Systems, apparatus, and methods for carbon sequestration

Abstract

A system for producing one or more carbon-containing high density fragments from an organic material and methods of making and using the same. The system may include increasing the density of the organic material to form high density debris, and may determine the critical immersion depth of the high density debris. The critical immersion depth may include a depth below the water surface of the body of water at which the high density debris must be immersed such that the density of the high density debris is greater than the density of the body of water. The system may submerge the high density debris in the body of water at a predetermined injection depth below the critical immersion depth such that the high density debris sinks to the bottom surface of the body of water. Thus, the system advantageously can produce a product comprising a mixture of carbon and water.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 355,911, filed on June 27, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of carbon production, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to systems, apparatuses, and methods for carbon sequestration and carbon-containing products formed according to the sequestration systems, apparatuses, and methods. Background Art

[0004] Under the right conditions, wood can be preserved in water for at least hundreds of years. Evidence of this has been uncovered in recent years through the discovery of centuries-old wooden ships at the bottom of several bodies of water, including the oceans and the Great Lakes. The conditions necessary to allow for this long-term storage may not be entirely clear, but the number of sites where wrecks and other deposits are being found is increasing. The common denominator appears to be deep, cold water with low oxygen levels, both of which contribute to low levels of decay.

[0005] A variety of methods have been proposed to sequester carbon. Many sequestration methods use biomass as a starting material, using natural work to convert atmospheric carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) into plant matter and other carbon-containing materials. Systems, devices and methods are needed to lock away carbon in biomass for long periods of time at low cost. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to systems for producing one or more carbon-containing high-density fragments from organic materials and methods of making and using the same. The system may include increasing the density of the organic material to form the high-density fragments, and a critical immersion depth of the high-density fragments may be determined. The critical immersion depth may include a depth below the surface of a body of water at which the high-density fragments must be submerged such that the density of the high-density fragments is greater than the density of the body of water. The system may submerge the high-density fragments in the body of water at a predetermined injection depth below the critical immersion depth such that the high-density fragments sink to the bottom of the body of water. Thus, the system may advantageously produce a product containing a mixture of carbon and water.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, the method may include:

[0008] determining a critical submergence depth below a surface of a body of water for one or more fragments containing carbon and defining one or more air pockets, the fragments having a first fragment density that is less than a first water density of the body of water above the critical submergence depth and greater than a second water density below the critical submergence depth;

[0009] placing the fragment in the body of water at a predetermined injection depth greater than the critical immersion depth; and / or

[0010] allowing debris containing carbon and having a second density greater than the second water density to sink to the bottom of the body of water

[0011] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the first aspect, placing the fragments in the body of water may include exposing the fragments to pressure to compress air pockets, thereby increasing a first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density. The fragments may optionally be exposed to hydrostatic pressure from the body of water. For example, the fragments may be exposed to increasing hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth in the body of water, the increasing hydrostatic pressure further compressing the air pockets and further increasing the second fragment density of the fragments to a third fragment density greater than the second fragment density.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the first aspect, placing the fragments in the body of water may include exposing the fragments to pressure to fill air pockets with water from the body of water, thereby increasing a first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method disclosed in the first aspect may further include characterizing the feedstock for conversion into carbonaceous fragments. For example, characterizing the feedstock may include ensuring that the feedstock is suitable for immersion in a body of water, determining the moisture content of the feedstock, and / or determining the size, shape, or other specifications of the feedstock.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method disclosed in the first aspect may further include determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted. Determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted, for example, may include classifying the fragments to determine whether the specification of the selected fragment is greater than a first predetermined fragment specification threshold, and reducing the specification of the selected fragment based on the classification of the fragment, and / or determining the critical immersion depth may include determining the critical immersion depth of the selected fragment with the reduced specification. Determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted, optionally, may include determining whether the reduced specification of the selected fragment is greater than a first predetermined fragment specification threshold, and / or based on determining whether the reduced specification of the selected fragment is greater than the first predetermined fragment specification threshold, further reducing the reduced specification of the selected fragment. The critical immersion depth of the selected fragment with the further reduced specification may then be determined.

[0015] Additionally, and / or alternatively, determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted may include classifying the fragments to determine whether the specification of the selected fragment is less than a second predetermined fragment specification threshold, and increasing the specification of the selected fragment based on the classification of the fragment, and / or determining the critical immersion depth may include determining the critical immersion depth of the selected fragment with the increased specification. Determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted may optionally include determining whether the increased specification of the selected fragment is less than a second predetermined fragment specification threshold, and further increasing the increased specification of the selected fragment based on determining whether the increased specification of the selected fragment is greater than the second predetermined fragment specification threshold. The critical immersion depth of the selected fragment with the further increased specification may then be determined.

[0016] In selected embodiments, the first predetermined fragment size threshold may be equal to the second predetermined fragment size threshold.Determining whether the fragment size needs to be adjusted may optionally include determining whether the fragment size needs to be adjusted and / or determining whether the fragment shape needs to be adjusted.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method disclosed in the first aspect may further include confirming that the carbon-containing fragments remain submerged after sinking to the bottom surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method disclosed in the first aspect may further include determining that a predetermined amount of debris has been placed in the body of water, and based on determining that a predetermined amount of debris has been placed in the body of water, terminating the placement of the debris in the body of water. Additionally and / or alternatively, the method disclosed in the first aspect may further include recording the mass of the debris on the bottom surface of the body of water.

[0019] According to a second aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the system comprises an apparatus for implementing each embodiment of the method of the first aspect.

[0020] According to a third aspect disclosed herein, a computer program for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the computer program product comprises instructions for implementing each embodiment of the method of the first aspect. The computer program product of the third aspect is optionally encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect disclosed herein, a method for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, the method may include:

[0022] placing one or more chips containing carbon and defining one or more air pockets in a hopper loading portion of the hopper system;

[0023] pumping the debris from a hopper loading portion of the hopper system into a proximal region of a discharge pipe system having a distal region extending below the surface of the body of water to a predetermined injection depth below the surface of the water, the predetermined injection depth being greater than a critical submergence depth of the debris below the surface of the water; and / or

[0024] discharging the carbonaceous debris from a distal region of the discharge pipe system,

[0025] Therein, the debris discharged from the distal end region of the discharge pipe sinks to the bottom surface of the water body.

[0026] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the fourth aspect, placing the chips may include conveying the chips to a hopper loading portion via a front loading system.

[0027] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the fourth aspect, placing the fragments may include conveying the fragments to the hopper loading portion via a conveyor system. Optionally, the mass of the fragments on the selected track segment of the conveyor system may be determined. For example, the mass of the fragments may be determined by the conveyor system. Additionally and / or alternatively, the speed of the conveyor system may be adjusted based on the determined mass of the fragments.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method disclosed in the fourth aspect may further include delivering water to a hopper loading portion of the hopper system, wherein pumping the debris in may include pumping the debris and water from the hopper loading portion of the hopper system into a proximal region of the discharge pipe system. For example, water from a body of water may be delivered to the hopper loading portion of the hopper system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method disclosed in the fourth aspect may further include applying pressure to the debris moving from the proximal region of the discharge pipe system to the distal region of the discharge pipe system to increase the debris density of the debris, wherein the debris density is greater than the water density of the water body at a predetermined injection depth.

[0030] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the fourth aspect, the proximal region of the discharge pipe system may be placed below the surface of the water body. Alternatively, the proximal region of the discharge pipe system may be placed above the surface of the water body.

[0031] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the fourth aspect, at least a portion of the hopper system may be placed below the surface of the water body. In other words, the hopper system may be placed in whole or in part below the surface of the water body. Additionally, and / or alternatively, at least a portion of the hopper system may be placed above the surface of the water body. In other words, the hopper system may be placed in whole or in part above the surface of the water body.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the system comprises an apparatus for implementing each embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect.

[0033] According to a sixth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the computer program product comprises instructions for implementing each embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect. The computer program product of the sixth aspect is optionally encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

[0034] According to a seventh aspect disclosed herein, a method for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided. The method of the seventh aspect can advantageously produce the submerged carbonaceous material by submerging a container.

[0035] The immersion container may include an elongated body that may include opposing first and second end regions and define an internal passage extending from the first end region to the second end region. The first end region may define a first opening that communicates with the internal passage and alternates between an open state that allows access to the internal passage through the first opening and a closed state that prohibits access to the internal passage through the first opening. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the second end region may define a second opening that communicates with the internal passage and alternates between an open state that allows access to the internal passage through the second opening and a closed state that prohibits access to the internal passage through the second opening. In selected embodiments, the elongated body may include a pressure sensing port adjacent to the first end region and configured for determining an internal pressure within the internal passage, and a water supply port adjacent to the second end region and configured for controlling fluid exchange between the internal passage and a fluid pressure source system.

[0036] The method of the seventh aspect may include:

[0037] positioning the immersion container in a loading position, wherein the first end region is in an open state and the second end region is in a closed state;

[0038] placing one or more fragments containing carbon and defining one or more air pockets into the interior passage of the immersion vessel through the first opening of the first end region;

[0039] transitioning the first end region from an open state to a closed state;

[0040] submerging the second end region of the immersion container below the surface of the body of water to a predetermined injection depth below the water surface that is greater than a critical immersion depth of the debris below the water surface;

[0041] placing water into the interior passage of the immersion container through the water supply port; and / or,

[0042] switching the second end region from a closed state to an open state,

[0043] Therein, the debris leaves the inner channel through the second end region and sinks to the bottom of the body of water.

[0044] According to an eighth aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the system comprises an apparatus for implementing each embodiment of the method of the seventh aspect.

[0045] According to a ninth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program for manufacturing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the computer program product comprises instructions for implementing each embodiment of the method of the seventh aspect. The computer program product of the ninth aspect is optionally encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

[0046] According to a tenth aspect disclosed herein, a method for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, the method may include:

[0047] applying an applied pressure to the carbonaceous feedstock; wherein the applied pressure is different from atmospheric pressure; and / or,

[0048] The pressurized raw materials are sealed in a body of water.

[0049] In other words, the method of the tenth aspect may include:

[0050] applying an applied pressure to the carbonaceous feedstock; and / or

[0051] Seal the pressurized raw materials in water.

[0052] Therein, the applied pressure is different from atmospheric pressure.

[0053] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure may include applying an applied pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to the feedstock.

[0054] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure may include applying an applied pressure less than atmospheric pressure to the raw material. The applied pressure less than atmospheric pressure may optionally include a vacuum.

[0055] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, sequestering the pressurized feedstock may include sequestering the pressurized feedstock in a body of fresh water and / or sequestering the pressurized feedstock in a body of salt water.

[0056] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, sealing the pressurized feedstock may include sinking the pressurized feedstock into a body of water.

[0057] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, the feedstock may include biomass. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the feedstock may include one or more carbon-containing fragments.

[0058] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, the feedstock may include at least one low-density structure capable of being compressed. For example, the feedstock may define one or more air pockets. At least one of the air pockets may optionally contain air.

[0059] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure may include applying the applied pressure to compress at least one low-density structure of the feedstock.

[0060] In some embodiments of the method disclosed in the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure may include applying the applied pressure to increase a feedstock density of the feedstock. For example, the feedstock density of the feedstock may be increased to a first water density less than a body of water above the critical immersion depth. Additionally and / or alternatively, the feedstock density of the feedstock may be increased to a second water density greater than a body of water below the critical immersion depth.

[0061] In selected embodiments, sealing the pressurized feedstock may include submerging the feedstock in a body of water. For example, the feedstock may be placed in the body of water at a predetermined injection depth greater than the critical submersion depth. Applying the applied pressure may optionally include applying the applied pressure to cause the feedstock to become negatively buoyant. Additionally, and / or alternatively, sealing the pressurized feedstock may include sinking the feedstock into the body of water after the at least one low-density structure of the feedstock is compressed.

[0062] According to an eleventh aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the system comprises an apparatus for implementing each embodiment of the method of the tenth aspect.

[0063] According to a twelfth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program for manufacturing a submerged carbonaceous material is provided, wherein the computer program product comprises instructions for implementing each embodiment of the method of the tenth aspect. The computer program product of the twelfth aspect is optionally encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] In order to more fully understand the nature and purpose of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate various embodiments, in which:

[0065] Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for sequestering carbon in a substance is shown, wherein the substance containing carbon is placed in a body of water.

[0066] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a system in which a substance loses buoyancy and sinks to a predetermined depth in a body of water due to hydrostatic pressure from the body of water.

[0067] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a system in which matter sinks to the bottom of a body of water.

[0068] Figure 2A Shows Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a system of -C, wherein the system is configured to produce a high-density carbonaceous material and place the material on the bottom surface of a body of water.

[0069] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A top-level block diagram of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a system wherein at least a portion of the system is submerged beneath the surface of a body of water.

[0070] Figure 3 A top-level flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for producing a submerged carbonaceous material is shown.

[0071] Figure 4A Shows Figure 3 A top-level flow diagram of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a method of characterizing a feedstock for conversion into carbon-containing fragments.

[0072] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A A top-level flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method of selecting a feedstock and determining a size, shape, and / or other specification of the selected feedstock.

[0073] Figure 4C Shows Figure 4A A top-level flow chart of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a method of optionally sorting the fragments and adjusting the size, shape and / or other specifications of the feedstock as needed.

[0074] Figure 5 Shown is the method for determining Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an immersion characteristics testing apparatus for a critical immersion depth of a substance.

[0075] Figure 6 Shows Figure 3 A top-level flow chart of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a method of wherein the method includes sinking the debris to a predetermined injection depth below the surface of a body of water.

[0076] Fig. 7A Shows Figure 3 A top-level flow chart of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a method of wherein the method includes confirming that the debris remains submerged in the body of water.

[0077] Figure 7B Shows Figure 3A top-level flow chart of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a method of wherein the method includes determining that a predetermined amount of debris has been placed in a body of water.

[0078] Fig. 8A Shows Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a system of -C, wherein the system includes an immersion vessel.

[0079] Figure 8B Shows Fig. 8A A top-level block diagram of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a system in which at least a portion of the immersion container is submerged below the surface of the body of water.

