at ambient temperature and pressure' (UK Health and Safety Executive, 2008). The only exception to this is the IP6 standard, which treats CO2 as a gas, but is rarely used for new pipelines.
BS EN [British Standards/ European Norms] 14161:2003 - Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries, Pipelines Transportation Systems
This standard establishes requirements and recommendations for the design, materials, construction, testing, operation, maintenance and abandonment of pipelines systems used for transport of petroleum and natural gas. It applies to both onshore and offshore pipelines and aims to provide functional requirements and safety parameters for the full-chain of pipeline operations. Much of the technical material within it could be used or adapted for CO2 pipeline regulation within Europe.
PD [British Standards/European Norms] 8010:2004 Code of practice for pipelines
This standard refers to onshore pipelines, sub-seabed pipelines for 'offshore, near shore and landfall environments', and pipeline risk assessment concerning major accident hazard pipelines transporting flammable substances. It applies to pipelines carrying hydrocarbons, in liquid or gaseous state. However, since it is applicable to a broad range of activities, it could potentially apply to CO2 transport as well. Specific attention is paid in this code to: environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements, leak testing techniques, health and safety and environmental protection, the need for competent personnel, full risk assessment and methodologies for corrosion risk management. Because CO2 is a non-flammable substance, some adaptation would be required in order to apply this standard to CCS.
DNV OS-F101 - Submarine Pipeline Systems 2007
In 1976, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) - one of the world's leading marine classification societies which now provides risk management services to offshore and onshore industries - issued its first DNV Submarine Pipelines Rules. Since then this standard has been regularly updated until its amendment in 2007 which harmonised its content with ISO (International Standards Organisation) parameters.
The new 2007 DNV Submarine Pipeline Systems aim to provide an integrated management system to ensure that the design, construction, operation and abandonment of submarine pipelines respect 'public safety and the protection of the environment', by means of an internationally acceptable standard. Within DNV OS-F101, CO2 is included in the group of 'non-flammable toxic fluids which are non-toxic gases at ambient temperature and atmospheric conditions', and is used as a parameter to 'assess the need for internal corrosion control'. Except for this reference, this standard does not address CO2 transport, but it could provide interesting guidance for the safe management of CO2 pipelines offshore.
DNV standards on CO2 transmission
In 2007, DNV called for industry involvement in the 'development of a guideline for safe, reliable and cost efficient transmission of CO2 in pipelines'.
For this purpose, a Joint Industry Project (JIP) was set up with the aim of providing 'international standards, methodologies, and guidelines that will form the basis for industrial agreements, and become valuable input for the implementation of national requirements'.
The guideline, which is based on analysis of existing standards and literature, was finalised in July 2009 and has been converted into recommended practice (see Documents section below).
The final recommended practice is for pipelines transporting CO2 for the purpose of both CCS and EOR. Guidance is provided on the following aspects:
definitions and relevant codes and standards;
specific properties of CO2 and of CO2 stream composition relevant to CCS activities;
safety aspects of transport which are deemed to be relevant in the context of CCS
design and construction issues;
decommissioning, operation and integrity management; and
re-qualification of existing pipelines to CO2 pipelines
The guideline is meant to enable designers and operators to limit and manage uncertainties and risks related to pipeline transmission of CO2. It will also help to identify existing gaps in knowledge and experience, as well as encourage regulatory initiatives to speed up CCS technology.