Apparatus and method for injecting material into the ground

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for injecting a material, such as a biological material containing carbon, into the ground, for example, to carry out carbon sequestration. The apparatus comprises a chassis, and the chassis comprises grounding means, such as wheels, slides or tracks, for supporting the chassis to be movable in a moving direction on the ground surface. The apparatus further comprises at least one frame having a corresponding injection device, and each injection device is supported by at least one frame. The at least one frame is movable back and forth in the moving direction relative to the chassis. The present invention also relates to a method for injecting a material into the ground.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for injecting materials such as carbon-containing biological materials into the ground. The apparatus can be used to perform carbon sequestration.

[0002] In carbon sequestration, carbon-containing materials are separated from the carbon cycle so as to reduce the amount of carbon in the cycle. Carbon sequestration can be a (partial) solution to the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which has several adverse effects, the most well-known example being the adverse effects of climate change due to the greenhouse effect. It is widely known that plants absorb carbon dioxide and fix carbon into other molecules through the process of photosynthesis. Usually, plants decay in a relatively short period, whereby carbon is returned to the carbon cycle. By separating plant materials, it is possible to prevent carbon from returning to the cycle, thereby performing 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 carbon-containing material derived from non-fossil sources. In particular, biological materials preferably obtained from plants are contemplated. In the present application, the material is sequestered by injection into the ground. For that purpose, the material can be liquid or substantially liquid, i.e., injectable.

[0004] One way to separate materials from the carbon cycle is to store the materials underground. However, underground storage is energy-intensive, time-intensive, requires a huge capital investment, and can in some cases be unrealistic and / or uneconomical. The present invention aims to at least partially mitigate the said drawbacks.

[0005] This object is achieved in that the instrument comprises a chassis, the chassis comprising ground engaging means such as wheels, slides or tracks for supporting the chassis for movement in a direction of movement on the ground surface, the instrument further comprising at least one frame having a corresponding injection device, each injection device being achieved when supported by at least one frame, the at least one frame being reciprocally movable in the direction of movement relative to the chassis.

[0006] First, the invention uses injection to place material underground. Injection has the advantage that the ground that needs to be moved can be relatively small, whereby injection becomes a relatively efficient method for storing material in the ground. Furthermore, injection can leave a relatively large part of the surface intact. In order to enable efficient injection of the material several times, the injection device is supported by a movable instrument having ground engaging means for that purpose. In order to enable movement of the instrument during injection without damaging a relatively large part of the surface, the injection device is arranged on a frame movable relative to the chassis. Thus, during injection, the instrument can continue to move, i.e., the chassis can continue to move. The frame can move in a direction opposite to the direction of movement relative to the chassis, for example, so as to remain substantially stationary relative to the ground. Thus, injection can be carried out from a stationary point. After injection, the frame can retract relative to the chassis.

[0007] It should be noted that injection can thus be carried out intermittently. The injection device can be configured for intermittent injection. The injection device can function, for example, using a piston and cylinder configuration, the upstroke and downstroke of the piston being synchronized with the movement of the frame relative to the chassis, so that injection is carried out stationary and the injection device is loaded while the frame retracts relative to the chassis when the frame is not stationary.

[0008] The device may further include an actuator connected to the frame and the chassis, and the actuator is configured to move the frame relative to the chassis in at least one direction.

[0009] The actuator can be used to obtain proper movement of the frame and the chassis. It is possible to configure the actuator 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, but is intermittently driven in the other direction by the actuator. The movement of the frame in the direction in which it can move freely can be obtained by the injection device contacting the ground and thereby functioning as an anchor. Of course, it is also possible to drive the frame relative to the chassis using actuators (or different actuators) in both directions.

[0010] One way to properly drive the frame is when the frame and the chassis are connected via a tension element, the actuator is configured to pull the frame relative to the chassis via the tension element.

[0011] Thus, a relatively lightweight structure can be obtained.

[0012] The device may include a plurality of such frames arranged longitudinally and / or transversely in the direction of movement.

[0013] Thus, the injection capacity of a single device can be increased. Further, when the injection devices are out of phase and synchronized, injection can be performed at a relatively constant total flow rate across the plurality of injection devices. Thus, the device can more effectively cope with a constant inflow of material introduced into the ground. Of course, this effect can also be achieved by arranging a plurality of injection devices on a single frame.

