Real world problem
The UK government has identified Carbon Capture and Storage as a critical component in their decarbonisation strategy, As part of that strategy, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has issued 20 carbon capture and storage licenses. The transport of CO2 to storage facilities is a key element in these projects and serious consideration is given to the reuse of existing pipeline infrastructure to meet this aim.
The client’s need
The former gas pipeline system comprising a 30" Sealine and 26" landline in the North Sea ceased production in 2007 and the associated pipelines where subsequently mothballed. Reservoirs in the area are now under consideration as a CCS location and the prospective operator needed to assess the pipelines as a potential component of the new CCS infrastructure.
Why the client came to Jee
The current operator of the pipelines brought Jee in during discussions with the new opportunity as we had previous knowledge of the pipelines. Jee has extensive experience in the asset integrity management of a significant percentage of North Sea pipelines and has long standing relationships with all the key stakeholders.
What Jee did
- Jee identified the data required to assess the pipeline
- Once identified, Jee assisted with the sourcing of the data
- The data was identified as being held within 300 boxes of documents in a storage facility
- Jee oversaw the work of the storage facility to scan and digitise the data required
- Once the data was digitised Jee worked with the project via SharePoint to assess the pipeline
- This assessment included:
o A review of the original design specifications
o A review of the construction and commissioning data for the pipeline
o A review of the operational records of the pipeline to establish activities post-construction
o Assessment of current condition using data from previous inspection and surveys
Jee are currently assisting the current and prospective operator with preparation for in-line inspections.
How the client benefited
- Jee were able to rapidly identify the data required, reducing the time taken the source and digitise the documents
- Jee’s experience in pipelines enabled them to process the data efficiently and reach a rapid conclusion for the client
- Jee’s knowledge energy transition fuels enabled them to clearly identify the risks to the repurposing of the pipeline
Lessons learned
- As a gas pipeline, the internal condition of the pipeline was not subject to significant internal corrosion
- The flooding of the sealine has had a beneficial effect as the pipeline has settled, reducing exposures and spanning.
- Treated seawater to minimise internal corrosion
- Net result – on data that Jee has assessed to date, the pipeline is expected to be fit for the general purpose of CO2 transfer
- The proposed next work is inline inspection (ILI) to verify the internal and external pipeline condition
Jee quote
"Fantastic to see it potentially reused for CO2 transfer. Assets we know well seeing a new lease of life as part of the energy transition.”