Abstract:
Objective Aiming at the problems of "spatial mismatch" and inefficient, high-carbon logistics of green methanol in China, as well as the risk of idleness and asset stranding faced by existing oil pipelines under the background of peak oil consumption, this study aims to explore the construction of an efficient and low-carbon methanol transportation system by utilizing the stock assets of oil pipeline networks. Methods Based on systems theory and the concept of stock asset revitalization, a strategy for constructing a methanol pipeline transportation system from the perspective of multi-energy fusion was proposed. At the physical facility level, technical challenges such as methanol stress corrosion cracking, seal swelling, mixed-oil control in sequential transportation, and "gas resistance oscillation" in high-drop pipeline sections were analyzed, and an adaptive retrofitting path based on material compatibility assessment and precise mixed-oil interface tracking was proposed. At the logistics network level, a three-dimensional logistics architecture of "long-distance trunk line + regional micro-grid + hub peak-shaving" was constructed to resolve the flow mismatch between continuous pipeline transmission and pulse-like terminal consumption, and to bridge the "last mile". At the safety assurance level, a risk prevention and control system for methanol pipeline transportation was proposed, including phase separation monitoring mechanisms, leakage early warning defense lines, and full-lifecycle integrity management. Results The results indicate that: (1) Implementing the "stock asset revitalization" strategy, through the pricing model of "Marginal Cost + Green Premium" and flexible pipeline capacity trading, can effectively activate the value of idle pipeline capacity and realize the seamless connection of "production-supply-storage-application" integrated infrastructure; (2) Establishing a full-lifecycle digital carbon passport traceability system can effectively cope with international green trade barriers; (3) Creating a market-oriented operation mechanism with deep coupling of "Carbon-Energy-Price-Benefit" can redistribute regional economic interests based on realizing the spatial transfer of energy. Conclusion Utilizing stock assets to transport methanol is a Pareto improvement path to solve logistics pain points and revitalize idle assets. This path can promote the transformation of traditional oil pipeline networks into integrated energy pipeline networks with deep coupling of "Hydrogen-Carbon-Methanol", filling the theoretical gap regarding the systemic reconstruction of methanol long-distance pipeline networks in China, constructing a new "liquid defense line" for national energy security, and providing a Chinese solution for the global green transition of fossil energy infrastructure.