Systems and methods for environmental management of carbon dioxide in water systems

Abstract

An exemplary system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid includes a container for holding the liquid, which includes an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for releasing the liquid; one or more sensors coupled to the container for measuring the carbon content in the liquid held in the container; and a control system including a processor, the processor of which receives the output of one or more sensors and executes commands to control the introduction of a material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in response to a change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 506,757, filed on June 7, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the field of water treatment, and more specifically, to novel and useful systems and methods for environmental management of carbon dioxide in water systems.

Background Art

[0003] The increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is a significant problem with extensive environmental and social impacts. The need to reduce these gas concentrations has led to the development of a series of carbon dioxide removal technologies, including injecting supercritical carbon dioxide into rock formations for mineral precipitation. While these methods are promising, scaling them up to achieve a beneficial reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere presents significant challenges. Additionally, there are challenges in implementing low - cost, explainable, and easily scalable carbon capture and immobilization solutions.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to create novel and useful systems and methods for environmental management of carbon dioxide in the field (e.g., in the atmosphere and water systems). The examples herein provide such novel and useful systems and methods.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one example, a system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid is described. The system comprises a container having an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for releasing the liquid, the container being for holding the liquid. The system comprises one or more sensors coupled to the container for measuring the carbon content in the liquid held in the container, and a control system comprising a processor, the processor receiving the output of one or more sensors and executing commands to control the introduction of a material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in accordance with the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

[0006] In another example, a system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid is described. The system includes a container having a first inlet for receiving a liquid into the container and a second inlet for introducing a gas into the liquid in the container; one or more sensors coupled to the container for measuring the carbon content in the liquid held in the container; and a control system including a processor, the processor receiving the output of one or more sensors and executing commands to control the introduction of a material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in response to the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

[0007] In another example, a method for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid is described. The method comprises receiving the liquid from a source into a container, measuring the carbon content of the liquid held in the container using one or more sensors coupled to the container, and controlling the introduction of a material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in response to the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

[0008] The described features, functions, and benefits may be achieved independently in various examples, or combined in other examples. Further details of the examples can be found in the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The examples, purposes, and descriptions of this disclosure will be readily understood by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments shown below, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a workflow diagram of an example system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a workflow diagram of another example of a system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a system in use according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a workflow diagram of an example of the use of a system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of a system for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 6]FIG. 6 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of a system for treating a liquid to vary the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of a system for treating a liquid to vary the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of a system for treating a liquid to vary the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of a system for treating a liquid to vary the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 10A] [Figure 10B] [Figure 10C] FIGS. 10A - 10C are a series of schematic diagrams of different variations of how alkalinity can be introduced into a container to improve the dissolution of alkalinity in order to optimize the results of carbon removal and storage of the system.

[0020] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the system of FIGS. 10A - 10C using sensors to optimize the results of carbon removal and storage of the system.

[0021] [Figure 12A] [Figure 12B] [Figure 12C]Figures 12A–12C are schematic diagrams of a series of different variations of how alkalinity can be introduced into a container to improve its dissolution in order to optimize the carbon removal and storage results of the system.

[0022] [Figure 13A] [Figure 13B] [Figure 13C] Figures 13A–13C are schematic diagrams of a series of different system variations for optimizing alkalinity and carbon introduction to improve dissolution and carbon recovery kinetics.

[0023] [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of temperature to enhance the modification of the water system in order to improve the dissolution, carbon removal, and storage results, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a housing that is coupled to or includes a container, one or more sensors, and a control system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram of the system shown in Figure 15 for immersion in a body of water.

[0026] [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the housing in Figure 15 in the form of a barge-like floating vessel.

[0027] [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a method for treating a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of a computer configuration diagram for one embodiment of the system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments, but rather to enable those skilled in the art to create and use the present invention.

[0030] overview

[0031] The systems and methods for waterway environmental management systems described herein function to enable aquatic (or water) treatment systems. The systems and methods may have various environmental management capabilities within water / aquatic systems.

[0032] The system and method utilize an embodiment in which input from a water source or some aqueous system (e.g., river, seawater, industrial waste system) enters a control vessel or container, a sensing system monitors a series of chemical conditions of the water (e.g., measurement of CO2, HCO3, CO3), active introduction of additives is performed during monitoring (e.g., pre-dissolved alkalinity is added while the measuring technique is measuring the reaction (CO2->HCO3+CO3)), and when the target chemical conditions are met, the active introduction of additives is terminated and water or aqueous output is released into the water or aqueous system.

[0033] The system and / or method may include a fully, partially, or non-immersed water treatment tank (i.e., a control vessel) and a sensor system for determining CO2 concentration, pH, temperature, and other parameters. The output of the sensor system may be used to determine the amount and rate of CO2 in the inflowing (untreated) water and at the effluent or outlet of the treated water output, enabling the quantification of the volume of CO2 recovered and stored as non-gasic carbon forms (e.g., bicarbonate and carbonate ions).

[0034] In this specification, the system and method are primarily described as applicable to a water system in which one or more control vessels receive input water and discharge output water. However, the system can be reasonably modified for use in other applicable aqueous systems, such as waste systems from or within industrial treatment systems.

[0035] The system and method are applicable to continuous flow, batch, or combined batch and continuous flow aqueous treatment systems that enable carbon dioxide reduction (CDR) from water (or from air or concentrated CO2 if permeated into the system). An exemplary objective of the system is to fix large amounts of CO2 into bicarbonates and carbonates, including by adding alkali elements (e.g., Mg, Ca, Na, K, etc.) to water as products of dissolving alkalinity-containing minerals, brines, materials, or water.

[0036] The system and method enable water-based carbon storage solutions for direct water recovery, direct air recovery, and / or point source recovery of carbon using alkaline materials in water. In various embodiments, the system and method may be adapted to enable or facilitate solutions for direct air recovery, carbon recovery and storage, eutrophication / oxygenation management, and / or other applications of environmental system management.

[0037] In addition to dynamically modifying the water system, the system and method also enable accurate and consistent measurement of aqueous carbon concentration and other chemical conditions to more precisely and accurately control the modification. The measurement method can control the containment period, flow rate, and alkalinity dissolution rate, as well as the addition of materials to the water, namely: a) to suppress excessive alkalization (dissolution / addition of alkalinity) which would lead to precipitation of solid carbonate minerals, potential adverse effects on the biological system, and / or inefficient / excessive use of additives; b) to prevent precipitation of solid carbonate minerals (which may release CO2 in some aqueous systems); c) to reduce the introduction of alkalinity when the chemical properties of the pretreated water are low in CO2 or high in alkalinity; and / or d) to increase the introduction of alkalinity when the pretreated water is high in CO2 / low alkalinity. The measurement method manages the potential environmental risk from water discharged to be returned to the environment, based on pH, temperature, saturation of the carbonate material, concentration of unreacted alkalinity, and other factors.

[0038] The system and method may be commonly implemented as part of any closed or open water source for water monitoring and control. In closed systems, the system and method may be used to monitor and maintain water quality (e.g., reservoirs). In open systems, the system and method may enable fluid control in relation to other activities occurring in the water body. For example, the system and method may be implemented in areas where waste is discharged, near mining operations, factory operations, heavy transport routes, and / or other areas.

[0039] In several variations, the systems and methods can be implemented in situ underwater. Exemplary systems take the form of hydrodynamic systems designed to be positioned in a water flow or tidal region. Other exemplary systems are designed to float on the water surface using air or buoy systems, or other systems that allow them to remain partially submerged or to be stationary / anchored to a riverbed / seabed or coastal infrastructure. The depth profiles of the water entering and leaving the system may be optimized or determined by the depth of the system relative to the floating mechanism or static infrastructure to which the system is attached, as well as the target depth of the water column with the highest CO2. Such systems may include methods that allow water to flow into and out of the system, enabling closed systems for batch reactions. The system also allows for the removal of sediment at the bottom of the tank when alkaline materials do not completely dissolve, preventing the sediment from entering the discharge water, and allowing the recovery of those materials for external disposal or other economically viable uses.

