Influencing factors of pigging operation for CO₂ long-distance pipeline

CO₂ pipeline transportation is an intermediate link for the development of Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS). However, due to the impurities in CO₂ gas source and the particularity of transportation conditions, there is a risk of hydrate formation in the CO₂ transportation process, and thus pigging operations need to be carried out regularly. In order to identify the influencing factors of pigging in CO₂ pipeline, starting from the purpose of pigging in long-distance CO₂ pipelines and considering the particularity of CO₂ pipeline transportation, the influence of driving pressure, CO₂ medium characteristics, pig types and running speed on pigging effect was analyzed, the theoretical basis of key pigging technologies for long-distance CO₂ pipelines was summarized, and the development direction of pigging technology was prospected. The research results could provide guidance for CO₂ pipeline projects currently under construction in China, and they could also provide reference for China to formulate relevant standards and specifications for the pigging technology of long-distance CO₂ pipelines.