Systems, devices, and methods for carbon sequestration

Abstract

A system for producing one or more high-density fractions comprising carbon from organic material, and methods for producing and using the fractions, can include increasing the density of the organic material to form the high-density fractions, and determining a critical submergence depth for the high-density fractions. The critical submergence depth can include a depth below the surface of a body of water to which the high-density fractions must be submerged such that the density of the high-density fractions is greater than the density of the body of water. The system can submerge the high-density fractions to a predetermined injection depth below the critical submergence depth within the body of water such that the high-density fractions sink to the bottom of the body of water. The system can thereby advantageously produce a product comprising a mixture of carbon and water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 355,911, filed June 27, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of carbon production, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to systems, apparatus, and methods for carbon sequestration, and carbon-containing products formed according to the sequestration systems, apparatus, and methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Under the right conditions, wood can be preserved underwater for at least hundreds of years. Evidence of this has emerged in recent years through the discovery of centuries-old wooden ships at the bottom of several bodies of water, including oceans and large lakes. While the conditions necessary to allow such long-term preservation may not be fully understood, the number of identified sites with wrecks and other deposits continues to grow. Common characteristics are thought to be deep, cold water with low oxygen concentrations, both of which contribute to low levels of decay.

[0004] Various methods have been proposed for sequestering carbon. Many sequestration methods use biomass as a starting material, taking advantage of nature's processes for converting atmospheric carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) into carbon-containing plant matter and other substances. Systems, devices, and methods are needed to lock carbon into biomass for long periods of time at low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a system for producing one or more high-density fragments comprising carbon from organic material, and methods for making and using the fragments. The system can include increasing the density of the organic material to form the high-density fragments and determining a critical submergence depth for the high-density fragments. The critical submergence depth can 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 can submerge the high-density fragments to a predetermined injection depth below the critical submergence depth within the body of water such that the high-density fragments sink to the bottom of the body of water. The system can thereby advantageously produce a product comprising a mixture of carbon and water.

[0006] According to a first aspect disclosed herein, a method for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the method including: determining a critical submergence depth below the surface of the body of water for one or more carbon-containing fragments defining one or more gas pockets, the fragments having a first fragment density that is less than a first water density in 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 a critical submersion depth; and / or Allowing the carbon-containing fragments, having a second density greater than the second density of the water, to sink to the bottom of the body of water.

[0007] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the first aspect, disposing the fragments in the body of water can include exposing the fragments to a pressure to compress the gas pockets and increase the first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density. The fragments can be exposed to a hydrostatic pressure from the body of water. For example, the fragments can be exposed to an increasing hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth within the body of water, where the increasing hydrostatic pressure further compresses the gas pockets and further increases the second fragment density of the fragments to a third fragment density greater than the second fragment density.

[0008] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the first aspect, placing the fragments in the body of water can include subjecting the fragments to pressure to fill gas pockets with water from the body of water to increase a first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density.

[0009] In some embodiments, the disclosed method of the first aspect can further include characterizing the feedstock for conversion to carbon-containing fragments. Characterizing the feedstock can include, for example, ensuring that the feedstock is suitable for submersion in a body of water, determining the water content of the feedstock, and / or determining the size, shape, or other dimensions of the feedstock.

[0010] In some embodiments, the disclosed method of the first aspect may further include determining whether a fragment size adjustment is necessary. Determining whether a fragment size adjustment is necessary may include, for example, sorting the fragments to determine whether the size of the selected fragments is greater than a first predetermined fragment size threshold and reducing the size of the selected fragments based on the fragment sorting, and / or determining the critical submergence depth may include determining a critical submergence depth for the selected fragments with the reduced size. Determining whether a fragment size adjustment is necessary may include determining whether the reduced size of the selected fragments is greater than the first predetermined fragment size threshold and / or further reducing the reduced size of the selected fragments based on the step of determining whether the reduced size of the selected fragments is greater than the first predetermined fragment size threshold. The critical submergence depth for the selected fragments with the further reduced size may then be determined.

[0011] Additionally and / or alternatively, determining whether adjustment of the size of the fragments is necessary can include sorting 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 sorting of the fragments, and / or determining the critical submergence depth can include determining a critical submergence depth for the selected fragments having the increased size. Determining whether adjustment of the size of the fragments is necessary can include determining whether the increased size of the selected fragments is less than a second predetermined fragment size threshold, and further increasing the increased size of the selected fragments based on the step of determining whether the increased size of the selected fragments is less than the second predetermined fragment size threshold. A critical submergence depth for the selected fragments having the further increased size can then be determined.

[0012] In selected embodiments, the first predetermined fragment size threshold may be equal to the second predetermined fragment size threshold. Determining whether an adjustment to the size of the fragments is necessary may include determining whether an adjustment to the size of the fragments is necessary and / or determining whether an adjustment to the shape of the fragments is necessary.

[0013] In some embodiments, the disclosed method of the first aspect can further comprise the step of ensuring that the carbon-containing fragments remain submerged after sinking to the bottom.

[0014] In some embodiments, the disclosed method of the first aspect may further include determining that a predetermined amount of fragments has been disposed within the body of water, and terminating the disposition of the fragments within the body of water based on determining that a predetermined amount of fragments has been disposed within the body of water. Additionally and / or alternatively, the disclosed method of the first aspect may further include recording a mass of the fragments at the bottom of the body of water.

[0015] According to a second aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing submerged carbon-containing material is described, the system comprising means for carrying out each embodiment of the method of the first aspect.

[0016] According to a third aspect disclosed herein, a computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the computer program product comprising instructions for performing embodiments of the method of the first aspect. The computer program product of the third aspect may be encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect disclosed herein, a method for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the method comprising: placing one or more pieces containing carbon and defining one or more gas pockets into a hopper input of a hopper system; pumping the fragments from a hopper input of the hopper system into a proximal end region of a discharge pipe system having a distal end region, the distal end region extending below the water surface to a predetermined injection depth below the water surface that is greater than a critical submergence depth below the water surface of the body of water for the fragments; and / or and expelling the carbon-containing fraction from a distal end region of the exhaust pipe system; Fragments ejected from the distal end region of the ejection tube sink to the bottom of the body of water.

[0018] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the fourth aspect, the step of placing the pieces can include conveying the pieces to the hopper input via a front end loader system.

[0019] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the fourth aspect, the step of placing the pieces may include conveying the pieces to the hopper input via a conveyor system. A mass of the pieces on a selected track section of the conveyor system may be determined. For example, a mass of the pieces via the conveyor system may be determined. Additionally and / or alternatively, a speed of the conveyor system may be adjusted based on the determined mass of the pieces.

[0020] In some embodiments, the disclosed method of the fourth aspect can further include conveying water to a hopper input of the hopper system, and wherein pumping the pieces can include pumping the pieces and water from the hopper input of the hopper system into a proximal end region of the discharge pipe system. For example, water from a body of water can be conveyed to the hopper input of the hopper system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the disclosed method of the fourth aspect may further include applying pressure to the fragments moving from a proximal end region of the discharge tube system to a distal end region of the discharge tube system to increase a fragment density of the fragments, the fragment density being greater than the water density of the body of water at the predetermined injection depth.

[0022] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the fourth aspect, the proximal end region of the outlet pipe system can be positioned below the surface of the body of water. Alternatively, the proximal end region of the outlet pipe system can be positioned above the surface of the body of water.

[0023] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the fourth aspect, at least a portion of the hopper system may be located below the surface of the body of water. In other words, the hopper system may be located wholly or partially below the surface of the body of water. Additionally and / or alternatively, at least a portion of the hopper system may be located above the surface of the body of water. Stated somewhat differently, the hopper system may be located wholly or partially above the surface of the body of water.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect disclosed herein, a system for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the system comprising means for carrying out each embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect.

[0025] According to a sixth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the computer program product comprising instructions for performing embodiments of the method of the fourth aspect. The computer program product of the sixth aspect may be encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

[0026] According to a seventh aspect disclosed herein, a method for creating a submerged carbonaceous material is described. The method of the seventh aspect can advantageously create the submerged carbonaceous material via a submerged vessel.

[0027] The submerged container can include an elongate body, which can include opposing first and second end regions and define an internal channel extending from the first end region to the second end region. The first end region can define a first opening in communication with the internal channel, the first opening alternating between an open state that allows access to the internal channel through the first opening and a closed state that prevents access to the internal channel through the first opening. Additionally and / or alternatively, the second end region can define a second opening in communication with the internal channel, the second opening alternating between an open state that allows access to the internal channel through the second opening and a closed state that prevents access to the internal channel through the second opening. In selected embodiments, the elongate body can include a pressure sensing port adjacent the first end region configured to determine an internal pressure within the internal channel and a water supply port adjacent the second end region configured to control fluid exchange between the internal channel and a fluid pressure source system.

[0028] The method of the seventh aspect comprises: positioning the submerged container in a loading position with the first end region in an open state and the second end region in a closed state; disposing one or more pieces containing carbon and defining one or more gas pockets within the interior channel of the submerged vessel through a first opening in the first end region; transitioning the first end region from an open state to a closed state; submerging a second end region of the submerged container below the surface of the body of water to a predetermined injection depth below the surface of the water that is greater than a critical submersion depth below the surface of the water for the fragment; disposing water into the interior channel of the submerged container via a water supply port; and / or transitioning the second end region from a closed state to an open state; The fragments exit the interior channel through the second end region and sink to the bottom of the body of water.

[0029] According to an eighth aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing submerged carbon-containing material is described, the system comprising means for carrying out each embodiment of the method of the seventh aspect.

[0030] According to a ninth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the computer program product comprising instructions for performing embodiments of the method of the seventh aspect. The computer program product of the ninth aspect may be encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media.

[0031] According to a tenth aspect disclosed herein, a method for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the method including: subjecting the carbon-containing feedstock to an applied pressure different from atmospheric pressure; and / or sequestering the pressurized feedstock within a body of water.

[0032] In other words, the method of the tenth aspect comprises: applying an applied pressure to the carbon-containing feedstock; and / or sequestering the pressurized feedstock in a body of water; The applied pressure is different from atmospheric pressure.

[0033] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, the step of applying an applied pressure can include applying an applied pressure to the feedstock that is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0034] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure can include applying an applied pressure to the feedstock that is less than atmospheric pressure. The applied pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure can include a vacuum.

[0035] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, isolating the pressurized feedstock can include isolating the pressurized feedstock in a body of freshwater and / or isolating the pressurized feedstock in a body of saltwater.

[0036] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, isolating the pressurized feedstock can include submerging the pressurized feedstock in a body of water.

[0037] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, the feedstock can comprise biomass. Additionally and / or alternatively, the feedstock can comprise one or more carbon-containing fragments.

[0038] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, the feedstock can include at least one low-density structure capable of being compressed. The feedstock can, for example, define one or more gas pockets. At least one of the gas pockets can contain air.

[0039] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure can include applying the applied pressure to compress at least one low-density structure of the feedstock.

[0040] In some embodiments of the disclosed method of the tenth aspect, applying the applied pressure can include applying the applied pressure to increase a feed density of the feedstock. The feed density of the feedstock may be increased, for example, to less than a first water density of the body of water above the critical submergence depth. Additionally and / or alternatively, the feed density of the feedstock may be increased to a density greater than a second water density of the body of water below the critical submergence depth.

[0041] In selected embodiments, isolating the pressurized feedstock can include submerging the feedstock within the body of water. The feedstock can be placed at a predetermined injection depth within the body of water that is greater than a critical submersion depth, for example. Applying the applied pressure can include applying an applied pressure to enable the feedstock to become negatively buoyant. Additionally and / or alternatively, isolating the pressurized feedstock can include submerging the feedstock within the body of water after at least one low-density structure of the feedstock is compressed.

[0042] According to an eleventh aspect disclosed herein, a system for producing submerged carbon-containing material is described, the system comprising means for carrying out each embodiment of the method of the tenth aspect.

[0043] According to a twelfth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material is described, the computer program product comprising instructions for performing embodiments of the method of the tenth aspect. The computer program product of the twelfth aspect may be encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] For a more complete understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which illustrate various embodiments. [Figure 1A] 1 is a top-level block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system for trapping carbon in a mass, where the carbon-containing mass is placed in a body of water. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top-level block diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1A, in which the mass loses buoyancy and sinks to a predetermined depth within the body of water due to hydrostatic pressure from the body of water. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a top-level block diagram illustrating another exemplary alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1A, where the mass sinks to the bottom of the body of water. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1C is a top-level block diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1A-C, where the system is configured to generate a high-density carbon-containing material and deposit the material at the bottom of a body of water. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top-level block diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 2A, in which at least a portion of the system is submerged below the surface of the body of water. [Figure 3] 1 is a top-level flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for creating submerged carbon-containing material. [Figure 4A] 4 is a top-level flowchart illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of the method of FIG. 3, in which the method characterizes a feedstock for conversion to carbon-containing fragments. [Figure 4B] 4B is a top-level flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the method of FIG. 4A, where the method selects an ingredient and determines the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient. [Figure 4C] 4B is a top-level flowchart illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of the method of FIG. 4A, which may separate the fragments and adjust the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the raw material as needed. [Figure 5] 1B is a top-level block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a submersion characterization apparatus for determining the critical submersion depth of the mass of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6] 4 is a top-level flowchart illustrating another exemplary alternative embodiment of the method of FIG. 3, the method including placing fragments at a predetermined injection depth below the surface of a body of water. [Figure 7A] 4 is a top-level flowchart illustrating yet another exemplary alternative embodiment of the method of FIG. 3, the method including verifying that the fragment remains submerged within the body of water. [Figure 7B] 4 is a top-level flowchart illustrating yet another exemplary alternative embodiment of the method of FIG. 3, the method including determining that a predetermined amount of fragments has been disposed within the body of water. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1C is a top-level block diagram illustrating another exemplary alternative embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1A-C, the system including a submerged vessel. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a top-level block diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 8A, in which at least a portion of the submerged container is submerged below the surface of the body of water. [Figure 9A] ~ [Figure 9B] FIG. 1C is a top-level block diagram illustrating yet another exemplary alternative embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1A-C, the system including a water-permeable container for submerging the fragments in a body of water.