[0014] The plurality of frames can be arranged stationary in the direction in which the frames move relative to the chassis, whereby the frames can be arranged closer to each other.

[0015] It is also possible to move the frames out of phase with respect to each other, thereby also smoothing the injection process and / or the energy consumption associated with moving the frames relative to the chassis.

[0016] To enable the out-of-phase movement of the frames, the plurality of frames can be movable independently relative to the chassis. By moving the frames independently, the frames can be appropriately driven to create a substantially continuous injection process. It is also possible to move the frames dependently but out of phase. For this purpose, a mechanism for linking the movement of the frames can be arranged. This mechanism can consist of a mechanical linkage mechanism or electronic control drive means configured to cause the desired out-of-phase but synchronized movement of the frames.

[0017] Note that it is also possible to arrange a plurality of injection devices, such as two, and optionally associated equipment, on a single frame.

[0018] The injection device can comprise an injection needle that is reciprocally movable relative to the frame between an extended position extending beyond the grounding means and a retracted position not extending beyond the grounding means.

[0019] Thus, the needle can be inserted into the ground and retracted from the ground. When the needle is inserted into the ground, material can be discharged from the needle to inject into the ground a certain distance below the surface. When the needle is retracted, the injector device can move with the frame relative to the ground without damaging the surface.

[0020] The injection needle can be telescopically extendable, for example, to achieve the reciprocating behavior described above.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the injection needle comprises an outlet opening at its free end zone, and the outlet opening is disposed on the side surface of the injection needle. The outlet opening can typically be disposed at the longitudinal end of the needle such that discharge occurs in the longitudinal direction of the needle. However, in this embodiment, the discharge can occur laterally to better distribute the discharged material on the ground. A plurality of such outlet openings, such as two, three, or four, can be disposed on the side surface of the needle.

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

[0023] Both the pressure cylinder and the piston can generate sufficient pressure for injecting the material into the ground.

[0024] In practice, the piston can be hydraulically actuated.

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

[0026] In this case, it is relatively easy to supply the material to the pressure cylinder. In particular, filling the pressure cylinder can be done with the aid of or solely by the movement of the piston within the cylinder, which can effectively draw in the material during the filling stroke of the piston (e.g., an upstroke).

[0027] To ensure that sufficient material is supplied to the injection device, a pump, preferably a lobe pump, for supplying material to the injection device via the pressure cylinder can preferably be provided.

[0028] The lobe pump may be particularly suitable for transporting the materials involved in this application and may be less affected by wear.

[0029] The apparatus may further comprise a measuring unit arranged to measure the amount of carbon injected into the ground. The measuring unit may be arranged downstream of the pump. The measuring unit may include 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 can measure volumetric flow or mass flow.

[0030] The apparatus may further comprise a processing device for homogenizing biological material, for example.

[0031] Using the processing device, the raw material can be processed as a homogenized mass, thereby enabling injection and / or transportation using a pump.

[0032] The processing device may comprise at least one roller, and the at least one roller extends at a non-zero distance from a pressing surface for pressing the material between the at least one roller and the pressing surface.

[0033] Using the roller, sufficient pressure can be applied to the material to homogenize it. Maintaining a non-zero distance between the roller and the pressing surface, which may be part of the roller, increases energy efficiency and reduces wear, but does not impair the homogenization result if the distance is kept small enough.

[0034] Of course, the apparatus may further include a harvesting and / or collection system. Thus, the apparatus can be a complete system for collecting, processing, and injecting the material. Thus, the apparatus can be driven across the land on which the plants grow. Harvesting may be performed during injection, thereby obtaining a very efficient system.

[0035] The implement may comprise a coupler attached to the chassis for pulling the implement in the direction of travel. Thus, the implement will be suitable for use via, for example, a tractor or other type of prime mover. Alternatively, the implement itself may comprise a prime mover coupled to the chassis. The implement may be self-propelled, i.e., it may not require human operation.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method of injecting a material, such as a carbon-containing material, for example of biological origin, into the ground, comprising: a. moving the chassis in a direction of travel on the surface of the ground while supporting an injection device on a frame supported by the chassis; b. during step a, moving the frame in a direction opposite to the chassis so that the frame remains stationary relative to the surface of the ground; c. during step b, injecting the material into a formation below the surface of the ground; d. after step c, moving the frame in the direction of travel relative to the chassis. The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of.

[0037] The method may be carried out by using the implement described herein. The method can provide the advantages and effects described above with respect to the implement.

