In a significant stride towards bolstering the infrastructure for carbon capture and storage (CCS), researchers have demonstrated the structural robustness of an IMO Type C liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) cargo tank, paving the way for safer and more efficient marine transport of this critical medium. The study, led by Joon Kim from the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Inha University in South Korea, was recently published in the *Journal of Marine Science and Engineering*.
As the energy sector increasingly turns to CCS as a means of mitigating carbon emissions, the safe and efficient transport of LCO₂ has become a pressing concern. Kim and his team set out to evaluate the structural integrity of an IMO Type C cargo tank under a range of conditions, including ultimate limit state (ULS), accidental limit state (ALS), hydrostatic pressure test (HPT), and fatigue limit state (FLS). Using advanced finite element methods and multi-step loading, the researchers analyzed 17 distinct load cases to ensure the tank’s stability.
The findings, while reassuring, also shed light on the nuances of LCO₂ transport. “The highest stress occurred at the pump dome-shell junction due to geometric discontinuities,” Kim explained. “However, all stress and buckling criteria were satisfied, confirming the tank’s structural robustness.” The study also revealed that while wave-induced loads contributed minimally to fatigue damage, low-cycle fatigue from loading and unloading operations was a more significant factor. Even so, the tank’s fatigue life exceeded an impressive 31,000 years, underscoring its suitability for long-term use.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are substantial. As the demand for CCS technologies grows, so too does the need for reliable and safe transport methods for LCO₂. Kim’s study provides a solid foundation for the design and operation of medium-pressure LCO₂ carriers, ensuring that the infrastructure can keep pace with the sector’s evolving needs. Moreover, the findings could influence future developments in tank design, with a particular focus on mitigating stress at critical junctions.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, innovations in CCS and LCO₂ transport will play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions. Kim’s research, published in the *Journal of Marine Science and Engineering*, offers a promising glimpse into the future of this vital technology, demonstrating that the safe and efficient transport of LCO₂ is not only possible but also commercially viable. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such advancements will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable and resilient global energy landscape.