[0045] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function may generally be represented by similar reference numerals throughout the figures for illustrative purposes. It should also be noted that the figures are merely to aid in the explanation of preferred embodiments. The figures do not depict every aspect of the described embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Due to the shortcomings of conventional carbon sequestration processes, a system for low-costly trapping carbon in biomass or other forms for long periods of time may prove desirable and may provide a basis for widespread application. This result may be achieved, according to one embodiment disclosed herein, by a system 100 for trapping carbon in a mass, as shown in Figures 1A-C. Stated somewhat differently, system 100 may produce biomass having a density greater than the highest density of water found in a body of water and discharge the biomass into the body of water, where the biomass may remain below the surface of the body of water and / or sink to the bottom of the body of water for an extended period of time.

[0047] The water in a large body of water can be any naturally occurring or artificially occurring water, represented by freshwater, saltwater, and / or naturally occurring liquids. When in a large body of water, water often stratifies, and temperature varies as the temperature is measured from the surface to the bottom or bottom of the body of water. In some cases, the temperature near the surface may be 20 degrees Celsius or higher, while the temperature near the bottom may be close to zero degrees Celsius. Water has a maximum density near 4 degrees Celsius, and this temperature is often found near the bottom of a large body of water due to its associated density. In some cases, this temperature may be even lower due to underwater currents and / or other factors. For an object to sink to the bottom of a body of water, the density of the object must be greater than the density of the water at all levels when the object contacts a given layer within the body of water.

[0048] In some embodiments, materials placed at or near the bottom of a body of water can be stable and potentially remain there for hundreds of years. Additionally and / or alternatively, materials may be converted into one or more other forms that remain within the body of water for extended periods of time. For example, carbon can be consumed by microorganisms and converted into carbon dioxide and / or other biowaste compounds that readily dissolve in the water; the dissolved carbon dioxide and / or other materials migrate to the surface, but it may take hundreds or thousands of years for measurable amounts to reach the surface and be released from the water into the atmosphere. Both of these pathways, combinations, and / or alternatives thereof, provide methods for sequestering carbon over long periods of time.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1A, a carbon-12-containing mass (or fragment) 10 is shown disposed within a body of water 20. The mass 10 can, in selected embodiments, comprise a feedstock that may include biomass, such as land-based biomass. Biomass originating within a body of water is also acceptable. As shown in FIG. 1A, the mass 10 can have a structure (or matrix) that defines one or more gas pockets or cavities 14 that contain air and / or one or more other gases. The one or more gas pockets or cavities 14 can be of various sizes and / or shapes, some being very small, less than 100 microns in their largest dimension, and the gas pockets or cavities are embedded within a network of biological structures. The type, size, and other characteristics of the one or more gas pockets or cavities 14 can be any configuration. In some cases, the one or more gas pockets or cavities 14 do not have individual, discernible gas pockets, but instead consist of biological material with a low-density structure that can be compressed. For example, the biological material may comprise a mass that occupies a certain volume, and the mass occupies a smaller volume after the mass is compressed. In selected embodiments, the biomass may comprise fibrous and / or tubular structures that can act as channels for transporting water, nutrients, and / or other fluids within the plant.

[0050] The body of water 20 may include any suitable body of water, including, but not limited to, a freshwater body and / or a saltwater body, and may define a water surface 22. The mass 10 may be disposed on or adjacent to the water surface 22 and may be submerged to a first predetermined depth D1 below the water surface 22. In selected embodiments, the mass 10 may be submerged to the first predetermined depth D1 and / or a force may be applied to the mass 10 to cause the mass 10 to submerge to the first predetermined depth D1. At the first predetermined depth D1, hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may enter the structure of the mass 10 and compress some or all of the gas pockets 14 in the mass 10. The size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the mass 10 may decrease as the gas pocket 14 is compressed by the first hydrostatic pressure 241 at the first predetermined depth D1, and / or water from the body of water 20 may replace a portion of the volume occupied by the gas pocket 14 in the mass 10. Stated somewhat differently, as the gas pocket 14 is compressed, the density of the mass 10 may increase and / or the buoyancy of the mass 10 may decrease.

[0051] The mass 10, with its reduced buoyancy, may sink further into the body of water 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B , the mass 10 may sink further 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 a 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 mass 10, further compressing the gas pocket 14 in the mass 10 and / or replacing a portion of the volume occupied by the gas pocket 14 in the mass 10. The size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the mass 10 may further decrease, the density of the mass 10 may further increase, and / or the buoyancy of the mass 10 may further decrease as the gas pocket 14 is further compressed and / or replaced by the second hydrostatic pressure 242 at the second predetermined depth D2.

[0052] In some cases, in addition to the compressive effect on the mass 10, the increased pressure may physically disrupt biological structures within the mass, releasing gas into the surrounding water, resulting in a decrease in the total amount of gas contained in the mass 10 and a concomitant increase in density.

[0053] The mass 10, now with a further decrease in buoyancy, may continue to sink within the body of water 20. As the mass 10 continues to sink, hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 may continue to increase and enter the structure of the mass 10. The gas pockets 14 may continue to compress and / or replace themselves, and the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the mass 10 may continue to decrease as the gas pockets 14 further compress and / or replace themselves. As the gas pockets 14 continue to compress and / or replace themselves, the density of the mass 10 may continue to increase and / or the buoyancy of the mass 10 may continue to decrease.

[0054] In selected embodiments, the mass 10 may continue to sink until it reaches the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 (or ocean floor) as shown in FIG. 1C. The bottom 26 of the body of water 20 adjacent to the mass 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 or final hydrostatic pressure 243. The third hydrostatic pressure 243 may enter the structure of the mass 10 and further compress and / or replace the gas pockets 14 in the mass 10, further reducing the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the mass 10.

[0055] System 100 may be configured to discharge mass 10 into body of water 20 below a depth at which hydrostatic pressure from body of water 20 increases the density of mass 10 to a value greater than the density of water in body of water 20 at the point of injection. Alternatively and / or additionally, system 100 may be configured to discharge mass 10 into body of water 20 below a depth at which hydrostatic pressure from body of water 20 increases the density of mass 10 to a value greater than the maximum density of water in body of water 20. The minimum depth below the surface of the body of water at which mass 10 can be discharged and subsequently allowed to spontaneously sink is referred to as the critical submersion depth d c It is called the critical submersion depth d c may include the depth below or otherwise relative to the water surface to 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 injection point. c The corresponding hydrostatic pressure at is called the critical submersion pressure Pc.

[0056] Critical submersion depth d c and the critical submersion pressure Pc are related by Equation 1: dc=Pc / (ρ*g) (Equation 1) where Pc is the critical submersion pressure in Pascals (Pa), ρ is the density of water in kg / m³, g is the gravitational constant in m / s², and dc is the critical submersion depth in meters. The density of freshwater is close to 1,000 kg / m³, and for practical applications, only variations as a function of water temperature and dissolved substances, including salt, are considered. The density of a body of water increases with decreasing temperature, reaching a maximum at about 4 degrees Celsius. Typical ocean saltwater has a density as high as approximately 1,040 kg / m³. To simplify Equation 1, a density of 1,040 kg / m³ is used for saltwater and a density of 1,000 kg / m³ for freshwater, and a value of 9.8 m / s² is used as a standard approximation for the gravitational constant, yielding Equations 2 and 3. Saltwater DC (Salt Water) = Pc / 10,200 (Equation 2) freshwater dc (Fresh Water) = Pc / 9,800 (Equation 3)

[0057] Equation 4 is a generalized approximation that introduces an error of 2 percent or less, but is convenient, easy to remember, and easy to calculate without tools. Generally, the actual submersion depth used will be greater than the calculated value by a safety factor, so the generalized equation can be used by experienced operators. Generalized dc = Pc / 10,000 (Equation 4)

[0058] In selected embodiments, the system 100 can act on a positively buoyant mass 10. The system 100 can, for example, physically push the positively buoyant mass 10 into a body of water 20 to a first predetermined depth D1 (shown in FIG. 1A) below the water surface 22. In the manner described above with reference to FIG. 1A, hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 can enter the structure of the mass 10 and compress gas pockets 14 within the mass 10.

[0059] In some cases, the mass 10 may shrink in physical size due to compression, resulting in a denser mass 10 due to its smaller overall size, while in other cases, water may replace air pockets, so that the apparent size remains unchanged. Density may thereby increase as gas pockets 14 are compressed, replaced by water, or other mechanisms result in a decrease in mass or volume. Or, a combination may result, with some change in mass 10 size accompanied by some replacement by water. In selected embodiments, the physical mechanisms responsible for increasing the density of the mass 10 are not monitored or attempted to be defined, since the net change in density (and corresponding decrease in buoyancy) is the result of interest.

[0060] To submerge or sink to the bottom of body of water 20, the positive buoyancy of body 10 can be reduced by lowering body 10 into body of water 20 until, at a certain depth, increasing hydrostatic pressure 24 from body of water 20 reduces body 10's buoyancy, ultimately causing body 10 to become negatively buoyant. A negatively buoyant body 10 can sink indefinitely under its own weight unless the density of the body of water increases dramatically, for example, due to a change in temperature or salinity. However, in most locations, once body 10 becomes negatively buoyant within body of water 20, body 10 will sink to the bottom of body of water 20.

[0061] In selected embodiments, the total amount of gas contained in the gas pocket 14 may be maintained within the mass 10, but the volume may be reduced. Stated somewhat differently, the gas in the gas pocket 14 may not be evacuated from the mass 10. The gas in the gas pocket 14 may thereby be subjected to a gas pressure equivalent to the hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 surrounding the mass 10. Additionally and / or alternatively, the gas in the gas pocket 14 may be partially or completely evacuated from the mass 10. In selected embodiments, the total amount of gas contained in the gas pocket 14 may be partially removed by exposing the mass 10 to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure while the mass 10 is submerged in the body of water 20.

[0062] Depending on the level of vacuum (reduced atmospheric pressure) applied to the mass 10, the mass 10 may be in a negatively buoyant state, or the mass 10 may be in a positively buoyant state, but at a shallower (smaller) critical submersion depth d compared to a mass 10 that has not been subjected to the reduced pressure. c After exposing the mass 10 to reduced atmospheric pressure, atmospheric or greater pressure is applied while the mass 10 is submerged in water. In some embodiments, the mass 10 may be subjected to two or more cycles of reduced atmospheric pressure followed by atmospheric or greater pressure while the mass 10 is submerged in water.

[0063] The mass 10 can be allowed to settle on the bottom 26 (shown in FIG. 1C) of the body of water 20 as described in detail above with reference to FIG. 1C. The mass 10 can remain on the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 indefinitely. The mass 10 can be pushed along the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 by the current, and the mass 10 will continue to settle in deeper water as the mass 10 moves down the slope of the bottom 26.

[0064] Aquatic conditions may vary between different bodies of water 20. For example, conditions within a selected body of water 20, such as deep water, may include low temperatures and / or low oxygen concentrations. The location selected for depositing the mass 10 preferably has a bottom at least 200 meters below mean surface level, more preferably at least 500 meters, and most preferably at least 1000 meters below the surface; a water temperature below 10°C, most preferably below 4°C; and an oxygen concentration below 8 milligrams of dissolved oxygen per liter of water (8 milligrams per liter of water (mg / L)), most preferably below 4 mg / L, without limitation. Preferably, the location within the selected body of water 20 is selected based on a low expected rate of decay, so that life forms, such as bacteria, worms, and other forms of organisms that may consume the mass 10, cannot survive or thrive. The mass 10 can decay slowly, if at all. Preferably, the location is selected based on a low decay rate, with half of the mass 10 decaying over a period of 100 years or more, and more preferably, the decay time for half of the material is 200 years or more, as referred to as the half-life. Additionally and / or alternatively, the sunken mass 10 is not considered a pollutant by any known rating system and may be a safe means of storing large amounts of carbon for long periods of time.

[0065] System 100 may increase the density of fragments 10 in any suitable manner. Exemplary manners for increasing the density of fragments 10 in a carbon-containing material may include reducing the size of low-density gas pockets 14 within fragments 10 and / or degassing low-density gas pockets 14 within fragments 10. The density of fragments 10 is preferably increased while fragments 10 are surrounded by a liquid, such as a body of water 20 that submerges the material.

[0066] In selected embodiments, subjecting the biomass material pieces 10 to a vacuum or other reduced pressure below atmospheric pressure may remove some of the gas contained in the gas pockets 14 of the biomass material pieces 10. Subjecting the pieces 10 to reduced atmospheric pressure may also reduce the amount of surface gas found on the pieces 10 when submerged. Due to the surface tension of the surrounding water, surface topography, and / or other factors, air and / or other gases may adhere to the submerged surface in the form of bubbles and / or one or more surface layers. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure is applied to the pieces 10 while they are submerged in the body of water 20. Applying the reduced pressure while the biomass material pieces 10 are submerged in the body of water 20 may prevent gas from refilling the gas pockets 14 when the reduced pressure is removed and the pressure surrounding the pieces 10 returns to atmospheric pressure (or pressures near or greater than atmospheric pressure). Preferably, the biomass material pieces 10 are not exposed to atmospheric pressure while being subjected to reduced pressure. In an alternative embodiment, reduced pressure is applied to the pieces 10 while they are held in an airtight container without filling the container with water. After the desired vacuum level is achieved in the container, a valve is opened to allow the container to fill with water from a body of water 20 or another source.

[0067] Subjecting the pieces of biomass material 10 to a vacuum or other reduced pressure while submerged and subsequently returning the pieces of biomass material 10 to atmospheric pressure is typically an irreversible process. This is because gas from the gas pockets 14 is physically removed from the pieces of biomass material 10 and replaced with water during the process. As a result, pieces of biomass material 10 treated at reduced pressure can be handled outside of a body of water, for example, loaded onto an open-bottom earth barge. While some atmospheric air may enter the pieces of biomass material 10 during handling, this amount is typically small. When pieces of biomass material 10 are treated in this manner, it may be advantageous to treat the pieces of biomass material 10 at a higher vacuum level than would be necessary if the pieces of biomass material 10 were to remain submerged after treatment, although this method of handling may be the most efficient. In some embodiments, the mass 10 may be subjected to reduced atmospheric pressure while the mass 10 is submerged in water, followed by two or more cycles of exposure to atmospheric pressure or higher pressure, thereby reducing the required vacuum level required for processing.

[0068] In one embodiment, while the biomass pieces 10 remain completely submerged in water throughout the process, a portion of the gas contained within the gas pockets 14 of the biomass material pieces 10 is removed by subjecting the biomass material pieces 10 to a vacuum of 700 millimeters of mercury below atmospheric pressure and then returning the pressure to atmospheric pressure. The treated biomass pieces 10 can then be removed from the water (in other words, the treated biomass pieces 10 are no longer submerged at this point), loaded into an open-bottom hopper vessel, and transported to a location within the body of water where submersion is desired. At this time, the open-bottom hopper vessel is opened and the treated biomass pieces 10 enter the water and sink to the bottom of the body of water.

[0069] Additionally and / or alternatively, subjecting the biomass pieces 10 to increased pressure while submerged in water can reduce the total volume of gas pockets 14 within the biomass material pieces 10. Applying pressure, such as hydrostatic pressure 24 from the body of water 20 and / or a high-pressure pump, while the pieces 10 are below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20 can reduce the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the gas pockets 14 and increase the density of the pieces 10. Applying pressure can destroy portions of the structure of the biomass material pieces 10 and / or eliminate one or more of the gas pockets 14. In selected embodiments, water may enter and, in some cases, partially or completely fill at least one of the gas pockets 14. To work efficiently, it is desirable to apply as little pressure as possible to the biomass material pieces 10 to achieve a predetermined piece density. In some embodiments, pressure is applied, returned to atmospheric pressure (or reduced atmospheric pressure), and then applied again. Repeated cycles can reduce the amount of pressure required to achieve a predetermined piece density.

[0070] System 100 advantageously allows for the submersion of a wide range of materials in an efficient, low-cost manner, thereby enabling the storage of large amounts of carbon. The availability of large amounts of raw material can allow for the sequestration of large amounts of carbon. An exemplary source of large amounts of carbon-containing material is biomass, and biomass is the preferred material. In the broadest sense, biomass can include any type of plant material. In a preferred embodiment, the material can include land-based carbon-containing material (or biomass). Land-based biomass includes many indigenous species. Preferably, the submerged material consists of compounds having a carbon content of at least 10 percent by weight, measured on a dry basis.

[0071] In some embodiments, the feedstock material is first processed to produce a homogenous feedstock. While any feedstock may be suitable for use in the system 100 and capable of being submerged, large tree trunks, branches, and other large or long structures may be difficult to process efficiently. Additionally, larger biomass structures may require longer periods or greater depth / pressure to favorably modify their structure to increase density. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the size of the biomass using equipment such as chippers, hammer mills, and other common equipment for reducing the size of biomass. Preferably, the biomass is processed with size reduction equipment, such as chippers, hammer mills, vibratory mills, or other equipment. Size reduction equipment typically produces fragments with a size distribution and typically does not produce fragments of the same size. Size separation equipment can be used to separate fragments of different sizes. Preferably, the largest fragments used for submersion have a mass of less than 500 grams, more preferably, fragments of less than 100 grams, and most preferably, fragments of less than 50 grams.

[0072] Reducing the size of biomass allows for a reduction in the amount of time and / or critical submergence depth / pressure for sinking the biomass by increasing the availability of internal features that are modified to increase density, as described above. In many types of biomass, one or more gas pockets or cavities 14 containing air and / or one or more other gases may be defined within the structure (or matrix) of the biomass material. Reducing the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the pieces 10 can allow access to a greater number of gas pockets 14 in a given mass of biomass material. Some gas pockets 14 may be on the micron scale and / or may be difficult to access. Reducing the pieces 10 to fine particles may provide greater access to the biomass material, but such reduction may require additional time and / or processing equipment. Preferably, a minimal amount of energy and / or time is invested in processing the biomass material to increase the density of the biomass pieces.

[0073] After the size of the biomass has been reduced, the material may be processed by equipment to separate or classify the resulting fragments into pieces of suitably uniform size. Separating the material into similarly sized fragments is an optional step that may improve overall efficiency. For example, a sieving separator may be used to separate fragments above or below a certain size. Vibratory sieving equipment improves the amount of agglomerate that can be processed. Vibratory sieving equipment is one method that is preferably used. This equipment uses a wire mesh to allow pieces smaller than the mesh size to pass through the sieve while retaining the larger pieces. Multiple sieves can produce "cuts" of material, each cut having a similar size to the other cuts retained or rejected by a given sieve.

[0074] 2A, a system 100 for submerging biomass material is shown configured to place the material at or near the bottom 26 of a body of water 20. Stated somewhat differently, system 100 may comprise a carbonaceous material submersion system 200 for submerging biomass or other carbonaceous material. Material submersion system 200 is shown to include a pump system 210. In selected embodiments, pump system 210 may comprise a dredge pump or any other type of pump capable of moving solid material. Preferably, the pump is designed to move solid material. Pump system 210 may include a pump inlet port 212 and a pump outlet port 214.

[0075] Carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may also include a hopper system 220, such as a feedstock hopper system, that may be in communication with pump system 210. Hopper system 220 may include a hopper input 224 into which feedstock, which may include biomass and / or other materials (collectively, feedstock 30), may be input, and a hopper system outlet 222. A variety of feedstocks 30 may be used, including, without limitation, agricultural residues such as walnut shells, peach or olive pits, forest thinnings such as pine pellets or wood shavings, and / or aquatic plants such as water hyacinth.

[0076] In selected embodiments, the feedstock 30 may include one or more agglomerates (or fragments) 10 containing carbon-12 in the manner described in more detail herein with reference to Figures 1A-1C. As shown in Figure 2A, the hopper system outlet 222 may be connected to the pump inlet port 212 of the pump system 210. The hopper system 220 may thereby convey input material to the pump system 210. The pump system 210 may receive the fragments 10 containing the feedstock 30 from the hopper system 220 and pump the fragments 10.

[0077] The raw materials 30 may be loaded into the hopper system 220 in any suitable manner. For example, a front-end loader system (not shown) may be used to drop the raw materials 30 into the hopper system 220 via the hopper loading section 224, and / or a conveying system (not shown) may be configured to transport the raw materials 30 into the hopper system 220. The conveying system may include at least one track section for transporting the raw materials 30 into the hopper system 220.

[0078] In selected embodiments, system 100 may include a control system (or circuitry) (not shown) that helps control the introduction of chunks of raw material 30 into hopper system 220. The chunks of raw material 30 may be introduced into hopper system 220, for example, via a conveyance system capable of determining the chunks of raw material 30 on one or more particular track sections of the conveyance system.

[0079] In selected embodiments, the control system can determine the mass of raw material 30 on a selected track portion of the conveying system. A motor control system (or circuitry) (not shown) can increase and / or decrease the speed of the conveying system and / or can be separate from or at least partially integrated with the control system. In other words, the motor control system can be integrated in whole and / or in part with the control system.

[0080] The motor control system may advantageously be configured to deliver a predetermined mass of raw material 30 to the pump system 210 during a predetermined period of time. For example, the predetermined mass of raw material 30 delivered per minute to the pump system 210 may have a target value and low / high tolerance allowable values. For example, the target value may be 1000 kilograms and the tolerance may be 100 kilograms, such that between 900 kilograms and 1100 kilograms of raw material 30 would be acceptable to maintain smooth operation. One or more load cell systems (or circuits) (not shown) may be installed to measure the mass of raw material 30 on each of the two meter track sections of the conveying system.

[0081] Water, preferably water from body of water 20, can be delivered to pump system 210 and can serve as the working fluid for operating pump system 210. For example, water can be delivered to hopper system 220 via water inlet port 226 of hopper system 220, and / or water may be delivered to hopper system 220 through hopper input 224. In selected embodiments, water can be supplied from body of water 20 via a water pump system (not shown), gravity feed, and / or any other suitable manner. The ratio of the amount of water to the amount of raw material 30 supplied may be controlled via a control device (not shown).

[0082] Discharge pipe system 230 is shown as having a proximal end region 232 connectable to pump outlet port 214. Discharge pipe system 230 may be configured to receive a mixture of raw material 30 and water provided from hopper system 220 via pump system 210. Discharge pipe system 230 may have a distal end region 234 that enters body of water 20 at discharge pipe entry point 22A at water surface 22. Discharge pipe system 230 may have a distal end region 234 that is connected to a predetermined injection depth d below water surface 22 or otherwise relative to water surface 22. i In selected embodiments, the discharge pipe system 230 may extend below the water surface 22 to a predetermined injection depth d i In other words, the drain tube system 230 can terminate at a predetermined injection depth d i and / or to a predetermined location within the body of water 20.

[0083] The feedstock 30 can flow through the discharge tube system 230 from the proximal end region 232 to the distal end region 234. While flowing through the discharge tube system 230, the feedstock 30 can reach a predetermined injection depth d iThe dense processed fragments 32 may be converted into agglomerates (or fragments) 10, or processed fragments 32, having a density greater than the density of the body of water 20 at that depth. In selected embodiments, the fragments 32 are small enough to pass through the pump system 210 and the drain pipe system 230. Thus, the dense processed fragments 32 may exit the distal end region 234 of the drain pipe system 230 and sink. In selected embodiments, the density of the dense processed 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, which is equal to the distance between the water surface 22 and the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. f may be related to.

[0084] Preferably, the predetermined injection depth d i is a critical submersion depth d so that the treated fragments 32 sink to or near the bottom of the body of water 20. c where the critical submergence depth d c may depend on one or more characteristics of the feedstock 30, including, without limitation, material type, age, moisture content, fragment size, and other factors.

[0085] Preferably, the predetermined injection depth d i may be less than a critical bottom submergence depth (not shown). The critical bottom submergence depth may include the depth below the water surface 22 to which the material must be submerged so that the density of the material is greater than the density of the body of water 20 through all layers from the injection point to the bottom of the body of water 20. Typically, the critical bottom submergence depth is less than the critical submergence depth d cThis is because the density of the material increases as it sinks lower in 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 bottom submergence depth because the density of water may vary within the body of water 20. The density of water may vary because it has a maximum value near 4 degrees Celsius. To ensure that the dense processed fragments 32 reach the bottom 26 of the body of water 20, the carbon-containing 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 such that the dense processed fragments 32 sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 after discharge from the distal end region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230.

[0086] An alternative embodiment of a submerged carbonaceous material system 200 is shown in FIG. 2B . The submerged carbonaceous material system 200 is shown as being at least partially submerged, for example, below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20. Stated somewhat differently, 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. Looking at FIG. 2B , for example, the hopper system 220 is shown as being partially submerged below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20, while the pump system 210 and the discharge pipe system 230 are completely submerged below the water surface 22. By at least partially submerging the submerged carbonaceous material system 200, water for the pump system 210 can be advantageously delivered by gravity feed and / or as controlled by a flow control system (or circuit) 240.

[0087] Additionally and / or alternatively, system 100 can include a water-permeable container 500, as shown in Figures 9A-B. Raw material 30 can be placed within container 500. For example, container 500 can be constructed from a steel mesh 510 to allow water to easily pass from one side to the other through mesh 510, with one or more openable sections 520 to allow convenient loading and unloading of raw material 30. Mesh 510 can have any suitable size, shape, or other mechanism for containing raw material 30 while allowing water permeability. Container 500 with raw material 30 can be positioned at a predetermined loading depth d below or otherwise relative to water surface 22 of body of water 20. i The injection depth can be lowered to a predetermined value d i is preferably the critical submersion depth d of the raw material 30 c is greater (deeper) than the given injection depth d i Once lowered to the desired pressure, the ingredient 30 can be discharged from the container 500.

[0088] Such a vessel 500 may be easier to operate on a large scale and / or may be lifted and / or lowered into the body of water 20 using a crane (not shown) or other conventional lifting mechanism. Additionally and / or alternatively, the vessel 500 may be equipped with one or more ballast tanks and / or weights 530 to improve the rate at which the vessel 500 can be lifted and / or lowered. The system 100 may include an underwater camera (not shown) to allow one or more crew members (not shown) to monitor the condition of the raw material 30 disposed within the vessel 500.

[0089] When the vessel 500 is near the surface of the body of water 20, the feedstock 30 may be positively buoyant and may be located near an upper portion of the vessel 500. As the vessel 500 is lowered into the body of water 20, the feedstock 30, including the internal gas pockets 14 (shown in FIGS. 1A-C), may equilibrate with the hydrostatic pressure at the depth of the body of water 20 surrounding the vessel 500. The pressure exerted on the feedstock 300 may become equal to that hydrostatic pressure and may partially or completely collapse some or all of the gas pockets 14. When the vessel 500 is lowered to a critical submersion depth d c , the material 30 can become negatively buoyant and fall to the lower portion of the vessel 500, at which point the crew can reach the critical submersion depth d c 5. The user may notice that the pressure has been exceeded and that the raw material 30 is ready to be released into the body of water 20. The speed at which the vessel 500 is lowered into the body of water 20 and / or subjected to the water current may affect the location of the raw material 30 within the vessel 500 and may be taken into consideration during operation.

