A method and a system for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product

The method and system for producing an enhanced soil product and green hydrogen through hydrocarbon pyrolysis of a methane-rich substance address the challenges of artificial fertilizers and hydrogen production emissions, offering an environmentally friendly solution for agriculture and clean energy.

WO2025095784A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-05-08MARINVEST ENERGY AS
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/NO2024/050223
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-30
Filing Date
2024-10-17
Publication Date
2025-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenges in agriculture include the environmental impact and cost of artificial fertilizers, while in clean energy, the production of hydrogen often results in carbon emissions due to energy sources from fossil fuels.

Method used

A method and system that utilize a methane-rich substance, such as LNG, for hydrocarbon pyrolysis, separating hydrogen and carbon portions, and forming an enhanced soil product or its precursor using the carbon portion, which captures atmospheric carbon, while the hydrogen can be classified as green due to minimal carbon release.

Benefits of technology

This approach provides an eco-friendly alternative to artificial fertilizers by creating a carbon-capturing soil product and produces green hydrogen, reducing carbon emissions and addressing both agricultural and clean energy challenges.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A system (1) and a method for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product. The system comprises an arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and an arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product. The method comprises the steps of i) providing a methane-rich substance, ii) subjecting the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis, iii) separating components from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis into a hydrogen portion and a carbon portion, and iv) forming an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product based on said carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.
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Description

[0001] TITLE: A method and a system for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a method and a system for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product. In particular, the invention relates to such method and system that uses a methane-rich substance for this purpose, such as a hydrocarbon substance that has been stored as a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In the fields of agriculture and clean energy, we encounter a series of interrelated problems and challenges. A first problem relates to the use of artificial fertilizer for production of food, in particular in relation to its environmental impact and the cost and corresponding limited amount available to developing countries. It is accordingly desirable to replace the artificial fertilizer with an eco-friendlier option.

[0006] A further problem relates to the growing demand for clean energy and carbon emission free fuel, such as hydrogen. While the use of hydrogen as a fuel or energy carrier, as such is free from carbon emission, this is not always the case for the production of hydrogen. For example, the production of hydrogen by electrolysis involves large quantities of electric energy and in case the used energy is generated from fossil sources, the production of such hydrogen adds carbon to the atmosphere. Accordingly, hydrogen may be classified as green, or other colour in view of the involved carbon emission during its production.

[0007] An alternative to electrolysis is steam reforming, which however has the disadvantage of producing CO as a biproduct, which is converted into CO2. Accordingly, such hydrogen cannot be classified as green unless the CO2 is captured and stored.

[0008] Yet an alternative to electrolysis is producing hydrogen by pyrolysis from hydrocarbon substances. While the required energy for such hydrogen production generally is less than electrolysis. Pyrolysis requires approximately 20% of the energy required for hydrogen production by electrolysis. However, for pyrolysis, carbon is formed as biproduct and accordingly such hydrogen cannot be classified as green.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a solution or improvement relating to the above-mentioned problems in the fields of agriculture and clean energy. In particular, a first object is to provide a method that enables enhanced soil product to be produced while providing a valuable biproduct. A further object of the invention is to enables the soil product to be produced while minimizing interaction with people at inhabited areas.

[0011] These objects are obtained by means of a method for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product. The method comprises the steps of:

[0012] - providing a methane-rich substance,

[0013] - subjecting the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis,

[0014] - separating components from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis into a hydrogen portion and a carbon portion, and

[0015] - forming an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product based on said carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

[0016] The methane-rich substance is an input substance for the pyrolysis that splits the methane-rich substance into the hydrogen portion and the carbon portion. The methane-rich substance is provided to an arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

[0017] The methane-rich substance is a substance that mainly comprises methane, preferably more than 90% methane, more preferably more the 95 % methane. It shall be understood that other hydrocarbons may be present but to less degree and will contribute to most of the remaining part of the methane-rich substance.

[0018] As the components of the methane-rich substance has been separated from each other, the method comprises separating the hydrogen portion and the carbon portion from each other. The carbon portion is provided to an arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product, where the enhanced soil product or a precursor to the enhanced soil product is formed from the carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

[0019] The hydrocarbon pyrolysis is for example a pyrolysis method selected from the group of fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, flash pyrolysis, and catalytic pyrolysis, pyrolysis by gasification, pyrolysis by torrefaction, hydro-pyrolysis, and plasma pyrolysis.