[0040] In one example, the system and method are used in connection with waterways such as rivers, streams, or tidal estuaries. The system and method may be used for monitoring and actively adjusting water conditions within the waterway.

[0041] In another example, the system and method are used within industrial water systems, such as in mining operations. In this variation, the system and method are used to treat water used in mining operations, and in some variations, they are also used to store carbon recovered from point source discharge or ambient air (direct air recovery).

[0042] In several variations, the systems and methods are used in containers on land or on water (for example, when they are located on a ship or shore) to retain water, allow water to pass through, and / or discharge water into surface water, soil, sediment, groundwater reservoirs, groundwater, or other water treatment containers. The systems and methods may include different variations that can be used individually or in combination.

[0043] The system and method may offer many potential benefits and capabilities. The system and method are not always limited to offering such benefits, and are presented only as illustrative representations of how the system and method may be used. The list of benefits is not intended to be exhaustive, and other benefits may exist additionally or alternatively.

[0044] One potential capability and / or advantage is that the system and method can be used for the removal of alkalinity / silicate / materials by water (via dissolution) and / or neutralization of waste discharge. The system and method can be used to facilitate the removal of solid or liquid alkaline waste by neutralization with concentrated form or CO2 in the air, and by accelerating the dissolution of the material by mechanical, thermal, and chemical processes.

[0045] Another potential capability and / or advantage is that the system and method allows for a form factor for in-situ carbon reduction, measurement, and / or control of natural water. For example, variations of the system and method may use a form factor of submerged tanks within a natural water system. The system and method may additionally utilize wave or flow energy (e.g., from tides and water currents) to increase the energy efficiency of the process. For example, wave or flow energy may be used for dissolving additives, filling containers, and / or emptying / discharging containers.

[0046] As another potential capability and / or advantage, several variations of the system and method enable direct air recovery. Active pumping or passive intake of ambient air may enable direct air recovery by reacting CO2 in the air with alkaline water to form HCO3 in the water. This may function to enable the recovery of CO2 from ambient air by utilizing the increased carbon storage capacity of highly alkaline water.

[0047] Another potential capability and / or advantage is that variations of the system and method can be used for mitigating water acidification. The system and method can target natural water and avoid the uptake of additional CO2, thereby enabling mitigation of acidification through local and global forcing. Measurement-driven alkalinity addition allows it to respond to natural CO2 and pH fluctuations. This may enable the use of the system and method in aquaculture, ecosystem management and restoration, as well as in water quality management, wastewater, and industrial water management.

[0048] Another potential capability and / or advantage is that variations in systems and methods mitigate the risk of deoxygenation. In some variations, the active mixing and incorporation of air (not merely concentrated CO2) or other oxygen sources can reoxygenate the air, thus providing applications for mitigating deoxygenated water (which is also acidic, since Org C + O2 -> CO2).

[0049] Another potential advantage is that the system and method utilize monitoring the chemical properties of CO2 and water in headspace to calculate dissolved CO2. This could be a low-cost sensing solution and may even use less energy and materials.

[0050] Another potential advantage is that the system and method include variations that utilize active alkalinity dissolution. In some variations, a silo may hold the additive, thereby allowing gravity to facilitate the addition. Dissolution can be accelerated using physical, thermodynamic, and / or chemical changes (e.g., mixing, aeration, heating, CO2 uptake at the mixing site). The rate can vary based on the type of alkalinity, the particle size of the material, and the pH of the water in which it is dissolved.

[0051] Another potential advantage is that the system and method utilize measurement-driven alkalinity addition, which can enable precise alkalinity addition. Alkalinity addition can be increased when CO2 or acidity is high, and decreased when CO2 or acidity is low. Decreasing alkalinity addition when acidity is low (e.g., high pH) mitigates the risk of carbonate precipitation (e.g., net CO2 release). This can also provide a more targeted solution that adapts to natural temporal and spatial variations in the environment.

[0052] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a workflow diagram of an example system 100 for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 100 includes a container 102 which includes an inlet 104 for receiving the liquid and an outlet 106 for releasing the liquid. The container 102 is for holding the liquid for processing. System 100 also includes one or more sensors 108 coupled to the container 102 to measure the carbon content in the liquid held in the container 102. The system also includes a control system 110 which includes a processor. The processor receives the output of one or more sensors 108 and executes commands to control the introduction of material into the container that reacts with carbon dioxide to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors 108, so that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in response to the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

[0053] The container 102 can take many forms, and in one example, it can hold liquids ranging from approximately 70 L (for a small closed system) to 2.5 million L (for a large closed system, e.g., the size of a swimming pool area), and can be larger or smaller depending on the needs of placement and configuration. Thus, the container 102 functions as a tank or other form of container in which water is detected and / or treated. When the container 102 is open, it allows liquids to flow in and out of the container, and when closed or in operation, it prevents gases and liquids from flowing into or out of the control container.

[0054] The container 102 receives a liquid, such as water, from a water supply source or some aqueduct (e.g., a river, seawater, or industrial waste system). The inlet 104 and outlet 106 communicate (wired or wirelessly) with the control system 110, which controls the opening and closing of the inlet 104 and outlet 106 based on signal transmission.

[0055] Therefore, the inlet 104 is used to receive pre-treated water, and the outlet 106 is used to discharge water (following treatment, which is treated water). In some variations, the inlet 104 and outlet 106 are integrated to utilize the natural flow of the surrounding water system, such as the flow of water from a river or stream, or waves from a body of water. Thus, the inlet 104 and outlet 106 may be the same predetermined opening through which water is received or discharged. In some variations, the inlet 104 and outlet 106 have valves or doors to passively or actively control the inflow and / or outflow.

[0056] The control system 112 communicates with the entrance 104 and the exit 106 in order to control the opening and closing of the entrance 104 and the exit 106.

[0057] Sensor 108 is shown coupled to container 102 to receive a sample of the liquid in container 102. In one exemplary embodiment illustrated in other figures described below, sensor 108 is positioned inside container 102 to measure various chemical conditions of the liquid (e.g., measurement of CO2, HCO3, CO3). Control system 110 communicates with sensor 102 (wired or wirelessly) to receive the sensor's output to determine the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid.

[0058] Sensor 108 thus functions to monitor the state of a fluid extracted from an external water system. In one example, sensor 108 includes a spectroscopic sensor and / or other sensors to measure the characteristics of the gaseous and / or liquid portions inside container 102. Sensor 108 is positioned to measure the characteristics of the appropriate portion of container 102 (i.e., the gaseous sensor is positioned in the gaseous portion and the liquid sensor is positioned in the liquid portion). In one example, the spectroscopic sensor is preferably tuned and positioned to measure carbon compounds in the gaseous portion of the measuring container. More specifically, the spectroscopic sensor is tuned to detect and measure common carbon compounds in a gas, such as carbon dioxide. In one example, the spectroscopic sensor is a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor.

[0059] Other examples include additional sensors such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pH sensors, alkalinity sensors, flow meters, electrical conductivity sensors, refractometers (e.g., refractometers), gravity sensors (e.g., hydrometers), and / or hygrometers. Depending on the liquid being measured and other environmental conditions, other sensors may also be incorporated. Sensor 108 functions to measure specific amounts of chemicals and can work together to determine more complex fluid properties such as viscosity and salinity.

[0060] The control system 110 also communicates with an additive system 114 coupled to the container 102, which includes a storage area (e.g., in a material hopper 116) for the material 112 to be added into the container 102. The additive system 114 includes a feeder 118 and a valve 120, and the control system 110 communicates (wired or wirelessly) with the valve 120 in the feeder 118 to control the operation of the valve 120 to release the material 112 from the feeder 118 into the container 102.

