There are several proposed specifications for CO2 transport regarding how much impurities that can be allowed in the CO2 stream. Many of these specifications are based on health, safety, and environment (HSE) considerations in case of accidental spill, and only limited focus has been on the pipeline integrity. Previous work has demonstrated that many of the impurities that are expected to be present in CO2 captured from flue gasses may react and form corrosive species. The present paper studied impurity reactions and corrosion under simulated transport conditions (25°C and 10 MPa of CO2). An experiment was performed in a transparent autoclave which allowed for in situ visual observation. Chemical reactions between the impurities were observed even at very low concentrations (<100 ppmv). These reactions contributed to the production of nitric and sulfuric acid together with formation of elemental sulfur. Corrosion was observed on coupons of carbon steel, but not on stainless steels. The corrosion rate of carbon steel was low, but the amount of acids and solids (corrosion products) produced cannot be accepted from a pipeline integrity perspective. Further experimental studies are needed to determine specific limits for impurity concentrations in captured CO2 for transport.

This article presents the results of an experimental investigation of silica deposition from depressurized supercritical steam. The case investigated is relevant for supercritical geothermal reservoirs with high temperature and pressure, where silica content is significant and deposition occurs rapidly upon depressurization. The purpose of the presented experiments is to accurately measure the deposited mass in two different areas in a flow tube and mathematically relate the measurement to particle formation behavior. In addition, SEM analysis permits valuable insight into the morphology of the scale formed under these conditions. The measured deposition is caused by silica solids formed when depressurizing supercritical fluids from around 350 bar and 500 °C by an isenthalpic valve to a state of superheated steam and pressures ranging from 60 to 150 bar. A test rig was designed, fabricated, and used for this purpose. The deposition mechanisms differ from silica particle formation in the water phase and the limited experimental research for the investigated conditions makes the gathered data highly interesting. The measured results are compared to validated models for deposition in straight pipes. The knowledge obtained on silica solidification and deposition can be used to optimize steam treatment of high-temperature pressurized geothermal sources for maximum power utilization by aiding in the development of advanced prediction tools for scaling and mineral extraction.

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