Tool and method for injecting material underground

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool for injecting a material, such as a biomaterial comprising carbon, underground, for example for carbon sequestration. The tool comprises a chassis comprising a ground contacting device, such as a wheel, a slider or a track, for movably supporting the chassis in a direction of movement. The tool also includes at least one frame having respective injection devices, each injection device being supported by the at least one frame. The at least one frame is reciprocally movable relative to the chassis in a movement direction. The invention also relates to a method of injecting a material underground.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for injecting material into the ground, such as carbonaceous biological material. The device can be used for carbon sequestration. Background Art

[0002] In carbon sequestration, carbon-containing material is sequestered from the carbon cycle in order to reduce the amount of carbon in the cycle. Carbon sequestration can be a (partial) solution to rising atmospheric CO2 levels, which have several negative consequences, a well-known example being climate change due to the greenhouse effect. It is well known that plants absorb CO2 and fix the carbon in other molecules through the process of photosynthesis. Plants usually decay within a relatively short period of time, thus sending the carbon back into the carbon cycle. By sequestering plant material, carbon is prevented from returning to the cycle, thus allowing carbon sequestration. This strategy can be monetized by selling carbon rights corresponding to the amount of carbon sequestered.

[0003] Of course, carbon sequestration can be performed using any carbonaceous material of non-fossil origin. In particular, biomaterials preferably obtained from plants are considered. In the present application, the material is sequestered by injection into the ground. For this purpose, the material can be a liquid or liquid-like substance, i.e., it can be injectable.

[0004] One way to isolate a material from the carbon cycle is to store the material underground. However, underground storage can be energy intensive, time intensive, require large capital investments, or be impractical and / or uneconomical. The present invention is intended to at least partially alleviate these disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0005] This object is achieved by a tool according to the invention, comprising a chassis, the chassis comprising ground contact means, such as wheels, sliders or tracks, for supporting the chassis movably on the ground in a movement direction, the tool further comprising at least one frame with corresponding injection devices, each injection device being supported by at least one frame, wherein at least one frame is reciprocally movable relative to the chassis in the movement direction.

[0006] Firstly, the present invention uses injection to bring the material underground. Injection has the advantage that relatively less ground needs to be moved, making injection a relatively efficient way to store material underground. In addition, injection can keep a larger part of the surface intact. In order to allow the material to be effectively injected multiple times, the injection device is carried by a movable tool, and for this purpose the movable tool has a ground contact device. In order to allow the tool to move during injection without damaging a relatively large part of the surface, the injection device is arranged on a frame that is movable relative to the chassis. Therefore, the tool can remain movable during the injection process, that is, the chassis can remain movable. The frame can be moved relative to the chassis in a direction opposite to the direction of movement, so that the frame, for example, remains substantially stationary relative to the ground. Therefore, the injection can be carried out from a fixed point. After the injection, the frame can move backward relative to the chassis.

[0007] It is noted that the injection can thus be performed intermittently. The injection device can be configured to inject intermittently. For example, the injection device can adopt a piston and cylinder configuration, wherein the up and down strokes of the piston are synchronized with the movement of the frame relative to the chassis, so that the injection is performed when the frame is stationary, and so that when the frame is not stationary, the injection device is loaded while the frame moves backward relative to the chassis.

[0008] The tool may further comprise an actuator connected to the frame and the chassis, the actuator being arranged to move the frame relative to the chassis in at least one direction.

[0009] Using an actuator, appropriate movement of the frame and chassis can be obtained. The actuator can be configured to move the frame in one direction but not in the opposite direction. Thus, the frame can move freely in one direction relative to the chassis, while the frame is intermittently driven by the actuator in the other direction. Movement of the frame in the direction of free movement can be obtained by the injection device contacting the ground (thus acting as an anchor point). Of course, it is also possible to use an actuator (or different actuators) to drive the frame in two directions relative to the chassis.

[0010] One method of appropriately driving the frame is that the frame and the chassis are connected by a tension element, wherein the actuator is configured to pull the frame relative to the chassis via the tension element.

[0011] Thus, a lighter structure can be obtained.

[0012] The tool may comprise a plurality of such frames arranged longitudinally and / or transversely when viewed in the direction of movement.

[0013] Thus, the injection capacity of a single tool can be increased. Furthermore, when the injection devices are synchronized out of phase, injection can be performed at a relatively constant total flow rate between the multiple injection devices. Thus, the tool can more efficiently handle the continuous inflow of material to be introduced into the ground. Of course, this effect can also be achieved by arranging multiple injection devices on a single frame.

[0014] The plurality of frames may be arranged stationary in the direction in which they move relative to the chassis, thereby allowing the frames to be arranged closer to each other.

[0015] The frames may also be moved out of phase with respect to each other, thereby smoothing out the injection process and / or any energy consumption associated with moving the frames relative to the chassis.

