Key learnings from Large-Bore Compressor Piping design of a Carbon Capture System

ABSTRACT

Thermo-mechanical loading and nominal pipe size are two critical considerations in the design/engineering of large bore piping configurations, particularly when pipe diameter-to thickness ratios exceed those commonly treated in conventional codes and standards. These considerations are further challenged when operating space is limited– which makes flexibility in the piping system more difficult to manipulate– and when rotating equipment (such as compressors) must be incorporated into the design. In the case of compressors, when the nominal pipe size is large enough that it is comparable in size to the compressor itself, the rigidity of the pipe can also produce loads on the casing that exceed the allowables. The present study outlines several important design features that should be considered when designing systems that require large-bore piping. To this end, a case study involving the retrofitting of a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility to an existing plant is presented. In general, the retrofitting of CCS facilities is commonly constrained by the design considerations described above. Holistic design approaches that can accommodate these challenges are therefore of great importance as carbon capture initiatives become more prevalent.