[0061] The additive system 114 functions to facilitate the manipulation and / or modification of the liquid. Different variations of the additive may be used. In one variation, the additive system 114 includes a reservoir of additive compounds or materials that can be deposited in the fluid or added in other ways. The additive system 114 may additionally include components to facilitate mixing. In some variations, multiple different additive compounds or materials are added (together or individually). In some variations, the system and / or additive application system includes other components to facilitate the modification of the water system.

[0062] In the example operation, the control system 110 controls the active introduction of material 112 into the container 102 in order to neutralize the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid in the container 102. In this way, the control system 110 receives the output of one or more sensors 108, determines the carbon dioxide content of the liquid in the container 102, determines the amount of material 112 to be released into the container 102 to react with the carbon dioxide in the liquid, and then controls the valve 120 to do so. During the introduction of material 112 into the container 102, the sensors 108 continue to output data indicating the chemical conditions of the liquid, thereby allowing the control system 110 to control the amount of additional material to be added to the liquid in real time.

[0063] In another operational example, the control system 112 controls the opening and closing of the inlet 104 and outlet 106 to control the flow rate of liquid into and out of the container 102. The flow rate of liquid into and out of the container 102 affects the carbon dioxide reaction with the material 112, and the slower the flow rate, the more carbon dioxide in the liquid can react with the material. Therefore, based on the output from the sensor 108, the control system 112 changes the flow rate accordingly by controlling the opening and closing of the inlet 104 and outlet 106 (to optimize the neutralization of CO2 in the liquid).

[0064] In yet another operational example, the control system 112 controls the opening and closing of the inlet 104 and outlet 106 to control the residence time / duration of the liquid in the container 102. The duration of the liquid in the container 102 affects the carbon dioxide reaction with the material 112; the longer the duration, the more carbon dioxide in the liquid can react with the material. Therefore, based on the output from the sensor 108, the control system 112 changes the duration of the liquid in the container 102 by controlling the opening and closing of the inlet 104 and outlet 106 (to optimize the neutralization of CO2 in the liquid).

[0065] The control system 110 thus functions to facilitate the computer-controlled operation of system 100. Various control methods may be used to facilitate the operation, as described herein. In some variations, the operation of a single aqueous treatment system may depend on data-driven operation based on external factors. In some variations, the operation of multiple aqueous treatment systems may be coordinated so that they operate as a network.

[0066] System 100 may additionally include a power system. The power system may be any suitable type of power system. In some variations, the power system may include or utilize water flow / tidal movement, river flow, gravity, photovoltaic (PV) and / or other non-renewable energy sources.

[0067] Material 112 includes, in one example, a powdered mineral such as one of the alkali elements (e.g., magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), etc.). Therefore, the control system 110 monitors the chemical reaction (CO2 -> HCO3 + CO3) during the active introduction of the additive.

[0068] In one example, container 102 includes a dissolver (e.g., a mixer) that assists in the dissolution of material 112 into the liquid in order to increase the rate of conversion of carbon dioxide to HCO3. In another example, the material to be added includes a pre-dissolved alkalinity-based liquid in which alkali elements are dissolved in water to form alkaline water, which is then added to the liquid in container 102.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a workflow diagram of another example of system 100 for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 2, the container 102 includes an inlet 104 as a first inlet for receiving the liquid into the container 102 and a second inlet 122 for introducing gas into the liquid in the container 102. Thus, the second inlet 122 is an air inlet for introducing gas into the liquid in the container 102, enabling direct air recovery into the container 102 (or other gas to enable carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon storage (CS)). In this example, the control system 110 receives the output of sensor 108 and, based on the output of sensor 108, controls the introduction of material 112 into the container 102 to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, so that the amount of material introduced into the container 102 changes over time in accordance with the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid. The control system 110 further controls the second inlet 122 to enable direct air recovery (or other gas) by taking in air from any number of sources, such as the outside atmosphere, exhaust or flue gas from an emission source, or a storage facility containing carbon dioxide recovered externally. The air recovered in the container 102 will be incorporated into the liquid in the container 102 to increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid. The control system 110 then controls the input of material 112 into the liquid to neutralize the carbon dioxide in the liquid, for example, to bring about the overall effect of carbon recovery.

[0070] Figure 3 shows an example of system 100 in use according to an exemplary embodiment. Once the system 100 is partially filled with liquid and in a closed state, it functions as a monitoring device for detecting and measuring the carbon content of the liquid. The closed state prevents the flow of liquid and air into or out of container 102, and therefore the inlet 104 and outlet 106 are closed in the closed state.

[0071] The container 102 is functionally divided into two parts: an upper part 126 (also called the gas portion or unfilled area) and a lower part 124 (also called the liquid portion or filled area). As used herein, the terms upper part and lower part (or gas portion and liquid portion) are generally functional designations that suggest the level to which the container 102 is partially filled in order to function. In other words, the upper part 124 and lower part 126 do not necessarily suggest different structures between the upper part 124 and the lower part 126, but rather suggest the approximate level to which the container 102 needs to be filled with liquid in order to function. In some variations, these different areas may be separated.

[0072] In the example operation, container 102 is partially filled with liquid, and a sensor 102a located in the upper section 124 measures the gaseous carbon concentration in the upper section 124 of container 102. Another sensor 108b located in the lower section 126 measures general properties of the liquid (e.g., salinity, pH, and temperature). The outputs of sensors 102a-b are used by the control system 110 to determine the carbon concentration of the liquid.

[0073] In another example, in Figure 3, the upper section 126 is useful for allowing air to permeate into the water in the lower section 124, thereby ensuring that the container 102 is completely filled with water having a higher CO2 partial pressure.

[0074] System 100 is particularly useful for measuring and / or monitoring the concentration of carbon compounds in water. Since carbon dioxide is the primary contributor of carbon in water, System 100 enables the measurement and monitoring of carbon dioxide in water. Similarly, System 100 can be used to measure the concentrations of carbonates (CO3) and bicarbonates (HCO3) (or their conjugate acid, carbonic acid (H2CO3)). In general, System 100 can be used to measure fluctuations in these compounds (or other carbon compounds) in any fluid and potentially determine specific concentrations of each of these carbon compounds in the fluid.

[0075] The monitoring capability, or any similar monitoring capability, can then be used in combination with various components for actively altering the state of the water system. This can be used for different applications such as carbon storage, direct air capture, eutrophication, and / or other applications. Examples of different applications are described below with reference to Figures 4-14.

[0076] Figure 4 shows a workflow diagram of an example of the use of System 100 for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to one exemplary embodiment. In Figure 4, the system utilizes an embodiment in which input from a water source or some aqueous system (e.g., river, seawater, industrial waste system) enters container 102, a sensor 108 monitors a series of chemical conditions and outputs measurement data of CO2, HCO3, and CO3, and while monitoring and measuring the carbon dioxide conversion reaction, an additive (e.g., in powder form, or Mg or Ca pre-dissolved in water for alkaline water) is actively introduced, the introduction of the alkalinity additive is terminated when the target level of CO2 is removed, and water or aqueous output is released into the water or aqueous system.

[0077] In one example, the introduction of material 112 into container 102 is terminated based on the reaction of material 112 with carbon dioxide in the liquid and the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid falling below a threshold amount (for example, based on measurements received from a sensor over time). Initially, the carbon content in the liquid is measured at a first content, and the introduction of material 112 into container 102 changes the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid to a second content, which is lower than the first content. The output of sensor 108 during the active introduction of material 112 into container 102 determines when the second content has been reached.

[0078] In some cases, the introduction of material 112 into container 102 is terminated based on the removal of a target amount of carbon dioxide from the liquid. The amount of carbon dioxide recovered and stored is determined based on a comparison between a first content level and a second content level. The outlet 106 of container 102 is opened based on a signal from control system 110 to release the liquid based on the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid falling below a threshold amount.

