Liquid CO2 H2O Emulsion Injection for Hydrate Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods to convert natural gas hydrate accumulations into recoverable reserves, and there is a need for innovative approaches in CO2 sequestration and hydrocarbon material recovery, particularly in utilizing CO2 for enhanced oil and gas recovery, where existing methods are economically and technologically limited.
Innovation Solution
The development of downhole fluid injection systems that inject a liquid CO2/H2O-emulsion into geological formations to sequester CO2 and recover hydrocarbon materials, utilizing microemulsions to facilitate the exchange of CO2 with methane hydrates, allowing for efficient CO2 sequestration and hydrocarbon recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2 is used for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through hydrate exchange, then hydrocarbon material recovery is improved, but the complexity of the injection system and process control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydrates as an intermediary substance to facilitate the exchange between CO2 and hydrocarbon materials. CO2 is injected into the formation where it forms hydrates, which then exchange with hydrocarbon-bearing hydrates, releasing hydrocarbons for recovery. This intermediary mechanism enables the recovery process while managing system complexity through natural geological processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in pressure, temperature, and fluid composition parameters to control hydrate formation and dissociation. By manipulating these parameters, the system can selectively form CO2 hydrates and dissociate hydrocarbon hydrates, enabling controlled hydrocarbon recovery without requiring overly complex equipment.
2Productivity
If microemulsions are used to facilitate CO2 hydrate formation, then CO2 sequestration efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the emulsion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Microemulsions serve as intermediaries to enhance CO2 delivery and hydrate formation efficiency. The emulsion system uses surfactants to create stable dispersions of CO2 in water, facilitating uniform distribution and reaction with formation water to form hydrates. This intermediary approach improves sequestration efficiency while keeping the formulation relatively simple using conventional surfactant technology.
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 enables the efficient sequestration of CO2 while simultaneously recovering hydrocarbons by forming and dissociating hydrates, demonstrating a viable method for converting natural gas hydrate accumulations into recoverable reserves, enhancing the economic attractiveness of unconventional energy resources.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing microemulsions to facilitate the exchange of CO2 with methane hydrates, allowing for efficient CO2 sequestration and hydrocarbon recovery
Implementation Method 2
CO2 to be preferentially clathrated over CH4 in the hydrate phase
Implementation Method 3
forming and dissociating hydrates
Data Source
AI summary
Downhole fluid injection systems are provided that can include a first well extending into a geological formation, and a fluid injector assembly located within the well. The fluid injector assembly can be configured to inject a liquid CO2/H2O-emulsion into the surrounding geological formation. CO2 sequestration methods are provided that can include exposing a geological formation to a liquid CO2/H2O-emulsion to sequester at least a portion of the CO2 from the emulsion within the formation. Hydrocarbon material recovery methods are provided that can include exposing a liquid CO2/H2O-emulsion to a geological formation having the hydrocarbon material therein. The methods can include recovering at least a portion of the hydrocarbon material from the formation.