[0016] To allow out-of-phase movement of the frames, multiple frames can be independently moved relative to the chassis. Independently moving the frames allows the frames to be appropriately driven to create a near-continuous injection process. The frames can also move independently but out of phase. A mechanism can be provided to couple the frame movement. The mechanism can consist of mechanical linkages or electronically controlled drive devices configured to achieve the desired out-of-phase synchronized frame movement.

[0017] It should be noted that it is also possible to arrange multiple (eg two) injection devices and optional associated equipment on a single frame.

[0018] The injection device may include an injector needle reciprocatably movable relative to the frame between an extended position in which the injector needle extends beyond the ground contacting device and a retracted position in which the injector needle does not extend beyond the ground contacting device.

[0019] Thus, the needle can be inserted into and retracted from the ground. When the needle is inserted into the ground, material can be ejected from the needle so as to be injected into the ground at a distance below the surface. When the needle is retracted, the injector device can be moved relative to the ground together with the frame without damaging the surface.

[0020] The syringe needle may, for example, be telescopically extended to achieve the above-mentioned reciprocating motion.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the syringe needle comprises an outlet opening in the region of its free end, the outlet opening being arranged on one side of the syringe needle. The outlet opening can usually be arranged at the longitudinal end of the needle so that the injection is carried out in the longitudinal direction of the needle. However, in this embodiment, in order to better distribute the ejected material underground, the injection can be carried out laterally. A plurality of outlet openings, such as 2, 3 or 4, can be arranged on the side of the needle.

[0022] The tool may further include a cylinder fluidly connected to the injection device via a conduit and a piston configured to cooperate with the cylinder to drive fluid through the conduit.

[0023] The pressure cylinder and piston together can generate sufficient pressure to inject the material into the ground.

[0024] In practice, the piston may be hydraulically operated.

[0025] The pressure cylinder may include an inlet and a one-way valve associated with the inlet, the one-way valve allowing flow into the pressure cylinder through the inlet but not allowing flow out of the pressure cylinder through the inlet.

[0026] In this case, it becomes relatively easy to feed the material into the pressure cylinder. In particular, filling the pressure cylinder can be performed with the aid of or entirely by the movement of a piston in the cylinder, which can effectively suck in the material during the filling stroke (eg, upstroke).

[0027] In order to ensure that sufficient material is supplied to the injection device, a pump, preferably a rotor pump, may be provided for supplying the injection device with material, preferably via a pressure cylinder.

[0028] Rotor pumps are particularly suitable for conveying the materials involved in this application and are not prone to wear.

[0029] The tool may further comprise a measuring unit configured to measure the amount of carbon injected into the ground. The measuring unit may be arranged downstream of the pump. The measuring unit may comprise a spectroscopic measuring device configured to measure the amount of carbon per unit of material and a flow meter configured to measure the amount of material injected into the ground. The flow meter may measure a volumetric flow rate or a mass flow rate.

[0030] The tool may also include a processor for homogenizing, for example, biological material.

[0031] Using a processing machine, the raw materials can be processed into a homogenous mass that can be injected and / or transferred using a pump.

[0032] The processing machine may comprise at least one roller, the at least one roller extending at a non-zero distance from the pressing surface so as to press the material between the at least one roller and the pressing surface.

[0033] Using a roller, sufficient pressure can be applied to the material to homogenize it. A non-zero distance between the roller and the extrusion surface (which can also be the extrusion surface of the roller) can improve energy efficiency and reduce wear, but when the distance is small enough, it will not affect the homogenization result.

[0034] Of course, the tool may also include a mowing and / or harvesting system. Thus, the tool may be a complete system for harvesting, processing and injecting material. Thus, the tool may be driven through the land where the plants are growing. Harvesting may be performed during the injection process, resulting in an efficient system.

[0035] The tool may include a coupler connected to the chassis for pulling the tool in the direction of movement. Thus, the tool is suitable for use by, for example, a tractor or other type of prime mover. Alternatively, the tool itself may include a prime mover connected to the chassis. The tool may be self-propelled, i.e., does not require human operation.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method of injecting a material into the ground, such as a carbonaceous material, for example a biogenic material, comprising:

[0037] a. moving the chassis on the ground in the moving direction, while carrying the injection device on the frame supported by the chassis;

[0038] b. during step a, moving the frame relative to the chassis in the opposite direction so that the frame is stationary relative to the ground;

[0039] c. During step b, injecting material into a formation below the surface; and

[0040] d. After step c, the frame is moved relative to the chassis along the moving direction.

[0041] The method can be performed by the tool described in this article. The method can produce the advantages and effects described above with respect to the tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a tractor and implement described herein;

[0044] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 More details on the tools in ;

[0045] Figure 3 A top view of another tool is schematically shown;

[0046] Figure 4A and Figure 4B schematically showing a detailed side view of the tool with an extended and retracted syringe needle; and

[0047] Figure 5 A front view of the free end of a syringe needle is schematically shown.