[0079] Figure 5 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of System 100 for treating a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to one exemplary embodiment. In Figure 5, the system is used for carbon capture and / or storage. For example, it is shown how carbon dioxide is incorporated into the liquid in container 102 by direct air capture into container 102 or by introduction into container 102 from material 112 (for example, carbon dioxide is added directly to alkaline water introduced into container 102, or to input water before it enters container 102 or an alkalinity tank). In some variations, CO2 may be captured in advance and supplied by an external source. In other variations, the system and method may include a system and / or process for capturing CO2 from flue gas or other CO2-containing gas sources.

[0080] In some applications, this variation can be used for inline water treatment for industrial water discharge. The pre-recovered carbon dioxide is then incorporated into the water. This can be done before the treated water enters container 102 (e.g., a larger water container), before the water enters the alkalinity chamber (e.g., where material 112 is stored), within container 102 (where alkalinity has already been added), or within the tank where material 112 is stored. This is preferably done before or within the tank so that the effectiveness of carbon storage can be measured and monitored.

[0081] Carbon dioxide may originate from direct air capture / other carbon removal sources. Additionally or alternatively, carbon dioxide may originate from carbon recovered from point sources (e.g., fossil fuel emissions).

[0082] Carbon dioxide can be supplied in a range of purities. Higher purity of carbon dioxide can help enhance or accelerate the dissolution of alkalis. Using higher purity or processing the CO2 supply to increase purity may have further performance improvements, such as making the system and method operate faster (dissolution of materials occurs more quickly and efficiently), and / or requiring a smaller volume of gas to be taken in.

[0083] In one example, the alkalinity source is preferably used to facilitate carbon recovery in water. The alkalinity source may be alkaline water, a solid, or any other suitable alkalinity source.

[0084] In the example, a gas incorporation mechanism such as infiltration, injection, aeration, or other suitable system is used to incorporate carbon dioxide into the water along with an alkalinity source to cause the conversion and recovery of carbon in the water / fluid.

[0085] The treated water can be managed in one or more different ways. In one variation, the treated water can then be discharged into the surface water (as a means of neutralizing the alkaline water discharge). In another variation, the treated water can be recycled to a higher alkalinity until complete neutralization / all CO2 is converted to HCO3 (to further reduce CO2 and convert more CO2 to HCO3). Thus, in some variations, not all CO2 is converted, but additional cycles can be performed if complete conversion is desired. In yet another variation, the treated water can be evaporated or otherwise removed to precipitate carbonate minerals.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of System 100 for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to one exemplary embodiment. In Figure 6, the system is further configured for direct air recovery as a form of carbon recovery and / or storage by taking carbon dioxide from pure or gas mixtures such as ambient air or flue gas into the water.

[0087] This variation allows carbon dioxide to be extracted from the air and stored in water as a carbonate. This can function similarly to the variations of carbon capture systems and methods described herein, but involves the intake of air. If the range of carbon dioxide in the carbon storage scenario (above) becomes sufficiently low (e.g., down to 400 ppm CO2), then ambient air may be taken into the water to increase the carbon dioxide addition. Sensor 108 monitors the level of carbon dioxide in the container, and based on the sensor output, additional ambient air is taken in to reach the desired / configurable level of carbon dioxide in container 102.

[0088] Continuously or repeatedly incorporating a low-concentration carbon dioxide stream, such as ambient air (e.g., 400 ppm CO2), into an already mineralized aqueous solution can increase the total dissolved carbon concentration in the form of bicarbonates and carbonates. Over time, this can reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to a measurable level, providing a direct air recovery technology with integrated storage.

[0089] In the example in Figure 6, the system optionally includes an air control mechanism that functions to introduce air into the treatment and processing of water for carbon storage. In one variation, the air control mechanism is or may include a pump. The pump may be used when the water is still and air is circulated through the water. In another variation, the air control mechanism may utilize the movement and mixing of the water. The system design may allow or promote turbulence in the water to introduce air into the water. Mixing of the water may be introduced artificially using some kind of agitator. Alternatively, mixing of the water may be promoted through a design that utilizes waves, water flow, or natural motion to promote the mixing of the water. For example, the design of the tank (e.g., a higher surface area-to-volume ratio) also promotes the introduction of air into the water.

[0090] Figure 7 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of System 100 for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 7, the system is used for oxygenation and / or other applications where air intake can provide water quality improvement, such as to mitigate eutrophication. Sensor 108 comprises a first sensor for measuring the carbon content of the liquid and a second sensor for measuring the oxygen level of the liquid in container 108. Based on the oxygen level of the liquid in container 102, the control system controls an air inlet (shown in Figure 2, for example, as used for taking in CO2, and which may also be used for taking in air) to enable direct air recovery into container 102, taking in additional oxygen to the liquid in the container.

[0091] In several variations, the system mitigates water acidification from both localized eutrophication and organic respiration (e.g., increased CO2, and consequently increased carbon dioxide), or from climate change-driven acidification in water (e.g., increased atmospheric CO2 or ocean upwelling). Actively incorporating air into water for carbon uptake can have the additional benefit of reoxygenating (aerating) the water, providing environmental and water quality benefits in many water systems.

[0092] Since eutrophication / respiration consumes oxygen to produce CO2, the additional benefits of aeration and reoxygenation of the system can provide dual benefits to water quality and ecosystem health as an "end-of-pipe" solution to nutrient runoff, organic waste runoff, acidification, and hypoxia / anoxia / desoxidation. Carbon removal and mineral waste components may then be incidental benefits. Control by measurement would allow the process to respond to ecological and environmental fluctuations that lead to transient changes in pH, oxygen, and CO2.

[0093] Several variations may incorporate air into alkaline water. Variations may include the incorporation of an air compressor into the water chamber, the alkalinity addition chamber, and either the inlet or outlet of the alkalinity or water chamber. The air may be recirculated between the alkalinity chamber and the water chamber to increase efficiency. The system and method may utilize a temperature difference, particularly when incorporated into the aqueous phase, which is more gaseously soluble at lower temperatures. The system and method may utilize the gravity flow of water from one chamber to another, or within a component of the system, or within a separate component that incorporates ambient air into a cascade of falling water. The system and method may incorporate air into the active pumping of water from a submersible pump. This may help to further increase the agitation and dissolution of alkaline minerals.

[0094] In one such variation, the system and method can be used to manage water oxygenation. This can be used in natural water or other water systems suffering from low oxygen levels (e.g., by-products of industrial water planned for input into natural water systems). Partly due to high CO2 levels, natural water can also have low oxygen levels (both caused by respiration). Combining oxygenation with carbon removal in water can have benefits for ecosystems. The system and method can enable a comprehensive solution to the effects of eutrophication / algal blooms.

[0095] Systems and methods can similarly address water acidification. High levels of CO2 in water can lower the pH (e.g., carbonic acid). Systems and methods may include features for monitoring and correcting pH.

[0096] Figure 8 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of System 100 for processing liquids to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to one exemplary embodiment. In Figure 8, the system is configured to optimize the dissolution of a particular alkaline material to reduce solid waste (e.g., mine tailings) and separation management of alkaline materials. In a variation to address water acidification, the system facilitates flowing water entering a container 102, sensors to measure CO2, HCO3, and / or CO3, and alkaline water to be added to the container 102 at a known rate. CO2 levels are measured (in real time during the introduction of alkaline water) to quantify CO2 reduction, and based on the reaction rate of CO2 to alkaline water in the container 102, alkaline water is added to an open water body or returned to the water source. Container 102 may be refilled, and the process is repeated periodically to continuously or periodically calibrate the addition of alkaline water to the water source. This variation may include an additional alkaline water line on container 102, which involves flow into a larger system (an open body of water) that can be controlled and / or monitored based on measurements and reactions in a smaller system (e.g., container 102).

