Green and Low-Carbon Pipeline Transportation Theory and Technology for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Unconventional Media

Submission Deadline: 31 December 2025 View: 474 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Xuewen Cao

Email: caoxw@upc.edu.cn

Affiliation: College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China

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Research Interests: theory and application of multi-phase flow of oil, gas and water, transportation technology and construction technology of offshore oil and gas pipeline, integrity management of offshore oil and gas pipeline, natural gas treatment and processing

Assist. Prof. Hengguang Cao

Email: caohg2020@163.com

Affiliation: College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China

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Research Interests: low temperature carbon capture, carbon dioxide pipeline transportation, supersonic carbon dioxide separation, molecular dynamic creep simulation of condensation and crystallization

Summary

Pipeline transport of hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and unconventional hydrocarbon media is critical for future clean energy and resource systems. Hydrogen, as a key low-carbon energy carrier, can substantially reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, yet its large-scale pipeline transport faces challenges due to high compression energy requirements and frictional pressure losses. Likewise, conveying dense or viscous streams (e.g., captured CO2 or heavy oil from unconventional reservoirs) often requires advanced theoretical models and materials to minimize hydraulic resistance and corrosion. Addressing these challenges across the full pipeline lifecycle necessitates breakthroughs in both theory and technology. Research on novel low-friction materials, coatings, and flow-management processes can enable smoother flow and lower pumping power requirements. Similarly, integrating pipeline-embedded energy recovery (such as pump-as-turbine systems at pressure letdown stations) can capture dissipated pressure energy to improve overall system efficiency. Additionally, smart pipeline technologies  including sensor networks, digital twins, and AI-based optimization  promise real-time monitoring and adaptive control of multi-media flows; for example, recent projects apply AI-driven digital twin systems to enhance hydrogen pipeline safety and efficiency. This Special Issue invites contributions focused on fundamental theoretical progress, innovative technologies and practical deployment case studies, aimed at breaking current energy and emission bottlenecks. We especially welcome work on energy-efficient, low-carbon transport of H2, CO2, and unconventional oil/gas streams across the pipeline network, targeting both energy performance and environmental benefits.

This Special Issue invites contributions addressing green and low-carbon transport technologies for crude oil, refined products, natural gas, hydrogen, CO, and unconventional hydrocarbons. Key research areas include:
·Theoretical advancements in multiphase flow and low-resistance transport models, focusing on phase behavior control (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement mitigation, CO phase transition management) and flow assurance for hybrid media (e.g., hydrogen-natural gas blends, CO with impurities).
·Development of smart pipeline systems integrating adaptive monitoring, leakage detection, and integrity management to enable safe multi-media co-transport across diverse scenarios.
·Innovations in energy-efficient materials and corrosion-resistant coatings, particularly for hydrogen-induced cracking prevention, CO corrosion inhibition, and lifecycle sustainability enhancement.
·AI-driven optimization of pipeline networks, including machine learning-based dynamic flow control, digital twin simulations for risk mitigation, and renewable energy integration (e.g., solar/wind-powered compression, waste heat recovery).
·Case studies on low-carbon infrastructure deployment, such as hydrogen-ready pipelines, CCUS-enabled CO transport networks, and hybrid energy systems, supported by techno-economic analyses and lifecycle carbon footprint assessments.
·Regulatory frameworks and safety standards for emerging media transport, emphasizing certification protocols, risk assessment methodologies, and policy innovations to accelerate industrial decarbonization and circular carbon economy practices.

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Published Papers