[0090] In another embodiment, a pressure vessel (not shown) comprises a vertical cylinder with one or more openable sections at the top and bottom of the cylinder to allow convenient loading and unloading of raw material 30. It can be operated vertically within the body of water 20, opening the top section of the cylinder to allow raw material 30 to be placed into the vessel. The remaining portion of the cylinder can be filled with water from the body of water 20, and the cylinder can be closed and sealed. Air and / or other gases can be partially evacuated from the pressure vessel to a predetermined vacuum level, and then the pressure vessel can be re-equilibrated to atmospheric pressure while the raw material 30 remains surrounded by water. The processed raw material 30 can then be discharged below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20 through the open bottom section of the cylinder. In one embodiment, the pressure vessel can remain in a generally fixed position with the openable top at or near the water surface.

[0091] Alternatively, the pressure vessel containing the feedstock 30 may be lowered to a predetermined depth below or otherwise relative to the water surface 22 before discharging the treated feedstock 30. Preferably, the treated feedstock 30 has a density greater than the density of the body of water 20. If the density of the treated feedstock 30 is not greater than the density of the body of water 20, the pressure vessel may advantageously be lowered to a predetermined depth before discharging. The predetermined depth is preferably less than the critical submergence depth d of the treated feedstock 30. c The critical submersion depth of the treated feedstock is generally greater (or deeper) than that of the treated feedstock 30 before vacuum treatment, since the vacuum treatment removes at least some of the internal gas. Once lowered to the predetermined depth, the feedstock 30 can be released from the pressure vessel.

[0092] Carbonaceous material submersion system 200 can produce submerged carbonaceous material in any suitable manner. An exemplary method 300 for producing submerged carbonaceous material is shown in FIG. 3. In other words, method 300 can include a method for submerging biomass material. In selected embodiments, method 300 can be performed via carbonaceous material submersion system 200 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B) to produce submerged carbonaceous material. The present disclosure also applies to carbon-containing products formed in accordance with carbonaceous material submersion system 200.

[0093] 3, the method 300 includes, at 330, determining the critical submergence depth d of one or more masses (or fragments) 10 containing carbon-12 (shown in FIGS. 1A-C). c (shown in Figures 2A-B) is shown to involve determining the critical submersion depth d cmay include a depth below or otherwise relative to water surface 22 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B) of body of water 20 at which fragment 10 must be submerged such that the density of fragment 10 is greater than the density of body of water 20. As described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1A-C, fragment 10 may have a structure (or matrix) that defines one or more gas pockets or cavities 14 (shown in FIGS. 1A-C) that contain air and / or one or more other gases.

[0094] At 360, the method 300 determines a predetermined injection depth d below or otherwise relative to the water surface 22 of the body of water 20. i (shown in Figures 2A-B) can be used to place the fragment 10 at a predetermined implantation depth d i is preferably the critical submergence depth d c Preferably, the predetermined injection depth d i As a result, the fragment 10 sinks to the bottom of the body of water 20. Once placed in the body of water 20, the fragment 10 can sink at 390 to the bottom (or seabed) 26 (shown in FIG. 1C) of the body of water 20. The bottom 26 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B) of the body of water 20 is at a predetermined bottom depth d below or otherwise relative to the surface 22 of the body of water 20. f Stated somewhat differently, for a given bottom depth d f may be equal to the distance between the water surface 22 and the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. The present disclosure also applies to carbon-containing products formed according to method 300.

[0095] The fragments 10 can, in selected embodiments, comprise feedstock 30 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B), which may comprise biomass. As shown in FIG. 4A, the method 300 can include, at 310, characterizing the feedstock 30 for conversion into the fragments 10. The critical submergence depth d of the fragments 10 can be determined by: c may be determined at 332 in a manner described in more detail herein.

[0096] Method 300 may include one or more initialization steps. Method 300 may be initialized, for example, by characterizing feedstock 30 for conversion into fragments 10. Feedstock 30 may be characterized in any suitable manner for conversion into fragments 10. In selected embodiments, feedstock 30 may be characterized based on one or more characteristics, such as, without limitation, the type, size, and / or moisture content of feedstock 30. An exemplary manner for characterizing feedstock 30 for conversion into fragments 10 is shown in FIG. 4B.

[0097] 4B , at 312, a feedstock 30 may be selected. Additionally and / or alternatively, method 300 may include ensuring that the selected feedstock 30 is suitable for submersion in the body of water 20 at 314. At 316, a moisture content of the selected feedstock 30 may be determined. The moisture content may be determined at 316 before and / or after the suitability of the selected feedstock 30 for submersion is determined at 314. Advantageously, determining the moisture content at 316 may assist in determining a carbon mass to submerge associated with the selected feedstock 30.

[0098] The method 300 may include, at 318, determining the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30. The determination of the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30 at 318 may be performed in any suitable manner. An exemplary manner for determining the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30 at 318 may include, without limitation, passing the selected ingredient 30 through a sieve (not shown). The sieve may define one or more openings having an opening size, shape, and / or other dimensions equal to the predetermined size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the largest desired piece suitable for use.

[0099] Vibrating the sieve may increase the throughput characteristic of the selected material 30. Oversized fragments 10 remain on the sieve and can be removed, shunned, and / or further processed, while fragments 10 of appropriate size, shape, and / or other dimensions can pass through the sieve openings. For materials with large aspect ratios, a set of two or more sieves may be utilized, as large aspect ratio fragments 10 may pass through a single sieve. In one embodiment, the size of the fragments 10 is selected based on the size acceptable for use with the pumping equipment selected to be used to pump the fragments into the body of water 20. To maximize material throughput, the largest size fragments 10 compatible with the pumping equipment are generally desirable for use.

[0100] Determining the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30 in 318 can advantageously aid in determining whether the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30 are within a range of suitable fragment sizes, shapes, and / or dimensions for use. Stated somewhat differently, the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30 determined in 318 can aid in determining whether a reduction in the size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected ingredient 30 is necessary.

[0101] 4C , method 300 may include, for example, determining at 320 whether a reduction in size, shape, and / or other dimensions of selected feedstock 30 is necessary. In other words, method 300 may prepare selected feedstock 30 for submersion. The determination at 320 may include, for example, determining at 322 whether fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions are known for the fragment 10. If fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions are known for the fragment 10, a critical submersion depth d of the fragment 10 may be determined. c can be determined in 332. The critical submergence depth d cvaries as a function of fragment size for some biomass. Fragments of various sizes may be produced in small batches and grouped by similar size for further testing. In one embodiment, fragments of each predetermined size class are tested in a submergence property test apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 5 (the operation of which is described herein) to determine the critical submergence depth d for each size fragment. c The operator will then determine the best fragment size or sizes based on required processing time, pump throughput, energy requirements, and other factors.

[0102] If not, the fragments 10 may be sorted at 324. The fragments 10 may, for example, be sorted into two or more fragment groups at 324. Exemplary fragment groups may include, for example, a first fragment group including fragments 10 having fragment sizes, shapes, and / or dimensions that are less than a predetermined fragment size, shape, and / or dimension, and a second fragment group including fragments 10 having fragment sizes, shapes, and / or dimensions that are greater than the predetermined fragment size, shape, and / or dimension.

[0103] The fragments 10 may be separated in any suitable manner at 324. An exemplary manner for separating the fragments 10 at 324 may include, without limitation, passing the fragments 10 contained in the feedstock 30 through a sieve (not shown). The sieve may define one or more openings having an opening size, shape, and / or other dimensions equal to the predetermined size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the largest desired fragments suitable for use. The sieve may be vibrated to increase the throughput of the fragments 10. Oversized fragments 10 may remain on the sieve and be removed, diverted, and / or further processed, while fragments 10 of suitable size, shape, and / or other dimensions may pass through the openings of the sieve. For materials with large aspect ratios, a combination of two or more sieves may be utilized, as large aspect ratio fragments 10 may pass through a single sieve.

[0104] For example, the fragments 10 may be further processed based on the fragment groups in the manner described above. Method 300 may include, for example, adjusting the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected fragments 10, as needed, at 326. The fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected fragments 10 may be adjusted at 326 so that the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions are within a predetermined range of sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions. When the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions are within a predetermined range of sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions, the critical submergence depth d of the selected fragments 10 may be adjusted. c may be determined at 332 in a manner described in more detail herein.

[0105] In selected embodiments, the selected fragments 10 may have fragment sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions that are larger than the predetermined size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the largest desired fragments suitable for use, and the fragment sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions of these selected fragments 10 may be reduced. Stated somewhat differently, the fragment sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions of fragments 10 that are oversized may be reduced. The fragment sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions of the selected fragments 10 may be reduced, for example, via efficient equipment such as a hammer mill. After the fragment sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions have been reduced, the critical submergence depth d of the selected fragments 10 having the reduced fragment sizes, shapes, and / or other dimensions may be reduced. c may be determined at 332 in a manner described in more detail herein.

[0106] Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more of the selected fragments 10 having reduced fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions may be sorted at 324. In other words, one or more selected fragments 10 having reduced fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions may be sorted again at 324 to help ensure that each selected fragment 10 is within a fragment size, shape, and / or size range suitable for use. Stated somewhat differently, the selected fragments 10 may be repeatedly sorted at 324 and subjected to size, shape, and / or other dimensional adjustment at 326. Oversized fragments 10 may damage and / or clog the pump system 210 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B) and / or may clog the hopper system 220 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B) and / or the discharge pipe system 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B).

[0107] While small fragments 10, such as sawdust, leaf debris, and other small particles, may be successfully submerged, the small size, shape, and / or dimensions of such small fragments 10 may lead to clogging of the pump system 210, hopper system 220, and / or discharge pipe system 230. Additionally and / or alternatively, small fragments 10 may be susceptible to being caught in underwater currents and drifting to undesirable locations. Therefore, in selected embodiments, adjusting the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions of the selected fragments 10 at 326 may include increasing the fragment size, shape, and / or dimensions of the fragments 10. Exemplary ways for increasing the fragment size, shape, and / or dimensions of the fragments 10 include, but are not limited to, pressing the fragments 10 into pellets using a pelletizer or other suitable system. Binding fine material together with adhesives, binders, glues, and other substances, preferably plant-derived substances, is another means of increasing size.

[0108] In selected embodiments, one or more of the selected fragments 10 having increased fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions may be fractionated at 324. In other words, one or more selected fragments 10 having increased fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions may be fractionated again at 324 to help ensure that each selected fragment 10 is within a fragment size, shape, and / or size range suitable for use. Stated somewhat differently, the selected fragments 10 may be repeatedly fractionated at 324 and subjected to size, shape, and / or other dimensional adjustment at 326. After the fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions have been reduced, the critical submersion depth dc of the selected fragments 10 having increased fragment size, shape, and / or other dimensions may be determined at 332 in a manner described in more detail herein.

[0109] The critical submergence depth dc of the selected fragment 10 may be determined in any suitable manner at 332. In selected embodiments, the critical submergence depth dc may be determined via a submergence property testing apparatus 400 shown in Figure 5. The submergence property testing apparatus 400 may be advantageously configured, during operation, to submerge the selected fragment 10 to create submerged carbon-containing material and / or to test one or more properties of the selected fragment 10.

[0110] 5 , an exemplary submersion property test apparatus 400 can include a pressure vessel 410. The pressure vessel 410 can include an elongated body 411 including opposing end regions 412 and defining an interior channel 413. A first (or upper) end region 412A of the pressure vessel 410 can include an open end region that can define an opening 413A in communication with the interior channel 413. Feedstock 30, including chunks (or pieces) 10, can be placed into the interior channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410 via the opening 413A. In selected embodiments, the first end region 412A can include a hinged end region or other design to allow rapid access to the interior channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410. First end region 412A of pressure vessel 410 may, for example, alternate between a first (or open) operational state that allows access to interior channel 413 via opening 413A and a second (or closed) operational state that prevents access to interior channel 413 via opening 413A. In other words, first end region 412A may comprise an open end region in the first operational state and a closed end region in the second operational state.

[0111] The second (or lower) end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 can comprise a closed end region. In other words, the second end region 412B can block communication with the interior channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410. For example, an end cap 416 can be disposed on the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410. The end cap 416 can be permanently installed on the second end region 412B or can be selectively removable to allow cleaning or other access to the interior channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410. In selected embodiments, the elongated body 411 can be formed from a transparent material to allow visual determination of the depth or other location of the feedstock pieces 10 within the pressure vessel 410.

[0112] 5, the submersion property test apparatus 400 may include one or more access ports 414. At least one of the access ports 414 may be in communication with an internal channel 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 secured to the pressure vessel 410 and / or may be coupled to a pressure sensor system (or circuit) 420 for determining the internal pressure within the pressure vessel 410.

[0113] Pressure control port 414B may be mechanically secured to pressure vessel 410 and / or may allow fluid exchange between fluid pressure source 430 and pressure vessel 410. Fluid pressure source 430 and pressure vessel 410 may be directly coupled and / or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. For example, metering valve system 440 may be disposed between fluid pressure source 430 and pressure vessel 410 via valve piping 450. Valve piping 450 may be configured to allow a controlled amount of fluid to be exchanged between pressure vessel 410 and fluid pressure source 430.

[0114] The connection to the pressure vessel 410 can reduce the pressure rating of the pressure vessel 410 and the total pressure rating of the submersion property test apparatus 400 can be reduced to the critical submersion depth d of the fragment 10. c etc., should be considered sufficient to allow testing to the anticipated depth level. Exemplary connections to the pressure vessel 410 may include a lid, gas supply, gauges, and / or any other ports 412 or other features of the pressure vessel 410. Materials that can be used for the pressure vessel 410 may include, but are not limited to, Lexan® material available from General Electric Company of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, or any other polycarbonate material.

[0115] Operation of the water immersion characteristic test device 400

[0116] In some embodiments, the critical submersion pressure Pc, and therefore the critical submersion depth d, is determined using a testing apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 5, as described below. c Furthermore, in another embodiment, the critical vacuum level Vc can be determined using the test apparatus 400 shown in Figure 5. The critical submersion pressure Pc and therefore the critical submersion depth d c The method used to determine the critical vacuum level Vc and the critical vacuum level Vc can advantageously use principles similar to those used to submerge materials in larger volumes.

[0117] Method 1: Applying positive pressure

[0118] Critical submersion depth d c When submerging the mass (or fragment) 10 by submerging it to a depth that causes spontaneous sinking (in other words, submerging the mass (or fragment) 10 to a depth at which the mass (or fragment) 10 has a density higher than the density of the surrounding water), the following method can be used.

[0119] The test fixture 400 may be configured in a first (or open) operational state to allow access to the interior channel 413 via the opening 413A. Next, the mass (or fragments) 10 are introduced into the interior channel 413 via the opening 413A, filling it to between 10 and 20 percent of its height, and then water, preferably water from the body of water 20, is used to fill the interior channel 413 to between 80 and 100 percent of its total capacity. The test fixture preferably has a suitably large diameter so that the mass (or fragments) 10 do not clump together and / or stick to the walls of the test fixture 400 when filled with water. The mass (or fragments) 10 should be able to move freely around. Preferably, at least 10 individual masses (or fragments) 10 can be placed within the interior channel 413 without restriction, and more preferably, at least 20 individual masses (or fragments) 10 are placed within the interior channel 413.

[0120] The testing apparatus 400 may then be configured in a second (or closed) operational state to prevent access to the interior channel 413 by closing the opening and creating a sealed chamber. The pressure control port 414B may be set 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 may be a gas and / or a liquid. For example, a metering valve system 440 may be used to control the rate at which fluid flow from the fluid pressure source 430 enters the pressure vessel 410 via valve tubing 450. Preferably, the rate of fluid flow may be set so that the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 increases at a rate of between 50 kilopascals (kPa) and 1000 kilopascals per minute, more preferably between 50 kilopascals and 500 kilopascals per minute, and most preferably between 50 kilopascals and 300 kilopascals per minute, without limitation.

[0121] Before the pressure in the pressure vessel 410 is increased, the mass (or fragments) 10 may float near the top of the water contained within the internal channel 413. As the pressure is increased, gas pockets 14 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1C) within the mass (or fragments) 10 compress and / or collapse, increasing the density of the mass (or fragments) 10. As the pressure continues to increase, some of the mass (or fragments) 10 may begin to sink to the bottom of the internal channel 413. As the pressure may be further increased, more of the individual mass (or fragments) 10 may sink. The pressure at which between 90 and 95 percent of the individual mass (or fragments) 10 sink to the bottom of the internal channel 413 may be defined as the critical submersion pressure Pm. Once the critical submersion pressure Pm is determined, the critical submersion depth Dm may be calculated using Equation 1.

[0122] As Example 1, the critical submersion pressure Pm and critical submersion depth dm of wood chips were determined using the test apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 5 . The wood chips were elongated, with a major dimension ranging between 3 and 4 centimeters, a secondary dimension ranging between 2 and 3 centimeters, and a tertiary dimension ranging between 1 and 2 centimeters. The test apparatus 400 had a cylindrical tube-shaped interior channel 413 made of a transparent material, approximately 8 centimeters in diameter, 60 centimeters in height, and a pressure rating of 1500 kilopascals. The test apparatus 400 was configured in a first (or open) operating state to allow access to the interior channel 413 via opening 413A. The wood chips were loaded into the interior channel 413, totaling 40 individual pieces, filling approximately 9 centimeters, or approximately 15 percent, of the interior channel 413. To ensure that air pockets due to incomplete filling would not interfere with some of the wood chips, a sieve was inserted into the inner channel 413 approximately 10 centimeters below the top of the inner channel 413. The test apparatus 400 was then configured in a second (or closed) operating state by filling the inner channel 413 with water from the lake until it completely filled the inner channel 413 and then closing the opening to create a sealed chamber. A water pump was used as the fluid pressure source 430 and metered into the pressure vessel 410 such that pressure increased at a rate of approximately 50 kilopascals per minute. Individual pieces began to sink at 350 kilopascals, and by the time the pressure gauge indicated a pressure of 450 kilopascals, 36 had sunk to the bottom, achieving a critical submersion pressure Pm of 450,000 pascals.

[0123] Using equation 4, the critical submersion depth dm was determined to be 45 meters and calculated as follows: Example 1 Dm = 450,000 / 10,000 = 45 meters (Equation 5)

[0124] Method 2: Reduced air intrusion

[0125] When conducting tests to determine the submergence properties of a material by first exposing the mass (or fragment) 10 to reduced pressure followed by liquid intrusion, an iterative process may be preferred to determine the approximate required level of reduced pressure. Unlike the previously described method of applying positive pressure, which can deliver pressure continuously throughout the test, the reduced atmospheric intrusion process can be an iterative process in which the pressure is cycled between reduced pressure (increasing in intensity with each cycle) and atmospheric or superatmospheric pressure while the mass (or fragment) 10 remains fully submerged in liquid.

[0126] The reduced atmospheric intrusion method begins by configuring submerged property test apparatus 400 in a first (or open) operational state to allow access to interior channel 413 through opening 413A. Next, mass (or pieces) 10 are introduced into interior channel 413 through opening 413A, filling interior channel 413 to between 10 and 20 percent of its height, and then water, preferably water from body of water 20, can be used to fill interior channel 413 to between 70 and 80 percent of its total capacity.

[0127] Preferably, the masses (or fragments) 10 are able to move freely around the test chamber in the manner described in more detail above and are not caked in a manner that would impede their movement. Preferably, without limitation, at least 10 individual masses (or fragments) 10 are placed within the interior channel 413, and more preferably, at least 20 individual masses (or fragments) 10 are placed within the interior channel 413. A tight-fitting sieve can be inserted into the interior channel 413 and placed at a location that may be between 5 and 20 centimeters below the water level. The sieve can be sized so that the masses (or fragments) 10 do not exceed the sieve, thereby keeping the masses (or fragments) 10 completely submerged below the surface of the water.

[0128] The test apparatus 400 can then be configured to a second (or closed) operating state by closing the opening to create a sealed chamber. The pressure control port 414B can be configured to reduce the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 by allowing gas from the pressure vessel 410 to flow toward a pressure source 430, which can operate at below atmospheric pressure. The pressure source 430 can be comprised of a vacuum pump, an evacuated tank, a blower, or other device used to reduce pressure. Preferably, a device capable of reducing pressure to at least 720 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), more preferably at least 740 millimeters of mercury, and most preferably at least 750 millimeters of mercury, without limitation, is used. Preferably, a vacuum pump trap, condensation trap, or other device can be used as part of the pressure source 430 to prevent water and / or moisture from entering and harming the equipment. A trap can be installed before the intake line of the vacuum pump or other device, and the trap may use a cold surface to condense water from the gas flow and prevent it from entering the pressure source 430.

[0129] The pressure control port 414B can be set to reduce the pressure in the pressure vessel 410 to a first predetermined level and hold for at least 10 seconds. In one embodiment, the first predetermined level can be between 600 millimeters of mercury and 650 millimeters of mercury. After the hold, atmospheric air can be delivered into the pressure vessel and held at atmospheric pressure for at least 10 seconds, completing the first cycle. If 90 percent or more of the mass (or fragments) 10 have sunk to the bottom of the internal channel 413, the test is complete. If not, another cycle can be performed. The next cycle can be identical to the first cycle, except that the level of vacuum is increased.

[0130] The second cycle can be initiated by setting the pressure control port 414B to reduce the pressure in the pressure vessel 410 to a second predetermined level and holding for at least 10 seconds, followed by using air to restore atmospheric pressure. In one embodiment, the second predetermined level can be between 450 millimeters of mercury and 500 millimeters of mercury. The test is complete when 90 percent or more of the mass (or fragments) 10 sinks to the bottom of the internal channel 413. If not, another cycle can be performed. The cycle is repeated until at least 90 percent of the mass (or fragments) 10 sinks to the bottom of the internal channel 413. The level of vacuum applied during each cycle is increased until (1) the test is successfully completed or (2) the level of vacuum applied reaches the maximum capacity of the instrument, in which case the process may not be suitable for the material being tested.

[0131] Upon successful completion of the test, the final applied vacuum can be defined as the critical vacuum level Vc. A quantity of mass (or fragment) 10 can be subjected to the critical vacuum level Vc, followed by exposure to atmospheric pressure while submerged, and then dumped at or near the surface of a body of water.

[0132] In selected embodiments, there is no fixed requirement for the increase in the level of vacuum applied during each cycle. Smaller increases will produce results with greater resolution / precision, but smaller increases will also require more cycles and therefore longer test times. As the user gains experience with the material used for submersion, the user will be able to formulate an estimate and center the level of vacuum around that estimate.

[0133] In an alternative embodiment, each cycle may use a pressure greater than atmospheric after the application of vacuum. The use of a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure may provide an additional mechanism for modifying the internal structure of the mass (or pieces) 10 and increasing the density to a greater amount than would be the case with the application of atmospheric pressure.

[0134] As Example 2, the critical vacuum level Vc of wood chips was determined using test fixture 400 shown in FIG. 5 . The wood chips were elongated, with a major dimension ranging between 3 and 4 centimeters, a second dimension ranging between 2 and 3 centimeters, and a third dimension ranging between 1 and 2 centimeters. Test fixture 400 included a cylindrical tube-shaped interior channel 413 made from a transparent material, approximately 8 centimeters in diameter, 60 centimeters in height, and a pressure rating of 1,500 kPa. Test fixture 400 was configured in a first (or open) operating state to allow access to interior channel 413 via opening 413A.

[0135] Wood chips were loaded into the internal channel 413, totaling 40 individual pieces, filling approximately 9 centimeters, or approximately 15 percent, of the internal channel 413. To ensure that all wood chips remained fully submerged below the water line during testing, a sieve was inserted into the internal channel 413 approximately 10 centimeters below the top of the internal channel 413. Water from the lake was then filled into the internal channel 413 until the water level was 50 centimeters above the bottom of the internal channel 413, and the internal channel 413 was then configured for the second (or closed) operating state. A vacuum pump was used as the fluid pressure source 430, and gas was evacuated from the pressure vessel 410 with the vacuum pump until the pressure was reduced to a predetermined value.

[0136] Several cycles were performed using increments of approximately 50 millimeters of mercury. The first cycle was set to a vacuum level of approximately 700 millimeters of mercury, the second cycle at 650 millimeters of mercury, and so on, reducing the pressure by 50 millimeters of mercury each cycle. Individual fragments 10 began to sink at 400 millimeters of mercury, and after a cycle using a vacuum of 250 millimeters of mercury, 36 fragments had sunk to the bottom, achieving a critical vacuum level, Vc, of 250 millimeters of mercury. After the test was completed, a larger container was filled with the fragments 10 and subjected to a vacuum level of 250 millimeters of mercury or higher, then exposed to atmospheric pressure while the fragments 10 were fully submerged. The fragments 10 thus treated could be dumped at or near the surface of a body of water, where they would fall to the bottom.

[0137] A description of an alternative embodiment of Method 2, i.e., Reduced Air Intrusion, used to determine the level of negative pressure required to increase the density of treated fragments 32 to a density greater than the highest density of water in body of water 20 (shown in FIGS. 1A-C) follows. In one embodiment, mass (or fragments) 10 may be replaced with new mass (or fragments) 10 after each cycle to more accurately represent the intended operating characteristics. This is because the mass (or fragments) 10 have not been subjected to a prior treatment of reduced pressure that may alter aspects of their physical form. In an alternative embodiment, mass (or fragments) 10 are not replaced with new mass (or fragments) 10 after each cycle. In yet another alternative embodiment, mass (or fragments) 10 may be replaced with new mass (or fragments) 10 every other cycle.

[0138] In selected embodiments, feedstock 30 may be placed within interior channel 413 of pressure vessel 410 during the first iteration of the test. Feedstock 30 may, for example, preferably occupy between 5 percent and 25 percent of interior channel 413, and more preferably between 5 and 15 percent. Water 29, preferably water from water body 20, may be added to feedstock 30 within interior channel 413. In selected embodiments, water 29 and feedstock 30 may preferably occupy between 50 percent and 100 percent of interior channel 413, and more preferably between 60 percent and 80 percent of interior channel 413.

[0139] The water 29 and / or ingredients 30 may be prevented from entering the access port 414. As shown in FIG. 5 , the water 29 and / or ingredients 30 are preferably disposed between the access port 414 and the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410. Stated somewhat differently, the surface level 28 of the water 29 and / or ingredients 30 may be below the pressure sensing port 414A and / or the pressure control port 414B. In selected embodiments, a mesh sieve (not shown) may be introduced into the interior channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410. The opening 413A defined by the first end region 412A may be disposed in a first (or open) operational state, for example, and the mesh sieve may be introduced into the interior channel 413 through the opening 413A. The mesh sieve may be positioned within the interior channel 413 to maintain the ingredients 30 below the surface of the water 29 within the pressure vessel 410. The first end region 412A can then be placed in a second (or closed) operational state to seal the pressure vessel 410.

[0140] The internal pressure of the pressure vessel 410 may be measured or monitored via pressure sensing port 414A. A vacuum pump system or other negative pressure source (not shown) may be coupled to pressure control port 414B. The negative pressure source may generate a negative pressure that may be applied to the internal channel 413 of the pressure vessel 410 via pressure control port 414B. In selected embodiments, the negative pressure source may reduce the pressure within 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, such as between 5 seconds and 30 seconds.

[0141] When the pressure within the internal channel 413 reaches an initial preselected negative pressure level, such as 4000 to 6000 Pascals below atmospheric pressure, the negative pressure source can be disconnected or cut off. Atmospheric air can be allowed to flow into the atmospheric pressure control port 414B until the pressure within the internal channel 413 equals atmospheric air. In an alternative embodiment, after application of the vacuum, a pressure greater than atmospheric air is applied. Preferably, the pressure applied after each application of the vacuum can be between atmospheric pressure and 2000 kilopascals, more preferably between atmospheric pressure and 1000 kilopascals, and most preferably, the pressure applied after each application of the vacuum can be between atmospheric pressure and 500 kilopascals.

[0142] After the first iteration of the test is completed, the position of the treated fragments 32 within the pressure vessel 410 can be determined. For example, if the elongated body 411 of the pressure vessel 410 is transparent, the treated fragments 32 within the pressure vessel 410 can be observed. If the treated fragments 32 sink to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 after the first iteration of the test, the level of negative pressure required to increase the density of the treated fragments 32 to a density greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20 may be between atmospheric pressure and the initial preselected negative pressure level. The above test can be repeated during one or more subsequent iterations of the test, using additional or otherwise different feedstock 30 and applying a negative pressure less than the pressure applied during the first iteration of the test. The actual negative pressure applied to the feedstock 30 by the pressure vessel 410 can be determined with increasing accuracy with each successive iteration of the test.

[0143] If the treated pieces 32 do not sink to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 (and / or remain primarily at or near the surface level 28 of the water 29 within the pressure vessel 410), the level of negative pressure required to increase the density of the treated pieces 32 to a density greater than the highest density of the water within the body of water 20 is greater than the initial preselected negative pressure level applied to the pressure vessel 410 during the first iteration of the test. The test described above can be repeated while continuously applying negative pressures to the pressure vessel 410 that are greater than the initial preselected negative pressure level. In other words, one or more subsequent iterations of the test can be performed. As explained above, subsequent iterations of the test can be performed after the charge of feedstock 30 from the first iteration is removed and a new charge of feedstock 30 is added, as explained above. In other embodiments, the charge of feedstock 30 is not removed and remains within the apparatus for subsequent iterations.

[0144] A new feedstock 30 may be used for each iteration to determine with improved accuracy the negative pressure applied to pressure vessel 410 against feedstock 30. Additionally and / or alternatively, tests may be performed using water from body of water 20, and heating and / or cooling equipment (not shown) may be used to control the temperature of the water in body of water 20 so that it has a density as high as the highest density of water found in body of water 20.

[0145] During the second (or other subsequent) iteration of the test, the pressure within the pressure vessel 410 can 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 can be between 10,000 Pascals below atmospheric pressure and 20,000 Pascals below atmospheric pressure. Once the pressure within the internal channel 413 reaches the second preselected negative pressure level, the negative pressure source can be disconnected or cut off. Atmospheric air can be allowed to flow into the atmospheric pressure control port 414B until the pressure within the internal channel 413 equals atmospheric air. After the second iteration of the test is completed, the position of the processed fragment 32 within the pressure vessel 410 can be determined at atmospheric pressure in the manner described above with reference to the first iteration of the test.

[0146] If the treated fragments 32 sink to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410 after the second iteration of the test, the level of negative pressure required to increase the density of the treated fragments 32 to a density 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 with the pressure in the pressure vessel 410 reduced to a third preselected negative pressure level between the first preselected negative pressure level and the second preselected negative pressure level. If the treated fragments 32 do not sink to the second end region 412B of the pressure vessel 410, the required negative pressure may be greater than the third preselected negative pressure level, and the test may be repeated again.

[0147] Atmospheric pressure may vary based on location and / or weather conditions, but is generally around 100,000 Pascals. Multiple test iterations and the initial negative pressure level for each test can help determine the accuracy with which the target negative pressure level needed to increase the density of the treated fragments 32 to a density greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20 can be identified. Testing of various feedstocks 30 can lead to a database system (or circuit) of target negative pressure levels that can be used to determine step sizes and initial pre-selected negative pressure levels for testing.

[0148] Once the target negative pressure level has been determined with sufficient accuracy, the submersion vessel 250 of the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 operating in negative pressure mode can be placed in the loading position in the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIG. 8A.

[0149] In the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIG. 3, the dense processed fragments 32 are introduced at 360 to a predetermined injection depth d below or otherwise relative to the water surface 22 of the body of water 20. i (shown in Figures 2A-B) at a predetermined injection depth d i is preferably the critical submergence depth d c The dense processed fragment 32 is then implanted at 360 in any suitable manner to a predetermined implant depth d i The dense processed fragment 32 can be placed at a predetermined implantation depth d i An exemplary scheme for placing the

[0150] 6 in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-B, the discharge pipe system 230 is located at 362 below the water surface 22 at a critical submergence depth d c In other words, the distal end region 234 of the drain pipe system 230 may be positioned at a predetermined injection depth d below the water surface 22 or otherwise relative to the water surface 22. i The injection depth d can be extended below the water surface 22 up to a predetermined injection depth d i is the critical submersion depth d c, whereby distal end region 234 can provide an injection point for introducing dense processed fragments 32 into body of water 20. In selected embodiments, the injection point is greater than critical submersion depth d c The injection point may be within a predetermined depth range below a critical submersion depth d , for example, such that the majority of the dense treated fragments 32 remain submerged and / or sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. c The depth may be between at least 5 meters and 100 meters below the surface, more preferably between at least 5 meters and 20 meters below the surface.

[0151] Method 100 may include, at 364, initializing system 100 to produce the dense carbon-containing material and deposit the material at the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. Initialization of the system may be performed in any suitable manner. For example, system 100 may be initialized at 364 by supplying water to pump system 210. Stated somewhat differently, water flow to pump system 210 may be initiated, and pump system 210 (or a pump motor (not shown) of pump system 210) may be associated with it.

[0152] Additionally and / or alternatively, at 366, raw material 30 may be loaded into hopper system 220. Raw material 30 may be loaded into hopper system 220 in any suitable manner. For example, a front-end loader system (not shown) may be used to drop raw material 30 into hopper system 220 via hopper input 224, and / or a conveying system (not shown) may be configured to transport raw material 30 into hopper system 220. Pump system 210 may receive pieces 10 containing raw material 30 from hopper system 220 and pump the pieces 10.

[0153] In selected embodiments, a vibrating system (not shown) may assist in moving the feedstock 30 from the hopper input 224 of the hopper system 220 to the hopper system outlet 222 and to the pump inlet port 212 of the pump system 210. The vibrating system may be separate from or at least partially integrated with the hopper system 220. In other words, the vibrating system may be integrated in whole and / or in part with the hopper system 220. The feedstock 30 may be loaded into the hopper system 220 to begin submerging the treated pieces 32.

[0154] 7A , the method 100 may include, at 392, verifying that the processed pieces 32 remain submerged within the body of water 20. Submergence of the processed pieces 32 may be verified, for example, by manually observing the processed pieces 32 at the surface 22 of the body of water 20. 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 via optical or other suitable automated observation techniques that may be performed on the surface 22 of the body of water 20. Observation may preferably be performed in an area above the surface 22 of the water above the distal end region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230.

[0155] An acceptable level of treated fragments 32 rising to the water surface 22 can be determined. If the amount of treated fragments 32 observed rising to the water surface 22 is greater than the acceptable level, the distal end region 234 of the discharge pipe system 230 can be lowered further into the body of water 20 to reduce the amount of treated fragments 32 rising to the water surface 22. In other words, a predetermined injection depth d below or otherwise relative to the water surface 22 can be determined to reduce the amount of treated fragments 32 rising to the water surface 22. i In selected embodiments, the processed fragments 32 can be collected over a predetermined area and the mass of the collected processed fragments 32 can be estimated or otherwise determined.

[0156] 7B , the method 100 may continue disposing of the processed pieces 32 within the body of water 20 at 360 until it is determined at 394 that a predetermined amount of the processed pieces 32 has been disposed within the body of water 20. Based on the determination at 394, the method 100 may end at 396. In other words, the method 100 may include terminating the disposing of the processed pieces 32 within the body of water 20 at 396. In selected embodiments, terminating the disposing of the processed pieces 32 within the body of water 20 at 396 may include stopping the pump system 210 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B ) and / or terminating or otherwise interrupting the input of raw material 30 into the hopper system 220 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B ). At 398, the total amount of the mass of processed pieces 32 submerged within the body of water 20 may be recorded. For example, an underwater camera system (or circuitry) (not shown) may be used to record the location and other details of the mass of processed pieces 32 disposed within the body of water 20.

[0157] An alternative embodiment of a carbon-containing material submersion system 200 for submerging carbon-containing material and creating submerged carbon-containing material is shown in Figures 8A-B. Referring to Figures 8A-B, carbon-containing material submersion system 200 is shown as including a submerged vessel 250. Submerged vessel 250 can comprise an elongated body 251 including opposing end regions 252 and defining an interior channel 253.

[0158] The first (or upper) end region 252A of the submerged container 250 can define a first opening 253A that can communicate with the interior channel 253 and that can alternate between a first (or open) operational state that allows access to the interior channel 253 through the first opening 253A and a second (or closed) operational state that prevents access to the interior channel 253 through the first opening 253A. In other words, the first end region 252A can comprise an open end region in the first operational state and a closed end region in the second operational state. In selected embodiments, the first end region 252A can be associated with a first adjustable cover system 256A.

[0159] The first adjustable cover system 256A may be adjustably coupled to the first end region 252A, for example, via a hinge system (not shown). In a first operating state, the first adjustable cover system 256A may seal the first opening 253A of the first end region 252A, while in a second operating state, the first adjustable cover system 256A may not seal the first opening 253A of the first end region 252A. The first end region 252A may be manually and / or automatically actuated to transition between the first and second operating states. In selected embodiments, the first end region 252A is remotely actuable and / or actuable to rapidly transition between the first and second operating states.

[0160] The second (or lower) end region 252B of the submerged container 250 can define a second opening 253B that can communicate with the interior channel 253 and that can alternate between a first (or open) operational state that allows access to the interior channel 253 via the second opening 253B and a second (or closed) operational state that prevents access to the interior channel 253 via the second opening 253B. In other words, the second end region 252B can comprise an open end region in the first operational state and a closed end region in the second operational state. In selected embodiments, the second end region 252B can be associated with a second adjustable cover system 256B. The second adjustable cover system 256B can be adjustably coupled to the second end region 252B, for example, via a hinge system (not shown).

[0161] In a first operating state, the second adjustable cover system 256B can seal the second opening 253B of the second end region 252B, while in a second operating state, the second adjustable cover system 256B can not seal the second opening 253B of the second end region 252B. The second end region 252B can be manually and / or automatically actuated to transition between the first and second operating states. In selected embodiments, the second end region 252B can be remotely actuated and / or actuated to rapidly transition between the first and second operating states.

[0162] 8A-B, the submerged container 250 can include one or more access ports 254. At least one of the access ports 254 can be in communication with the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250 and can be directly and / or indirectly coupled to a control valve 260. Each control valve 260 can be manually and / or automatically actuated to transition between an open and a closed operating state. In selected embodiments, the control valves 260 can be remotely actuable and / or actuated to rapidly transition between the open and the closed operating states.

[0163] Exemplary access ports 254 may include, but are not limited to, a pressure sensing port 254A and / or a water supply port 254B. The pressure sensing port 254A may be mechanically fixed to the submerged container 250 and / or may be in communication with the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250. As shown in FIGS. 8A-B , the pressure sensing port 254A may be coupled to a pressure sensor system (or circuit) 270 for determining the internal pressure inside the submerged container 250. Additionally and / or alternatively, the pressure sensing port 254A may be coupled to a first control valve 260A for controlling access to the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250. The fluid pressure source system 280 may be coupled to the first control valve 260A and have an internal connection with the control valve 260A to allow fluid exchange between the fluid pressure source system 280 and the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250 when the first control valve 260A is in an open operating state or any partially open state.

[0164] The water supply port 254B can be mechanically fixed to the submerged container 250 and / or can be in communication with the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250. As shown in Figures 8A-B, the water supply port 254B can be coupled to a second control valve 260B for controlling access to the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250. The second control valve 260B can allow fluid exchange between the water body 20 and the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250 when the submerged container 250 is submerged and the second control valve 260B is in an open operating state or any partially open state.

[0165] 8A, submerged container 250 is shown as being disposed in a throw-in position. In the throw-in position, submerged container 250 can be at least partially above the surface 22 of body of water 20. Stated somewhat differently, submerged container 250 can be partially or completely above the surface 22 of body of water 20 when in the throw-in position. In selected embodiments, a portion of submerged container 250 in the throw-in position can be submerged in body of water 20.

[0166] While positioned in the loading position, raw material 30 can be loaded into submerged container 250. In the loading position, first end region 252A of submerged container 250 can be positioned in a first operational state so that raw material 30 can be placed into internal channel 253 through first opening 253A. Second end region 252B of submerged container 250 can likewise be positioned in a second operational state so that second end region 252B comprises a closed end region to retain loaded raw material 30 within internal channel 253 of submerged container 250.

[0167] The raw material 30 may be loaded into the submerged container 250 in any suitable manner. For example, a front-end loader system (not shown) may be used to drop the raw material 30 into the internal channel 253 through the first opening 253A of the submerged container 250. Water, such as water from the body of water 20, may be delivered into the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250. The water may be delivered into the internal channel 253 while the submerged container 250 is disposed in the loading position. Stated somewhat differently, the water may be delivered into the internal channel 253 when the submerged container 250 is above the water surface 22 of the body of water 20, when the submerged container 250 is partially submerged in the body of water 20, and / or when the submerged container 250 is completely submerged in the body of water 20. The water may be delivered into the internal channel 253 via a water pump system (not shown), gravity feed, and / or any other suitable manner. In selected embodiments, the ratio of the amount of water delivered to the amount of raw material 30 added can be based on the mass of raw material 30 added to the submerged vessel 250 .

[0168] Carbonaceous material submersion system 200 may be operated in any one of a variety of operating modes. Exemplary operating modes for 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.

[0169] Positive Pressure Mode

[0170] In selected embodiments, carbon-containing material submersion system 200 may be advantageously operated in a positive pressure mode. In the positive pressure mode, carbon-containing material submersion system 200 may be operated to achieve a critical submersion depth d in the manner described herein. c (shown in Figure 8B) can be determined. c can be determined, for example, via a water immersion characteristic test apparatus 400 shown in FIG.