[0080] Fig. 9A -B shows Figure 1A A top-level block diagram of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a system of -C, wherein the system includes a water-permeable container for submerging debris in a body of water.

[0081] It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale, and that similar elements of structure or function may generally be represented by similar reference numerals throughout the drawings for illustrative purposes. It should also be noted that the drawings are only for the convenience of describing the preferred embodiments. The drawings do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Due to the shortcomings of conventional carbon sequestration methods, a low-cost system for locking carbon in biomass or other forms for a long time has proven to be desirable and provides a basis for widespread application. According to one embodiment disclosed herein, the carbon sequestration method can be realized by Figure 1A This result is achieved by the system 100 for locking carbon within a substance shown in Figure 1-C. In other words, the system 100 can produce biomass having a density greater than the highest water density in a body of water and discharge the biomass into the body of water, wherein the biomass can remain below the surface of the body of water and / or sink to the bottom of the body of water for a long period of time.

[0083] Water in large bodies of water may be fresh water, salt water, and / or any naturally occurring water or synthetic water that represents a naturally occurring liquid. When in large bodies of water, the water is typically stratified, with the temperature varying when measured from the surface to the bottom or underside of the body of water. In some cases, the temperature near the surface may be 20 degrees Celsius or higher, while at the same time, the temperature near the bottom may be close to zero degrees Celsius. Water has a maximum density near 4 degrees Celsius, and this temperature often occurs near the bottom of large bodies of water due to its relative density. In some cases, the temperature may be lower due to underwater currents and / or other factors. In order for a material to sink to the bottom of a body of water, the density of the material needs to be greater than the density of the water at all levels when the material contacts a particular layer in the body of water.

[0084] In some embodiments, materials placed on or near the bottom of a body of water can be stable and can remain for hundreds of years. In addition, and / or alternatively, the material can be converted into one or more other forms that remain in the body of water for longer periods of time. For example, the carbon can be consumed by microorganisms and converted into carbon dioxide and / or other biowaste compounds that immediately dissolve in the water; the dissolved carbon dioxide and / or other materials will migrate to the surface, but it may take hundreds or thousands of years before a significant amount of carbon reaches the surface and is emitted from the water into the atmosphere. Both of these approaches and their combinations and / or alternatives provide methods for long-term carbon sequestration.

[0085] Go to Figure 1A , a substance (or fragment) 10 containing carbon 12 is shown sinking into a body of water 20. In selected embodiments, the substance 10 may include a feedstock, which may include biomass, such as biomass derived from land. Biomass derived from a body of water may also be used. Figure 1A As shown, the substance 10 may have a structure (or matrix) that defines one or more air pockets or cavities 14 that contain air and / or one or more other gases. One or more air pockets or cavities 14 may have different sizes and / or shapes, some of which are very small, with a maximum dimension of less than 100 microns, and are integrated into the network of biological structures. The type, size and other characteristics of one or more air pockets or cavities 14 can be in any form. In some cases, one or more air pockets or cavities 14 contain biological materials that do not have individually identifiable air pockets but are low-density structures that can be compressed. For example, the biological material may include a substance that occupies a certain volume, and the substance occupies a smaller volume after being compressed. In selected embodiments, the biomass may include fibrous and / or tubular structures that can serve as channels for conveying water, nutrients and / or other fluids through the plant.

[0086] The body of water 20 may include any suitable body of water, including but not limited to a body of fresh water and / or a body of salt water, and may define a water surface 22. The substance 10 may be placed above or near the water surface 22, and may be submerged at a first predetermined depth D1 below the water surface 22. In selected embodiments, the substance 10 may be allowed to sink to the first predetermined depth D1, and / or a force may be applied to the substance 10 to sink the substance 10 to the first predetermined depth D1. At the first predetermined depth D1, the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may enter the structure of the substance 10 and compress some or all of the air pockets 14 of the substance 10. As the air pockets 14 are compressed by the first hydrostatic pressure 24 at the first predetermined depth D1, the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the substance 10 may be reduced, and / or water from the body of water 20 may replace a portion of the volume occupied by the air pockets 14 of the substance 10. In other words, as the air pockets 14 are compressed, the density of the substance 10 may increase, and / or the buoyancy of the substance 10 may decrease.

[0087] The object 10 having reduced buoyancy may sink further into the body of water 20. For example, Figure 1B As shown, the substance 10 may further sink to a second predetermined depth D2 below the water surface 22. At the second predetermined depth D2, the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may increase from the first hydrostatic pressure 241 at the first predetermined depth D1 to a second hydrostatic pressure 242. The second hydrostatic pressure 242 may enter the structure of the substance 10 and further compress the air pockets 14 of the substance 10 and / or displace a portion of the volume of the air pockets 14 of the substance 10. As the air pockets 14 are further compressed and / or displaced by the second hydrostatic pressure 242 at the second predetermined depth D2, the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the substance 10 may be further reduced, the density of the substance 10 may be further increased, and / or the buoyancy of the substance 10 may be further reduced.

[0088] In some cases, in addition to the compressive effect on the substance 10, the pressurization can physically disrupt the biological structure of the substance and release gas into the surrounding water. This causes the total amount of gas contained in the substance 10 to decrease and the density to increase accordingly.

[0089] The substance 10 having further reduced buoyancy may continue to sink into the body of water 20. As the substance 10 continues to sink, the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may continue to increase and enter the structure of the substance 10. The air pockets 14 may continue to compress and / or be displaced, and the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the substance 10 may continue to decrease as the air pockets 14 are further compressed and / or displaced. As the air pockets 14 continue to be compressed and / or displaced, the density of the substance 10 may continue to increase, and / or the buoyancy of the substance 10 may continue to decrease.

[0090] In selected embodiments, the substance 10 may continue to sink until it reaches the bottom (or sea floor) 26 of the body of water 20, such as Figure 1C . The bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 adjacent to the substance 10 is shown as having a third predetermined depth D3 below the water surface 22. At the third predetermined depth D3, the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may increase to a third hydrostatic pressure or terminal hydrostatic pressure 243. The third hydrostatic pressure 243 may enter the structure of the substance 10, further compressing and / or displacing the air pockets 14 of the substance 10, and further reducing the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the substance 10.

[0091] System 100 may be configured to discharge substance 10 below a depth in body of water 20 at which hydrostatic pressure from body of water 20 increases the density of substance 10 to a value greater than the density of water within body of water 20 found at the injection point. Additionally, and / or alternatively, system 100 may be configured to discharge substance 10 below a depth in body of water 20 at which hydrostatic pressure from body of water 20 increases the density of substance 10 to a value greater than the maximum density of water found in body of water 20. The minimum depth below the surface of the body of water to which substance 10 may be discharged and to which discharged substance 10 spontaneously sinks is referred to as critical submergence depth d. c . Critical immersion depth d c The critical submergence depth d may include a depth below or relative to the surface of the body of water at which the material must be submerged so that the density of the material is greater than the density of the body of water 20 at the point of injection. c The corresponding fluid static pressure at is called the critical immersion pressure Pc.

[0092] Critical immersion depth d c and the critical immersion pressure Pc are related by formula 1:

[0093] d c =Pc / (ρ*g) (Formula 1)

[0094] Where Pc is the critical immersion pressure in Pascals ((Pa), ρ is the water density in kg / m^3, g is the gravity constant in m / s^2, d c is the critical immersion depth in meters. The density of fresh water is close to 1000kg / m^3, and in practical applications, only its changes with water temperature and dissolved substances (including salinity) are considered. The density of a body of water increases as the temperature decreases, reaching a maximum value at about 4 degrees Celsius. The density of typical ocean salt water is as high as about 1040kg / m^3. To simplify Formula 1, a density of 1040kg / m^3 is used for salt water applications, a density of 1000kg / m^3 is used for fresh water applications, and 9.8m / s^2 is used as a standard approximation for the weight constant, resulting in Formulas 2 and 3.

[0095] Saline DC (Salt Water) =Pc / 10,200 (Formula 2)

[0096] Freshwater DC (Fresh Water) =Pc / 9,800 (Formula 3)

[0097] Formula 4 is a general approximation that introduces an error of 2% or less, but is convenient, easy to remember and calculate without tools. Generally speaking, the actual immersion depth used will be greater than the calculated value by a safety factor, so experienced operators can use the general formula.

[0098] General dc = Pc / 10,000 (Formula 4)

[0099] In selected embodiments, the system 100 may operate on a positively buoyant material 10. For example, the system 100 may physically push the positively buoyant material 10 into the body of water 20 and down to a first predetermined depth D1 (e.g., Figure 1A As shown above. Figure 1A In the manner described, the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may enter the structure of the substance 10 and compress the air pockets 14 within the substance 10 .

[0100] In some cases, substance 10 may shrink in physical size due to compression, resulting in substance 10 having a greater density due to the smaller overall size, while in other cases, water may replace air pockets so that the apparent size may remain the same. Thus, density may increase as air pockets 14 are compressed, replaced by water, or reduced in mass or volume through other mechanisms. Alternatively, the result may be a combination of both, with some change in size of substance 10 and some displacement of water. In selected embodiments, the physical mechanism responsible for increasing the density of substance 10 is not monitored and no attempt is made to define it, as the net change in density (and corresponding reduction in buoyancy) is the important result.

[0101] In order to submerge to the bottom or bottom surface of the body of water 20, the positive buoyancy of the material 10 can be reduced by lowering the material 10 into the body of water 20 until, at a certain depth, the buoyancy of the material 10 decreases due to the increase in the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 until the material 10 becomes negatively buoyant. As long as the density of the body of water does not increase dramatically due to, for example, changes in temperature or salinity, the negatively buoyant material 10 can continue to sink indefinitely under its own weight. However, in most places, once the material 10 becomes negatively buoyant in the body of water 20, the material 10 will sink to the bottom of the body of water 20.

[0102] In selected embodiments, the total amount of gas contained within the gas pockets 14 may remain within the substance 10, but with a reduced volume. In other words, the gas within the gas pockets 14 may not be expelled from the substance 10. Thus, the gas within the gas pockets 14 may be at a gas pressure equal to the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 surrounding the substance 10. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the gas within the gas pockets 14 may be partially or completely expelled from the substance 10. In selected embodiments, the total amount of gas contained within the gas pockets 14 may be partially removed by exposing the substance 10 to a pressure below atmospheric pressure while the substance 10 is immersed in the body of water 20.

[0103] Depending on the degree of vacuum (reduced atmospheric pressure) applied to the substance 10, the substance 10 may have negative buoyancy, or the substance 10 may have positive buoyancy but a shallower (lesser depth) critical submergence depth d than the substance 10 not exposed to the reduced pressure. c After exposing the substance 10 to the reduced atmospheric pressure, a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure is applied while the substance 10 is immersed in water. In some embodiments, the substance 10 may be exposed to more than one cycle of reduced atmospheric pressure followed by atmospheric pressure or greater while the substance 10 is immersed in water.

[0104] Substance 10 can be obtained according to the above reference Figure 1C In a manner discussed in more detail, the vessel is lowered to the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 (e.g. Figure 1C ). Material 10 may remain indefinitely on bottom surface 26 of body of water 20. Material 10 may be pushed along bottom surface 26 of body of water 20 by the current, wherein as material 10 moves along the slope of bottom surface 26, material 10 should continue to sink into deeper and deeper water.

[0105] Underwater conditions may vary for different bodies of water 20. For example, conditions in a selected body of water 20 (e.g., deep water) may include low temperatures and / or low oxygen concentrations. The bottom surface of the location selected for placing the substance 10 is preferably at least 200 meters below the average surface level, more preferably at least 500 meters below the surface, and most preferably at least 1000 meters below the surface, the water temperature is less than 10 degrees Celsius, most preferably less than 4 degrees Celsius, and the oxygen concentration is less than 8 milligrams of dissolved oxygen per liter of water (eight milligrams per liter of water (mg / L)), most preferably less than 4 mg / L, but not limited to this. Preferably, the location within the selected body of water 20 will be selected based on a low expected decay rate, because other life forms such as bacteria, worms, and other life forms that can consume the substance 10 will not be able to survive or reproduce. The substance 10 will decay very slowly, if at all. Preferably, the location is selected based on a low decay rate, where half of the substance 10 decays in a hundred years or more, and more preferably, half of the material decays in two hundred years or more. Reported in this manner is called a half-life. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the sunken material 10 is not considered a pollutant by any known rating system and may be a safe way to store large amounts of carbon over long periods of time.

[0106] The system 100 may increase the density of the fragments 10 in any suitable manner. Exemplary ways of increasing the density of the fragments 10 within the carbonaceous material may include reducing the size of low-density gas pockets 14 within the fragments 10 and / or extracting gas from low-density gas pockets 14 within the fragments 10. The density of the fragments 10 preferably increases when the fragments 10 are surrounded by a liquid, such as a body of water 20 in which the material is to be submerged.

[0107] In selected embodiments, a portion of the gas contained in the air pockets 14 of the biomass material fragments 10 can be removed by subjecting the biomass material fragments 10 to a vacuum or other reduced pressure below atmospheric pressure. Subjecting the fragments 10 to a reduced atmospheric pressure can also reduce the amount of surface gas found on the fragments 10 when submerged. Due to the surface tension of the surrounding water, the surface topography, and / or other factors, air and / or other gases may adhere to the submerged surface in the form of bubbles and / or surface layers. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure is applied to the fragments while they are submerged in the body of water 20. By applying the reduced pressure while the biomass material fragments 10 are submerged in the body of water 20, the reduced pressure can prevent the gas from refilling the air pockets 14 when the reduced pressure is removed and the pressure around the fragments 10 is restored to atmospheric pressure (or near atmospheric pressure or greater than atmospheric pressure). Preferably, the biomass material fragments 10 are not exposed to the atmosphere while being subjected to the reduced pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the reduced pressure is applied to the fragments while the fragments 10 are held in an airtight container, and the container is not filled with water. After the desired vacuum level is achieved within the container, the valve is opened to allow water from the body of water 20 or another source to fill the container.

