CO2 Solidification Compositions for Subterranean Mineral Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for CO2 storage exhibit significant shortcomings, necessitating the development of new approaches for sequestering and managing carbon dioxide within subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
The use of iminoguanidine complexing agents to form carbonate or bicarbonate salts within subterranean formations, either for sequestration, migration control, or as barriers to prevent gas or fluid penetration, through injection and displacement of an aqueous composition containing the complexing agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing methods are used for CO2 storage, then storage capacity is limited, but new methods require development and implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage system by introducing complexing agents that react with CO2 to form carbonate and bicarbonate minerals. This chemical transformation enables higher CO2 storage capacity by converting gaseous CO2 into stable solid mineral forms, directly addressing the storage capacity limitation while providing a mechanistic pathway for enhanced sequestration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs complexing agents as intermediary substances that facilitate CO2 storage. These agents act as mediators between CO2 and the subterranean formation, enabling the formation of stable carbonate and bicarbonate minerals. The intermediary approach allows for controlled chemical reactions that enhance storage capacity while managing the complexity of direct CO2 injection
2Productivity
If complexing agent is injected to sequester CO2, then CO2 storage efficiency improves, but injection and displacement process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first injecting the complexing agent into the subterranean formation before introducing CO2. This pre-positioning of the reactive agent ensures that when CO2 is introduced, the sequestration reaction can occur immediately and efficiently. The preliminary injection of the complexing agent prepares the formation for enhanced CO2 capture, improving overall sequestration efficiency while structuring the injection process in manageable stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action through the displacement process, where the complexing agent is continuously moved through the formation to contact and sequester CO2. This continuous displacement ensures sustained sequestration efficiency throughout the injection process, maximizing the productive action of the complexing agent while providing a systematic approach to managing the injection complexity
3Reliability
If carbonate or bicarbonate salt precipitates are formed, then CO2 sequestration is enhanced, but formation permeability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming carbonate and bicarbonate precipitates specifically at the locations where CO2 contacts the complexing agent in the subterranean formation. This localized precipitation enhances sequestration reliability at the reaction sites while potentially limiting the impact on overall formation permeability. The spatially targeted approach ensures that sequestration occurs where needed without uniformly reducing formation flow capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent considers the porous nature of the subterranean formation when forming carbonate and bicarbonate precipitates. By utilizing the existing porous structure of the formation, the precipitates can be accommodated within the pore spaces without completely blocking flow paths. This approach maintains sufficient permeability for fluid movement while achieving reliable CO2 sequestration through mineral precipitation
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
Effectively sequesters CO2, influences gas or fluid migration, and forms barriers to reduce or prevent penetration, enhancing CO2 storage and management in subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
contacting carbon dioxide present in the subterranean formation with a complexing agent, resulting in precipitation of a carbonate or bicarbonate salt of the complexing agent within the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
contacting the complexing agent with carbon dioxide, resulting in precipitation of a carbonate or bicarbonate salt of the complexing agent
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods that can be used to sequester carbon dioxide within a subterranean formation are described. The methods can include contacting carbon dioxide present in the subterranean formation with a complexing agent, resulting in precipitation of a carbonate or bicarbonate salt of the complexing agent within the subterranean formation.