[0171] 8A , the submerged container 250 can be placed in an input position. While placed in the input position, raw material 30 can be added to the submerged container 250. The first end region 252A of the submerged container 250 in the input position can be positioned in a first operational state so that raw material 30 can be placed into the internal channel 253 through the first opening 253A. The second end region 252B of the submerged container 250 can similarly be positioned in a second operational state so that the second end region 252B has a closed end region to retain the added raw material 30 within the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250.

[0172] A predetermined amount of ingredient 30 may be loaded into the submerged container 250. Stated somewhat differently, the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250 may be filled with ingredient 30 to a predetermined level. Once the ingredient 30 has been loaded into the submerged container 250, the first end region 252A of the submerged container 250 may be transitioned from a first operational state to a second operational state. In selected embodiments, the first end region 252A of the submerged container 250 may be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to transition from the first operational state to the second operational state. The first end region 252A may thereby transition to a closed end region in the second operational state, and the loaded ingredient 30 may be retained within the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250.

[0173] The submerged container 250 containing the loaded ingredients 30 can be submerged within the body of water 20, as shown in FIG. 8B. In selected embodiments, the submerged container 250 containing the loaded ingredients 30 can be completely submerged within the body of water 20. Water from the body of water 20 can be supplied to the interior channel 253 of the submerged submerged container 250 via a water supply port 254B. For example, the second control valve 260B can be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to transition from a closed operational state to an open operational state to allow water to enter the water supply port 254B and flow into the interior channel 253.

[0174] The first control valve 260A of the submerged submerged container 250 may be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to transition from a closed operational state to an open operational state to allow air and / or other gases that may be within the interior channel 253 to escape and be replaced by water provided to the interior channel 253. The replaced air and / or other gases may be vented, for example, to the atmosphere adjacent the submerged container 250.

[0175] Additionally and / or alternatively, first control valve 260A may be actuated, e.g., remotely actuated, to transition from a closed operational state to an open operational state upon submerging submerged container 250 in body of water 20, thereby allowing air and / or other gases that may be within interior channel 253 of submerged container 250 to escape to the atmosphere while water is supplied to interior channel 253 of submerged container 250 through water supply port 254B. In selected embodiments, a sieve (not shown) smaller than pieces 10 of ingredient 30 may be placed within submerged container 250 to cover pressure sensing port 254A to prevent ingredient 30 from entering and potentially clogging pressure sensing port 254A.

[0176] The second control valve 260B can allow a predetermined amount of water to enter the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250. The supply of water can be terminated, and the predetermined amount of water can be retained within the interior channel 253. In selected embodiments, the second control valve 260B can remain in an open operating state after the supply of water is terminated.

[0177] The submerged vessel 250 containing the input material 30 and a predetermined amount of water is submerged within the body of water 20 at a critical submergence depth d below or otherwise related to the water surface 22. c In other words, at least a portion of the submersible vessel 250 can be submerged to a depth greater than the critical submersion depth d c For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the second end region 252B of the submersible vessel 250 can be submerged to a depth greater than the critical submersion depth d c a predetermined injection depth d below or otherwise relative to the water surface 22 that is greater (or deeper) than i The pressure within the submerged submerged container 250 can advantageously equalize with the pressure of the water surrounding the submerged container 250 because the second control valve 260B continues to maintain an open operating state, thereby allowing fluid exchange between the body of water 20 and the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250 through the open water supply port 254B.

[0178] In selected embodiments, a predetermined amount of time may elapse after the submerged container 250 reaches a desired depth to allow the feedstock 30 to homogenize and be ready to process to form processed pieces 32. Once the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the second end region 252B of the submerged container 250 may transition from the second operational state to a first operational state. In the first operational state, the second end region 252B may comprise an open end region. In selected embodiments, the second end region 252B of the submerged container 250 may be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to transition from the second operational state to the first operational state, thereby placing the submerged submerged container 250 in an unloading position.

[0179] With second end region 252B in the first operating state, processed fragments 32 can exit submerged container 250 and sink to the bottom 26 of body of water 20. The processed fragments 32 can remain on the bottom 26 of body of water 20 indefinitely. The processed fragments 32 may be pushed along the bottom 26 of body of water 20 by the water current, and the processed fragments 32 will continue to settle in deeper water as the processed fragments 32 move along the slope of the bottom 26. While shown and described as being fully submerged with reference to FIG. 8B for illustrative purposes only, it is understood that second end region 252B may be configured to be submerged at a critical submersion depth d c a predetermined injection depth d greater than (or deeper than) i The submersible container 250 can be partially submerged below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20, so long as it can be submerged to a depth of 100 m.

[0180] In alternative embodiments, the container may be constructed from wire mesh or other material that allows water communication between the outside and inside of the container.

[0181] In Example 3, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 was used to increase the density of several tons of wood waste. The carbonaceous material submersion system 200 was operated on a coastline near the edge of the body of water 20 where the feedstock 30 consisting of fragments 10 was to be submerged. The starting material included cuttings of tree limbs, ranging in diameter from 20 centimeters to 2 centimeters, and up to 5 meters in length. The limbs were reduced in size using a conventional wood chipper to fragments 10 with a volume of 3 cubic centimeters or less. The density of the fragments 10 after grinding was approximately 8 / 10 of a gram per cubic centimeter.

[0182] While in the loading position, as described above in connection with FIG. 8, raw material 30 was loaded into interior channel 253, filling it to within 10 centimeters of the top of interior channel 253. Water from body of water 20 was pumped into interior channel 253 using a water pump and piping, filling it to maximum capacity (until overflow was observed). After loading raw material 30 and water into submerged container 250, first end region 252A of submerged container 250 was transitioned from the first operational state to the second operational state (closed).

[0183] A fluid pressure source system 280, consisting of a water pump capable of pumping at pressures greater than 2000 kilopascals, was used to generate positive pressure (pressure greater than atmospheric pressure) and apply the positive pressure to the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250 via pressure sensing port 254A. The interior pressure of the submerged container 250 was monitored via pressure sensing port 254A using a pressure gauge. The fluid pressure source system 280 was used to increase the pressure within the interior channel 253 to 1000 kilopascals. Next, the first control valve 260A of the submerged submerged container 250, consisting of a standard two-way manually operated ball valve, was activated to allow air to enter the interior channel 253 at a reduced pressure until the pressure within the interior channel 253 equaled atmospheric pressure. A total of five cycles were applied to the feedstock 30 (each cycle including the application of positive pressure followed by a return to atmospheric pressure).

[0184] After the fifth cycle was applied and returned to atmospheric pressure, the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 was configured in the first (open) position to allow removal of the feedstock 30. The feedstock was removed from the interior channel 253, set aside, and the fragments 10 were placed on a sieve to allow the water to drain. It was determined that the density of the fragments 10 had increased from a starting density of approximately 8 / 10 grams per cubic centimeter to a density of approximately 1.03 grams per cubic centimeter. The feedstock 30 containing the fragments 10 was then loaded into an open-bottom hopper vessel and then transported to a predetermined location within the body of water 20. The open-bottom hopper vessel was then opened (splitting to allow the loaded material to fall out), and the feedstock 30 was allowed to fall into the body of water 20, where it sank to the bottom.

[0185] Negative Pressure Mode

[0186] In selected embodiments, the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 can advantageously be operated in a negative pressure mode. In the negative pressure mode, the feedstock 30 within the submersion vessel 250 can be subjected to a negative pressure (or vacuum) that is less than atmospheric pressure. The negative pressure can draw air and / or one or more other gases within the gas pockets or cavities 14 (shown in FIGS. 1A-C) of the fragments 10 within the feedstock 30 out of the gas pockets 14. The air and / or other gases can be partially or completely drawn out and exit the gas pockets 14 depending on the level of negative pressure applied to the feedstock 30.

[0187] When feedstock 30 is subjected to a negative pressure while surrounded by water 29, air and / or other gases can be prevented from re-entering gas pockets 14 within pieces 10 and other feedstock 30. In other words, the air and / or other gases that are extracted can be replaced with water 29, such as water from the body of water 20 (shown in FIGS. 1A-C) surrounding pieces 10 when feedstock 30 is subjected to a negative pressure. Replacing the air and / or other gases with water 29 can increase the density of pieces 10.

[0188] A unique feature of the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 in negative pressure mode is that the increase in density of the fragments 10 during processing into the processed fragments 32 is either fully or partially irreversible. The density of the processed fragments 32 can remain increased, for example, as long as the processed fragments 32 are not exposed to air and / or other gases after the application of negative pressure. Depending on the submerged material and embodiment, the density of the processed fragments 32 can remain increased permanently or for extended periods of time (more than several hours) even if the processed fragments 32 are exposed to air and / or other gases after the application of negative pressure. This is because, as voids and gas pockets are replaced with water, there is no mechanism to evacuate the water and replace the lost gas.

[0189] In selected embodiments, the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 in negative pressure mode can be used to determine the level of negative pressure required to increase the density of the treated fragments 32 to a density greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20. If the density of the treated fragments 32 can be increased to a level greater than the highest density of the water in the body of water 20, the treated fragments 32 can be advantageously discharged at or near the surface 22 of the body of water 20. The treated fragments 32 with their increased density can then be allowed to sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. Discharging near the surface 22 can be a significant operational advantage and may result in the most efficient and cost-effective operation. The method used to operate the system is similar to that described herein with respect to the submersion property test apparatus 400.

[0190] Returning to FIG. 8A , the submerged container 250 can be loaded with raw material 30 while positioned in the loading position. The first end region 252A of the submerged container 250 in the loading position can be positioned in a first operational state such that the raw material 30 can be placed into the internal channel 253 through the first opening 253A, while the second end region 252B of the submerged container 250 can be positioned in a second operational state such that the second end region 252B comprises a closed end region for retaining the loaded raw material 30 within the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250. A predetermined amount of raw material 30 can be loaded into the submerged container 250 in the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIG. 8A . Once the raw material 30 has been loaded into the submerged container 250, the first end region 252A of the submerged container 250 can transition from the first operational state to a second operational state.

[0191] The submerged container 250 containing the loaded ingredients 30 can be submerged within the body of water 20, as shown in Figure 8B. In selected embodiments, the submerged container 250 containing the loaded ingredients 30 can be partially or completely submerged within the body of water 20. At least the second end region 252B of the submerged container 250 is preferably located below the water surface 22 of the body of water 20. If a gravity feed is to be used to fill the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250 with water, the submerged container 250 can be submerged at least to a depth below or otherwise related to the water surface 22 at which the water level is desired.

[0192] In selected embodiments, the submerged container 250 containing the input ingredients 30 may be completely submerged within the body of water 20. Water from the body of water 20 may be supplied to the interior channel 253 of the submerged container 250 via the water supply port 254B. For example, the second control valve 260B may be actuated to transition from a closed operating state to an open operating state in the manner described in more detail above to allow water to enter the water supply port 254B and flow into the interior channel 253.

[0193] The first control valve 260A of the submerged submersion container 250 may be actuated to transition from a closed operational state to an open operational state to allow any air and / or other gases within the interior channel 253 to escape and be replaced by water supplied to the interior channel 253. The displaced air and / or other gases may be vented, for example, to the atmosphere adjacent the submersion container 250. In selected embodiments, the first control valve 260A may comprise a one-way valve that allows air and / or other gases to escape from the interior channel 253 while preventing water from entering the interior channel 253. Preferably, the water level within the interior channel 253 may be defined and / or maintained below the pressure sensing port 254A to help avoid water being drawn into the interior channel 253 when negative pressure is applied.

[0194] The internal pressure of the submerged container 250 can be measured and monitored via pressure sensing port 254A. As shown in FIG. 8B , a fluid pressure source system 280 can similarly be coupled to pressure sensing port 254A. The fluid pressure source system 280 can generate a negative pressure that is applied to the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250 via pressure sensing port 254A. In selected embodiments, the fluid pressure source system 280 can reduce the pressure within the internal channel 253 at a predetermined rate. Exemplary predetermined rates can include, but are not limited to, between 500 Pascals and 2000 Pascals during each time interval, such as between 5 seconds and 30 seconds.

[0195] The fluid pressure source system 280 can, for example, reduce the pressure within the interior channel 253 to a target negative pressure level determined by the submerged property testing apparatus 400 in the manner described in more detail above with reference to FIG. 5 . When the pressure within the interior channel 253 reaches the target negative pressure level, the density of the fragments 10 within the feedstock 30 can increase to form processed fragments 32 having an increased density greater than the highest density of the water within the body of water 20. The second end region 252B can be actuated, such as remotely actuated, to transition from a second (or closed) operating state to a first (or open) operating state. With the second end region 252B in the first operating state, the processed fragments 32 can exit the submerged container 250 and sink to the bottom 26 of the body of water 20. The processed fragments 32 can remain at the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 indefinitely. The treated fragments 32 may be pushed along the bottom 26 of the body of water 20 by the water current, and the treated fragments 32 will remain settled in deeper water as the treated fragments 32 move along the slope of the bottom 26.

[0196] Mixed positive and / or negative pressure modes

[0197] In selected embodiments, the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 can be operated in a mixed positive and / or negative pressure mode. In the mixed positive and / or negative pressure mode, the critical submersion depth d for the positive pressure mode is cTo reduce the gas pressure, a negative pressure, as described in the negative pressure mode above, may be applied. When the negative pressure mode is applied, gas pockets or cavities 14 within the raw material pieces 10 may be drawn out while the pieces 10 are submerged and replaced with water when the applied negative pressure returns to equilibrium with the atmosphere (or a predetermined pressure above atmospheric pressure). Treating the pieces 10 to replace the gas pockets 14 with water may help increase the density of the treated pieces 32 and / or reduce the pressure required to submerge the treated pieces 32 with increased density, as described above. In some embodiments, the pieces 10 may be subjected to two or more cycles of reduced atmospheric pressure followed by exposure to atmospheric pressure or higher, as described above.

