CO2 Clathrate Sequestration via Molecular Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CO2 separation technologies are costly and reduce power plant efficiency, and they require suitable subsurface geologic structures for sequestration, limiting their applicability to locations without such formations.

Innovation Solution

The process involves forming CO2 clathrates and encapsulating them within a molecular barrier, using a combination of man-made and naturally occurring materials, to facilitate sequestration on the ocean floor, where the clathrates are deposited at sufficient depth to prevent decomposition, and anchored if necessary, using hydrate formation promoters and hydrate forming constituents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CO2 is separated using absorptive technologies based on amines, then CO2 removal is achieved, but power plant efficiency is significantly reduced and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 removal effectivenessVSAvoidpower plant efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes phase transition of CO2 into solid clathrate form through hydrate formation process. CO2 gas is converted to solid CO2 clathrate particles by contacting with water under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, enabling separation without chemical absorption processes that reduce power plant efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces chemical absorption systems (amines) with a physical phase transition system. Instead of using chemical reactions to absorb CO2, the system uses temperature and pressure control to directly transition CO2 from gas to solid clathrate phase, eliminating the need for costly chemical solvents and associated efficiency losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If CO2 is separated using conventional methods, then CO2 removal is achieved, but subsurface geologic structures are required for sequestration, limiting applicability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 removal effectivenessVSAvoidsequestration location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of CO2 from gas to solid clathrate form. This parameter change enables the CO2 to be transported and deposited in various environments including ocean floors, lakes, and landfills, eliminating the requirement for specific subsurface geologic formations and significantly increasing sequestration location flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts CO2 from gas streams and converts it to solid clathrate particles that can be independently handled and deposited. This extraction and phase transformation separates the CO2 sequestration process from dependence on subsurface geologic structures, allowing deployment in diverse locations without requiring specific geological conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If CO2 clathrate is deposited on the ocean floor, then CO2 sequestration is achieved, but the clathrate may decompose into liquid or vapor CO2 and water at insufficient depth

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 sequestration stabilityVSAvoiddecomposition risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary encapsulation of CO2 clathrate particles within molecular barriers before ocean floor deposition. This preliminary protective action prevents direct exposure to environmental conditions that could cause decomposition, ensuring stability even at shallower depths where temperature and pressure conditions are less favorable for clathrate maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The molecular barrier encapsulation serves as a cushioning protective layer around CO2 clathrate particles before they are exposed to the ocean environment. This beforehand protection isolates the clathrate from external temperature and pressure fluctuations, preventing premature decomposition and ensuring long-term stability in the deposition environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method allows for stable and efficient CO2 sequestration on the ocean floor, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by providing an alternative to subsurface geologic formations and ensuring long-term storage of CO2 in a solid hydrate form.

Implementation Method 1

forming a CO2 clathrate... providing an aqueous phase stream in a countercurrent flow to form a CO2 clathrate in the aqueous phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClathrate formation: Hydrates

Implementation Method 2

encapsulating the CO2 clathrate within a molecular barrier, wherein a molecular barrier does not allow migration of molecules from the hydrate to the environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment