Summarizing an Eulerian–Lagrangian model for subsea gas release and comparing release of CO2 with CH4

Abstract

A subsea gas release is a concern for both safety and environment. This can be assessed by mathematical models. The development of an Eulerian–Lagrangian modelling concept to study subsea gas release has taken place over many years and the piecewise enhancements have been documented in the open literature. The model in its current state is summarized in this article. Model simulations are shown to be consistent with different experiments varying in depth from 7 to 138 m. The model can be applied to estimate how gas surfaces into the atmosphere from a subsea source. This is vital input to risk assessments. Due to recent interest in subsea CO2 storage and transport, a comparison of CO2- and CH4-releases has been performed. Model results show that a much smaller fraction of released CO2 reaches the atmosphere than CH4 due to the high solubility of CO2 in water.