[0048] Throughout the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1A tool 1 is shown, which is coupled to a tractor 2 so that it can be transported in a transport direction T. The tool comprises wheels 3 carrying a chassis 4. The tool also comprises a processing machine 5, a rotor pump 6, a pressure cylinder 7 and an injection device 8. The processing machine 5, the rotor pump 6, the pressure cylinder 7 and the injection device 8 are carried by a frame 9. The frame 9 is movable relative to the chassis 4 in a direction D parallel to the transport direction T. Thus, the frame 9 can be moved backwards into a rear position, as indicated by the dashed line 9'. It should be noted that the processing machine 5 and / or the pump 6 and / or the pressure cylinder 7 can also be arranged stationary relative to the chassis 4 as an alternative.

[0050] Figure 2 The option of allowing the frame 9 to move backwards by slack in the wire 11 via the winch 10 is shown. When required, the winch 10 is driven and controlled to move the frame 9 forwards by pulling on the wire 11. Figure 2 Also shown is a conduit 12 connecting the processing machine 5, the rotor pump 6, the pressure cylinder 7 and the injection device 8. The pressure cylinder 7 cooperates with a piston 14 driven by a rod 15 via a hydraulic actuator 16. The pressure cylinder comprises a space 13 into which material can be received via an inlet 17 and pushed towards the injection device 8 by the movement of the piston 14. A valve is provided at the inlet 17 to prevent the material in the space 13 from flowing back.

[0051] Figure 3 A chassis 4 is shown with several frames 9 arranged thereon. It can be seen along the transport direction T that the frames 9 are arranged transversely adjacent to each other, however, additionally or alternatively, the frames 9 can also be arranged longitudinally to each other. The different positions of the frames 9 indicate that they are independently movable in a direction D parallel to the transport direction T.

[0052] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The injection device 8 is shown in more detail, comprising a cylinder 18 and an injection needle 19. The injection needle 19 is telescopically movable in a vertical direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction and substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction. Thus, the injection needle 19 can be telescopically extended beyond the wheel 3, such as Figure 4A as shown, and can be retracted, as Figure 4B As shown. Thus, the needle 19 can be inserted into the ground for injection at one time and then retracted above the ground for horizontal movement at another time. The needle 19 has a free end 20 on its underside from which the material can be ejected. Figure 5 The free end shown optionally has a side opening 21. In this case, two side openings 21 are provided on opposite lateral sides of the needle 19.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited thereto. In fact, the present invention is also described in the claims.

Claims

1. A tool for injecting material into the ground, for example for carbon sequestration, the material being a biomaterial containing carbon, the tool comprising a chassis comprising ground contact means, such as wheels, sliders or tracks, for movably supporting the chassis on the ground in a moving direction, the tool further comprising at least one frame with respective injection means, each injection means being supported by the at least one frame, The at least one frame is reciprocatable relative to the chassis in the moving direction.

2. The tool according to the preceding claim, further comprising an actuator connected to the frame and the chassis, the actuator being arranged to move the frame relative to the chassis in at least one direction.

3. The tool according to the preceding claim, wherein the frame and the chassis are connected by a tension element, wherein the actuator is configured to pull the frame relative to the chassis via the tension element.

4. Tool according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of such frames arranged longitudinally and / or transversely as viewed in the direction of movement.

5. The tool of the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of frames are independently movable relative to the chassis.

6. A tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The injection device includes a syringe needle that reciprocates relative to the frame between an extended position in which the syringe needle extends beyond the ground contacting device and a retracted position in which the syringe needle does not extend beyond the ground contacting device.

7. A tool according to the preceding claim, wherein: The syringe needle is telescopically extendable.

8. A tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The syringe needle comprises an outlet opening in the region of its free end, which outlet opening is arranged on one side of the syringe needle.

9. The tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cylinder and a piston, the cylinder being fluidly connected to the syringe through a conduit, the piston being configured to cooperate with the cylinder to drive fluid through the conduit.

10. A tool according to the preceding claim, wherein: The piston is hydraulically operated.

11. The tool according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The pressure cylinder includes an inlet and a one-way valve associated with the inlet, the one-way valve allowing flow into the pressure cylinder through the inlet but not allowing flow out of the pressure cylinder through the inlet.

12. Tool according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pump, preferably a rotary pump, for supplying material to the injection device, preferably through the pressure cylinder.

13. A tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a processor for homogenising, for example, biological material.

14. A tool according to the preceding claim, wherein: The processing machine comprises at least one roller extending at a non-zero distance from a pressing surface so as to press material between the at least one roller and the pressing surface.

15. A tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Also included is a coupling attached to the chassis for pulling the tool in the direction of movement.

16. A method of injecting a material into the ground, such as a carbonaceous material, for example a biogenic material, comprising: a. moving the chassis on the ground in a moving direction, while carrying an injection device on a frame supported by the chassis; b. during step a, moving the frame relative to the chassis in the opposite direction so that the frame is stationary relative to the ground; c. During step b, injecting the material into a formation below the ground; and d. After step c, move the frame relative to the chassis along the moving direction.

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