[0108] The fragments 10 of biomass material are placed under vacuum or other reduced pressure, and then the fragments 10 of biomass material are returned to atmospheric pressure while immersed, which is usually an irreversible process. This is because the gas from the air pockets 14 is physically removed from the fragments 10 of biomass material and replaced by water in the process. As a result, for example, the fragments 10 of biomass material treated with reduced pressure can be processed outside the water body and loaded into a split barge. During the treatment process, some atmosphere may enter the fragments 10 of biomass material, but the amount is usually small. When treating the fragments 10 of biomass material in this way, if the fragments 10 of biomass material remain immersed after treatment, it may be advantageous to use a vacuum degree higher than the required level to treat the fragments 10 of biomass material, but this treatment method may be the most effective. In some embodiments, the material 10 can be exposed to more than one cycle of atmospheric pressure or greater pressure after reduced atmospheric pressure, while the material 10 is immersed in water, thereby reducing the vacuum degree required for treatment.

[0109] In one embodiment, a portion of the gas contained within the air pockets 14 of the biomass material pieces 10 is removed by subjecting the biomass material pieces 10 to a vacuum of 700 mm Hg below atmospheric pressure and then returning to atmospheric pressure, while the biomass material pieces 10 are completely submerged in water during the entire process. The processed biomass pieces 10 can then be removed from the water (in other words, the processed biomass pieces 10 are no longer submerged at this point) and loaded onto a split hopper barge and sailed to a location in the body of water where submersion is desired. At this point, the split hopper barge is opened, and the processed biomass pieces 10 enter the water and sink to the bottom of the body of water.

[0110] Additionally, and / or alternatively, the total volume of air pockets 14 within the biomass material pieces 10 can be reduced by subjecting the biomass pieces 10 to increased pressure while submerged in water. When the pieces 10 are below the surface 22 of the body of water 20, applying pressure (e.g., hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 and / or a high pressure pump) can reduce the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the air pockets 14 and increase the density of the pieces 10. Applying pressure can destroy some of the structure of the biomass material pieces 10 and / or eliminate one or more air pockets 14. In selected embodiments, water can enter and, in some cases, partially or completely fill at least one air pocket 14. For efficient operation, it is desirable to apply as low a pressure as possible to the biomass material pieces 10 to achieve a predetermined density of pieces. In some embodiments, pressure is applied and returned to atmospheric pressure (or reduced atmospheric pressure), and then pressure is applied again. Repeating the cycle can reduce the amount of pressure required to achieve a predetermined density of pieces.

[0111] The system 100 advantageously enables the submergence of a variety of materials in an efficient and cost-effective manner, thereby enabling the storage of large quantities of carbon. The ability to obtain large quantities of feedstock materials enables large quantities of carbon to be sequestered. An exemplary source of large quantities of carbonaceous materials is biomass, and biomass is a preferred material. In the broadest sense, biomass may include any type of plant material. In a preferred embodiment, the material may include terrestrial carbonaceous materials (or biomass). Terrestrial biomass includes many specific species. Preferably, the material used for submersion includes a compound having a carbon content of at least 10% by weight measured on a dry basis.

[0112] In some embodiments, the feedstock material is first processed to produce uniform feedstock. Although any feedstock is suitable for system 100 and can be immersed, large trunks, branches and other large or extended structures may be difficult to process in an effective manner. In addition, large biomass structures may require longer time or higher depth / pressure to successfully change the structure to increase density. Therefore, it is preferred to use common equipment such as wood chippers, hammer mills and other biomass size reduction to reduce the side of the biomass. Preferably, the biomass is processed in a device that reduces the size, such as a wood chipper, hammer mill, vibrating mill or other equipment. The device that reduces the size usually produces fragments with a certain size distribution, and does not usually produce fragments of the same size. Size separation equipment can be used to separate fragments of different sizes. Preferably, the mass of the maximum fragment used for immersion is less than 500 grams, more preferably, reduced to fragments with a mass less than 100 grams, and most preferably, reduced to fragments with a mass less than 50 grams.

[0113] As described above, reducing the size of the biomass allows for a reduction in the amount of time and / or critical sinking depth / pressure for sinking the biomass by increasing the availability of internal features that are modified to increase density. For many types of biomass, one or more air pockets or cavities 14 including air and / or one or more other gases may be confined within the structure (or matrix) of the biomass material. Reducing the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the fragments 10 may provide a greater number of air pockets 14 within a given mass of biomass material. Some air pockets 14 may exist at the micron level and / or may be difficult to access. Reducing the fragments 10 to fine particles may provide a more accessible biomass material, but such reduction may require additional time and / or equipment to process. Preferably, a minimal amount of energy and / or time is invested in processing the biomass material to increase the density of the fragments of the biomass.

[0114] After the size reduction of the biomass, the material can be processed through equipment to sort or classify the produced fragments into suitable uniform sized fragments. Sorting the material into similar sized fragments is an optional step that can improve overall efficiency. For example, a screen separator can be used to separate fragments that are larger or smaller than a predetermined size. Vibrating screen equipment increases the amount of material that can be processed. Vibrating screen equipment is a preferred method used. This equipment uses a wire mesh that allows fragments smaller than the mesh size to pass through the screen and retains larger fragments. Multiple screens can produce "crumbs" of material, each fragment being similar in size to the size of other fragments that are retained or rejected by a particular screen.

[0115] Go to Figure 2A , the system 100 for submerging biomass material is shown as being configured for placing the material at or near the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20. In other words, the system 100 may include a carbonaceous material submersion system 200 for submerging biomass or other carbonaceous material. The material submersion system 200 is shown as including a pump system 210. In selected embodiments, the pump system 210 may include a dredging pump or any other type of pump capable of moving solid matter. Preferably, the pump is designed to move solid material. The pump system 210 may include a pump inlet port 212 and a pump outlet port 214.

[0116] The carbonaceous material flooding system 200 may also include a hopper system 220, such as a feedstock hopper system, which may be in communication with the pump system 210. The hopper system 220 may include a hopper loading portion 224, into which feedstock, which may include biomass and / or other materials (collectively referred to as feedstock 30), may be loaded, and a hopper system outlet 222. A variety of feedstocks 30 may be used, including, but not limited to, agricultural residues, such as walnut shells, peach and olive pits, tree thinnings, such as pine cones and wood shavings, and / or water-based plants, such as water hyacinth.

[0117] In selected embodiments, the feedstock 30 may include one or more substances (or fragments) 10 containing carbon 12, in the manner described herein with reference to Figure 1A -C is discussed in more detail. Figure 2A As shown, the hopper system outlet 222 may be connected to the pump inlet port 212 of the pump system 210. Thus, the hopper system 220 may deliver the loaded material to the pump system 210. The pump system 210 may receive the chips 10 including the feedstock 30 from the hopper system 220 and may pump the chips 10.

[0118] The raw material 30 may be loaded into the hopper system 220 in any suitable manner. For example, a front loading system (not shown) may be used to drop the raw material 30 into the hopper system 220 through the hopper loading portion 224, and / or a conveyor system (not shown) may be configured to transport the raw material 30 into the hopper system 220. The conveyor system may include at least one track segment for conveying the raw material 30 into the hopper system 220.

[0119] In selected embodiments, the system 100 may optionally include a control system (or circuitry) (not shown) for helping to control the mass of feedstock 30 loaded into the hopper system 220. The mass of feedstock 30 may be loaded into the hopper system 220, for example, via a conveyor system capable of determining the mass of feedstock 30 on one or more specific track segments of the conveyor system.

[0120] In selected embodiments, the control system can determine the mass of the raw material 30 on a selected track segment of the conveyor system. A motor control system (or circuit) (not shown) can increase and / or decrease the speed of the conveyor system, and / or can be separate from the control system, or at least partially integrated with the control system. In other words, the motor control system can be integrated with the control system in whole and / or in part.

[0121] The motor control system can advantageously be configured to deliver a predetermined mass of raw material 30 to the pump system 210 during a predetermined time period. For example, the predetermined mass of raw material 30 delivered to the pump system 210 per minute can include a target value and a low tolerance margin and a high tolerance margin. For example, the target can be 1000 kg with a tolerance of 100 kg to allow between 900 kg and 1100 kg of raw material 30 to maintain smooth operation. One or more load cell systems (or circuits) (not shown) can be installed to measure the mass of raw material 30 on each two-meter track segment of the conveyor system.

[0122] Preferably, water from the body of water 20 can be delivered to the pump system 210 and can be used as a working fluid to operate the pump system 210. For example, water can be delivered to the hopper system 220 through the water inlet port 226 of the hopper system 220, and / or water can be delivered to the hopper system 220 through the hopper loading portion 224. In selected embodiments, water can be supplied from the body of water 20 via a feedwater pump system (not shown), gravity feed, and / or in any other suitable manner. Optionally, the ratio of the amount of water to the amount of feedstock 30 supplied can be controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0123] The illustrated discharge pipe system 230 has a proximal region 232 that can be connected to the pump outlet port 214. The discharge pipe system 230 can be configured to receive a mixture of feedstock 30 and water provided by the hopper system 220 through the pump system 210. The distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230 can enter the body of water 20 at a discharge pipe entry point 22A at the water surface 22. The distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230 can extend below the water surface 22 to a predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the water surface 22. i In selected embodiments, the discharge pipe system 230 may terminate at a predetermined injection depth d i In other words, discharge pipe system 230 may lead to a predetermined injection depth d within body of water 20. i and / or a reserved location.

[0124] The feedstock 30 may flow from the proximal region 232 to the distal region 234 through the discharge pipe system 230. When flowing through the discharge pipe system 230, the feedstock 30 may be converted into a substance (or fragment) 10 or processed fragment 32 having a density greater than that of the water body 20 at the predetermined injection depth d. i In selected embodiments, the fragments 32 are small enough to pass through the pump system 210 and the discharge pipe system 230. Thus, the densified fragments 32 may exit the distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230 and sink. In selected embodiments, the density of the densified fragments 32 may be greater than the density of the body of water 20 at any depth and may sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. The bottom 26 of the body of water 20 may be at a predetermined bottom depth d f Associated, the depth d f Equal to the distance between the water surface 22 and the bottom 26 of the water body 20.

[0125] Preferably, the predetermined injection depth d i Can be below the critical immersion depth d c , so that the processed debris 32 sinks to the bottom of the water body 20 or near the bottom of the water body 20. Here, the critical immersion depth d c The amount of feedstock 30 may depend on one or more characteristics of the feedstock 30 including, but not limited to, material type, age, moisture content, fragment size, and other factors.

[0126] Preferably, the predetermined injection depth d i The critical bottom submergence depth may be below the critical bottom submergence depth (not shown). The critical bottom submergence depth may include the depth below the water surface 22 at which the material must be submerged so that the density of the material is greater than the density of the body of water 20 at all layers from the injection point to the bottom of the body of water 20. Typically, the critical bottom submergence depth is equal to the critical submergence depth d c, because the density of the material increases as it sinks into the body of water 20, and the increase in density of the body of water 20 due to temperature and / or salinity is not as great as the increase in density of the sinking material. However, in some cases, the critical bottom submergence depth may be greater than the critical submergence depth because the density of the water in the body of water 20 may vary. The density of water may vary because the density of water has a maximum value near 4 degrees Celsius. In order to cause the densified chips 32 to reach the bottom 26 of the body of water 20, the carbonaceous material submergence system 200 may subject the feedstock 30 to a pressure greater than the critical bottom submergence depth of the body of water 20, so that the densified chips 32 sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 after being discharged from the distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230.

[0127] Figure 2B An alternative embodiment of a carbonaceous material submersion system 200 is shown. For example, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 is shown as being at least partially submerged below the surface 22 of the body of water 20. In other words, one or more of the pump system 210, the hopper system 220, and / or the discharge pipe system 230 may be fully and / or partially submerged in the water. Figure 2B For example, hopper system 220 is shown partially submerged below water surface 22 of body of water 20; while pump system 210 and discharge pipe system 230 are completely submerged below water surface 22. By at least partially submerging carbonaceous material submersion system 200, water for pump system 210 may advantageously be delivered via gravity feed and / or controlled by flow control system (or circuit) 240.

[0128] Additionally, and / or alternatively, the system 100 may include: Fig. 9A -B shows a water-permeable container 500. The raw material 30 can be placed in the container 500. For example, the container 500 can be composed of a steel mesh 510 so that water can easily pass through the mesh 510 from one side to the other side, and has one or more openable portions 520 to allow convenient loading and unloading of the raw material 30. The mesh 510 can have any suitable size, shape or other specifications for containing the raw material 30 while allowing water to penetrate. The container 500 containing the raw material 30 can be lowered to a predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the water surface 22 of the water body 20. i . Predetermined injection depth d i It is preferably greater than (or deeper than) the critical immersion depth d of the raw material 30. c Once it reaches the predetermined injection depth d i , the raw material 30 can be released from the container 500.

[0129] Such a container 500 can be easily operated on a large scale and / or can be raised and / or lowered into the body of water 20 using a crane (not shown) or other common lifting mechanism. In addition, and / or alternatively, the container 500 can also be equipped with one or more ballast tanks and / or weights 530 to increase the rate at which the container 500 can be raised and / or lowered. The system 100 can optionally include an underwater camera (not shown) so that one or more personnel (not shown) can monitor the status of the raw material 30 placed in the container 500.

[0130] When the container 500 is near the surface of the body of water 20, the feedstock 30 may be positively buoyant and located near the upper portion of the container 500. When the container 500 is lowered into the body of water 20, the feedstock 30 may include an internal air pocket 14 (e.g., Figure 1A -C) can reach equilibrium with the hydrostatic pressure at the depth of the water body 20 surrounding the container 500. The pressure applied to the raw material 300 can become equal to the pressure of the hydrostatic pressure, and some or all of the air pockets 14 can be partially or completely destroyed. When the container 500 reaches the critical immersion depth d c , the feedstock 30 may become negatively buoyant and may fall to the lower portion of the container 500, at which point the crew may notice that the critical immersion depth d has been crossed. c , and is ready to release feedstock 30 into body of water 20. The rate at which container 500 is lowered into body of water 20 and / or under the current may affect the position of feedstock 30 within container 500 and may be considered during operation.

[0131] In another embodiment, the pressure vessel (not shown) comprises a vertical cylinder with one or more openable portions at the upper and lower portions of the cylinder to allow for convenient loading and unloading of the raw material 30. When operating vertically in the body of water 20, the upper portion of the cylinder can be opened to place the raw material 30 in the container. The remaining portion of the cylinder can be filled with water from the body of water 20, and the cylinder can be closed to seal. The pressure vessel can partially exhaust air and / or other gases to a predetermined vacuum and then rebalance with atmospheric pressure while the raw material 30 remains surrounded by water. The processed raw material 30 can then be partially discharged from the bottom opening of the cylinder below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20. In one embodiment, the pressure vessel can remain substantially fixed in place, with the openable top located at or near the water surface.

[0132] Alternatively, the pressure vessel loaded with the processed feedstock 30 may be lowered to a predetermined depth below or relative to the water surface 22 before discharging the processed feedstock 30. Preferably, the density of the processed feedstock 30 is greater than the density of the water body 20. If the density of the processed feedstock 30 is not greater than the density of the water body 20, the pressure vessel may advantageously be lowered to the predetermined depth before discharging. The predetermined depth is preferably greater than (or deeper than) the critical immersion depth d of the processed feedstock 30.c , the predetermined depth is usually not as deep as the raw material 30 before vacuum treatment, because the vacuum treatment should remove at least some of the internal gas. Once dropped to the predetermined depth, the raw material 30 can be released from the pressure container.

[0133] The carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may produce submerged carbonaceous material in any suitable manner. Figure 3 An exemplary method 300 for making a submerged carbonaceous material is shown. In other words, the method 300 may include a method of submerging a biomass material. In selected embodiments, the method 300 may include a method of submerging a biomass material by submerging a carbonaceous material into a system 200 (e.g., Figure 2A -B) to produce submerged carbonaceous materials. The present disclosure also extends to carbonaceous products formed according to the carbonaceous material submergence system 200.

[0134] Go to Figure 3 The method 300 shows that it includes, at 330, determining one or more carbon 12-containing substances (or fragments) 10 (such as Figure 1A -C) of the critical immersion depth d c (like Figure 2A -B). Critical immersion depth d c may include a surface 22 below or relative to a body of water 20 (e.g. Figure 2A -B), the fragment 10 must be immersed at this depth so that the density of the fragment 10 is greater than the density of the water body 20. Figure 1A In a more detailed manner, the fragment 10 may have a structure defining one or more air pockets or cavities 14 (e.g., Figure 1A -C) structure (or matrix), the air pockets or cavities 14 include air and / or one or more other gases.

[0135] The method 300 may include, at 360, placing the debris 10 at a predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the surface 22 of the body of water 20. i (like Figure 2A -B). Predetermined injection depth d i Preferably greater than (or deeper than) the critical immersion depth d c Preferably, the predetermined injection depth d i The debris 10 is caused to sink to the bottom of the body of water 20. Once placed in the body of water 20, at 390, the debris 10 can be allowed to sink to the bottom surface (or seabed) 26 of the body of water 20 (e.g., Figure 1C The bottom surface 26 of the water body 20 (as shown) Figure 2A -B) can be with a predetermined bottom depth d below or relative to the water surface 22 of the water body 20 f In other words, the predetermined bottom depth d fThe distance between the surface 22 and the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 is equal to the distance between the surface 22 and the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. The present disclosure also extends to a carbonaceous product formed according to the method 300.

[0136] In selected embodiments, the fragment 10 may include a raw material 30 (e.g. Figure 2A -B), the raw material 30 may include biomass. Figure 4A As shown, the method 300 may optionally include, at 310, characterizing the feedstock 30 for conversion into the fragments 10. The critical immersion depth d of the fragments 10 c This may be determined at 332 in a manner discussed in greater detail herein.

[0137] The method 300 may optionally include one or more initialization steps. For example, the method 300 may be initialized by characterizing the feedstock 30 for conversion into the fragments 10. The feedstock 30 may be characterized in any suitable manner for conversion into the fragments 10. In selected embodiments, the feedstock 30 may be characterized based on one or more characteristics, such as, but not limited to, the type, size, and / or moisture content of the feedstock 30. Figure 4B An exemplary manner for characterizing feedstock 30 for conversion into fragments 10 is shown in FIG.

[0138] Go to Figure 4B At 312, a feedstock 30 may be selected. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the method 300 may include, at 314, ensuring that the selected feedstock 30 is suitable for submersion in the body of water 20. At 316, a moisture content of the selected feedstock 30 may be determined. Before and / or after determining the suitability of the selected feedstock 30 for submersion at 314, the moisture content may be determined at 316. Advantageously, determining the moisture content at 316 may help determine the quality of the submerged carbon associated with the selected feedstock 30.

[0139] The method 300 may include, at 318, determining the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the selected feedstock 30. At 318, the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the selected feedstock 30 may be determined in any suitable manner. At 318, an exemplary manner for determining the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the selected feedstock 30 may include, but is not limited to, passing the selected feedstock 30 over a screen (not shown). The screen may define one or more openings whose size, shape, and / or other specifications are equal to a predetermined size, shape, and / or other specification of the largest desired fragment that may be used.

[0140] Optionally, a vibrating screen may increase the throughput of the selected feedstock 30. Oversized pieces 10 may remain on top of the screen and may be removed, set aside, and / or further processed; meanwhile, pieces 10 of the appropriate size, shape, and / or other specifications may pass through the openings in the screen. For materials with a high aspect ratio, a set of two or more screens may be used, as pieces 10 with a high aspect ratio may pass through a single screen. In one embodiment, the size of the pieces 10 is selected based on the size allowed for use in the pumping equipment selected to pump the pieces into the body of water 20. It is generally desirable to use the largest size pieces 10 compatible with the pumping equipment to maximize the throughput of the material.

[0141] At 318, determining the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected feedstock 30 may advantageously help determine whether the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected feedstock 30 are within a suitable range of chip sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions for use. In other words, the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected feedstock 30 determined at 318 may help determine whether the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected feedstock 30 need to be reduced.

[0142] like Figure 4C As shown, the method 300, for example, may include, at 320, determining whether it is necessary to reduce the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the selected feedstock 30. In other words, the method 300 may prepare the selected feedstock 30 for immersion. For example, the determination at 320 may include determining at 322 whether the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the fragments 10 are known. If the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the fragments 10 are known, the critical immersion depth d of the fragments 10 may be d. c It can be determined at 332. In some biomass, the critical submergence depth d c Varies with fragment size. Fragments of various sizes can be produced in small batches and grouped into similar sizes for further testing. In one embodiment, Figure 5 Each predetermined size class of fragments is tested in the immersion characteristics testing apparatus 400 shown (the operation of which is described herein) to determine the critical immersion depth d for each size of fragment. c The operator will then determine the optimal fragment size based on desired processing time, pump throughput, energy requirements, and other factors.

[0143] Otherwise, the fragments 10 may be classified at 324. For example, the fragments 10 may be classified into two or more fragment groups at 324. For example, exemplary fragment groups may include a first fragment group including fragments 10 having a fragment size, shape, and / or size less than a predetermined fragment size, shape, and / or size, and a second fragment group including fragments 10 having a fragment size, shape, and / or size greater than the predetermined fragment size, shape, and / or size.

[0144] At 324, the fragments 10 may be classified in any suitable manner. At 324, an exemplary manner of classifying the fragments 10 may include, but is not limited to, passing the fragments 10 contained in the feedstock 30 through a screen (not shown). The screen may define one or more openings having a size, shape, and / or other specification of the opening equal to a predetermined size, shape, and / or other specification of the largest desired fragment that can be used. Optionally, a vibrating screen may increase the throughput of characterizing the fragments 10. Oversized fragments 10 may remain on the top of the screen and may be removed, set aside, and / or further processed; meanwhile, fragments 10 of appropriate size, shape, and / or other specifications may pass through the openings in the screen. For materials having a high aspect ratio, a set of two or more screens may be used, as fragments 10 having a high aspect ratio may pass through a single screen.

[0145] In the manner described above, for example, the fragments 10 may optionally be further processed based on the fragment group. For example, the method 300 may include adjusting the fragment size, shape, and / or other specifications of the selected fragment 10 at 326 as needed. At 326, the fragment size, shape, and / or other specifications of the selected fragment 10 may be adjusted so that the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the fragment are within a predetermined size, shape, and / or other specification range. When the size, shape, and / or other specifications of the fragment are within the predetermined size, shape, and / or other specification range, at 332, a critical immersion depth d of the selected fragment 10 may be determined in a manner discussed in more detail herein. c .

[0146] In selected embodiments, the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected fragments 10 may be larger than a predetermined size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the largest desired fragment that may be used, and the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of these selected fragments 10 may be reduced. In other words, the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the fragments 10 that are too large may be reduced. The fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected fragments 10 may be reduced, for example, by a high-efficiency device, such as a hammer mill. After the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions have been reduced, at 332, a critical immersion depth d of the selected fragments 10 having the reduced fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions may be determined in a manner discussed in more detail herein. c .

[0147] Additionally, and / or alternatively, at 324, one or more selected pieces 10 having reduced piece size, shape, and / or other specifications may optionally be sorted. In other words, at 324, one or more selected pieces 10 having reduced piece size, shape, and / or other specifications may be sorted again to help ensure that each selected piece 10 is within an appropriate piece size, shape, and / or other specification range for use. In other words, at 324, the selected pieces 10 may optionally be sorted again and adjusted in size, shape, and / or other specifications at 326. Oversized pieces 10 may damage and / or clog the pump system 210 (e.g., Figure 2A -B) and / or plugging the hopper system 220 (as shown in Figure 2A -B) and / or the discharge pipe system 230 (as shown in Figure 2A -B).

[0148] Although small fragments 10, such as sawdust and processing dust, leaf residues and other small particulates can be successfully submerged, the small size, shape and / or size of such small fragments 10 may result in clogging of the pump system 210 and / or clogging of the hopper system 220 and / or the discharge pipe system 230. In addition, and / or alternatively, the small fragments 10 may be easily captured in the subsurface water flow and drift to an undesirable location. Therefore, in selected embodiments, at 326, adjusting the fragment size, shape and / or other size of the selected fragments 10 may include increasing the fragment size, shape and / or other size of the fragments 10. Exemplary ways to increase the fragment size, shape and / or other size of the fragments 10 may include, but are not limited to, pressing the fragments 10 into pellets using a pelletizer or other suitable system. Bonding the fine materials together with adhesives, binders, glues and other materials, preferably plant-based materials, is another way to increase the size.

[0149] In selected embodiments, at 324, one or more selected fragments 10 with increased fragment size, shape, and / or other specifications may optionally be sorted. In other words, at 324, one or more selected fragments 10 with increased fragment size, shape, and / or other specifications may be sorted again to help ensure that each selected fragment 10 is within an appropriate fragment size, shape, and / or specification range for use. In other words, at 324, the selected fragments 10 are optionally sorted again and size, shape, and / or other specification adjustments are made at 326. After the fragment size, shape, and / or other specifications have been reduced, at 332, a critical immersion depth dc of the selected fragments 10 with increased fragment size, shape, and / or other specifications may be determined in a manner discussed in more detail herein.

[0150] At 332, a critical immersion depth dc of the selected fragment 10 may be determined in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, the critical immersion depth dc may be determined by, for example, Figure 5 The submerged properties testing apparatus 400 is shown to determine the submerged properties testing apparatus 400. The submerged properties testing apparatus 400 may advantageously be configured for submerging selected fragments 10 and / or for testing one or more properties of selected fragments 10 during operations of producing a submerged carbonaceous material.

[0151] Go to Figure 5 , an exemplary immersion characteristics testing apparatus 400 may include a pressure vessel 410. The pressure vessel 410 may include an elongated body 411 including opposite end regions 412 and defining an interior passage 413. A first (or upper) end region 412A of the pressure vessel 410 may include an open end region that may define an opening 413A in communication with the interior passage 413. A feedstock 30 including a substance (or fragment) 10 may be placed in the interior passage 413 of the pressure vessel 410 through the opening 413A. In selected embodiments, the first end region 412A may include a hinged end region or other design for allowing quick access to the interior passage 413 of the pressure vessel 410. The first end region 412A of the pressure vessel 410, for example, may alternate between a first (or open) operating state that allows access to the interior passage 413 through the opening 413A and a second (or closed) operating state that prohibits access to the interior passage 413 through the opening 413A. In other words, the first end region 412A may include an open end region in the first operating state and a closed end region in the second operating state.

[0152] The second (or lower) end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 may include a closed end region. In other words, the second end region 412B may block communication with the internal passage 413 of the pressure vessel 410. For example, an end cap 416 may be placed in the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410. The end cap 416 may be permanently mounted to the second end region 412B, or may be selectively removed to allow cleaning or other access to the internal passage 413 of the pressure vessel 410. In selected embodiments, the elongated body 411 may be formed of a transparent material to allow visual determination of the depth or other location of the fragments 10 of the feedstock within the pressure vessel 410.

[0153] like Figure 5As shown, the immersion characteristic testing device 400 may include one or more access ports 414. At least one access port 414 may be in communication with the internal passage 413 of the pressure vessel 410. Exemplary access ports 414 may include, but are not limited to, a pressure sensing port 414A and / or a pressure control port 414B. The pressure sensing port 414A may be mechanically fixed to the pressure vessel 410 and / or may be coupled to a pressure sensing system (or circuit) 420 for determining the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 410.

[0154] The pressure control port 414B can be mechanically fixed to the pressure vessel 410 and / or can allow fluid exchange between the fluid pressure source 430 and the pressure vessel 410. The fluid pressure source 430 and the pressure vessel 410 can be directly connected and / or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components. For example, the metering valve system 440 can be placed between the fluid pressure source 430 and the pressure vessel 410 through the valve conduit 450. The valve conduit 450 can be configured to allow a controlled amount of fluid to be exchanged between the pressure vessel 410 and the fluid pressure source 430.

