Emissions Control solution . Engineered to endure the harsh conditions of sCO2 , these rings are thermally and mechanically stable and help to deliver exceptional fugitive emissions performance while effectively managing frictional behaviour . Utilising such advanced materials ensures the sealing system maintains its integrity and reliability , guaranteeing long-term operational efficiency and safety . Currently , there are no established industry standards or specifications for evaluating the fugitive emission performance of compression packing in sCO2 applications . To address this gap , James Walker has worked in collaboration with industryrecognised test laboratories following the existing ISO 15848-1 standard and adapting the test media to using CO2 instead of the commonly used helium . By precisely controlling temperature and pressure , the phase transition to sCO2 can be achieved . Subsequently , pressure cycling and mechanical stem cycling are incorporated to execute a test sequence consistent with ISO 15848-1 , thereby supporting the validation of packing products for sCO2 applications , with close monitoring of fugitive emissions and frictional behaviour of the packing during an extended testing period in line with a recognised industry format . Although globally recognised testing standards don ’ t currently exist for assessing and validating products for the sealing of sCO2 , production , handling and storage systems for this media are still subject to environmental regulations . These regulations , which vary by region , often impose limits on greenhouse gas emissions and mandate leak detection and repair ( LDAR ) programs with the risk of financial penalties or enforced shutdowns for non-compliance . Successful compression packing solutions must therefore not only fulfil operational requirements and comply with such regulations but also enhance product service life and minimise unplanned maintenance . By testing performance , under application specific conditions with the relevant media , we are providing customers with a fully validated product that not only matches the required regulatory performance but also contributes to the long-term reliability and efficiency of the production , handling and storage environment .
Current and future developments
Compression packing has been identified as a product that can be highly effective in preventing leakage in sCO2 valve applications , provided that appropriate materials are selected , proper design and installation practices are followed , and regular maintenance is conducted . It is critical to assess the packing ’ s
performance under operational conditions to confirm its effectiveness in minimising fugitive emissions . For the CCUS industry to progress and advances in technology to occur , ongoing innovation , research , and development of compression packing materials and packing set design will be essential . These activities will yield deeper insights that refine the design and application of compression packing systems , thereby enhancing the efficiency , reliability , and safety of CCUS technologies . It will be crucial to ensure that sealing solutions keep pace and can perform to the required levels straight out of the box . This will require packing solutions to undergo rigorous testing and validation to confirm their performance , ensuring readiness for future applications . As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection , James Walker is working at the forefront of developing compression packing sealing solutions suitable for sCO2 applications . Leveraging our product and testing expertise across several industry sectors such as oil and gas , and power , James Walker is validating solutions that tackle the unique challenges associated with sealing equipment processing sCO2 in CCUS systems , particularly gas transmission pipelines and valves .
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