[0097] Figure 9 shows a workflow diagram of another example of the use of System 100 for processing a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 9, the system includes the design and / or process of various components to facilitate accelerated alkalinity dissolution. For example, the container 102 includes separate or integrated mechanisms for artificially mineralizing water (increasing alkalinity) by adding solid, particulate alkaline minerals to water, either by physical agitation for physical weathering (e.g., through the use of Mixer 128) or by using an acid added to the water for chemical weathering.

[0098] One such method for acidifying water is by incorporating CO2 to increase its carbon dioxide content. The infiltration of CO2 into the treated water can also promote alkalinity dissolution through the physical agitation of the solute. Ambient air containing CO2, and other gas flows with fluctuating CO2 concentrations, can be used for this effect.

[0099] The container 102 further includes a filter 130 coupled to or adjacent to the outlet to prevent undissolved additives from being released from the container 102.

[0100] Figures 10A–10C are schematic diagrams of a series of different variations of how alkalinity may be introduced into container 102 to improve alkalinity dissolution in order to optimize the carbon removal and storage results of the system. Although basalt is referenced in the drawings, this could be any alkalinity source, and although a filter is referenced, any material that traps or filters solid alkaline material but allows dissolution could be used. The referenced CO2 could be recovered CO2, CO2-containing air (e.g., a mixture of CO2 and O2), and / or any CO2 source. CO2 added at different locations in the system may be used to increase dissolution.

[0101] In Figure 10A, water is introduced into container 102 through inlet 104, and carbon dioxide is introduced into the water through air inlet 122. This produces acidic water with a high CO2 content. The added material 112 is in the form of a material filter (where the material may be, for example, basalt), and is held in the container within a filter mechanism that allows the water to be filtered through container 102, and the material held in container 112 to be continuously dissolved after passing through the filter. The addition of the material neutralizes the acidic water content, forming HCO3-rich water, which is then returned to the water source through outlet 106. In some examples, additional material 112 is added to container 102 based on input requirements determined from the sensor output.

[0102] In Figure 10B, water is introduced into container 102 through inlet 104 and then passes through a basalt filter to produce alkali-rich water. Carbon dioxide is then introduced into the water through air inlet 122, neutralizing the water content to form HCO3-rich water, which is then returned to the water source through outlet 106.

[0103] In Figure 10C, a two-stage filtering system is used in which water is introduced into container 102 through inlet 104, carbon dioxide is introduced into the water through air inlet 122, and then reacts with material 112a to which acidic, high-CO2-content water is added. The material neutralizes the acidic water to some extent, and additional material 112b is also added, along with additional CO2, to the water, finally forming HCO3-rich water, which is then returned to the water source through outlet 106.

[0104] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the system in Figures 10A-10C, which uses sensors to optimize the carbon removal and storage results of the system. In Figure 11, water is introduced into container 102 through inlet 104, and CO2 is added via air inlet 122 until the output of sensor 108 indicates the presence of high concentrations of CO2 in the liquid. Subsequently, material 112 (e.g., basalt) is added until the CO2 measured in the liquid decreases to a target / configurable level and HCO3 increases. Finally, the neutralized water is returned to the water source via outlet 106.

[0105] Figures 12A–12C are schematic diagrams of a series of different variations of how alkalinity may be introduced into container 102 to improve its dissolution in order to optimize the carbon removal and storage results of the system. The examples shown in Figures 12A–12C are similar to those shown in Figures 10A–10C, except that an internal filter is not used. Rather, the material 112 is added to the container in powder form. Therefore, in the example in Figure 12A, a filter 130 is provided adjacent to the outlet 106 to prevent undissolved material from being released from container 102. In the examples in Figures 12B–12C, the undissolved material added to container 102 becomes sediment 132 that settles at the bottom of container 102. The sediment 132 is then removed and recovered over time.

[0106] In one example, material 112 reacts with carbon dioxide and dissolves, forming a bicarbonate product, and the control system 110 controls the input of material 112 so that a portion of material 112 is recoverable and the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid is reduced to a target amount. Depending on the type of material used, it may be difficult to achieve complete dissolution of the material. Therefore, the control system 110 controls the input so that a certain amount of the material is recoverable, for example, so that material 112 is dissolved to about 50% and the remainder is recovered or reused. Thus, potential sediment accumulation and uneven dissolution may be taken into account to prevent the release of sediment into the outflowing water.

[0107] Therefore, the systems and methods may include design features that optimize or enhance the dissolution of alkaline materials and their trapping within the system to promote complete dissolution without sedimentation, water turbidity, or other undesirable effects on the treated water, as shown in the variations in Figures 12A–12C. This may include the use of filtration, dual-system dissolution, mechanical mixing, stirring, acidification, gasification, gravity sedimentation, osmosis, and any other water-mineral-gas introduction mechanism. Direct, real-time measurements of the chemical properties of the water will determine the water outflow, mineral inflow, and the inflow of acids, CO2, and other gases to maintain optimal reaction rates by reducing the alkali saturation of the water.

[0108] The system and method may include other design features for dealing with any resulting or residual deposits.

[0109] Therefore, the system and method can be used to dissolve alkaline materials in an accelerated manner. This can be used to facilitate the dissolution of alkaline tailings from mine water. In one such variation, the system may include a tank, mixer, and filter for holding the solid alkalinity. The system may be designed or configured to optimize or enhance dissolution and solid-liquid separation. For example, an inclined bottom may be used for collecting the separated material (e.g., as shown in Figures 12B-12C).

[0110] In one variation, the alkaline material may be held in a container 102 (e.g., a control container or another container stage in an aqueous treatment system). Water is introduced into container 102. CO2 may be added to the water before it enters container 102. Alternatively, CO2 may be added to container 102 containing the alkalinity. A mixer is activated, which may help prevent flocculation and promote dissolution.

[0111] The sensors in the sensor system measure CO2, HCO3, and CO3 in water. If the concentration of CO2 gas is taken in and the intake flow rate is known, then the amount of CO2 stored can be calculated. The system and method may use various methods for releasing water while recovering alkalinity, trapping alkalinity, and / or reducing alkalinity loss to an external water system in other ways. In one variation, the control vessel or container may have a sloped bottom that retains alkalinity while allowing water to flow out or be discharged from a top outlet. In another variation, a filter 130 (e.g., stainless steel mesh) may block solids. This variation may be part of, or identical to, the carbon storage described herein.

[0112] Figures 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of a series of different system variations for optimizing alkalinity and carbon introduction to improve dissolution and carbon recovery kinetics. In Figure 13A, water is input, and a first series of sensors 108 measures the carbon content of the water at the inlet 104. The amount of material 112 is determined to optimize alkalinity and is combined through the use of a mixer 128, in addition to the introduction of high CO2 through the air inlet 122. In this example, alkalinity and CO2 are added together, and the increase in CO2 is measured and controlled. Off-gas is released through the vent outlet 134 and returned to the air inlet 122 to repeat the process. A second series of sensors 108 is located adjacent to the outlet 106 to measure the amount of carbon content in the liquid released from the container 102. The outputs of the first and second series of sensors are compared to determine, for example, the amount of carbon converted to HCO3.

[0113] In a further example, to further assist in calculating the net change in CO2 in the liquid, a sensor is positioned adjacent to the vent outlet 134 to measure the CO2 concentration in the off-gas.

[0114] Figure 13B shows an alternative configuration in which air is introduced into the container and the vent outlet 134 outputs off-gas to the outside atmosphere.

[0115] Figure 13C shows another alternative where the input water is a continuous flow and there is no off-gas of air, but the container 102 is open at the rear end to discharge the treated water.

