On-site CO2 Generation for Enhanced Oil Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods using CO2 face challenges such as high costs, environmental concerns, and inefficiencies due to the need for expensive purification and compression of CO2, limited pipeline networks, and the difficulty in mobilizing equipment for different locations, especially for heavy oil deposits like tar sands.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes CO2 from a combustion process for enhanced recovery of formation deposits by directing it into geologic formations to create fractures, displace hydrocarbons, and reduce viscosity, with the CO2 being produced on-site or with minimal transportation, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2 is used for enhanced oil recovery through traditional methods, then recovery effectiveness is improved, but cost increases due to expensive purification and compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses waste heat from power generation processes to produce CO2 for EOR operations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for expensive external CO2 purification and compression facilities. The waste heat that would otherwise be discarded is now utilized to generate the CO2 needed for oil recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts waste heat, which is typically a harmful environmental byproduct causing thermal pollution, into a useful resource for producing CO2 for EOR. This transforms an environmental harm into an economic and environmental benefit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive pipeline networks are built for CO2 transport, then CO2 delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the EOR operation into independent modular units, each with its own CO2 generation capability. This eliminates the need for extensive pipeline networks by allowing each location to generate its own CO2 locally, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Waste heat acts as an intermediary resource that enables CO2 production without requiring traditional pipeline infrastructure. The waste heat from power generation serves as the medium to produce CO2 on-site, replacing the need for complex transport networks.
3Productivity
If heavy equipment is deployed for tar sands recovery, then recovery capability is improved, but ease of mobilization deteriorates due to equipment weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces heavy mechanical equipment with a chemical/thermal process using waste heat to produce CO2 for in-situ oil recovery. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mobilizable equipment while maintaining recovery capability through the CO2 injection process.
4Reliability
If CO2 is purified and compressed using traditional methods, then CO2 quality for injection is improved, but loss of energy and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own waste heat output to produce the CO2 needed for injection, creating a self-sufficient cycle that eliminates energy-intensive external purification and compression processes. The CO2 is generated directly from the waste heat source.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste heat that would be discarded is converted into the energy source for CO2 production, eliminating the need for additional energy input for purification and compression. The harmful waste heat becomes the beneficial energy source.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly means to enhance the recovery of various formation deposits by using CO2 as a byproduct of power generation, reducing the need for extensive pipeline networks and minimizing environmental impact, while being easily mobilable to different locations.
Implementation Method 1
relying on the injection of fluids for volumetric or pressurized displacement of the fossil fuel
Implementation Method 2
commingling the fluid with the fossil fuel such that one or both of the density and viscosity of the fossil fuel is reduced
Implementation Method 3
combusting a fuel to provide a carbon dioxide containing stream
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing a reliable, high purity source of CO2 that is used in the recovery of formation deposits, such as fossil fuels. At least a portion of the fossil fuels recovered may be directly combusted or extracted using the same process used to provide the pure source of CO2 without the need to first remove CO2, sulfur, other fossil fuels, or other impurities.