Validated Multiphysics Modeling For Advanced Pipeline Integrity Management

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present practical steps for utilizing a validated multiphysics approach for fracture control in CO2 pipelines within the framework of Carbon Capture Transport and Storage (CCTS). Ensuring the arrest of running ductile fracture (RDF) is a crucial safety requirement for the transportation of dense-phase CO2. However, current standards rely on outdated and restrictive methods, imposing severe limitations on pipeline material and structural design. As a result, projects that fall outside these standards face the need for extremely costly tests, often leading to delays or cancellations of CCTS initiatives. This study introduces an advanced, validated, fully-coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model designed to accurately predict fracture propagation in CO2 pipelines. A key advantage of this approach is its use of robust and reproducible calibration and validation procedures combined with high-quality material characterization data. The full coupling of structural, fluid, and backfill models is essential for obtaining precise results, not only in determining arrest occurrence but also in analyzing properties such as fracture velocity history, 3D pressure distributions behind the propagating crack, wall thinning, and crack tip opening angle. The FSI model has demonstrated its value as a cost-effective tool for safety assessments, enabling the development of fracture control plans that specify minimum required material properties and fluid compositions for optimized pipeline design, both onshore and offshore. Additionally, performing virtual studies with the parameterized FSI model enables the generation of synthetic data for training and validating a machine learning surrogate model. This surrogate model can be integrated into industrial practices, facilitating the application of multiphysics modeling without the need for extensive expertise.