[0116] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of temperature to enhance modifications to a water system in order to improve the results of dissolution, carbon removal, and storage, according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, by utilizing the temperature dependence of CO2 solubility and mineral dissolution, the dissolution of alkaline minerals in water can be increased, thereby increasing the solubility of CO2 in water (the latter can increase the former).

[0117] A temperature swing method is employed in which minerals are dissolved in heated water, the water is cooled for CO2 uptake, and the cooled water is either returned to a high temperature (in a circulating process) or discharged for potentially further mineral uptake. The heat is generated from the same process that produces the CO2 for uptake into the cold water, including kiln 136 in the mineral processing plant, as shown in Figure 14. The system also utilizes the natural hydrothermal layer to create the temperature swing. For example, the system and method may collect warmer surface water to dissolve minerals and uptake CO2 into colder water pumped from greater depths.

[0118] Examples of the system can take many forms and may consist of a boat, barge, or other type of floating, partially submerged, or fully submerged vessel positioned in the water, on the shore, or as a component of a boat.

[0119] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a housing 140 coupled to, or including, a container 102, one or more sensors 108, and a control system 110, according to one exemplary embodiment. Thus, all components are located inside a single housing. The housing 140 is at least partially submerged in a liquid source (e.g., natural water) such that the inlet 104 and outlet 106 are submerged to receive and discharge water.

[0120] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram of the system of Figure 15 for immersion in water. In Figure 16, a portion of the housing 140 is submerged in water, facilitating water intake and discharge. The housing 140 can float like any type of floating vessel or be moored to land.

[0121] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the housing of Figure 15 in the form of a barge-like floating vessel. The housing 140 is coupled to, or includes, a container 102, one or more sensors 108, and a control system 110, and the housing is a floating vessel. In Figure 17, a material hopper 116 is shown coupled to a tank 142 that holds water to dissolve the material 112 so as to form alkaline water to be introduced into the container 102 to neutralize carbon dioxide in the liquid of the container 102.

[0122] The system is thus a mobile system designed to be a floating vessel. This vessel can be deployed, optionally guided around a water system, and moved from an open water system for deployment to the shore for refueling with alkaline material.

[0123] Using measurement techniques to detect higher and lower pH, CO2, and oxygen levels, the system and method may include transporting the system to areas of increased acidification and CO2 to mitigate spatially fluctuating acidification and CO2. Furthermore, mobility can ensure that treated water is not overtreated or retreated in areas where water already treated by flow or natural conditions is allowed to re-enter the system.

[0124] The movement of the system away from and into the untreated water, as determined by measuring sensors, will increase the effectiveness and spatial scale of the water treatment. Movement variations of the system and method may incorporate any of the features and variations described herein.

[0125] In one exemplary embodiment, the vessel may start from a shore or docking position. Alkalinity is then added. The vessel then moves to a target location (e.g., an area measured or expected to be a high-CO2 channel). Ports / valves / sluices are opened in the bottom region of the vessel, allowing water to enter the entire lower reservoir component. A separate internal valve may be opened to allow water to enter the upper alkalinity dissolution tank. Alkalinity supply (e.g., a dry alkalinity source) may be dropped into the alkalinity dissolution tank. Sensors measure CO2, HCO3, and / or CO3 in the lower water tank. Alkaline water is dropped or transferred from the alkalinity dissolution tank into another tank (e.g., the lower water tank). Sensors may measure changes in CO2, HCO3, and / or CO3. Water may then be released from the lower tank. New water may be introduced by utilizing the directional flow of natural water bodies (i.e., by simultaneously opening ports / valves at the front and rear of the vessel).

[0126] In such variations, the vessel includes a lower tank 102 or container that can be filled with water, an upper tank 142 that can be filled with water and an alkali source, an upper deck or other container for holding alkali, an optional cover for keeping the alkali source dry, and a sensor 108 for monitoring the lower water tank. In some variations, the vessel may include ports forward and backward to allow directional flow for filling and / or draining water. The vessel may include components and designs for buoyancy when filled with water. This may include additional tanks or vessel designs to increase buoyancy for operation.

[0127] In some variations, the tank can be located above or slightly below the waterline when filled with water (based on the density of either fresh or seawater). This can maximize / increase cargo compartment size while minimizing / shortening the air gap and the time to reach equilibrium.

[0128] The upper deck or other type of alkalinity source storage unit may include features to facilitate the deposition or addition of alkaline material. The vessel may include a funnel or other inclined mechanism to allow alkalinity to passively fall into the alkalinity storage component and / or into the dissolution chamber below, or all of it may be held in the dissolution chamber at once as soon as it is added to the vessel.

[0129] The form factor of the aqueous treatment system can take on a variety of other forms. The system and method may be stationary, submerged, moored, or located in a single place.

[0130] Figure 18 shows a method for treating a liquid to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, according to one exemplary embodiment. In S110, the method includes partially filling a container or control container with water, thereby creating a filled area containing water and an unfilled area containing air. Thus, the method includes receiving a liquid into the container from a source.

[0131] In S160, the method may optionally include equilibrating the filled area and the unfilled area in the control container.

[0132] In S170, the method includes determining the carbon concentration of water by means of measuring the carbon content in the liquid held in the container using one or more sensors coupled to the container. In another example, determining the carbon concentration of water includes measuring the carbon concentration in an unfilled region and measuring the properties of the water in a filled region. The method functions to measure and monitor the carbon concentration of a liquid body over time. That is, the method utilizes specific properties of the liquid body and the carbon concentration of a gaseous region in equilibrium with a portion of the liquid body to measure the carbon concentration of the liquid body. In some examples, the method may be carried out to determine the carbon concentration of any fluid using additional information on some general thermodynamic and molecular properties. The method may be carried out in a closed, stationary body of water (e.g., a lake) or an open, dynamic body of water (e.g., a river). The method may be used with the systems described, but can generally be carried out in any suitable system.

[0133] In S180, the method includes modifying water quality in response to the carbon concentration of water. For example, based on the output of one or more sensors, the method includes controlling the introduction of a material into a container to react with carbon dioxide to change the amount of carbon dioxide in a liquid, so that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in accordance with the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

[0134] Water management methods function to actively monitor and control water quality. In addition to monitoring and correcting the carbon concentration of water, methods can further control water quality by correcting the pH of water, the alkalinity of water, the mineral content of water, and the mineral quality of water (e.g., due to salt formation).

[0135] Block S150, which involves partially filling a control container with water, functions to obtain a sample of liquid for analysis. Partially filling a control container with water comprises filling the container such that a portion of the container is filled with water (i.e., a filled area or water area) and a portion of the container is empty (i.e., an unfilled area or air area). In some variations, block S150 is a single operation and a single sample is taken. Alternatively, block S150 may involve setting up the control container such that water continuously passes through the filled area while the unfilled area remains empty.

[0136] Block S120, which includes equilibrating the packed and unpacked regions of the control vessel, functions to relax the system to a steady state; that is, to allow the system to stand still or settle until there is no net molecular exchange between the packed and unpacked regions of the control vessel. For the system to reach this steady state, it may be necessary to seal the unpacked region (and possibly the packed region).

[0137] In continuous flow systems, the unfilled region is continuously replenished by the external environment, which can prevent the system from reaching a steady state.

[0138] Therefore, in the implementation of continuous flow in a filled area, the method may use a sufficiently large measuring body of water that can function as a reservoir so that the particle concentration of the water body is not affected by reaching a steady state with the unfilled area of ​​the control container. Alternatively, in the implementation of continuous flow, individual samples of water may be collected and held in a smaller system so that measurements at specific points in time can be integrated to represent changes over time.

[0139] The time required to reach a steady state may be specific to the implementation. Depending on external environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, carbon imbalance between air and water, etc.), the time required to equilibrium the packed and unpacked regions may vary. In some new embodiments, this time can be optimized by taking an initial sample and monitoring the carbon fluctuations in the unpacked region. This may be done multiple times at different temperatures to determine the time required at different times of the day.