[0198] In Example 4, the carbonaceous material submersion system 200 was used to increase the density of several tons of wood waste. The carbonaceous material submersion system 200 was operated on a coastline near the edge of a body of water 20 where a feedstock 30 consisting of fragments 10 was to be submerged. The starting material was cut pieces of tree limbs, ranging in diameter from 20 centimeters to 2 centimeters, and up to 5 meters in length. The limbs were reduced in size to fragments 10 with a volume of 5 cubic centimeters or less using a conventional wood chipper. The density of the fragments 10 after grinding was approximately 7 / 10ths of a gram per cubic centimeter.

[0199] While in the loading position, raw material 30 was loaded into interior channel 253 as described above in connection with FIG. 8, filling interior channel 253 to within 10 centimeters of the top. Water from body of water 20 was pumped into interior channel 253 using a water pump and piping, filling it to maximum capacity (until overflow was observed). After loading raw material 30 and water into submerged container 250, first end region 252A of submerged container 250 was transitioned from the first operational state to the second operational state (closed).

[0200] A fluid pressure source system 280, consisting of a vacuum pump, was used to generate a negative pressure, which was applied to the internal channel 253 of the submerged container 250 via the pressure sensing port 254A. The internal pressure of the submerged container 250 was monitored via the pressure sensing port 254A using a pressure gauge. The fluid pressure source system 280 was used to reduce the pressure inside the internal channel 253 to 100 millimeters of mercury. Next, the first control valve 260A of the submerged submerged container 250, consisting of a standard two-way manually operated ball valve, was activated to allow atmospheric air into the internal channel 253 at the reduced pressure until the pressure inside the internal channel 253 equaled atmospheric pressure. A pressure source, consisting of an air compressor, was configured using piping to flow into the first control valve 260A and increase the amount of air in the internal channel 253, thereby increasing the pressure in the internal channel 253 above atmospheric pressure to a pressure of 400 kilopascals. The pressure in the internal channel 253 was then returned to atmospheric pressure by opening the first control valve 260A while the first control valve 260A was configured to allow piping flow between the internal channel 253 and the atmosphere. A total of three cycles were applied to the feedstock 30 (each cycle including application of a vacuum, followed by a return to atmospheric pressure, followed by application of a positive pressure, then a return to atmospheric pressure).

[0201] After applying the third cycle and returning to atmospheric pressure, the carbon-containing material submersion system 200 was configured in the first (open) position to allow removal of the feedstock 30. The feedstock was removed from the interior channel 253 and set aside to allow residual water to drain. It was determined that the density of the fragments 10 had increased from a starting density of approximately 0.7 grams per cubic centimeter to a density of approximately 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter. The feedstock 30, including the fragments 10, was then loaded into an open-bottom hopper vessel, where it was combined with other treated material and then transported to a predetermined location within the body of water 20. The open-bottom hopper vessel was then opened (splitting to allow the loaded material to fall out), and the feedstock 30 was allowed to fall into the body of water 20, where it sank to the bottom.

[0202] The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the examples set forth above and may be used in any combination with each other. Some of the embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments. The methods or systems disclosed herein may comprise at least one of the embodiments previously described herein. It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above 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 stated problems or that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. Furthermore, reference to "an" item will be understood to refer to one or more of that item. The word "comprising" is used herein to mean including the features or operations that follow it, without excluding the presence of one or more additional features or operations.

[0203] In selected embodiments, one or more of the functionality disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be encoded on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media, such as, for example, without limitation, any type of magnetic, optical, and / or electronic storage medium. As used herein, a phrase in the form "at least one of A, B, C, and D" should be interpreted to mean one or more As, one or more Bs, one or more Cs, and / or one or more Ds. Similarly, a phrase in the form "A, B, C, or D" used herein should be interpreted to mean A or B or C or D. For example, a phrase in the form "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" should be interpreted to mean A or B or C, or any combination of A, B, and / or C.

[0204] The disclosed embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples of which have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosed embodiments encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing submerged carbon-containing material, comprising: subjecting the carbon-containing feedstock to an applied pressure different from atmospheric pressure; sequestering the pressurized material in a body of water; The method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein applying an applied pressure comprises applying an applied pressure to the feedstock that is greater than atmospheric pressure.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein applying an applied pressure comprises applying an applied pressure to the feedstock that is less than atmospheric pressure.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of applying an applied pressure comprises applying a vacuum to the feedstock.

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein isolating the pressurized feedstock comprises isolating the pressurized feedstock in a body of freshwater.

6. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein isolating the pressurized feedstock comprises isolating the pressurized feedstock in a body of saltwater.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein isolating the pressurized feedstock comprises submerging the pressurized feedstock in a body of water.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the feedstock comprises biomass.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feedstock comprises one or more carbon-containing fragments.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the raw material comprises at least one low-density structure capable of being compressed.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the feedstock defines one or more gas pockets.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the gas pockets contains air.

13. The method of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein applying an applied pressure comprises applying said applied pressure to compress at least one low density structure of the feedstock.

14. The method of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein applying an applied pressure comprises applying said applied pressure to increase feed density of the feedstock.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein applying an applied pressure to increase a feed density of the feedstock comprises increasing a feed density of the feedstock to less than a first water density of a body of water above a critical submergence depth.

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

17. The method of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein isolating the pressurized feedstock comprises submerging the feedstock in a body of water.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein isolating the pressurized feedstock comprises placing the feedstock at a predetermined injection depth within the body of water that is greater than a critical submergence depth.

19. The method of any of claims 10 to 18, wherein applying an applied pressure comprises applying said applied pressure to enable the feedstock to become negatively buoyant.

20. 20. The method of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein isolating the pressurized feedstock comprises submerging the feedstock in a body of water after at least one low-density structure of the feedstock has been compressed.

21. A system for producing submerged carbon-containing material, said system comprising means for carrying out the method according to any of claims 1 to 20.

22. A computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material, said computer program product comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any of claims 1 to 20.

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

24. 1. A method for producing submerged carbon-containing material, comprising: determining a critical submergence depth below the surface of a body of water for one or more carbon-containing segments defining one or more gas pockets, the segments having a first segment density that is less than a first water density in the body of water above the critical submergence depth and greater than a second water density below the critical submergence depth; placing the fragments within the body of water at a predetermined injection depth greater than the critical submersion depth; allowing the carbon-containing fragments, the fragments having a second density greater than the second water density, to sink to the bottom of the body of water. The method comprising:

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein placing the fragments in the body of water includes subjecting the fragments to pressure to compress gas pockets and increase a first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein exposing the pieces to pressure comprises exposing the pieces to hydrostatic pressure from a body of water.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein exposing the fragments to hydrostatic pressure comprises exposing the fragments to increasing hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth within the body of water, the increasing hydrostatic pressure further compressing gas pockets and further increasing the second fragment density of the fragments to a third fragment density greater than the second fragment density.

28. 28. The method of any of claims 24 to 27, wherein placing the fragments in the body of water comprises subjecting the fragments to pressure to fill gas pockets with water from the body of water to increase a first fragment density of the fragments to a second fragment density greater than the first fragment density.

29. The method of any of claims 24 to 28, further comprising characterizing the feedstock for conversion into carbon-containing fragments.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein characterizing the feedstock comprises ensuring that the feedstock is suitable for submersion in a body of water.

31. 31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein characterizing the feedstock comprises determining the moisture content of the feedstock.

32. The method of any of claims 29 to 31, wherein characterizing the ingredient comprises determining the size, shape, or other dimension of the ingredient.

33. The method of any of claims 24 to 32, further comprising the step of determining whether adjustment of the size of the fragments is required.

34. determining whether a fragment size adjustment is necessary comprises classifying selected fragments to determine whether a size of the fragment is greater than a first predetermined fragment size threshold; and reducing the size of the selected fragment based on the classification of the fragments; 34. The method of claim 33, wherein determining a critical submergence depth comprises determining a critical submergence depth of the selected fragment having the reduced dimension.

35. determining whether a fragment size adjustment is necessary includes determining whether a reduced size of the selected fragment is greater than a first predetermined fragment size threshold; and further reducing the reduced size of the selected fragment based on the determining whether the reduced size of the selected fragment is greater than a first predetermined fragment size threshold; 35. The method of claim 34, wherein determining a critical submergence depth comprises determining a critical submergence depth of the selected fragment having the further reduced dimension.

36. determining whether a fragment size adjustment is necessary includes classifying selected fragments to determine whether a size of the selected fragment is less than a second predetermined fragment size threshold; and increasing a size of the selected fragment based on the classification of the fragments; 34. The method of claim 33, wherein determining a critical submergence depth comprises determining a critical submergence depth of the selected fragment having the increased dimension.

37. determining whether an adjustment to the size of the fragments is necessary includes determining whether the increased size of the selected fragments is less than a second predetermined fragment size threshold; and further increasing the increased size of the selected fragments based on the determining whether the increased size of the selected fragments is less than a second predetermined fragment size threshold; 37. The method of claim 36, wherein determining a critical submergence depth comprises determining a critical submergence depth of a selected fragment having the further increased dimension.

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

39. A method according to any of claims 33 to 38, wherein determining whether adjustment of the dimensions of the fragments is required comprises determining whether adjustment of the size of said fragments is required.

40. A method according to any of claims 33 to 39, wherein determining whether a dimension of a fragment requires adjustment comprises determining whether a shape of said fragment requires adjustment.

41. The method of any of claims 24 to 40, further comprising the step of ensuring that the carbon-containing fragments remain submerged after sinking to the bottom.

42. determining that a predetermined amount of fragments has been disposed within the body of water; terminating placement of the fragments within the body of water based on the step of determining that the predetermined amount of fragments has been placed within the body of water; The method of any of claims 24 to 41, further comprising:

43. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 42, further comprising recording the mass of fragments at the bottom of a body of water.

44. A system for producing submerged carbon-containing material, said system comprising means for carrying out the method according to any of claims 24 to 43.

45. A computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material, said computer program product comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any of claims 24 to 43.

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

47. 1. A method for producing submerged carbon-containing material, comprising: placing one or more pieces containing carbon and defining one or more gas pockets into a hopper input of a hopper system; pumping the fragments from the hopper input into a proximal end region of a discharge pipe system having a distal end region extending below the water surface to a predetermined injection depth below the water surface that is greater than a critical submergence depth below the water surface of the body of water for the fragments; discharging the carbon-containing fragments from the distal end region of the discharge pipe system; Including, The method, wherein the fragments discharged from the distal end region of the discharge pipe system sink to the bottom of the body of water.

48. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein placing the pieces comprises conveying the pieces to a hopper input via a front end loader system.

49. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein placing the pieces comprises conveying the pieces to a hopper input via a conveying system.

50. 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising determining a mass of fragments on a selected track portion of a transport system.

51. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein determining the mass of the fragment comprises determining the mass of the fragment via a transport system.

52. 52. The method of claim 50 or 51, further comprising adjusting the speed of the transport system based on the determined mass of the fragment.

53. 53. The method of any one of claims 47 to 52, further comprising the step of conveying water to a hopper input of a hopper system, and wherein the step of pumping the pieces comprises the step of pumping the pieces and the water from the hopper input of the hopper system into a proximal end region of a discharge pipe system.

54. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein conveying water to a hopper input of a hopper system comprises conveying water from a body of water to a hopper input of the hopper system.

55. 55. The method of any of claims 47 to 54, further comprising applying pressure to fragments moving from a proximal end region of the discharge pipe system to a distal end region of the discharge pipe system to increase a fragment density of the fragments, said fragment density being greater than the water density of the body of water at a predetermined injection depth.

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

57. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 56, wherein the proximal end region of the outlet pipe system is positioned above the surface of the body of water.

58. 58. The method of any of claims 47 to 57, wherein at least a portion of the hopper system is located below the surface of the body of water.

59. The method of any of claims 47 to 58, wherein at least a portion of the hopper system is positioned above the surface of the body of water.

60. 60. A system for producing submerged carbon-containing material, the system comprising means for carrying out the method according to any of claims 47 to 59.

61. A computer program product for producing submerged carbon-containing material, comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any of claims 47 to 59.

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

63. 1. A method for producing submerged carbon-containing material via a submerged container, the submerged container comprising an elongated body, the elongated body including opposed first and second end regions defining an internal channel extending from the first end region to the second end region, the first end region defining a first opening in communication with the internal channel, the first opening alternating between an open state allowing access to the internal channel via the first opening and a closed state preventing access to the internal channel via the first opening, the second end region defining a first opening in communication with the internal channel, the first opening alternating between an open state allowing access to the internal channel via the first opening and a closed state preventing access to the internal channel via the first opening, the second end region defining a first opening in communication with the first end region ... the elongate body defining a second opening in communication with the internal channel, the second opening alternating between an open state allowing access to the internal channel through the second opening and a closed state preventing access to the internal channel through the second opening, the elongate body including a pressure sensing port adjacent the first end region configured to determine an internal pressure within the internal channel, and a water supply port adjacent the second end region configured to control fluid exchange between the internal channel and a fluid pressure source system, the method comprising: positioning the submerged container in a loading position with the first end region in the open position and the second end region in the closed position; disposing one or more pieces containing carbon and defining one or more gas pockets within the interior channel of the submerged vessel through the first opening in the first end region; transitioning the first end region from the open state to the closed state; submerging the second end region of the submerged container below the surface of a body of water to a predetermined injection depth below the surface of the body of water that is greater than a critical submersion depth below the surface of the body of water for the fragment; disposing water into the interior channel of the submerged container via the water supply port; transitioning the second end region from the closed state to the open state; Including, The method, wherein the fragments exit the interior channel through the second end region and sink to the bottom of the body of water.

64. 64. A system for producing submerged carbon-containing material, the system comprising means for carrying out the method of claim 63.

65. 64. A computer program product for creating submerged carbon-containing material, the computer program product comprising instructions for performing the method of claim 63.

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

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