[0020] The step of forming the enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product comprises means for mixing the carbon portion with further substances, such as a biological substance.

[0021] The term ‘enhanced soil product’ should be understood as a product configured to improve the soil and thereby improve yields of agricultural. The ‘enhanced soil product’ may also be in the form of ‘a precursor to an enhanced soil product’, that is, the precursor may not be intended to be directly used for improving the soil but may be input substance for further processing resulting in an enhanced soil product. The enhanced soil product may for example be a soil ameliorant or a terra preta soil product, among other possibilities.

[0022] By means of the method, a solution is provided to both the agriculture and clean energy issue. The carbon portion is used for forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product that when it is used capturing carbon from the atmosphere. In that the formed hydrogen portion in not releasing carbon to the atmosphere, the hydrogen portion may be classified as green hydrogen and may be used as an environment friendly energy carrier. Furthermore, since the enhanced soil product or its precursor captures carbon from the atmosphere, the hydrogen can be classified as environmentally friendly, with a negative impact on carbon emissions.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of

[0024] - arranging the carbon portion into a solidified form, and

[0025] - combining the solidified form of the carbon portion with a biological substance, thereby forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product. By arranging carbon portion in a solidified form, the carbon portion is enabled to be combined with biological substance. The addition of the biological substance improves the quality of the enhanced soil product or a precursor to the enhanced soil product.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of:

[0027] - combining the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product with a porous substance, such as one of an expanded clay aggregate and volcanic ash, or a combination thereof.

[0028] By combining the enhanced soil product or the precursor with the porous substance, the exposure of air to the enhanced soil product is improved. The addition of the porous substance improves the quality of the enhanced soil product or a precursor to the enhanced soil product.

[0029] The porous substance is for example porous rocks, volcanic ash and local sediments from rivers, such as various types of sand from eroded rocks. The soil compositions vary wildly across the globe, depending on composition of local plant fauna and local sediments. Preferably, the composition of the enhanced soil product or precursor to the enhanced soil product, mimics the original composition of local soil to the extent practically possible.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises:

[0031] - conducting the hydrogen portion by means of a pipeline away from the location of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis or a location in vicinity to the hydrocarbon pyrolysis to a consumer of the hydrogen portion.

[0032] By means of conducting the hydrogen portion by means of a pipeline to a consumer instead of liquefying the hydrogen, the energy for the transportation of the hydrogen portion to the consumer is low compared to other forms of transportation.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of

[0034] - producing fossil emission free energy at a location at or in vicinity of the location of hydrocarbon pyrolysis, and

[0035] - using the produced fossil emission free energy for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis. By producing and utilizing fossil emission free energy produced in vicinity of location of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, the carbon emission involved in the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is small to neglectable.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of

[0037] - combining the solidified form of the carbon portion with a biological substance originated from a location in vicinity of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

[0038] By forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product and combining it with biological substance originating from a location in vicinity of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, the energy involved for transporting the biological substance is small to neglectable.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the biological substance is one of sewage water, agricultural waste, forest farming waste and seaweed, or a combination thereof.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the biological substance is wood or plant waste from agricultural farms, sewage from kettle farming and human societies. Preferably, the composition of the enhanced soil product or precursor to the enhanced soil product, mimics the original composition of local soil to the extent practically possible.

[0041] The method allows various of biological substance may be combined with the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product. This has the advantage of enabling biological substance that are available at the time to be used. The method is according flexible due to seasonal variation in available biological substance.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of

[0043] - transporting the biological substance by means of a ship to a location at or in vicinity of an arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product. According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of

[0044] - collecting the biological substance from an inhabited area in vicinity of the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of hydrocarbon pyrolysis is performed by means of an arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, and wherein the step of forming the enhanced soil product is performed by means of an arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product are arranged in vicinity to each other. By arranging the two arrangements in vicinity to each other, the energy involved for transporting the carbon portion is small.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of

[0048] - transporting the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product away from an arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the methane-rich substance mainly originates from a hydrocarbon substance that has been stored as a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

[0050] Using LNG as the methane-rich substance for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis process ensures that the starting material for hydrocarbon pyrolysis has a sufficiently low concentration of impurities. This low impurity level in LNG results from a pretreatment process applied before liquefaction, removing pollutants and toxic substances commonly found in natural gas, such as mercury, arsenic, and other poisonous trace metals and compounds. After such pretreatment, the produced LNG is stored for sale and transport as a commercial product, utilizing specialized LNG carriers or ships.