[0140] Block S170, which includes determining the carbon concentration of water, functions to determine the desired output of the method. Determining the carbon concentration of water includes measuring the carbon concentration in an unfilled area and measuring the properties of water. In a steady state, the gaseous carbon concentration may be used in conjunction with the properties of water to calculate the carbon concentration of water.

[0141] Depending on the implementation, block S150 further determines the concentrations of carbon in different molecular forms. That is, determining the carbon concentration of water may further include determining the carbon dioxide concentration of water, determining the carbonate concentration of water, and determining the bicarbonate concentration of water.

[0142] Measuring the carbon concentration in the unfilled area functions to measure the concentrations of different gaseous carbon compounds in the unfilled area of ​​a control vessel. This can be done using a wide-range spectrometer. Since the main forms of carbon include carbon dioxide, carbonates, and bicarbonates, a spectrometer that operates in infrared spectroscopy may suffice to measure the carbon concentration in the unfilled area.

[0143] Measuring the properties of water serves to measure the characteristics of the water in question in order to enable the calculation of the carbon concentration of the water. Measuring the properties of water may include measuring the water temperature, salinity, and pH. Depending on the practice, other properties of water may also be measured. Measuring the properties of water may be performed in a control container, but especially in the case of large bodies of water, it may be performed at any point in the body of water that will have similar properties to the sample obtained.

[0144] Therefore, in one example, block S170 includes measuring the carbon content of air by one or more sensors located in an unfilled area, measuring the properties of a liquid including temperature, salinity, and alkalinity by one or more sensors located in a filled area, and calculating the carbon concentration in the liquid based on the output of one or more sensors.

[0145] Block S180, which includes water quality modification, functions to alter the composition of water by changing the pH, alkalinity, and / or carbon concentration of the water. The water quality modification may be in response to the measured carbon concentration of the water, or other water quality, as measured by Block S170.

[0146] Water quality correction may be specific to the implementation, the desired water quality may be initially input, and the water quality correction may be modified accordingly to reach the desired water quality according to the measurement from block S170. For example, in an implementation where the local water is highly alkaline and mineral-rich, water quality correction would act to lower the pH (e.g., by adding carbon dioxide). Adding CO2 would then cause the conversion of CO2 to HCO3 and CO3 (e.g., for storage). Thus, in this example, the method comprises measuring the alkalinity of the liquid in the container by a sensor and, based on the alkalinity of the liquid in the container, controlling the inlet of the container to allow direct air recovery into the container to take in additional carbon dioxide into the container.

[0147] In another example, if the carbon concentration of water is high and / or the pH of the water is low, correcting the water quality involves adding alkaline compounds to increase the pH and recover / remove CO2 from the water.

[0148] In operation, the method can be used to optimize carbon removal and storage. Therefore, in several variations, the method may include measuring CO2, HCO3, and if the CO2 measurement meets certain conditions (e.g., if it exceeds a threshold), an alkalinity source is added. Alkalinity can be added while continuing the measurement, and the addition of the alkalinity source is stopped when the CO2 level meets certain target conditions (e.g., when CO2 has decreased to a desired amount and / or the pH has reached a desired endpoint). If the difference between the start and end of alkalinity addition is too large (e.g., too long), this may signal the need to add more alkalinity.

[0149] The method may employ various methods for measuring conditions within the system. CO2 measurement is preferably performed using headspace, pH, and / or salinity. In some variations, electrical conductivity (EC) may be used as a substitute for salinity. EC may be used additionally or alternatively as a substitute for alkalinity. Generally, since alkalinity does not change but salinity does during alkalinization, the method may use the delta before and after the alkalinization treatment to calculate the true salinity level. EC may be used additionally or alternatively (by removing the salinity and temperature signals) as a substitute for alkalinity alone.

[0150] In another variation, the method uses dissolved CO2 and pH to calculate alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), HCO3, and / or CO3.

[0151] In another variation, the method uses alkalinity and CO2 to calculate pH, DIC, HCO3, and / or CO3.

[0152] In another variation, the method uses alkalinity and pH to calculate CO2, DIC, HCO3, and / or CO3.

[0153] In some variations, the method can triangulate the "true" value and identify the differences between these three in order to reduce the analytical and theoretical uncertainties arising from the individual methods.

[0154] The method thus quantifies baseline CO2, HCO3, and CO3, performs live measurements to quantify CO2, HCO3, and CO3 after removal, and uses the data to control the amount of alkalinity added for the optimized final CO2 output (~425 ppm), HCO3, and CO3 based on the starting conditions. Thus, the method is performed to control the input of material into the container in order to execute a feedback loop that includes: (i) releasing a first amount of material from the feeder into the container, (ii) receiving the subsequent output of one or more sensors, (iii) determining the updated carbon content in the liquid, and (iv) releasing a second amount of material from the feeder into the container based on whether the updated carbon content in the liquid exceeds a threshold amount. In yet another example, based on whether the updated carbon content in the liquid exceeds a threshold amount, the method includes changing the residence time / duration of the liquid in the container or changing the flow rate of the liquid into / out of the container.

[0155] In the examples, the systems and methods of the embodiments are at least partially embodied and / or implemented as machines configured to receive computer-readable media storing computer-readable instructions. For example, control system 110 includes a processor for executing instructions for performing the functions described herein. The instructions are executed by computer-executable components integrated with applications, applets, hosts, servers, networks, websites, communication services, communication interfaces, hardware / firmware / software elements of user computers or mobile devices, wristbands, smartphones, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiments may be at least partially embodied and / or implemented as machines configured to receive computer-readable media storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are executed by computer-executable components integrated with the types of devices and networks described above. The computer-readable media is stored in any suitable computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The executable component of a computer is the processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute instructions.

[0156] In one variation, the system comprises one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-temporary computer-readable media) that, when executed by one or more computer processors, store instructions causing a computing platform to perform operations of the system or method described herein, such as: filling a control container with water; measuring the carbon concentration and / or other conditions of the water; and correcting and distributing the water.

[0157] Figure 19 is an example of a computer configuration diagram for one embodiment of the system. In some embodiments, the system is implemented in multiple devices communicating over a communication channel and / or network. In some embodiments, the elements of the system are implemented in separate computing devices. In some embodiments, two or more system elements are implemented in the same device. The system and parts of the system may be integrated into computing devices or systems that can function as a system or within a system.

[0158] Communication channel 1001 interfaces with processors 1002A-1002N, memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) 1003, read-only memory (ROM) 1004, processor-readable storage medium 1005, display device 1006, user input device 1007, and network device 1008. As shown, the computer infrastructure is used to connect sensor system 1101, communication system 1102, correction system 1103, and / or other appropriate computing devices.

[0159] Processor 1002A-1002N can take many forms, such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), microprocessor, ML / DL (Machine Learning / Deep Learning) processing unit like a Tensor Processing Unit, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), custom processor, and / or any suitable type of processor.

[0160] Processors 1002A-1002N and main memory 1003 (or a combination of parts thereof) may form a processing unit 1010. In some embodiments, the processing unit includes one or more processors communicatively coupled to one or more of RAM, ROM, and machine-readable storage media. One or more processors in the processing unit receive instructions stored in one or more of RAM, ROM, and machine-readable storage media via a bus. One or more processors then execute the received instructions. In some embodiments, the processing unit is an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). In some embodiments, the processing unit is a SoC (System on a Chip). In some embodiments, the processing unit includes one or more elements of a system.

[0161] The network device 1008 provides one or more wired or wireless interfaces for exchanging data and commands between the system and other devices, such as devices of an external system. Such wired and wireless interfaces include, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, an Ethernet interface, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface.

