Integrated HSE Protocols for High-Pressure CO2 Adsorption Experiments in Shale: A Laboratory Risk Management Case Study

Abstract

CO₂ adsorption experiments on shale at higher pressures pose unique safety challenges. These challenges may be due to confined lab spaces, the presence of toxic gases and high-pressure systems, but Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) protocols still remain unreported at the laboratory level. This study presents a reproducible HSE framework for a dual cell adsorption system operated up to 120 bar and 70 °C. This multilayer HSE framework integrates engineering controls, structured safety related documentation and personal competency verification. It was observed that during the 24 runs there were no occurences of gas leakage, incidents or PPE violations. An emergency response time of 42 ± 5 s was observed during drills. The approach provides transferable guidelines for carbon capture and storage (CCS) laboratories, bridging a literature gap between industrial CCS risk analysis and early stage adsorption studies. Implementation of HSE protocols into experimental design enhanced operational safety and reproducibility within laboratory-scale adsorption experiments, while providing guidance that may inform safety planning for larger CCS experimental programs.