Alkalinity Dosing Station for Precise CO2 Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and verifying carbon dioxide removal and sequestration from the atmosphere through alkaline chemical reactions in water bodies are inaccurate and lack precision, necessitating a system for precise CO2 removal and emissions reduction while adhering to environmental limits.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a dosing station that automatically adjusts the dispensing of CO2-reactive alkalinity, such as magnesium hydroxide, in water bodies based on pH and other parameters, using sensors to monitor and adjust the dosing rate, and calculating net CO2 removal while accounting for uncertainties and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2-reactive alkalinity is added to water bodies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, then CO2 removal effectiveness is improved, but measurement precision of CO2 removal is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water quality parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the dosing rate of CO2-reactive alkalinity. This closed-loop control ensures optimal CO2 removal while maintaining measurement accuracy through real-time data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and dosing methods with automated electronic sensing and control systems. Sensors continuously measure water parameters, and a microprocessor-based controller automatically calculates and adjusts alkalinity dosing, eliminating human error and improving both CO2 removal effectiveness and measurement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated dosing system is implemented to precisely control alkalinity addition, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines pH sensing, alkalinity dosing, water quality monitoring, and automated control in a single device. This universal approach improves dosing precision while minimizing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors water parameters, calculates the required alkalinity dose, and adjusts dosing without human intervention. The microprocessor-based controller self-regulates the dosing pump based on real-time sensor data, achieving high dosing precision while reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of water parameters is performed to ensure environmental limits are met, then environmental compliance is improved, but use of energy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic monitoring of water parameters at strategically selected intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The microprocessor controller schedules measurements based on flow conditions and environmental thresholds, ensuring compliance while minimizing energy consumption by activating sensors only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its measurement parameters and frequency based on environmental conditions. When water parameters are stable and within acceptable ranges, monitoring frequency is reduced. When parameters approach critical thresholds, the system increases monitoring intensity, optimizing the balance between compliance reliability and energy usage.
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient CO2 removal from the atmosphere, ensuring environmental sustainability by precisely measuring and controlling the CO2 uptake and storage in water bodies, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 levels effectively.
Implementation Method 1
CO2 capture through the reaction with certain CO2-reactive, alkaline chemicals has been explored in capturing and sequestering CO2
Implementation Method 2
CO2 diffuses from air to the seawater via air-sea gas equilibration processes
Implementation Method 3
automatically adjusts the dosing rate based on pH, total suspended solids or other parameter thresholds
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by adding CO2-reactive chemical base to a body of water in contact with the atmosphere, and determining the quantity of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere or prevented from reaching the atmosphere. The alkalinity addition to the body of water is controlled by a dosing apparatus capable of determining an amount of CO2-reactive alkalinity required for achieving a permissible target carbon dioxide removal. A rate of alkalinity flow is affected by input from sensors that monitor conditions in the body of water.