Czech Huisman manufactures special pipes for storing carbon dioxide underground. The groundbreaking project “turning CO2 into stone” is underway in Iceland
Sviadnov, October 28, 2023 – Huisman is producing special pipes on a new production line at its Sviadnov plant in the Czech Republic. The composite pipe system suitable for deep drilling was developed by the multinational Huisman group. Carbfix, the company, will use these pipes for its pilot drilling project in Iceland. It is a unique project for the long-term and safe storage of CO2 underground.
The development of the composite system took approximately four years and was carried out at the Huisman facility in the Netherlands, where the first part of the pipes for the Carbfix project was also produced. Subsequently, the production line with the manufactured pipes was moved to the Czech Republic, where threads were added to the pipes and finishing work was completed. “We will manufacture another 24 pieces of pipes for the unique Icelandic project entirely here in Sviadnov. We are still fine-tuning some production operations to have the new line ready for future mass production and additional orders,” says Karel Pavlíček, Managing Director of Huisman in the Czech Republic, adding, “However, we can already say that the use of our system in the carbon storage process in underground repositories is a significant example of the application of these pipes.”
Composite pipes are made from strong composite material. Patented slim joints ensure savings in drilling. “Composite pipes developed and manufactured at Huisman have an expected lifespan of up to 30 years in deep environments. These pipes do not rust in highly corrosive environments, and no minerals deposit inside them, so the pipe permeability does not decrease over time, resulting in significant savings,” explains Martin Vojtek, Assembly Manager at the Czech Huisman.
The first delivery and installation of composite pipes from Huisman are intended for Carbfix, which will use them in the pilot drilling of the Coda Terminal project in Iceland. The various phases of the “conversion of carbon dioxide into stone” process include dissolving CO2 in seawater, transferring it through composite pipes into underground basalt rock, where it reacts with the rock environment. Within two years, stable carbonate minerals will naturally form underground, ensuring the safe and long-term storage of carbon dioxide.
The durable and efficient solution of the Huisman composite system, which received the prestigious Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award for its innovative drilling pipes, is suitable primarily for deep carbon storage wells, geothermal wells, as well as oil and gas extraction.
“I am delighted that the Huisman group, including the Sviadnov plant, is a pioneer in building an entirely new market with various applications for the composite system, which will make the most of the undisputed advantages and benefits of this material,” adds Karel Pavlíček.