[0155] The connection to the pressure vessel 410 may reduce the rated pressure of the pressure vessel 410, and consideration should be given to making the overall rated pressure of the immersion characteristics testing apparatus 400 sufficient to allow testing of the expected depth level, such as the critical immersion depth d of the debris 10. c Exemplary connections to the pressure vessel 410 may include a cap, a gas supply, a gauge, and / or any other port 412 or other feature of the pressure vessel 410. Materials that may be used for the pressure vessel 410 may include, but are not limited to, those available from General Electric Company of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. material, or any other polycarbonate material.

[0156] Operation of the Immersion Characteristic Test Apparatus 400

[0157] In some embodiments, Figure 5 The test apparatus 400 shown can be used to determine the critical immersion pressure Pc and thus the critical immersion depth d c , as described below. In addition, in another embodiment, Figure 5 The test apparatus 400 shown can be used to determine the critical vacuum Vc. It can be used to determine the critical immersion pressure Pc and the critical immersion depth d c The method of determining the critical vacuum level Vc may advantageously employ principles similar to those used for sinking large volumes of material.

[0158] Method 1: Application of positive pressure

[0159] When the material (or fragment) 10 is sunk into the water to a depth at which it begins to sink spontaneously (e.g., critical immersion depth d c ) (in other words, sinking the substance ((or fragment) 10 into the water to a depth where the density of the substance ((or fragment) 10 is greater than the density of the surrounding water), the following method can be used.

[0160] The test device 400 may be configured in a first (or open) operating state for allowing access to the interior channel 413 through the opening 413A. Next, the substances (or fragments) 10 may be loaded into the interior channel 413 through the opening 413A and filled to between 10% and 20% of the height of the interior channel 413, and then water, preferably from the body of water 20, is used to fill the interior channel 413 to between 80% and 100% of the full capacity of the interior channel 413. The test device preferably has a suitably large diameter so that the substances (or fragments) 10 do not stick together and / or against the walls of the test device 400 when filled with water. The substances (or fragments) 10 should be able to move freely. Preferably, at least ten individual substances (or fragments) 10 may be placed within the interior channel 413, and more preferably, at least twenty individual substances (or fragments) 10 will be placed within the interior channel 413, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] Next, the test apparatus 400 can be configured to a second (or closed) operating state for preventing access to the internal passage 413 by closing the opening and creating a sealed chamber. The pressure control port 414B can be configured to increase the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 by allowing fluid from a fluid pressure source 430 to enter the pressure vessel 410. The pressure source 430 can be a gas and / or a liquid. For example, the metering valve system 440 can be used to control the rate at which fluid flows from the fluid pressure source 430 through the valve conduit 450 into the pressure vessel 410. Preferably, the rate of fluid flow can be set so that the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 increases at a rate between 50 kilopascals (kPa) and 1000 kPa per minute, more preferably, at a rate between 50 kPa and 500 kPa per minute, and most preferably, at a rate between 50 kPa and 300 kPa per minute, but is not limited thereto.

[0162] Before the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 increases, the substance (or debris) 10 may float near the top of the water contained within the internal passage 413. As the pressure increases, the gas pockets 14 (e.g., Figures 1A to 1CAs shown in FIG. 4 , the material (or fragment) 10 is compressed and / or ruptured, causing the density of the material (or fragment) 10 to increase. As the pressure continues to increase, some of the material (or fragment) 10 will begin to sink to the bottom of the internal channel 413. As the pressure increases further, more of the material (or fragment) 10 will sink. The pressure at which 90% to 95% of the individual pieces of the material (or fragment) 10 sink to the bottom of the internal channel 413 can be defined as the critical immersion pressure Pm. Once the critical immersion pressure Pm is determined, the critical immersion depth Dm can be calculated by Formula 1.

[0163] As example 1, Figure 5 The test apparatus 400 shown is used to determine the critical immersion pressure Pm and critical immersion depth dm of wood chips. The wood chips are rectangular, with a major dimension between 3 and 4 cm, a second dimension between 2 and 3 cm, and a third dimension between 1 and 2 cm. The test apparatus 400 includes a cylindrical tube internal channel 413 made of transparent material, with a diameter of about 8 cm, a height of about 60 cm, and a rated pressure of 1500 kPa. The test apparatus 400 is configured in a first (or open) operating state for allowing access to the internal channel 413 through an opening 413A. The wood chips are loaded into the internal channel 413, a total of forty individual pieces, filling about 9 cm of the internal channel 413, about 15%. To ensure that air pockets from incomplete filling do not interfere with some of the wood chips, a sieve is inserted into the internal channel 413, approximately 10 cm below the top of the internal channel 413. Water from the lake was then filled into the internal channel 413 so that the water completely filled the internal channel 413, and the test device 400 was then configured to the second (or closed) operating state by closing the opening and creating a sealed chamber. A water pump was used as a fluid pressure source 430 and was metered into the pressure vessel 410 so that the pressure increased at a rate of approximately 50 kPa per minute. Individual fragments began to sink at 350 kPa, and when the pressure gauge showed a pressure of 450 kPa, 36 fragments had sunk to the bottom, giving a critical immersion pressure Pm of 450,000 Pascals.

[0164] Formula 4 is used to determine the critical immersion depth dm as 45 meters, calculated as follows:

[0165] Example 1Dm = 450,000 / 10,000 = 45 meters (Formula 5)

[0166] Method 2: Reduced atmospheric intrusion

[0167] When testing to determine the immersion characteristics of a material by first exposing the substance (or fragment) 10 to a reduced pressure and then immersing it in a liquid, an iterative process may be preferred to determine an approximation of the required reduced pressure level. Unlike the previously described method of applying positive pressure, in which pressure may be delivered continuously throughout the test, the reduced atmospheric intrusion process may be an iterative process in which the pressure is cycled between a reduced pressure (increasing in intensity with each cycle) and atmospheric pressure or pressures above atmospheric pressure while the substance (or fragment) 10 remains completely immersed in the liquid.

[0168] The reduced atmospheric intrusion method begins by configuring the immersion characterization testing apparatus 400 to a first (or open) operating state to allow access through the opening 413A to the interior channel 413. Next, the substance (or debris) 10 is loaded into the interior channel 413 through the opening 413A and filled to between 10% and 20% of the height of the interior channel 413, and then water, preferably from the body of water 20, may be used to fill the interior channel 413 to between 70% and 80% of the full capacity of the interior channel 413.

[0169] In the manner described in more detail above, preferably, the substance (or fragment) 10 can move freely in the test chamber and will not be restrained in a way that prevents movement. Preferably, at least ten individual substances (or fragments) 10 will be placed in the internal passage 413, and more preferably, at least twenty individual substances (or fragments) 10 will be placed in the internal passage 413, but not limited to this. A tightly fitting sieve can be inserted into the internal passage 413 and placed at a position of 5 cm to 20 cm below the horizontal plane. The size of the sieve can be designed so that the substance (or fragment) 10 will not pass through the sieve. This forces the substance (or fragment) 10 to remain completely submerged under the water surface.

[0170] Next, the test device 400 can be configured to a second (or closed) operating state by closing the opening and creating a sealed chamber. The pressure control port 414B can be set to reduce the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 by allowing gas to flow from the pressure vessel 410 to the pressure source 430, which can operate at less than atmospheric pressure. The pressure source 430 can be composed of a vacuum pump, a vacuum tank, a blower, or other device for reducing pressure. Preferably, a device capable of reducing the pressure to at least 720 mmHg (mmHg) is used, more preferably at least 740 mmHg, and most preferably at least 750 mmHg, but not limited thereto. Preferably, a vacuum pump steam trap, a condensate steam trap, or other device can be used as part of the pressure source 430 to prevent water and / or moisture from entering and damaging the device. A steam trap can be installed before the suction line of the vacuum pump or other device, and a cold surface can be used to force water to condense out of the gas flow and prevent water from entering the pressure source 430.

[0171] The pressure control port 414B may be configured to reduce the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 to a first predetermined level and maintain it for at least 10 seconds. In one embodiment, the first predetermined level may be between 600 mmHg and 650 mmHg. After the hold, the atmosphere may be delivered to the pressure vessel and maintained at atmospheric pressure for at least 10 seconds, completing the first cycle. If 90% or more of the substance (or debris) 10 has sunk to the bottom of the internal passage 413, the test is complete; otherwise, another cycle may be performed. The next cycle may be the same as the first cycle except that the vacuum is increased.

[0172] A second cycle may be initiated by setting the pressure control port 414B to reduce the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 to a second predetermined level and hold it for at least 10 seconds, followed by returning to atmospheric pressure using air. In one embodiment, the second predetermined level may be between 450 mmHg and 500 mmHg. If 90% or more of the substance (or fragments) 10 has sunk to the bottom of the internal passage 413, the test is complete; otherwise, another cycle may be performed. These cycles are repeated until at least 90% of the substance (or fragments) 10 has sunk to the bottom of the internal passage 413. The vacuum applied in each cycle will increase until (1) the test is successfully completed, or (2) the vacuum applied reaches the maximum capacity of the equipment, in which case the process may not be suitable for the material being tested.

[0173] Once the test is successfully completed, the last vacuum applied may be defined as the critical vacuum Vc. A quantity of matter (or debris) 10 may be exposed to the critical vacuum Vc and subsequently exposed to atmospheric pressure while submerged and then dumped at or near the surface of a body of water.

[0174] In selected embodiments, there is no fixed requirement for the increase in vacuum applied during each cycle. Smaller increases will result in higher resolution / accuracy results, but smaller increases also require more cycles and therefore longer test times. As the user gains experience with the materials used for immersion, the user will be able to develop an estimate and the vacuum level will be determined around their estimate.

[0175] In an alternative embodiment, after applying the vacuum, each cycle may use a pressure greater than atmospheric. Using a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure may provide an additional mechanism to change the internal structure of the substance (or fragment) 10 and increase the density to a greater amount than applying atmospheric pressure.

[0176] As example 2, use Figure 5The test apparatus 400 shown is used to determine the critical vacuum Vc of a wood chip. The wood chip is rectangular, with a major dimension ranging from 3 cm to 4 cm, a second dimension ranging from 2 cm to 3 cm, and a third dimension ranging from 1 cm to 2 cm. The test apparatus 400 includes a cylindrical tube inner passage 413 made of a transparent material, with a diameter of about 8 cm, a height of about 60 cm, and a rated pressure of 1,500 kPa. The test apparatus 400 is configured in a first (or open) operating state for allowing access to the inner passage 413 through an opening 413A.

[0177] Wood chips were loaded into the interior channel 413, a total of forty individual chips, filling approximately 9 cm of the interior channel 413, approximately 15%. To ensure that all wood chips remained completely submerged below the waterline during the test, a screen was inserted approximately 10 cm below the top of the interior channel 413. Water from the lake was then filled into the interior channel 413 so that the water level was 50 cm above the bottom of the interior channel 413, and then configured to the second (or closed) operating state. A vacuum pump was used as a fluid pressure source 430 and the gas was drawn out of the pressure vessel 410 so that the pressure was reduced to a predetermined value.

[0178] Several cycles are performed using a step size of approximately 50 mmHg. The first cycle is set to a vacuum of approximately 700 mmHg, the second cycle to 650 mmHg, and so on, with each cycle reducing the pressure by 50 mmHg. A single fragment 10 begins to sink at 400 mmHg, and after a vacuum cycle of 250 mmHg, 36 fragments have sunk to the bottom, with a critical vacuum Vc of 250 mmHg. After the test is completed, a larger container is filled with the substance (or fragment) 10 and exposed to a vacuum of 250 mmHg or higher, and then exposed to atmospheric pressure while the substance (or fragment) 10 is completely submerged. The substances (or fragments) 10 treated in this manner can be poured onto or near the surface of a body of water, and they will fall to the bottom of the body of water.

[0179] An alternative embodiment of Method 2 (reduced atmospheric intrusion) is described below for determining the density of the treated debris 32 to be greater than that of the body of water 20 (e.g., Figure 1A-C). In one embodiment, after each cycle, the substance (or fragment) 10 may be replaced with a new substance (or fragment) 10 in order to more accurately represent the expected operating characteristics because the substance (or fragment) 10 has not been subjected to a reduced pressure pre-treatment that may change its physical form. In an alternative embodiment, after each cycle, the substance (or fragment) 10 is not replaced with a new substance (or fragment) 10. In yet another alternative embodiment, the substance (or fragment) 10 may be replaced with a new substance (or fragment) 10 after every other cycle.

[0180] In selected embodiments, during an initial iteration of testing, feedstock 30 may be placed in interior passage 413 of pressure vessel 410. For example, preferably, feedstock 30 may occupy 15% to 25%, more preferably, 5% to 15%, of interior passage 413. Water 29, preferably water from body of water 20, may be added to feedstock 30 within interior passage 413. In selected embodiments, preferably, water 29 and feedstock 30 may occupy 15% to 100% of interior passage 413, more preferably, 60% to 80% of interior passage 413.

[0181] Water 29 and / or feedstock 30 may be prevented from entering the inlet port 414. Figure 5 As shown, the water 29 and / or the feedstock 30 are preferably placed between the inlet port 414 and the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410. In other words, the surface level 28 of the water 29 and / or the feedstock 30 may be lower than the pressure sensing port 414A and / or the pressure control port 414B. In selected embodiments, a mesh (not shown) may be introduced into the interior passage 413 of the pressure vessel 410. For example, the opening 413A defined by the first end region 412A may be placed in a first (or open) operating state, and the mesh may be introduced into the interior passage 413 through the opening 413A. The mesh may be positioned within the interior passage 413 to keep the feedstock 30 below the surface of the water 29 within the pressure vessel 410. Then, the first end region 412A may be placed in a second (or closed) operating state to seal the pressure vessel 410.

[0182] The internal pressure of the pressure vessel 410 can be measured or monitored through the pressure sensing port 414A. A vacuum pump system or other negative pressure source (not shown) can be coupled to the pressure control port 414B. The negative pressure source can generate a negative pressure, which can be applied to the internal channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410 through the pressure control port 414B. In selected embodiments, the negative pressure source can reduce the pressure inside the internal channel 413 at a predetermined rate and / or reach a predetermined vacuum level. Exemplary predetermined rates may include, but are not limited to, between 500 Pascals and 2000 Pascals during each time interval between about 5 seconds and 30 seconds.

