Back Pressure Valve Layout for Liquid CO2 Injection Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carbon capture systems face challenges such as over pressurization due to ice accumulations, system failures, high costs, excessive time for completion, and worker safety risks, with conventional back pressure valves being unsuitable, leading to frequent maintenance and malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A back pressure valve with a manifold section and on-off section, featuring a spring-loaded piston and double face poppet valve, maintains constant pressure to keep carbon dioxide in a liquid state, using passive and autonomous operation without operator input, and includes a pilot operated check valve and flow restrictor to manage pressure differentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional back pressure valves are used in carbon capture systems, then the system can operate with standard components, but the system becomes prone to over pressurization due to ice accumulations and requires constant operator attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for carbon capture systemsVSAvoidsystem failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back pressure valve is divided into distinct functional sections: a body section with pressure regulation mechanism, a piston section with sealed ports, and a valve section with poppet and seat. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to prevent over pressurization and eliminate the need for constant operator attention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve incorporates a spring-loaded piston and poppet valve mechanism that automatically regulates pressure without operator intervention. When pressure exceeds the set point, the piston moves to open the valve; when pressure drops, the spring closes the valve. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for constant operator attention and prevents over pressurization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional back pressure valves are used, then the system can be assembled with standard parts, but worker safety is compromised due to over pressurization risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of standard componentsVSAvoidworker safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is designed with a spring-loaded mechanism that anticipates pressure increases and activates before dangerous over pressurization occurs. The spring constant and preload are configured to open the valve at a predetermined safe pressure threshold, cushioning against potential over pressurization hazards before they can affect worker safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional back pressure valves are used, then the system can operate with standard technology, but maintenance costs and time increase due to frequent failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing systemsVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a conventional valve design that requires frequent maintenance, the patent inverts the approach by using a spring-loaded piston that naturally returns to its closed position. The poppet valve seals against the seat under spring pressure, and the design ensures that normal operation progressively closes the valve, reducing wear and extending maintenance intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The solution ensures safer and more efficient carbon dioxide injection by maintaining a constant liquid phase, reducing operational risks, minimizing errors, and lowering costs, thereby enhancing the feasibility and scalability of carbon capture systems.

Implementation Method 1

a spring connected to the double face poppet valve, wherein the spring is configured to bias the double face poppet valve to a sealed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a flow restrictor connected to the body on the check valve side and configured to restrict a flow of liquid carbon dioxide traveling from a top of the piston to a bottom of the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restrictor: Viscous Heating

Implementation Method 3

includes a pilot-operated check valve and flow restrictor to regulate carbon dioxide flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12631088B2Back pressure valve for carbon capture systems

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide for methods and apparatus related to geological carbon capture systems. Aspects disclose methods and apparatus related to back pressure valves protecting geological based carbon capture systems. These methods and apparatus seek to enhance the efficiency and reliability of carbon capture by addressing the operational challenges posed by subsurface pressure variations. By employing advanced back pressure valve mechanisms, the systems ensure controlled injection and containment of carbon dioxide within geological formations, thereby minimizing the risk of leakage and contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.