[0038] The present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Throughout the drawings, similar elements are referred to using similar reference numerals.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows an instrument 1 connected to a tractor 2 so as to be transportable in a transport direction T, the instrument comprising wheels 3 that support a chassis 4. The instrument further comprises a processing device 5, a lobe pump 6, a pressure cylinder 7, and an injection device 8. The processing device 5, the lobe pump 6, the pressure cylinder 7, and the injection device 8 are supported 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 retracted to a rear position as shown by the dashed line 9'. It should be noted that the processing device 5 and / or the pump 6 and / or the pressure cylinder 7 can alternatively be arranged stationary relative to the chassis 4.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows an option for enabling the rearward movement of the frame 9 by loosening a line 11 via a connection 10. The connection 10 is powered and controlled to move the frame 9 forward as needed by pulling the line 11. FIG. 2 further shows a conduit 12 that connects the processing device 5, the lobe pump 6, the pressure cylinder 7, and the injection device 8. The pressure cylinder 7 cooperates with a piston 14 that is driven by a rod 15 via a hydraulic actuator 16. The pressure cylinder includes 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 arranged at the inlet 17 to prevent backflow of the material within the space 13.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a chassis 4 on which several frames 9 are arranged. When viewed from the transport direction T, the frames 9 are arranged adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, but the frames 9 can also be arranged longitudinally adjacent to each other, additionally or alternatively. Different positions of the frames 9 indicate that the frames 9 are independently movable in a direction D parallel to the transport direction T.

[0044] Figures 4A and 4B show the injection device 8 including a cylinder 18 and an injection needle 19 in more detail. The injection needle 19 is vertically movably extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction and substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction. Thus, the injection needle 19 can extend telescopically beyond the wheel 3 as shown in Figure 4A and can retract as shown in Figure 4B. Thus, the needle 19 can be inserted into the ground for injection at one moment and retracted above the ground for horizontal movement at another moment. The needle 19 has a free end 20 on its lower side from which material can be discharged. The free end is shown in Figure 5 as optionally having a side opening 21. In this particular case, two side openings 21 are provided on the opposing lateral sides of the needle 19.

[0045] Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not limited thereto. In fact, the invention has also been described in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for injecting a material, such as a biological material containing carbon, into the ground in order to perform carbon sequestration, the apparatus comprising a chassis, the chassis comprising grounding means, such as wheels, slides or tracks, for movably supporting the chassis in a moving direction on the earth's surface, the apparatus further comprising at least one frame having a corresponding injection device, each injection device being supported by the at least one frame, the at least one frame being movable back and forth in the moving direction relative to the chassis.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator connected to the frame and the chassis, the actuator being configured to move the frame in at least one direction relative to the chassis.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame and the chassis are connected via a tension element, and the actuator is configured to pull the frame relative to the chassis via the tension element.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of such frames arranged longitudinally and / or transversely in the moving direction.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of frames are movable independently of the chassis.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the injection device comprises an injection needle movable back and forth relative to the frame between an extended position extending beyond the grounding means and a retracted position not extending beyond the grounding means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the injection needle is telescopically extendable.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the injection needle has an outlet opening at its free end zone, the outlet opening being arranged on the side surface of the injection needle.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a pressure cylinder fluidly connected to the injector via a conduit, and a piston configured to cooperate with the pressure cylinder to drive fluid through the conduit.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the piston is hydraulically actuated.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the pressure cylinder includes an inlet and a one-way valve associated with the inlet, and the one-way valve allows inflow into the pressure cylinder through the inlet but does not allow outflow from the pressure cylinder.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a pump, preferably a lobe pump, for supplying a material to the injection device via the pressure cylinder.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a processing device, for example, for homogenizing biological materials.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processing device includes at least one roller, and the at least one roller extends at a non-zero distance from a pressing surface for pressing the material between the at least one roller and the pressing surface.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a connector attached to the chassis for pulling the apparatus in the moving direction.

16. A method of injecting a material, such as a carbon-containing material of biological origin, into the ground, comprising: a. moving the chassis in a moving direction on the ground surface while supporting an injection device on a frame supported by the chassis; b. during step a, moving the frame in a direction opposite to the chassis so that the frame is stationary with respect to the ground surface; c. during step b, injecting the material into a stratum below the ground surface; d. after step c, moving the frame in the moving direction with respect to the chassis. A method comprising the steps above.

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