[0183] When the pressure in the internal passage 413 reaches an initial preselected negative pressure level, for example, between 4000 Pascals and 6000 Pascals below atmospheric pressure, the negative pressure source may be isolated or otherwise disconnected. Atmosphere may be allowed to flow into the pressure control port 414B until the pressure in the internal passage 413 is equal to the atmosphere. In another embodiment, after the vacuum is applied, the pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the pressure applied after each application of vacuum may be between atmospheric pressure and 2000 kPa, more preferably, between atmospheric pressure and 1000 kPa, and most preferably, the pressure applied after each application of vacuum may be between atmospheric pressure and 500 kPa.

[0184] Once the initial iteration of the test is completed, the position of the treated debris 32 within the pressure vessel 410 can be determined. For example, if the elongated body 411 of the pressure vessel 410 includes a transparent body, the treated debris 32 within the pressure vessel 410 can be observed. If the treated debris 32 sinks to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 after the initial iteration of the test, the negative pressure level required to increase the density of the treated debris 32 to greater than the highest density of water in the body of water 20 can be between atmospheric pressure and the initial preselected negative pressure level. During one or more subsequent iterations of the test, the above test can be repeated with additional or different loads of feedstock 30 and the application of a negative pressure that is less than the pressure applied during the initial iteration of the test. With each successive iteration of the test, the actual negative pressure for the feedstock 30 applied to the pressure vessel 410 can be more accurately determined.

[0185] If the treated debris 32 does not sink to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 (and / or remains primarily at or near the surface 28 of the water 29 within the pressure vessel 410), the negative pressure level required to increase the density of the treated debris 32 to greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20 is greater than the initial preselected negative pressure level applied to the pressure vessel 410 during the initial iteration of the test. The above test may be repeated with a negative pressure greater than the initial preselected negative pressure level continuously applied to the pressure vessel 410. In other words, one or more subsequent iterations of the test may be performed. As described above, the subsequent iterations of the test may be performed after the load of feedstock 30 is removed in the initial iteration, and a new load of feedstock 30 may be loaded as described above. In other embodiments, the load of feedstock 30 is not removed and remains in the apparatus for subsequent iterations.

[0186] In order to determine the negative pressure applied to the pressure vessel 410 for the feedstock 30 with greater accuracy, fresh feedstock 30 may be used for each iteration. Additionally, and / or alternatively, water from the body of water 20 may be used to perform the test, and its temperature may be controlled using a heating and / or cooling device (not shown) so that the body of water 20 has a density as high as the highest water density found in the body of water 20.

[0187] During a second (or other subsequent) iteration of the test, the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 may be reduced to a second preselected negative pressure level, which may be greater than the initial preselected negative pressure level. An exemplary second preselected negative pressure level may be between 10,000 Pascals below atmospheric pressure and 20,000 Pascals below atmospheric pressure. When the pressure within the internal passage 413 reaches the second preselected negative pressure level, the negative pressure source may be isolated or otherwise disengaged. Atmosphere may be allowed to flow into the pressure control port 414B until the pressure within the internal passage 413 is equal to the atmosphere. After the second iteration of the test is completed, the position of the processed fragments 32 within the pressure vessel 410 may be determined at atmospheric pressure in the manner described above with reference to the initial iteration of the test.

[0188] If the treated debris 32 sinks to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 after the second iteration of the test, the negative pressure level required to increase the density of the treated debris 32 to be greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20 may be between the initial preselected negative pressure level and the second preselected negative pressure level. If greater accuracy is desired, the test may be repeated again, reducing the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 to a third preselected negative pressure level between the first preselected negative pressure level and the second preselected negative pressure level. If the treated debris 32 does not sink to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410, the negative pressure required may be greater than the third preselected negative pressure level, and the test may be repeated again.

[0189] The atmospheric pressure may vary depending on location and / or weather conditions, but is typically around 100,000 Pascals. Multiple testing iterations and the initial negative pressure level for each test help determine the accuracy of the target negative pressure level required to increase the density of the processed chips 32 to greater than the highest density of water in the body of water 20. Testing of various feedstocks 30 can generate a database system (or circuit) of target negative pressure levels that can be used to determine the step size and initial preselected negative pressure level for testing.

[0190] Once the target negative pressure level has been determined to a sufficient degree of accuracy, the submerged vessel 250 of the carbonaceous material submerged system 200 operating in the negative pressure mode may be operated as described above with reference to Fig. 8A The method is discussed in more detail in the loading position.

[0191] According to the above reference Figure 3 In a more detailed manner, the densified debris 32 may be placed at 360 at a predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the surface 22 of the body of water 20. i (like Figure 2A -B). Predetermined injection depth d i Preferably greater than (or deeper than) the critical immersion depth d cAt 360, the densified fragments 32 may be placed at a predetermined implant depth d in any suitable manner. i .exist Figure 6 The method for placing the densified fragments 32 at a predetermined implantation depth d is shown in FIG. i An exemplary method of

[0192] Go to Figure 6 , combined with Figure 2A -B, at 362, the discharge pipe system 230 may be placed below the water surface 22, at a depth below the critical immersion depth d c In other words, the distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230 may extend below the water surface 22 to a predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the water surface 22. i , where the predetermined injection depth d i Greater than critical immersion depth d c The distal region 234 may thus provide an injection point for introducing the densified debris 32 into the body of water 20. In selected embodiments, the injection point may be at the critical submergence depth d c For example, the injection point may be within a predetermined depth range below the critical submergence depth d c At least between 5 m and 100 m below, more preferably, at the critical immersion depth d c At least between 5 meters and 20 meters below, such that a majority of the densified debris 32 remains submerged and / or sinks to the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 .

[0193] The method 100 may include, at 364, initializing the system 100 for producing a high-density carbonaceous material and placing the material on the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. System initialization may be performed in any suitable manner. For example, the system 100 may be initialized at 364 by supplying water to the pump system 210. In other words, water flow may begin to enter the pump system 210, and the pump system 210 (or a pump motor (not shown) of the pump system 210) may be engaged.

[0194] Additionally, and / or alternatively, feedstock 30 may be loaded into hopper system 220 at 366. Feedstock 30 may be loaded into hopper system 220 in any suitable manner. For example, a front loading system (not shown) may be used to drop feedstock 30 into hopper system 220 through hopper loading portion 224, and / or a conveyor system (not shown) may be configured to deliver feedstock 30 to hopper system 220. Pump system 210 may receive chips 10 including feedstock 30 from hopper system 220, and may pump chips 10.

[0195] In selected embodiments, a vibration system (not shown) can help move the feedstock 30 from the hopper loading portion 224 of the hopper system 220 to the hopper system outlet 222 and, in turn, to the pump inlet port 212 of the pump system 210. The vibration system can be separate from the hopper system 220, or at least partially integrated with the hopper system 220. In other words, the vibration system can be wholly and / or partially integrated with the hopper system 220. The feedstock 30 can be loaded into the hopper system 220 to initially submerge the processed chips 32.

[0196] like Fig. 7A As shown, the method 100 optionally includes, at 392, confirming that the treated debris 32 remains submerged in the body of water 20. For example, whether the treated debris 32 is submerged may be confirmed by manually observing the treated debris 32 at the surface 22 of the body of water 20. The observation may be performed in any suitable manner, such as by manual observation by one or more operators or other users (not shown) and / or by optical or other suitable automated observation techniques, which may be performed at the surface 22 of the body of water 20. Preferably, the observation may be performed in an area of ​​the surface 22 above the distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230.

[0197] An acceptable level of treated debris 32 rising to the water surface 22 may be determined. If the amount of treated debris 32 observed rising to the water surface 22 is greater than the acceptable level, the distal region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230 may be lowered further into the body of water 20 in an effort to reduce the amount of treated debris 32 rising to the water surface 22. In other words, the predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the water surface 22 may be increased. i , to reduce the amount of processed debris 32 that rises to the water surface 22. In selected embodiments, the processed debris 32 may be collected over a predetermined area, and the mass of the collected processed debris 32 may be estimated or otherwise determined.

[0198] The method 100 may continue placing the treated debris 32 in the body of water 20 at 360 until it is determined at 394 that a predetermined amount of the treated debris 32 has been placed in the body of water 20, such as Figure 7B Based on the determination at 394, method 100 may terminate at 396. In other words, method 100 may include, at 396, terminating placement of treated debris 32 in body of water 20. In selected embodiments, terminating placement of treated debris 32 in body of water 20 at 396 may include deactivating pump system 210 (e.g., Figure 2A -B) and / or terminate or otherwise suspend loading of the feedstock 30 into the hopper system 220 (as shown in Figure 2A-B). At 398, the total mass of the processed debris 32 submerged in the body of water 20 may be recorded. For example, an underwater camera system (or circuit) (not shown) may be used to record the location and other details of the mass of processed debris 32 placed in the body of water 20.

[0199] Fig. 8A -B shows an alternative embodiment of a carbonaceous material submersion system 200 for submerging carbonaceous material and producing submerged carbonaceous material. Fig. 8A -B, shows that the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 includes a submersion vessel 250. The submersion vessel 250 may include an elongated body 251 including opposite end regions 252 and defining an internal passage 253.

[0200] The first (or upper) end region 252A of the immersion container 250 may define a first opening 253A that may communicate with the interior passage 253 and may alternate between a first (or open) operating state that allows access to the interior passage 253 through the first opening 253A and a second (or closed) operating state that prohibits access to the interior passage 253 through the first opening 253A. In other words, the first end region 252A may include an open end region in a first operating state and a closed end region in a second operating state. In selected embodiments, the first end region 252A may be associated with a first adjustable covering system 256A.

[0201] The first adjustable covering system 256A can be adjustably coupled to the first end region 252A, for example, by a hinge system (not shown). In a first operating state, the first adjustable covering system 256A can seal the first opening 253A of the first end region 252A, whereas, in a second operating state, the first adjustable covering system 256A can open the first opening 253A of the first end region 252A. The first end region 252A can optionally be manually and / or automatically actuated to switch between the first operating state and the second operating state. In selected embodiments, the first end region 252A can be remotely actuated and / or can be actuated to switch between the first operating state and the second operating state in a rapid manner.

[0202] The second (or lower) end region 252B of the immersion container 250 may define a second opening 253B that may communicate with the interior passage 253 and may alternate between a first (or open) operating state that allows access to the interior passage 253 through the second opening 253B and a second (or closed) operating state that prohibits access to the interior passage 253 through the second opening 252B. In other words, the second end region 252B may include an open end region in a first operating state and a closed end region in a second operating state. In selected embodiments, the second end region 252B may be associated with a second adjustable covering system 256B. The second adjustable covering system 256B may be adjustably coupled to the second end region 252B, for example, by a hinge system (not shown).

[0203] In the first operating state, the second adjustable covering system 256B can seal the second opening 253B of the second end region 252B, however, in the second operating state, the second adjustable covering system 256B can open the second opening 253B of the second end region 252B. The second end region 252B can optionally be manually and / or automatically actuated to switch between the first and second operating states. In selected embodiments, the second end region 252B can be remotely actuated and / or can be actuated to switch between the first operating state and the second operating state in a rapid manner.

[0204] like Fig. 8A -B, the immersion container 250 may include one or more inlet ports 254. At least one inlet port 254 may be in communication with the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250 and may be directly and / or indirectly connected to the control valve 260. Each control valve 260 may optionally be manually and / or automatically actuated to switch between an open operating state and a closed operating state. In selected embodiments, the control valve 260 may be remotely actuated and / or may be actuated to switch between an open operating state and a closed operating state in a rapid manner.

[0205] Exemplary access ports 254 may include, but are not limited to, pressure sensing ports 254A and / or water supply ports 254B. Pressure sensing ports 254A may be mechanically fixed to immersion container 250 and / or may be in communication with internal passage 253 of immersion container 250. Fig. 8AAs shown in Figure 2-B, the pressure sensing port 254A can be coupled to a pressure sensing system (or circuit) 270 for determining the internal pressure within the immersion container 250. Additionally and / or alternatively, the pressure sensing port 254A can be connected to a first control valve 260A for controlling access to the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250. The fluid pressure source system 280 can optionally be coupled to the first control valve 260A and have an internal connection to the first control valve 260A to allow fluid exchange between the fluid pressure source system 280 and the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250 when the first control valve 260A is in an open operating state or an optional partially open state.

[0206] The water supply port 254B may be mechanically fixed to the immersion container 250 and / or may be in communication with the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250. Fig. 8A -B, the water supply port 254B can be connected to the second control valve 260B to control access to the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250. When the immersion container 250 is immersed and the second control valve 260B is in an open operating state or an optional partially open state, the second control valve 260B can allow fluid exchange between the water body 20 and the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250.

[0207] Go to Fig. 8A , the immersion container 250 is shown placed in the stowed position. The immersion container 250 in the stowed position may be at least partially above the surface 22 of the body of water 20. In other words, when in the stowed position, the immersion container 250 may be partially or completely above the surface 22 of the body of water 20. In selected embodiments, a portion of the immersion container 250 in the stowed position may be submerged in the body of water 20.

[0208] When placed in the loading position, the immersion container 250 can be loaded with raw material 30. The first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 in the loading position can be positioned in a first operating state so that the raw material 30 can be placed into the interior passage 253 through the first opening 253A. The second end region 252B of the immersion container 250 can also be positioned in a second operating state so that the second end region 252B includes a closed end region for holding the loaded raw material 30 in the interior passage 253 of the immersion container 250.

[0209] The feedstock 30 may be loaded into the immersion container 250 in any suitable manner. For example, a front loading system (not shown) may be used to drop the feedstock 30 into the interior passage 253 through the first opening 253A of the immersion container 250. Water, such as water from the body of water 20, may optionally be delivered to the interior passage 253 of the immersion container 250. The water may be delivered to the interior passage 253 when the immersion container 250 is placed in the loading position. In other words, the water may be delivered to the interior passage 253 when the immersion container 250 is above the surface 22 of the body of water 20, when the immersion container 250 is partially submerged in the body of water 20, and / or when the immersion container 250 is completely submerged in the body of water 20. The water may be delivered to the interior passage 253 by a feed pump system (not shown), by gravity feed, and / or by any other suitable means. In selected embodiments, the ratio of the amount of water delivered to the amount of feedstock 30 loaded may be based on the mass of the feedstock 30 loaded into the immersion container 250.

