API Issues New Safety Standard for CO₂ Pipeline Transportation
API has released a new recommended practice outlining safety and operational guidance for transporting carbon dioxide by pipeline as CO₂ infrastructure continues to expand.
(P&GJ) — American Petroleum Institute has published a new recommended practice aimed at improving the safety and reliability of carbon dioxide transportation by pipeline, as interest grows in CO₂ infrastructure for storage and enhanced oil recovery.
The new standard, API Recommended Practice 1192 (RP 1192), establishes performance requirements for the design, construction, operation and management of CO₂ pipelines. It is the first API standard dedicated specifically to carbon dioxide pipeline transportation.
CO₂ pipelines are becoming a larger part of the U.S. pipeline network as operators develop new systems and evaluate existing assets for repurposing. While these pipelines already fall under federal hazardous liquid regulations, API said RP 1192 provides additional guidance tailored to the distinct properties and operating behaviors of CO₂ compared with traditional petroleum liquids.
To develop the practice, API convened subject matter experts to address considerations unique to CO₂ service, including operation in supercritical, liquid and gas phases. The guidance covers system integrity and operational issues such as operating pressure ranges, ductile fracture control, pressure cycling, corrosion, interactions with non-metallic components, and emergency response planning. It also includes recommendations for converting existing pipelines to CO₂ service.
“API Recommended Practice 1192 provides operators with structured guidance to manage the unique characteristics of CO2 pipeline systems,” API Senior Vice President of Global Industry Services Anchal Liddar said. “By consolidating technical knowledge into a single document, it supports the safe, reliable operation of CO2 pipeline systems and advances API’s ongoing commitment to safety and innovation.”
API said the new standard is intended to provide consistent direction for operators as CO₂ transportation infrastructure expands alongside carbon management and sequestration efforts.