Subsurface CO2 Capture via Injection Well Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) gases require supercritical CO2 conditions, geologic traps, or capital-intensive above-ground processing, limiting the availability and efficiency of CO2 storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and process using an injection well to dissolve CO2 into water at high hydrostatic pressures, allowing for long-term storage in aquifers without the need for geologic traps or supercritical CO2, utilizing counterflow bubble columns and well head pressure to maintain CO2 saturation and facilitate storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supercritical CO2 conditions are used for storage, then CO2 can be trapped and stored in geologic formations, but the requirement for geologic cap lock/seals and geologic traps restricts suitable reservoirs to only oil and gas fields
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of CO2 from supercritical to dissolved aqueous phase. By dissolving CO2 in water injected into aquifers, the storage mechanism no longer depends on geologic traps or cap rock seals, thereby expanding reservoir availability while maintaining storage reliability through the high solubility of CO2 in water under subsurface conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces water as an intermediary medium to carry CO2 into the subsurface. Instead of injecting supercritical CO2 directly into geologic formations, CO2 is dissolved in water which then serves as the transport and storage medium, eliminating the need for geologic cap rock seals and expanding suitable reservoirs to include unconsolidated aquifers
2Adaptability or versatility
If above-ground processing of brine by dissolving CO2 is used, then CO2 can be stored in groundwater, but the process requires capital-intensive surface facilities and numerous injection wells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the subsurface environment to perform the dissolution function itself. By injecting water containing dissolved CO2 directly into the aquifer, the high hydrostatic pressure conditions in situ maintain CO2 saturation without requiring above-ground pressurization facilities, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining storage flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the dissolution and pressurization functions from the above-ground facility and relocates them to the subsurface environment. The natural hydrostatic pressure of the aquifer replaces the need for surface pressurization equipment, reducing capital intensity while maintaining the ability to store CO2 in groundwater
3Quantity of substance
If supercritical CO2 storage is used, then CO2 can be stored in geologic formations, but the process requires high pressures and specialized geologic traps that increase storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the natural hydrostatic pressure of the subsurface aquifer to maintain CO2 saturation. The high pressure conditions required for CO2 storage are provided automatically by the weight of the overlying water column, eliminating the need for external pressurization energy input while maintaining high CO2 storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a pressure equilibrium system where the hydrostatic pressure of the injected CO2-saturated water naturally maintains CO2 dissolution. The system operates at equipressure conditions where the injected fluid's pressure matches the formation pressure, eliminating the need for continuous high-energy pressurization while maintaining storage capacity
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective CO2 capture and storage in a wider range of aquifers, reducing energy consumption and expanding storage capacity by leveraging hydrostatic pressure and the solubility of CO2 in water, with the CO2-saturated water being denser and self-sustaining in its downward migration.
Implementation Method 1
an injection well is used to dissolve carbon dioxide gases into water. The dissolution of CO2 gases into water within an injection well
Implementation Method 2
the greater density of the CO2 saturated water helps maintain a continuous gradient flow of CO2 saturated water away from the injection point of the well
Implementation Method 3
the water column pressure associated with a well is used to capture and/or provide for storage of CO2 gas dissolved in the water
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus of separating CO2 gas from industrial off-gas source in which the CO2 containing off-gas is introduced deep within an injection well. The CO2 gases are dissolved in the, liquid within the injection well while non-CO2 gases, typically being insoluble in water or brine, are returned to the surface. Once the CO2 saturated liquid is present within the injection well, the injection well may be used for long-term geologic storage of CO2 or the CO2 saturated liquid can be returned to the surface for capturing a purified CO2 gas.