Subsea carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems are set to benefit from new guidelines that address their unique challenges. The IOGP Subsea Subcommittee has released IOGP Report 665-1 Subsea Barrier and Isolation Philosophy for CCS Systems, a guideline for subsea barrier and isolation philosophy for CCS systems. It builds on IOGP Report 665, and aims to provide a framework for designers and operators in creating barrier and isolation philosophies for various projects. With limited industry experience in subsea CCS, the guideline consolidates existing industry knowledge, helping organizations learn faster and informing newcomers.
Ryan Gola (ExxonMobil) and David Saul (bp), Co-Chairs of the IOGP’s Subsea CCS Expert Group shared their insights in an interview.
Ryan explains the intent behind this new guideline: “The purpose behind this work was to develop guidance and a framework for subsea CCS system designers and operators to use as they create barrier and isolation philosophies for different types of projects. The overall goal was to address fundamental questions about differences from existing hydrocarbon system design and CO₂ system design, including what needs to be different for safety, environmental, and operational reasons and what could be different for optimization purposes,” he says.
“By providing detail on design considerations as well as risk-based guidance, this guideline helps users select fit-for-purpose solutions for challenges unique to subsea CCS systems. It addresses several key challenges including barrier testing methods in different scenarios, and evaluation of equipment functionality needs such as downhole safety valves and cross-over flowpaths within subsea trees.”
Industry stakeholders, including operators and regulators, receive significant benefits. “This is a first attempt to develop an industry consensus around subsea CCS system barrier and isolation design,” he continues. “By aligning with this guidance, we expect the industry will see benefits that are generally associated with the use of common design philosophies, such as improved safety by maintaining common minimum requirements and reliability enhancement through continuous improvement because, at a core level, designs will be similar. Ideally, if regulators in different regions develop regulations regarding barriers aligning with this guidance, then that will promote another level of commonality across system designs and build the industry’s collective operational experience.”
“The guidance aims to quickly and efficiently inform newcomers to subsea CCS,” adds David Saul (bp), Co-Chair of the IOGP’s Subsea CCS Expert Group.
“It also looks to gather lessons from existing CCS or similar oil and gas activities. Our secondary intent was to accelerate standardization faster than in the hydrocarbon sector. There is currently limited experience in subsea CCS, and the guideline consolidates existing industry knowledge into one place, helping people and organizations learn faster.
“This guideline offers a standard framework for operators and suppliers working on subsea CCS system design. In respect to standards organizations, we are already seeing interest from API and ISO in integrating our work into their existing equipment standards.”
IOGP’s efforts in developing these guidelines are a significant step forward in the standardization and optimization of subsea CCS systems. By addressing the unique challenges and risks associated with CCS, these guidelines provide a valuable framework for designers, operators, and regulators, contributing to the safety, and reliability of subsea CCS systems.
IOGP Report 665-1 Subsea Barrier and Isolation Philosophy for CCS Systems is available to download from the IOGP Publications Library.
For more information, please contact Diana Khatun, Principal Manager – Well Operations and Regulatory Engagement, IOGP.
