Capillary Line Injection for Lower-Cost Corrosive Gas Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting corrosive gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen through conventional pipelines for subterranean storage is challenging due to high operational costs and complexity, requiring expensive metallurgies and high pressures, which are not efficiently addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of a capillary line injector system with compressors to introduce and store gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen in subterranean storage formations, utilizing capillary lines with suitable metallurgy and monitoring systems for efficient gas delivery and storage, allowing for pressurized gas introduction and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipelines are used to transport corrosive gases like CO2 and hydrogen, then gas transportation can be achieved, but expensive metallurgies and high gas pressures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas transportation system into segments: surface-level compression facilities using conventional compressors, intermediate storage in above-ground tanks, and final injection through dedicated wellbores. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for complex metallurgies throughout the entire transportation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate storage tanks as a mediator between the gas source and subterranean storage formation. Gases are compressed and stored in above-ground tanks first, then injected into the formation when needed. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for continuous high-pressure pipeline transportation, reducing metallurgy requirements.
2Productivity
If conventional pipelines are used to transport corrosive gases, then gas delivery is possible, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary compression and storage of gases in above-ground facilities before injection into the subterranean formation. By pre-compressing gases to storage pressure in conventional facilities, the system avoids the continuous energy expenditure required for high-pressure pipeline transportation, reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing conventional compression and storage infrastructure to prepare gases for injection. By leveraging already-available compressors and storage tanks, the system minimizes the need for specialized expensive equipment, reducing both capital and operational costs.
3Speed
If high gas pressures are used in conventional pipelines, then gas transportation is achieved, but the system requires expensive metallurgies
Solution Approach 1:
Intermediate storage tanks serve as pressure buffers, allowing gas to be compressed to high pressure for storage, then depressurized to lower pressures for wellbore injection. This intermediary storage approach decouples the need for continuous high-pressure flow from the material strength requirements, allowing use of conventional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes pressure parameters: high pressure during compression and storage phases, lower pressure during wellbore injection phases. By varying pressure parameters rather than maintaining constant high pressure, the system achieves effective gas delivery without requiring materials designed for continuous high-pressure service.
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 reduces operational costs and complexity by using smaller compressors and less expensive metallurgies, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen, with potential for green energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
introducing one or more gases into a subterranean storage formation via a capillary line injector system comprising one or more capillary lines
Implementation Method 2
wherein the one or more gases are compressed before or while being introduced to the subterranean storage formation
Data Source
AI summary
It may be desirable to store and produce gases from a subterranean storage formation on an as-needed basis. This action may be accomplished with a capillary line injector system. Methods may comprise: introducing one or more gases into a subterranean storage formation via a capillary line injector system comprising one or more capillary lines; storing at least a portion of the one or more gases within the subterranean storage formation; and optionally producing at least a portion of the one or more gases from the subterranean storage formation. The one or more gases are compressed before or while being introduced to the subterranean storage formation.