[0051] Accordingly, by using commercially available LNG as the feedstock for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, it is assured that the levels of pollutants and toxic substances remain sufficiently low. This not only ensures that the hydrocarbon pyrolysis process remains unaffected but also prevents pollution of the hydrogen portion and carbon portion used for forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product. Thereby, it is also guaranteed that the enhanced soil product or precursor to the enhanced soil product remains sufficiently free from such pollutants.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, the methane-rich substance has a concentration of hydrocarbon substance of more than 90%, preferably more than 95%.

[0053] The above objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a system for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0054] The system comprises:

[0055] - an arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis configured to receive a methane-rich substance and subject the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis such that a hydrogen portion and a carbon portion is formed and thereafter separated from each other, and

[0056] - an arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product configured to form an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product based on said carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

[0057] The arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis comprises means for splitting the methane-rich substance into the hydrogen portion and the carbon portion. The hydrocarbon pyrolysis is for example a pyrolysis method selected from the group of fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, flash pyrolysis, and catalytic pyrolysis, pyrolysis by gasification, pyrolysis by torrefaction, hydro-pyrolysis, and plasma pyrolysis.

[0058] The arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product is configured to receive the carbon portion from the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and on basis of the carbon portion to form the enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is arranged at an offshore location. By locating the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis at an offshore location, the impact of the pyrolysis process on local inhabitants or societies will be small to neglectable. According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product is arranged at an offshore location. By locating the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product at an offshore location, the impact of the pyrolysis process and the arrangement of forming the enhanced soil product, on local inhabitants or societies will be small to neglectable.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is configured to produce more than 50 000 m3 / year of the carbon portion. A relatively large size facility of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is desirable, especially when located at an offshore location.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product are arranged in vicinity to each other. By arranging the two arrangements in vicinity to each other, the transport of the carbon portion from the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis to the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product is facilitated.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product are in the form of connectable modules.

[0063] By arranging the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product in modules the production of enhanced soil product or precursor for enhanced soil product may be adjusted according to demand of either the enhanced soil product or the hydrogen portion.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises:

[0065] - an arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy configured to produce energy that is provided to at least one of the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0066] By producing and utilizing fossil emission free energy produced in vicinity of location of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, the carbon emission involved in the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is small to neglectable. According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy is arranged in vicinity to at least one of the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0067] By locating the arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy in connection to two arrangements, the produced energy may be utilized with small or neglectable transmission losses.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy is arranged at an offshore location.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises:

[0070] - a storage arrangement configured to hold at least the hydrogen portion, the carbon portion and the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product separated from each other. The produced hydrogen portion and the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product are configured to be stored at the storage arrangement prior to being transported by away from the system, such as by a pipeline for the hydrogen portion, or by ship for the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises:

[0072] - a transport arrangement comprising a first pipeline configured to transport the hydrogen portion away from the system.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the invention, the transport arrangement comprises a ship configured to transport a biological substance to the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a seabed foundation configured to firmly attach the system to the seabed, wherein the seabed foundation comprises one of piling elements or a gravity based fundament, or a combination thereof. By means of the seabed foundation, structural stability is provided to the system.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the invention, the system is installed at a distance of 13-15 km from land or an inhabited area. By the distance of 13-15 km, the system will not be visible from land or an inhabited area. According to an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a mooring arrangement configured to anchor one or more ships, wherein the mooring arrangement is configured such that the mooring arrangement together with the one or more ships are shielding at least one of the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product. The mooring arrangement together with anchored ships are configured to protect the system from interaction with waves and wind.

[0076] The above objects are also obtained by means of use of a system according to any of above embodiment.

[0077] The above objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a method for establishing a system for producing the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product. The method comprise:

[0078] - producing one or more first type modules in the form of an arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis,

[0079] - producing one or more second type of modules in the form of an arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product,

[0080] - transporting one or more of the first type modules and the second type modules to a location of installation, and

[0081] - installing the one or more of the first type modules and the second type modules.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of producing the one or more of the first type modules and the second type modules are produced at a wharf.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises transporting the first type modules and the second type modules by towing them to the location of installation.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises -installing the one or more of the first type modules and the second type modules at an offshore location not visible or mainly not visible from land.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of installation comprises installing the one or more of the first type modules and the second type modules at a depth between 5 - 25 meters. According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises

[0086] - establishing a seabed foundation configured to firmly attach the system to the seabed, wherein the seabed foundation comprises one of piling elements or a seabed fundament, or a combination thereof.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the invention, the location of the installation is arranged at a distance of 13-15 km from land.

