Carbon-Containing Liquid Injection for Lower-Energy Geological Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon sequestration methods, particularly those involving CO2 geological storage, are expensive due to high energy costs associated with gas separation, compression, transportation, and monitoring, and there is a need for improved systems and methods for carbon sequestration with reduced CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for sequestering carbon-containing liquids by producing them through chemical processes like pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and transesterification, modifying their properties to enhance compatibility with underground wells, and injecting them into underground formations for storage, utilizing existing oil and gas industry infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 geological storage is used for carbon sequestration, then carbon can be stored on geological timescales, but high energy costs are incurred due to gas separation, compression, transportation, and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon from gaseous CO2 to liquid carbon-containing material. This parameter change eliminates the need for compression (gas to liquid phase transition occurs naturally under reservoir conditions) and reduces energy requirements for transportation and injection, while maintaining geological storage permanence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the carbon separation step from the overall process by using liquid carbon-containing materials that are already separated from biomass through chemical conversion processes (pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction). This eliminates the energy-intensive CO2 separation and compression steps while achieving equivalent carbon sequestration
2Reliability
If CO2 geological storage is implemented, then carbon sequestration is achieved, but expensive infrastructure and operational costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the injection infrastructure universal by using liquid carbon-containing materials that can be injected through the same well infrastructure used for oil and gas operations. This multi-functionality allows existing industry infrastructure to serve carbon sequestration purposes, dramatically reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining sequestration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by injecting liquid carbon-containing materials through pumping systems similar to those used in oil and gas industry for liquid hydrocarbons. This approach leverages existing hydraulic infrastructure and operational expertise, reducing both capital and operational costs compared to gaseous CO2 injection systems
3Reliability
If gaseous CO2 is used as injectant, then carbon storage is achieved, but compression equipment and processes are required which increase capital and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon from gas to liquid, which eliminates the need for compression equipment. Liquid carbon-containing materials can be injected directly into subsurface reservoirs using pumping systems, simplifying the device complexity while maintaining storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical compression system (compressors, pressure vessels, associated control systems) with a simpler pumping system designed for liquid injection. This replacement dramatically reduces device complexity and capital costs while achieving equivalent or superior storage performance
4Reliability
If solid carbon materials like biochar are used for sequestration, then carbon storage is achieved, but handling, pumping, and conveyance become less reliable compared to liquid injectants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by converting solid carbon materials into liquid form that can be pumped and conveyed through standard fluid transportation infrastructure. This liquid state provides superior ease of operation, reliability in handling, and compatibility with existing oil and gas industry equipment compared to solid biochar materials
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 infrastructure and operational costs, enhances reliability, and simplifies the handling and conveyance of carbon-containing liquids, offering a more efficient and cost-effective carbon sequestration solution.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis
Implementation Method 2
The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction
Implementation Method 3
The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, transesterification
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method and a system for sequestering carbon-containing materials in underground wells (112), the method including obtaining a material comprising a carbon-containing liquid (106), optionally testing the material for compatibility with an underground well, optionally adjusting a property of the material to improve the compatibility and providing the material for injection into the underground well.