CO2 Absorbent Loop Storage for Remote Well Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved system that reduces the transfer of liquid CO2 between systems, enhances logistics predictability, and minimizes waiting time for CO2 delivery, while efficiently storing CO2 in geologic formations.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 capture and storage apparatus that includes a stripping tower and a CO2 condensing unit, with separate transportation tanks, allowing for CO2 handling in a coherent and closed system, and utilizing subsurface wells for heat energy to release absorbed CO2, and intermittent operation of injection equipment to manage pressure in geologic formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid CO2 is transferred between systems using tank vessels or vehicles, then CO2 can be transported from source to deposition location, but logistics become unpredictable due to weather conditions and large temporary storage tanks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 capture, transport, and injection operations into a single integrated system where the absorbent circulation loop connects the capture unit directly to the injection well. This eliminates the need for separate transport vessels and temporary storage tanks, as CO2 is continuously moved through the system via the circulating absorbent, improving logistics reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a circulating absorbent as an intermediary carrier that transports CO2 from the capture unit to the injection well. Instead of directly transporting liquid CO2 between systems, the absorbent acts as a mediator that absorbs CO2 at the source and releases it at the deposition location, eliminating weather-dependent transport operations and temporary storage requirements.
2Productivity
If CO2 injection equipment operates continuously, then CO2 can be deposited into the geologic formation, but pressure buildup reduces the amount of CO2 that can be deposited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the injection equipment intermittently rather than continuously. The system allows pressure in the geologic formation to decrease between injection cycles, creating optimal conditions for subsequent CO2 deposition. This periodic operation pattern maximizes the total amount of CO2 that can be deposited by avoiding sustained high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the injection operation adjustable and adaptive rather than static and continuous. The injection equipment operates dynamically, adjusting its operation based on real-time pressure conditions in the geologic formation. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize CO2 deposition by injecting when pressure is favorable and pausing when pressure needs to decrease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stripping tower is located far from the CO2 source, then CO2 can be deposited in remote geologic formations, but transfer of liquid CO2 becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the circulating absorbent as an intermediary to transport CO2 over long distances without requiring complex liquid CO2 transfer systems. The absorbent carries CO2 from the source to remote deposition locations through a closed-loop circulation system, eliminating the need for complex pumping, insulation, and pressure maintenance infrastructure that would be required for direct liquid CO2 transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical liquid CO2 transfer system with a chemical transport mechanism using the absorbent. Instead of mechanically pumping and transporting liquid CO2 through complex infrastructure, the system uses the chemical absorption and desorption properties of the circulating absorbent to move CO2 to remote locations, significantly simplifying the transfer system while maintaining adaptability to remote deposition sites.
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 system facilitates efficient CO2 storage by reducing the need for large temporary storage tanks, minimizing transfer reliance on weather conditions, and optimizing CO2 deposition capacity through pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
moving the CO2-bearing gas from the source into a CO2-absorbent in a first vessel to generate CO2-rich absorbent
Implementation Method 2
The CO2-rich absorbent is moved to a second vessel spaced apart from the first vessel and proximate a subsurface disposal well. The CO2-rich absorbent in the second vessel is heated to release CO2 therefrom.
Implementation Method 3
The CO2-rich absorbent in the second vessel is heated to release CO2 therefrom
Implementation Method 4
The released CO2 is compressed and cooled to a temperature and pressure at which the CO2 is in a liquid state
Implementation Method 5
The released CO2 is compressed and cooled to a temperature and pressure at which the CO2 is in a liquid state
Implementation Method 6
The liquid CO2 is pumped into a disposal well and stored in a geologic formation
Implementation Method 7
the geologic formation may provide heat energy required by the stripping tower to release the CO2 absorbed by an absorbent. By circulating fluid thus heated in the high temperature well, the heated fluid can pass a heat exchanger heating water passed to a desorber component(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A CO2 capture and storage system has absorbing tower near a source of CO2. The CO2 absorbing tower has a CO2 gas inlet, a gas outlet, an absorbent inlet and an absorbent outlet. A CO2 stripping tower is near a well penetrating a geologic formation. The stripping tower has an absorbent inlet, a gas outlet, an absorbent outlet and a heated fluid inlet. A CO2 condensing unit is disposed proximate the stripping tower and operatively coupled to the gas outlet on the stripping tower. The condensing unit has a compressor and/or a cooler, wherein CO2 gas from condensing unit is converted to liquid. An outlet of the condensing unit is in fluid communication with the well. A pipeline is interposed between the absorbing tower and the stripping tower, wherein the source of CO2 and the well are distal from each other.