[0162] Computer and / or machine-readable executable instructions comprising software programs (such as operating systems, application programs, and device drivers) can be stored in memory 1003 from processor-readable storage media 1005, ROM 1004, or any other data storage system.

[0163] When executed by one or more computer processors, each machine-executable instruction is accessed via communication channel 1001 by at least one of processors 1002A-1002N (of processing unit 1010) and then executed by at least one of processors 1001A-1001N. Data, databases, data records, or other stored forms of data created or used by software programs may also be stored in memory 1003, and such data is accessed by at least one of processors 1002A-1002N during the execution of machine-executable instructions of the software program.

[0164] The processor-readable storage medium 1005 is one (or a combination of two or more) of the following: a hard drive, flash drive, DVD, CD, optical disc, floppy drive, flash storage, solid-state drive, ROM, EEPROM, electronic circuit, semiconductor memory device, etc. The processor-readable storage medium 1005 may include an operating system, software programs, device drivers, and / or other appropriate subsystems or software.

[0165] As used herein, terms such as first, second, third, etc., are used to characterize and distinguish various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. The use of numerical terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another element, component, region, layer, and / or section. The use of such numerical terms does not imply an arrangement or order unless explicitly indicated by the context. Such numerical references may be used interchangeably without departing from the teachings of embodiments and variations herein.

[0166] Different examples of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein include a variety of components, features, and functions. It should be understood that various examples of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functions of other examples of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein in any combination or subcombination, and that all such possibilities are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0167] For the purposes of illustrating and defining the examples herein, the terms “substantially” or “about” are used herein to describe the degree of inherent uncertainty arising from any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other expression. Where used herein, “substantially” and “about” describe the extent to which a quantitative expression may deviate from a given standard without altering the fundamental function of the subject matter in question, such as a 0-2% variation in a quantitative measurement.

[0168] As those skilled in the art will recognize from the above-mentioned detailed description, drawings, and claims, modifications and changes can be made to embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for processing a liquid in order to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, wherein the system is A container for holding the liquid, including an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for releasing the liquid, One or more sensors coupled to the container for measuring the carbon content in the liquid held within the container, A control system including a processor, wherein the processor is Receiving the output of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, A control system that executes commands to control the introduction of the material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in accordance with the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid, A system equipped with these features.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control system terminates the introduction of the material into the container based on the fact that the material has reacted with the carbon dioxide in the liquid and the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid has fallen below a threshold amount.

3. The carbon content in the liquid is a first content, and the control system controls the introduction of the material into the container in order to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid to a second content which is lower than the first content. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control system monitors the output of one or more sensors during the active introduction of the material into the container in order to determine when the second content has been reached.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the control system terminates the introduction of the material into the container based on the fact that a target amount of carbon dioxide has been removed from the liquid.

5. The control system further determines the amount of carbon dioxide recovered and stored based on a comparison of the first content and the second content, according to claim 3.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control system controls the opening of the outlet of the container to release the liquid based on the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid falling below a threshold amount.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an additive system coupled to the container, which includes a storage facility for the material to be added into the container.

8. The control system, once the container is closed, determines the carbon content in the liquid, and the closed state prevents liquid and airflow from entering or leaving the container, according to claim 1.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the container includes an air inlet for allowing carbon dioxide to be introduced into the container in order to incorporate carbon dioxide into the liquid in the container.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the container includes an air inlet for enabling direct air recovery into the container in order to introduce gas into the liquid in the container.

11. The one or more sensors include a first sensor for measuring the carbon content in the liquid, The aforementioned system, The container further comprises a second sensor for measuring the alkalinity of the liquid in the container, The system according to claim 10, wherein, based on the alkalinity of the liquid in the container, the control system controls the air inlet to enable direct air recovery into the container in order to take in additional carbon dioxide into the container.

12. The one or more sensors include a first sensor for measuring the carbon content in the liquid, The aforementioned system, The container further comprises a second sensor for measuring the oxygen level of the liquid in the container, The system according to claim 10, wherein, based on the oxygen level of the liquid in the container, the control system controls the air inlet to enable the direct air recovery into the container in order to introduce additional oxygen into the liquid in the container.

13. The material reacts with the carbon dioxide and dissolves, forming a bicarbonate product. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control system controls the input of the material such that a portion of the material is recoverable and the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid is reduced to a target amount.

14. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to or including the container, one or more sensors, and the control system, wherein the housing is at least partially immersed in the liquid source.

15. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to or including the container, one or more sensors, and the control system, wherein the housing is a floating vessel.

16. A system for processing a liquid in order to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, wherein the system is A container having a first inlet for receiving liquid into the container and a second inlet for introducing gas into the liquid in the container, One or more sensors coupled to the container for measuring the carbon content in the liquid held within the container, A control system including a processor, wherein the processor is Receiving the output of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, A system comprising: a control system that executes commands to control the introduction of the material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in accordance with the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

17. The control system terminates the introduction of the material into the container based on the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid falling below a threshold amount, according to claim 16.

18. The one or more sensors include a first sensor for measuring the carbon content in the liquid, The aforementioned system, The container further comprises a second sensor for measuring the alkalinity of the liquid in the container, The system according to claim 16, wherein, based on the alkalinity of the liquid in the container, the control system controls the second inlet to allow direct air recovery into the container in order to take in additional carbon dioxide into the liquid in the container.

19. The one or more sensors include a first sensor for measuring the carbon content in the liquid, The aforementioned system, The container further comprises a second sensor for measuring the oxygen level of the liquid in the container, The system according to claim 16, wherein, based on the oxygen level of the liquid in the container, the control system controls the air inlet to allow direct air recovery into the container in order to introduce additional oxygen into the liquid in the container.

20. A method for treating a liquid in order to change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, The aforementioned method, Receiving liquid from a source into a container, The carbon content in the liquid held in the container is measured by one or more sensors connected to the container, A method comprising controlling the introduction of the material into the container to react with carbon dioxide and change the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, based on the output of one or more sensors, such that the amount of material introduced into the container changes over time in accordance with the change in the carbon content measured in the liquid.

21. Controlling the amount of material added to the container is, The method according to claim 20, further comprising a control system including a processor for executing commands to control the operation of a valve in a feeder in order to discharge the material from the feeder into the container.

22. Controlling the amount of material added to the container is, The method according to claim 21, wherein the control system includes a processor for executing instructions for performing a feedback loop, the feedback loop includes (i) discharging a first amount of the material from the feeder into the container, (ii) receiving subsequent outputs of one or more sensors, (iii) determining the updated carbon content in the liquid, and (iv) discharging a second amount of the material from the feeder into the container based on the updated carbon content in the liquid exceeding a threshold amount.

23. Receiving the liquid from the supply source into the container comprises partially filling the container with the liquid to create a filled area containing the liquid and an unfilled area containing air. Measuring the carbon content in the aforementioned liquid is, The carbon content of the air is measured by one or more sensors placed in the unfilled region, The properties of the liquid, including temperature, salinity, and alkalinity, are measured by one or more sensors placed in the filling area. The method according to claim 20, comprising calculating the concentration of carbon in the liquid based on the output of one or more sensors.

24. Receiving the liquid from the supply source into the container comprises receiving the liquid into the container through a first inlet. Measuring the carbon content in the liquid held in the container comprises measuring the carbon content with a first sensor. The aforementioned method, The second sensor measures the alkalinity of the liquid in the container, The method according to claim 20, further comprising controlling a second inlet of the container to allow direct air recovery into the container in order to take in additional carbon dioxide into the container, based on the alkalinity of the liquid in the container.

25. The container includes an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for releasing the liquid. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 20, further comprising controlling the opening and closing of the inlet and outlet to control the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the container and out of the container based on the output of the one or more sensors.

26. The container includes an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for releasing the liquid. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 20, further comprising controlling the opening and closing of the inlet and outlet to control the duration of the liquid in the container based on the output of the one or more sensors.

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