Subterranean CO2 Storage Using Reservoir Gas to Prevent Thermal Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for CO2 storage in subterranean formations face challenges such as thermal shock and equipment damage due to phase changes, which can lead to leaks and fractures, making efficient and cost-effective storage difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection of gas from a subterranean source reservoir and injecting it into a subterranean receiving reservoir, where the collected gas heats the CO2 to prevent phase changes, minimizing temperature drops and reducing the need for additional heaters or compressors, thereby maintaining equipment functionality and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If CO2 is injected into the subterranean reservoir, then CO2 storage capacity is improved, but thermal shock damages equipment and creates fractures
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is collected from the subterranean reservoir beforehand and injected along with CO2 to pre-warm the injection well and equipment. This preliminary heating action prevents thermal shock when CO2 is injected, protecting equipment integrity while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collected gas acts as an intermediary substance between the CO2 injection system and the subterranean reservoir. It serves as a thermal buffer that absorbs the temperature differential, preventing direct thermal shock to equipment while facilitating CO2 storage.
2Quantity of substance
If CO2 is injected into the subterranean reservoir, then CO2 storage is achieved, but phase change causes temperature drop requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The subterranean reservoir itself provides the heating function by injecting collected gas that has been warmed by the reservoir environment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external heating equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining CO2 storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collected gas serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal buffer to prevent phase change, maintains equipment temperature, and facilitates CO2 injection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating and injection equipment, simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing equipment is used for CO2 injection, then cost is reduced, but thermal shock causes leaks and fractures
Solution Approach 1:
Equipment is pre-warmed by injecting collected gas before CO2 injection begins. This preliminary thermal conditioning allows existing equipment to operate within its design temperature range, preventing leaks and fractures while maintaining cost effectiveness of using existing infrastructure.
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
The method effectively prevents phase changes in the injection well, allowing existing equipment to function at desired temperatures, reducing costs and improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of CO2 storage without the need for equipment replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the collected gas heats the CO2 during injection into the subterranean source reservoir
Implementation Method 2
when the CO2 is supplied to the subterranean reservoir it can undergo a phase change, resulting in a temperature drop
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for subterranean CO2 storage the method comprising: collecting gas from a subterranean source reservoir (102, 202, 302), injecting the collected gas into a subterranean receiving reservoir (102, 202, 303), wherein CO2 is injected into the subterranean source reservoir. The invention also relates to an installation for CO2 storage.