Strategic Risk Mitigation in Large Scale CCS Operations through Combined Bow-Tie and FMEA Study

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology has emerged as a key solution for reducing CO2 emissions and mitigating climate change. This study focuses on the safety and reliability of a critical component within the CCS chain―the CO2 injection pump system located on an offshore platform. The system is responsible for injecting high-pressure CO2 into subsea geological formations for long-term storage. Given the high-pressure environment and potential for wear, corrosion, and mechanical failures, a robust risk assessment is necessary to ensure operational safety. In this study, two methodologies, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Bow-Tie analysis, were integrated to provide a comprehensive risk assessment. FMEA was used to identify potential failure modes, their causes, and immediate effects, while Bow-Tie analysis visualized how these failure modes could escalate into major accident hazards (MAHs), such as the loss of CO2 containment. By combining these methodologies, a more holistic understanding of system risks was achieved, revealing critical failure points and highlighting additional preventive and mitigating barriers. The results demonstrate the value of integrating FMEA and Bow-Tie for identifying both component-level risks and system-wide interactions. Key improvements included the identification of failure modes that could escalate into hazardous events, such as CO2 leakage or pump stoppage, and the introduction of enhanced safety measures, such as standby pumps, CO2 detectors, and thermal relief valves. The integrated approach not only improved the reliability of the CO2 injection pump system but also provided a framework for applying similar risk management strategies in other high-risk CCS operations.