[0088] Description of the figures

[0089] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0090] Figure 1 shows a system for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 shows connectable modules of the system in fig. 1 , and

[0091] Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a method for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0092] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0093] In fig. 1 is a schematic view of system 1 for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed. The system 1 comprises an arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and an arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0094] In the disclosed embodiment, the system 1 is arranged at an offshore location next to an inhabited area, such as a city 30. The system 1 is preferably located at a distance such that system 1 is not visible from the city 30 but not further away than necessary as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0095] The arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is configured to receive a methane-rich substance, such in the form of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). Liquefied Natural Gas has the advantage of being low in impurities and accordingly is advantageous for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis. In the disclosed embodiment in fig. 1 , the methane-rich substance is delivered to the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis by means of a ship 35.

[0096] The arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is configured to use the methane- rich substance as a starting material for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis. The arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is configured to subject the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis, thereby splitting the methane-rich substance into a hydrogen portion and a carbon portion. The hydrogen portion and a carbon portion are thereafter separated from each other.

[0097] In the disclosed embodiment, the hydrogen portion is conducted to a storage arrangement 40 comprising a storage tank 42 for storing the hydrogen portion. In the disclosed embodiment, the system 1 further comprises a pipeline 50 extending from the system 1 to the city 30. The pipeline 50 is configured to conduct the hydrogen portion to the city 30 for use at the city 30. The use of a pipeline 50 has the advantage that the hydrogen portion does not need to be liquified prior to transportation away from the system 1 .

[0098] The system 1 is preferably located a at a distance of 13-15 km from land or an inhabited area, such the city 30. Thereby, the system 1 will not be visible from the land or an inhabited area. At the same time, the pipeline 50 will extend at a reasonable length.

[0099] The carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is configured to be transferred to the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product, which is configured, with the carbon portion as a starting material, to form an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0100] Preferably, the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product comprises means for arranging the carbon portion in a solidified form or adjusting the carbon portion to a solidified form suitable for the formation of the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0101] Moreover, the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product 20 is preferably configured to receive a biological substance. The biological substance is for example sewage, agricultural waste, forest farming waste and seaweed, or a combination thereof. In the disclosed embodiment in fig. 1 , the biological substance is delivered to the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product by means of a ship 55. Preferably, at least part of the biological substance originates from inhabited area in vicinity of the system 1 , such as the city 30, which is indicated by a dotted line from the city 30 to the ship 55.

[0102] The system 1 preferably comprises means for combining the solidified form of the carbon portion with the biological substance. The means for combining the solidified carbon portion with a biological substance comprises for example mechanical mixers, conveyor systems, agitators, and blending equipment for forming the the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product.

[0103] In the disclosed embodiment, the storage arrangement 40 further comprises a storage 52 for storing the formed enhanced soil product or precursor to an enhanced soil product. In fig. 1 , the storage 52 for the enhanced soil product is illustrated as a tank, however, it shall be understood that other forms of storage facilities may be used.

[0104] In the embodiment in fig. 1 , the formed the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product is configured to be dispatched from the system 1 by means of a ship 65.

[0105] In an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product are arranged as connectable modules 70.

[0106] In fig. 1 the combination of the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product and the storage arrangement 30 are arranged as connectable module 70. With reference to fig. 2, four connectable modules 70 are disclosed. The connectable modules 70 comprises connection means 75, configured to provide a releasable connection between connectable modules 70.

[0107] It shall be understood that the connectable modules may be arranged differently from the illustration in fig.1 . For example, each of the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product and the storage arrangement 40 may be arranged as a separate connectable module 70. In the disclosed embodiment in fig.1 , the system 1 comprises an mooring arrangement 80 configured to enable anchoring of one or more ships, such as the ship 35 for delivering the methane-rich substance to the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis, the ship 55 for delivering the biological substance to the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product and the ship 65 for dispatching the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product from the system 1 .

[0108] The mooring arrangement 80 is preferably arranged such that the mooring arrangement 80 together with the one or more ships 35, 55, 65 are shielding at least one of the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0109] In fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product disclosed by means of a system 1 .

[0110] In a step 1 10, the method comprises providing a methane-rich substance to the arrangement 10 for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis. In a step 120, the method comprises subjecting the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis, thereby forming the hydrogen portion and the carbon portion.

