Adsorbent Gas Storage for Pipeline Upset Methane Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Methane emissions from process upsets in natural gas facilities are typically flared, leading to the release of carbon dioxide and inefficiencies in gas utilization.
Innovation Solution
A process using sorbent-filled tanks for continuous storage and release of natural gas, allowing for lower pressure storage and integration with a lead-lag regime to manage gas flow during normal and abnormal operations, reducing or eliminating flaring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If natural gas is flared during process upsets, then safety is maintained, but methane emissions and carbon dioxide generation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful methane emissions from flaring into a beneficial stored resource. The adsorbent beds capture methane that would otherwise be flared, storing it for later use. This transforms the harmful emission into a recoverable fuel source that can be utilized when pipeline conditions improve, eliminating both methane emissions and the need for flaring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage system (adsorbent beds) between the gas source and the pipeline. This intermediary captures and holds methane during process upsets when pipeline pressure is too high, then releases it when conditions are favorable. This mediator enables safe handling of methane without direct flaring while maintaining operational safety.
2Quantity of substance
If compressed natural gas cylinders are used for storage, then gas can be stored, but high storage pressure (3600 psig) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials (such as activated carbon, zeolites, or metal-organic frameworks) that provide extensive internal surface area for gas adsorption. These porous structures allow methane molecules to be captured and stored within the material's pores at low pressures, achieving high storage capacity without requiring the extreme pressures (3600 psig) needed for compressed gas cylinders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameter from high pressure (3600 psig in cylinders) to low pressure with high surface area utilization (adsorbent beds). By utilizing the adsorption phenomenon, the system achieves equivalent or superior storage capacity at dramatically reduced pressures, fundamentally changing the storage approach from compression-based to adsorption-based.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If natural gas is diverted to storage system, then flaring is reduced, but gas flow to sales pipeline may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the flow path of natural gas is continuously adjusted based on real-time pipeline conditions. When sales pipeline pressure is favorable, gas flows directly to the pipeline. When pressure is too high (process upsets), the system dynamically switches to divert gas to the adsorbent storage beds. This dynamic adaptability ensures maximum gas delivery to the pipeline while capturing excess gas for later use, preventing both flaring and flow restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor sales pipeline pressure and flow conditions. Based on this feedback, control systems automatically adjust flow diversion to the storage system. When pipeline conditions indicate capacity for additional gas, the feedback signal opens the path to the pipeline. When conditions indicate overload, the feedback signal redirects gas to storage, ensuring continuous optimization of gas delivery while preventing flaring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances storage capacity and efficiency by allowing continuous capture and utilization of natural gas, reducing the need for flaring and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the natural gas stream diverted to the second natural gas flow path is adsorbed by the one or more adsorbent beds and stored in the storage system
Data Source
AI summary
A process for capturing and storing natural gas from a natural gas production facility includes flowing a natural gas stream through a first natural gas flow path extending from a wellhead to a sales gas pipeline. In response to receiving an indication of a process upset in the sales gas pipeline, at least some of the natural gas stream is diverted from the first natural gas flow path to a second natural gas flow path leading to a storage system having a storage vessel with one or more adsorbent beds such that the natural gas stream diverted to the second natural gas flow path is adsorbed by the one or more adsorbent beds and stored in the storage system.