[0210] The carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may be operated in any of a variety of operating modes. Exemplary operating modes of the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may include, but are not limited to, a positive pressure mode, a negative pressure mode, and a mixed positive / negative pressure mode.

[0211] Positive pressure mode

[0212] In selected embodiments, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may advantageously be operated in a positive pressure mode. In the positive pressure mode, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may determine the critical submergence depth d in the manner described herein. c ( Figure 8B For example, the critical immersion depth d c Available through Figure 5 The immersion characteristics test apparatus 400 is shown to determine.

[0213] like Fig. 8A As shown, the immersion container 250 can be placed in a loading position. When placed in the loading position, the immersion container 250 can be loaded with raw material 30. The first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 in the loading position can be positioned in a first operating state so that the raw material 30 can be placed in the internal passage 253 through the first opening 253A. The second end region 252B of the immersion container 250 can also be positioned in a second operating state so that the second end region 252B includes a closed end region for holding the loaded raw material 30 in the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250.

[0214] A predetermined amount of raw material 30 may be loaded into the immersion container 250. In other words, the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250 may be filled to a predetermined level with the raw material 30. Once the raw material 30 is loaded into the immersion container 250, the first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 may be switched from the first operating state to the second operating state. In selected embodiments, the first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 may be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to switch from the first operating state to the second operating state. Thus, the first end region 252A may be switched to a closed end region in the second operating state, and the loaded raw material 30 may be maintained within the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250.

[0215] The immersion container 250 with the loaded feedstock 30 may be submerged in the body of water 20, such as Figure 8B In selected embodiments, the immersion container 250 with the loaded raw material 30 can be completely submerged in the body of water 20. Water from the body of water 20 can be supplied to the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250 through the water supply port 254B. For example, the second control valve 260B can be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to switch from a closed operating state to an open operating state, thereby allowing water to enter the water supply port 254B and flow into the internal passage 253.

[0216] The first control valve 260A of the immersion container 250 may optionally be actuated, such as remotely, to switch from a closed operating state to an open operating state, thereby allowing any air and / or other gases within the internal passage 253 to be exhausted and displaced by water supplied to the internal passage 253. For example, the displaced air and / or other gases may be exhausted to the atmosphere near the immersion container 250.

[0217] Additionally, and / or alternatively, the first control valve 260A may be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to switch from a closed operating state to an open operating state when the immersion container 250 is submerged in the body of water 20. Thus, when water is supplied to the interior passage 253 of the immersion container 250 through the water supply port 254B, any air and / or other gases within the interior passage 253 of the immersion container 250 may escape into the atmosphere. In selected embodiments, a screen (not shown) of fragments 10 that are smaller than the feedstock 30 may be placed within the immersion container 250, covering the pressure sensing port 254A, to prevent the feedstock 30 from entering and potentially clogging the pressure sensing port 254A.

[0218] The second control valve 260B may allow a predetermined amount of water to flow into the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250. The water supply may be terminated, and the predetermined amount of water may remain in the internal passage 253. In selected embodiments, after the water supply is terminated, the second control valve 260B may remain in an open operating state.

[0219] The immersion container 250 with the loaded feedstock 30 and the predetermined amount of water may be submerged in the body of water 20 to a depth greater than a critical immersion depth d below or relative to the water surface 22. c In other words, at least a portion of the immersion container 250 may be submerged at a depth greater than the critical immersion depth d c The depth of Figure 8B As shown, for example, the second end region 252B of the immersion container 2250 may be submerged at a predetermined injection depth d below or relative to the water surface 22. i , the predetermined injection depth d i Greater than (or deeper than) critical immersion depth d c Because the second control valve 260B continues to maintain the open operating state, the pressure within the immersion container 250 can be advantageously equalized to the water pressure surrounding the immersion container 250. Therefore, fluid exchange between the water body 20 and the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250 can be performed through the open water supply port 254B.

[0220] In selected embodiments, after the immersion vessel 250 reaches the desired depth, a predetermined amount of time may be allowed to elapse to allow the feedstock 30 to equilibrate and be processed to form processed fragments 32. Once the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the second end region 252B of the immersion vessel 250 may be transitioned from the second operating state to the first operating state. In the first operating state, the second end region 252B may include an open end region. In selected embodiments, the second end region 252B of the immersion vessel 250 may be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to transition from the second operating state to the first operating state. Thus, the immersion vessel 250 may be placed in an unloading position.

[0221] With the second end region 252B in the first operational state, the processed debris 32 may exit the immersion container 250 and sink to the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20. The processed debris 32 may remain on the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 indefinitely. The processed debris 32 may be pushed along the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 by the water flow, wherein the processed debris 32 should continue to sink deeper and deeper into the water as the processed debris 32 moves along the slope of the bottom surface 26. Although reference is made to Figure 8B Shown and described as fully submerged, but for illustration purposes only, the submerged container 250 may be partially submerged below the surface 22 of the body of water 20 as long as the second end region 252B is submerged to a depth greater than (or deeper than) the critical submergence depth d c The predetermined injection depth d i .

[0222] In an alternative embodiment, the container may be made of wire mesh or other material that allows water to flow between the outside and inside of the container.

[0223] As Example 3, a carbonaceous material immersion system 200 is used to increase the density of several tons of wood chips. The carbonaceous material immersion system 200 is operated on shore near the edge of a body of water 20, where a feedstock 30 containing chips 10 is to be submerged. The starting material comprises tree branch parts, ranging in diameter from 20 cm to 2 cm, and up to 5 meters in length. The branches are reduced in size to chips 10 having a volume of 3 cubic centimeters or less by using a conventional wood chipper. The density of the chipped chips 10 is about eight tenths of a gram per cubic centimeter.

[0224] When placed in the loading position, the raw material 30 is loaded into the internal channel 253, as described above with respect to FIG. 8, and filled to within 10 cm of the top of the internal channel 253. Water from the body of water 20 is pumped into the internal channel 253 using a water pump and pipe and filled to maximum capacity (until water overflow is observed). After the raw material 30 and water are loaded into the immersion container 250, the first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 is switched from the first operating state to the second operating state (closed).

[0225] The fluid pressure source system 280, which consists of a water pump capable of pumping to a pressure greater than 2000 kPa, is used to generate a positive pressure (pressure greater than atmospheric pressure) and is applied to the internal channel 253 of the immersion container 250 through the pressure sensing port 254A. The internal pressure of the immersion container 250 is monitored using a pressure gauge through the pressure sensing port 254A. The fluid pressure source system 280 is used to increase the pressure within the internal channel 253 to 1000 kPa. Next, the first control valve 260A of the immersion container 250, which consists of a standard two-way manual ball valve, is actuated to allow atmospheric air to enter the internal channel 253 at a reduced pressure until the pressure within the internal channel 253 is equal to atmospheric pressure. A total of five cycles (each cycle includes applying a positive pressure and then returning to atmospheric pressure) are applied to the raw material 30.

[0226] After applying the fifth cycle and returning to atmospheric pressure, the carbonaceous material flooding system 200 is configured in a first (open) position that allows the removal of feedstock 30. The feedstock is removed from the internal passage 253, set aside to allow the chips 10 to pass through, and placed on a screen to allow any free water to drain. It has been determined that the density of the chips 10 increases from an initial density of about 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter to a density of about 1.03 grams per cubic centimeter. The feedstock 30 containing the chips 10 is then loaded onto a split hopper barge, which is then sailed to a predetermined location in the body of water 20. The split hopper barge is then opened (split to allow the loaded material to fall), and the feedstock 30 is dropped into the body of water 20, where it sinks to the bottom of the body of water 20.

[0227] Negative pressure mode

[0228] In selected embodiments, the carbonaceous material immersion system 200 may advantageously be operated in a negative pressure mode. In the negative pressure mode, the feedstock 30 within the immersion vessel 250 may be subjected to a negative pressure (or vacuum) less than atmospheric pressure. The negative pressure may result in air pockets or cavities 14 (e.g., Figure 1A -C) in the air and / or one or more other gases are extracted from the air pocket 14. The air and / or other gases may be partially or completely extracted and leave the air pocket 14, depending on the negative pressure level applied to the raw material 30.

[0229] If the feedstock 30 is subjected to negative pressure while being surrounded by the water 29, air and / or other gases may be prevented from re-entering the air pockets 14 within the fragments 10 and other feedstock 30. In other words, when the feedstock 30 is subjected to negative pressure, the extracted air and / or other gases may be removed by the water 29 (e.g., from the body of water 20 (e.g., Figure 1A -C) replacement of air). By replacing air and / or other gases with water 29, the density of the fragments 10 can be increased.

[0230] As a unique feature of the carbonaceous material immersion system 200 in negative pressure mode, the increase in density of the chips 10 when being processed into the treated chips 32 may be completely irreversible or partially irreversible. The density of the treated chips 32 may remain increased, for example, as long as the treated chips 32 are not exposed to air and / or other gases after the negative pressure is applied. For some materials and embodiments used for immersion, the density of the treated chips 32 may remain increased permanently or for a long time (greater than several hours), even if the treated chips 32 are exposed to air and / or other gases after the negative pressure is applied. This is because the voids and air pockets are replaced by water, and there is no mechanism to drain the water and replace the lost gas.

[0231] In selected embodiments, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 in a negative pressure mode may be used to determine the negative pressure level required to increase the density of the treated chips 32 to a level greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20. If the density of the treated chips 32 can be increased to a level greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20, the treated chips 32 may be advantageously discharged at or near the surface 22 of the body of water 20. The treated chips 32 having the increased density may then sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. Discharging near the surface 22 may be a significant operational advantage and may provide the most efficient and cost-effective operation. The methods for operating the system are similar to those described herein for the submergence characteristics testing apparatus 400.

[0232] Back to Fig. 8A, when the immersion container 250 is placed in the loading position, the raw material 30 can be loaded. The first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 in the loading position can be positioned in a first operating state so that the raw material 30 can be placed in the internal passage 253 through the first opening 253A; and the second end region 252B of the immersion container 250 can be positioned in a second operating state so that the second end region 252B includes a closed end region for keeping the loaded raw material 30 in the internal passage 253 of the immersion container 250. The predetermined amount of raw material 30 can be referred to above Fig. 8A Once the feedstock 30 is loaded into the immersion container 250, the first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 may be switched from the first operating state to the second operating state.

[0233] The immersion container 250 with the loaded feedstock 30 may be submerged in the body of water 20, such as Figure 8B In selected embodiments, the immersion container 250 loaded with the feedstock 30 may be partially or fully submerged in the body of water 20. At least the second end region 252B of the immersion container 250 is preferably placed below the surface 22 of the body of water 20. If gravity feed is to be used to fill the interior passage 253 of the immersion container 250 with water, the immersion container 250 may be submerged at least to a desired water level depth below or relative to the surface 22 of the water.

[0234] In selected embodiments, the immersion container 250 with the loaded feedstock 30 may be completely submerged in the body of water 20. Water from the body of water 20 may be supplied to the interior passage 253 of the immersion container 250 through the water supply port 254B. For example, the second control valve 260B may be actuated to switch from a closed operating state to an open operating state, thereby allowing water to enter the water supply port 254B and flow into the interior passage 253 in the manner discussed in more detail above.

[0235] The first control valve 260A of the immersion container 250 can optionally be actuated to switch from a closed operating state to an open operating state, thereby allowing any air and / or other gases within the internal passage 253 to escape, which are replaced by water supplied to the internal passage 253. For example, the displaced air and / or other gases can be exhausted to the atmosphere near the submersible vessel 250. In selected embodiments, the first control valve 260A can include a one-way valve that can allow air and / or other gases to escape from the internal passage 253 while preventing water from flowing into the internal passage 253. Preferably, the water level within the internal passage 253 can be established and / or maintained below the pressure sensing port 254A to help prevent water from being drawn into the internal passage 253 when negative pressure is applied.

[0236] The internal pressure of the immersion container 250 may be measured or monitored via the pressure sensing port 254A. Figure 8B As shown, the fluid pressure source system 280 can also be coupled to the pressure sensing port 254A. The fluid pressure source system 280 can generate a negative pressure that is applied to the internal passage 253 of the submersible vessel 250 through the pressure sensing port 254A. In selected embodiments, the fluid pressure source system 280 can reduce the pressure within the internal passage 253 at a predetermined rate. Exemplary predetermined rates may include, but are not limited to, between 500 Pascals and 2000 Pascals during each time interval between approximately 5 seconds and 30 seconds.

[0237] For example, the fluid pressure source system 280 can reduce the pressure within the internal passage 253 to the pressure set forth above by the immersion testing apparatus 400. Figure 5 26. The target negative pressure level is determined in a manner discussed in more detail herein. When the pressure within the internal passage 253 reaches the target negative pressure level, the density of the chips 10 within the feedstock 30 can increase to form processed chips 32 having a density higher than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20. The second end region 252B can be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to switch from the second (or closed) operating state to the first (or open) operating state. With the second end region 252B in the first operating state, the processed chips 32 can leave the immersion container 250 and sink to the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20. The processed chips 32 can remain on the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 indefinitely. The processed chips 32 can be pushed along the bottom surface 26 of the body of water 20 by the water flow, wherein as the processed chips 32 move along the slope of the bottom surface 26, the processed chips 32 should continue to sink into deeper and deeper water.