[0111] In a step 130, the method comprises separating the formed hydrogen portion and the carbon portion from each other. Subsequently to separating the portions, the separated hydrogen portion may be stored in the storage arrangement 40 or conducted away from the system 1 by means of the pipeline 50. The carbon portion is provided to the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0112] In a step 140, the method comprises forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product based on the carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis. The formation of the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product is executed at the arrangement 20 for forming the enhanced soil product.

[0113] The method preferably further comprises the step of arranging the carbon portion into a solidified form and combining the solidified form of the carbon portion with a biological substance, thereby forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product. By combining the carbon portion with a biological substance, the quality and properties of the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product is improved. Furthermore, the method enables various, biological substance to be handled while forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product.

[0114] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1 . A method for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product, the method comprises the steps of:- providing a methane-rich substance,- subjecting the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis,- separating components from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis into a hydrogen portion and a carbon portion, and- forming an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product based on said carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of- arranging the carbon portion into a solidified form, and- combining the solidified form of the carbon portion with a biological substance, thereby forming the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product.

3. The method according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein the method further comprises the step of:- combining the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product with a porous substance, such as one of an expanded clay aggregate and volcanic ash, or a combination thereof.

4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises:- conducting the hydrogen portion by means of a pipeline (50) away from the location of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis or a location in vicinity to the hydrocarbon pyrolysis to a consumer of the hydrogen portion.

5. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises the steps of- producing fossil emission free energy at a location at or in vicinity of the location of hydrocarbon pyrolysis, and- using the produced fossil emission free energy for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

6. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises the step of- combining the solidified form of the carbon portion with a biological substance originated from a location in vicinity of the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the biological substance is one of sewage, agricultural waste, forest farming waste and seaweed, or a combination thereof.

8. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein an arrangement(10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and an arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product are arranged in vicinity to each other.

9. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises the steps of- transporting the enhanced soil product or the precursor to the enhanced soil product away from an arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product.

10. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the methane- rich substance mainly originates from a hydrocarbon substance that has been stored as a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).11 .The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the methane- rich substance has a concentration of methane substance of more than 90%, preferably more than 95%.

12. A system (1 ) for producing an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil product, wherein the system (1) comprises- an arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis configured to receive a methane-rich substance and subject the methane-rich substance to hydrocarbon pyrolysis such that a hydrogen portion and a carbon portion is formed and thereafter separated from each other, and- an arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product configured to form an enhanced soil product or a precursor to an enhanced soil productbased on said carbon portion from the hydrocarbon pyrolysis.

13. The system (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is arranged at an offshore location.

14. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-13, wherein the arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product is arranged at an offshore location.

15. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-14, wherein the arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis is configured to produce more than 50 000 m3 / year of the carbon portion.

16. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-15, wherein the arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product are arranged in vicinity to each other.

17. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-16, wherein the arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product are in the form of connectable modules (70).

18. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-17, wherein the system (1) further comprises:- an arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy configured to produce energy that is provided to at least one of the arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product.

19. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-18, wherein the arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy is arranged in vicinity to at least one of the arrangement (10) for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement (20) for forming the enhanced soil product.

20. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-19, wherein the arrangement for producing fossil emission free energy is arranged at an offshore location.21 .The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-20, wherein the system (1 ) comprises:- a storage arrangement (40) configured to hold at least the hydrogen portion, the carbon portion and the enhanced soil product or the precursor to an enhanced soil product separated from each other.

22. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-21 , wherein the system (1) comprises:- a transport arrangement comprising a pipeline (50) configured to transport the hydrogen portion away from the system (1 ).

23. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-22, wherein the system (1) comprises a seabed foundation configured to firmly attach the system (1) to the seabed, wherein the seabed foundation comprises one of piling elements or a gravity-based fundament, or a combination thereof.

24. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-23, wherein the system (1 ) is installed at a distance of 13-15 km from land or an inhabited area.

25. The system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-24, wherein the system (1) comprises a mooring arrangement (80) configured to anchor one or more ships, wherein the mooring arrangement (80) is configured such that the mooring arrangement (80) together with the one or more ships are shielding at least one of the arrangement for the hydrocarbon pyrolysis and the arrangement for forming the enhanced soil product.

26. Use of a system (1 ) according to any of claim 12-25.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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