[0238] Mixed positive and / or negative pressure mode

[0239] In selected embodiments, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may be operated in a mixed positive pressure and / or negative pressure mode. In the mixed positive pressure and / or negative pressure mode, a negative pressure as described above in the negative pressure mode may be applied to reduce the critical submergence depth d in the positive pressure mode. c When the negative pressure pattern is applied, air pockets or cavities 14 within the chips 10 of the feedstock may be evacuated and returned to equilibrium with the atmosphere (or to a predetermined pressure above atmospheric pressure) as the negative pressure applied, while the chips 10 are submerged. Treating the chips 10 to replace the air pockets 14 with water may help increase the density of the treated chips 32 and / or reduce the pressure required to sink the treated chips 32 having the increased density. In some embodiments, as described above, the chips 10 may be exposed to more than one cycle of reduced atmospheric pressure followed by atmospheric pressure or greater pressure.

[0240] As Example 4, a carbonaceous material immersion system 200 is used to increase the density of several tons of wood chips. The carbonaceous material immersion system 200 is operated on shore near the edge of a body of water 20, where a feedstock 30 containing chips 10 is to be immersed. The starting material is a section of a tree branch, ranging in diameter from 20 cm to 2 cm, and up to five meters in length. The size of the tree branch is reduced to chips 10 having a volume of 5 cubic centimeters or less by using a common wood chipper. The density of the chipped chips 10 is about 0.7 grams per cubic centimeter.

[0241] When placed in the loading position, the raw material 30 is loaded into the internal channel 253, as described above with respect to FIG. 8, and filled to within 10 cm of the top of the internal channel 253. Water from the body of water 20 is pumped into the internal channel 253 using a water pump and pipe and filled to maximum capacity (until water overflow is observed). After the raw material 30 and water are loaded into the immersion container 250, the first end region 252A of the immersion container 250 is switched from the first operating state to the second operating state (closed).

[0242] The fluid pressure source system 280 consisting of a vacuum pump is used to generate a negative pressure, which is applied to the internal channel 253 of the immersion container 250 through the pressure sensing port 254A. The internal pressure of the immersion container 250 is monitored using a pressure gauge through the pressure sensing port 254A. The fluid pressure source system 280 is used to reduce the pressure in the internal channel 253 to 100 mmHg. Next, the first control valve 260A of the immersion container 250, which is composed of a standard two-way manual ball valve, is actuated to allow the atmosphere to enter the internal channel 253 at a reduced pressure until the pressure in the internal channel 253 is equal to the atmospheric pressure. The pressure source consisting of an air compressor is configured to increase the amount of air in the internal channel 253 using a pipeline to flow into the first control valve 260A, thereby increasing the pressure in the internal channel 253 to a pressure of 400 kPa above the atmospheric pressure. Then, by opening the first control valve 260A, the pressure in the internal channel 253 is restored from the atmospheric pressure, while the first control valve 260A is configured to allow pipeline flow between the internal channel 253 and the atmosphere. A total of three cycles were applied to feedstock 30 (each cycle included applying a vacuum, then returning to atmospheric pressure, followed by applying a positive pressure, then returning to atmospheric pressure).

[0243] After applying the third cycle and returning to atmospheric pressure, the carbonaceous material flooding system 200 is configured in a first (open) position that allows the removal of feedstock 30. The feedstock is removed from the internal passage 253 and set aside to allow any remaining water to drain. It has been determined that the density of the chips 10 increases from an initial density of about 0.7 grams per cubic centimeter to a density of about 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter. The feedstock 30 containing the chips 10 is then loaded onto a split hopper barge where they are mixed with other processed materials and sailed to a predetermined location in the body of water 20. The split hopper barge is then opened (split to allow the loaded material to fall) and the feedstock 30 is dropped into the body of water 20 where they sink to the bottom of the body of water 20.

[0244] The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above examples and can be used in any combination with each other. Several embodiments can be combined to form another embodiment. The method or system disclosed herein may include at least one of the embodiments described above. It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to selected embodiments, or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the problems described, or embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described. It should also be understood that references to "a" subject refer to one or more of the subject. The term "comprising" is used in this specification to indicate that the following features or actions are included, and the presence of one or more additional features or actions is not excluded.

[0245] In selected embodiments, one or more features disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product. For example, a computer program product may be encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media, such as any type of magnetic, optical and / or electronic storage media, but not limited thereto. As used herein, a phrase in the form of at least one of A, B, C, and D should be interpreted as meaning one or more of A, one or more of B, one or more of C, and / or one or more of D. Similarly, as used herein, a phrase in the form of A, B, C, or D should be interpreted as meaning A or B or C or D. For example, a phrase in the form of A, B, C, or a combination thereof should be interpreted as meaning A or B or C or any combination of A, B, and / or C.

[0246] The disclosed embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but rather, the disclosed embodiments will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.

Claims

1. A method for producing a submerged carbonaceous material, comprising: Applying an external pressure different from atmospheric pressure to the carbon-containing raw material; as well as The pressurized raw materials are sealed in a body of water.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The applying of the external pressure includes applying an external pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure to the raw material.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The applying the external pressure includes applying an external pressure less than the atmospheric pressure to the raw material.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The applying of the applied pressure includes applying a vacuum to the feedstock.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The step of sealing the pressurized raw material includes sealing the pressurized raw material in a body of fresh water.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The step of sealing the pressurized raw material includes sealing the pressurized raw material in a salt water body.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing of the pressurized raw material includes sinking the pressurized raw material into the water body.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The feedstock includes biomass.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The feedstock includes one or more carbon-containing fragments.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The feedstock includes at least one low-density structure; wherein the low-density structure is capable of being compressed.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The feedstock defines one or more air pockets.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the air pockets contains air.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The applying the applied pressure includes applying the applied pressure to compress at least one low-density structure of the feedstock.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The applying the applied pressure includes applying the applied pressure to increase a stock density of the stock.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Applying the applied pressure to increase a feedstock density of the feedstock includes increasing the feedstock density of the feedstock to a first water density that is less than a body of water above a critical submergence depth.

16. The method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein: Applying the applied pressure to increase the feedstock density of the feedstock includes increasing the feedstock density of the feedstock to a second water density greater than the body of water below the critical submergence depth.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The sealing of the pressurized raw material includes immersing the raw material in the water body.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The sealing of the pressurized raw material includes placing the raw material in the body of water at a predetermined injection depth greater than a critical immersion depth.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein: The applying of the external pressure includes applying the external pressure to make the raw material negatively buoyant.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein: The applying the applied pressure includes sinking the feedstock into the body of water after the at least one low-density structure of the feedstock is compressed.

21. A system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material and comprising apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A computer program product for producing a submerged carbonaceous material and comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein: The computer program product is encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

24. A method of making a submerged carbonaceous material, comprising: determining a critical submergence depth below a surface of a body of water for one or more fragments containing carbon and defining one or more air pockets, the fragments having a first fragment density that is less than a first water density of the body of water above the critical submergence depth and greater than a second water density below the critical submergence depth; placing the fragments in the body of water at a predetermined injection depth greater than the critical submergence depth; and Debris containing carbon and having a second density greater than the second water density is allowed to sink to a bottom surface of the body of water.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Placing the fragments in the body of water includes exposing the fragments to pressure to compress the air pockets, thereby increasing the first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein: Said exposing the fragments to pressure may comprise exposing the fragments to hydrostatic pressure from the body of water.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein: Exposing the fragments to hydrostatic pressure includes exposing the fragments to increasing hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth in the body of water, the increasing hydrostatic pressure further compressing the air pockets and further increasing the second fragment density of the fragments to a third fragment density greater than the second fragment density.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein: Placing the fragments in the body of water includes exposing the fragments to pressure to fill the air pockets with water from the body of water to increase the first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density.

29. The method of any one of claims 24-28, further comprising characterizing the feedstock; wherein The feedstock is used to be converted into the carbon-containing fragments.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein: Characterizing the feedstock includes ensuring that the feedstock is suitable for immersion in the body of water.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein: Characterizing the feedstock includes determining the moisture content of the feedstock.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein: Characterizing the feedstock includes determining the size, shape or specifications of the feedstock.

33. The method of any one of claims 24-32, further comprising determining whether a specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted.

34. The method according to claim 33, in, The determining whether the size of the fragment needs to be adjusted includes classifying the fragments to determine whether the size of the selected fragment is greater than a first predetermined fragment size threshold, and reducing the size of the selected fragment based on the classifying of the fragments, and Wherein said determining said critical immersion depth comprises determining a critical immersion depth for selected fragments of reduced size.

35. The method according to claim 34, in, The determining whether the size of the fragment needs to be adjusted includes determining whether the reduced size of the selected fragment is greater than the first predetermined fragment size threshold, and based on the determining whether the reduced size of the selected fragment is greater than the first predetermined fragment size threshold, further reducing the reduced size of the selected fragment, and Wherein, said determining said critical immersion depth comprises determining a critical immersion depth for selected fragments of further reduced size.

36. The method according to claim 33, in, The determining whether the size of the fragments needs to be adjusted includes classifying the fragments to determine whether the size of the selected fragments is less than a second predetermined fragment size threshold, and increasing the size of the selected fragments based on the classifying of the fragments, and Wherein said determining said critical immersion depth comprises determining a critical immersion depth for selected fragments of increasing size.

37. The method according to claim 36, in, The determining whether the size of the fragment needs to be adjusted includes determining whether the increased size of the selected fragment is less than the second predetermined fragment size threshold, and based on the determining whether the increased size of the selected fragment is less than the second predetermined fragment size threshold, further increasing the increased size of the selected fragment, and Wherein, said determining said critical immersion depth comprises determining a critical immersion depth for said selected fragments of further increased specification.

38. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein: The first predetermined fragment size threshold is equal to the second predetermined fragment size threshold.

39. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein: The determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted includes determining whether the size of the fragment needs to be adjusted.

40. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein: The determining whether the specification of the fragment needs to be adjusted includes determining whether the shape of the fragment needs to be adjusted.

41. The method of any one of claims 24 to 40, further comprising ensuring that the carbonaceous fragments remain submerged after sinking to the bottom surface.

42. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 41, further comprising: determining that a predetermined amount of said debris has been placed in said body of water; as well as The placing of the debris in the body of water is terminated based on the determining that a predetermined amount of the debris has been placed in the body of water.

43. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 42, further comprising: The mass of debris on the bottom surface of the water body was recorded.

44. A system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material and comprising apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 24 to 43.

45. A computer program product for producing a submerged carbonaceous material and comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 24 to 43.

46. ​​The computer program product of claim 45, wherein: The computer program product is encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

47. A method of making a submerged carbonaceous material, comprising: placing one or more chips containing carbon and defining one or more air pockets in a hopper loading portion of the hopper system; pumping the fragments from the hopper loading portion into a proximal region of a discharge pipe system having a distal region extending below the surface of a body of water to a predetermined injection depth below the water surface, the predetermined injection depth being greater than a critical submergence depth of the fragments below the water surface; as well as discharging the carbonaceous fragments from the distal region of the discharge pipe system, Wherein, the debris discharged from the distal end region of the discharge pipe sinks to the bottom surface of the water body.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein: Placing the fragments includes conveying the fragments to the hopper loading portion via a front loading system.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein: Placing the fragments includes conveying the fragments to the hopper loading portion via a conveying system.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising: The mass of the debris on the selected track segment of the conveyor system is determined.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein: The determining the mass of the fragments includes: determining the mass of the fragments by the conveying system.

52. The method of claim 50 or 51 further comprising adjusting a speed of the conveyor system based on the determined mass of the fragments.

53. The method of any one of claims 47-52, further comprising delivering water to the hopper loading portion of the hopper system, wherein: The pumping the debris includes pumping the debris and the water from the hopper loading portion of the hopper system into the proximal region of the discharge pipe system.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein: The delivering water to the hopper loading portion of the hopper system includes delivering the water from the body of water to the hopper loading portion of the hopper system.

55. The method of any one of claims 47-54, further comprising applying pressure to debris moving from the proximal region of the drain tube system to the distal region of the drain tube system to increase a debris density of the debris, wherein The debris density is greater than the water density of the body of water at the predetermined injection depth.

56. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 55, wherein: The proximal region of the discharge pipe system is disposed below the surface of the body of water.

57. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 56, wherein: The proximal region of the discharge pipe system is disposed on the surface of the body of water.

58. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 57, wherein: At least a portion of the hopper system is disposed below the surface of the body of water.

59. The method according to any one of claims 47-58, wherein: At least a portion of the hopper system is disposed above the surface of the body of water.

60. A system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material, comprising: Apparatus for carrying out the method of any one of claims 47-59.

61. A computer program product for producing a submerged carbonaceous material, comprising: Instructions for implementing a method according to any of claims 47-59.

62. The computer program product of claim 61, wherein: The computer program product is encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

63. A method of producing a submerged carbonaceous material via a submerged vessel, the submerged vessel comprising an elongated body including opposed first and second end regions and defining an interior passage extending from the first end region to the second end region, the first end region defining a first opening communicating with the interior passage and alternating between an open state permitting access to the interior passage through the first opening and a closed state prohibiting access to the interior passage through the first opening, the second end region defining a second opening communicating with the interior passage and alternating between an open state permitting access to the interior passage through the second opening and a closed state prohibiting access to the interior passage through the second opening, the elongated body comprising a pressure sensing port adjacent the first end region and a water supply port adjacent the second end region, the pressure sensing port being configured for determining an internal pressure within the interior passage, the water supply port being configured for controlling fluid exchange between the interior passage and a fluid pressure source system, the method comprising: positioning the immersion container in a loading position, wherein the first end region is in the open state and the second end region is in the closed state; placing one or more fragments containing carbon and defining one or more air pockets into the interior passage of the immersion vessel through the first opening of the first end region; transitioning the first end region from the open state to the closed state; submerging the second end region of the immersion container below the surface of a body of water to a predetermined injection depth below the water surface that is greater than a critical immersion depth of the debris below the water surface; placing water into the interior passage of the immersion container through the water supply port; and transitioning the second end region from the closed state to the open state, wherein the debris exits the interior passageway through the second end region and sinks to the bottom surface of the body of water.

64. A system for producing a submerged carbonaceous material comprising an apparatus for carrying out the method of claim 63.

65. A computer program product for producing a submerged carbonaceous material, comprising instructions for implementing the method of claim 63.

66. The computer program product of claim 65, wherein: The computer program product is encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

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