Suspended Platform Controls Metal Hydroxide Release for CO2 Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for carbon dioxide sequestration in water bodies face challenges in controlling the release of metal hydroxide ions to avoid chemical and biological harm, while maximizing CO2 uptake and storage efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for introducing metal hydroxide ions into water bodies, such as oceans, by controlling the dissolution rate and release of metal hydroxide using a floating platform, adjusting flowrate, turbulence, and surface area, and employing semi-permeable barriers to maintain environmentally safe pH levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If metal hydroxide ions are introduced into water bodies to increase CO2 uptake and storage, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but chemical and biological harm may occur due to pH changes and precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the dissolution rate of solid metal hydroxide by adjusting parameters such as surface area exposure and water flow rate, thereby regulating the release rate of metal hydroxide ions to maintain safe pH levels while achieving effective CO2 removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses semi-permeable barriers as intermediaries to control the release of metal hydroxide ions into the water body, allowing selective passage of ions while preventing harmful concentrations that would cause precipitation and ecological damage
2Quantity of substance
If the release rate of metal hydroxide ions is increased to maximize CO2 uptake, then CO2 storage capacity is improved, but undesirable precipitation of solid carbonate may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the water body's pH below the saturation point for solid carbonate precipitation by controlling the dissolution rate of metal hydroxide, thus achieving high CO2 storage capacity without causing harmful precipitation
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors pH levels and adjusts the release rate of metal hydroxide ions accordingly, using feedback control to prevent pH from rising to levels that would cause carbonate precipitation while maintaining effective CO2 uptake
3Productivity
If solid metal hydroxide surface area is increased to accelerate dissolution and CO2 removal, then CO2 uptake rate is improved, but control over release rate becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs semi-permeable barriers with controlled porosity and surface area to regulate the dissolution of solid metal hydroxide, allowing high surface area exposure for rapid CO2 uptake while maintaining precise control over the release rate through the barrier properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses porous or semi-permeable structures to contain solid metal hydroxide, providing large surface area for dissolution while the pore structure controls the rate at which metal hydroxide ions are released into the water body, balancing productivity and controllability
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 carbon dioxide by maintaining safe pH levels and preventing undesirable precipitation, maximizing CO2 removal and storage without disrupting water chemistry.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the rate of its dissolution or release in a body of water
Implementation Method 2
causing a reaction of the released metal hydroxide with the carbon dioxide present in the body of water, thereby producing one or more of a metal carbonate and metal bicarbonate
Implementation Method 3
Using membranes or other semi-permeable barriers that separate the enclosed solid metal hydroxide and contacting volume of water from the external body of water, and whose permeability allows metal hydroxide ions and possibly very small metal hydroxide particles to pass at a given rate
Implementation Method 4
controlling: i) the flowrate/turbulence of water over the surface of the metal hydroxide
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for sequestering carbon dioxide using a body of water is described. The platform has a vessel for holding solid metal hydroxide and for exposing the solid metal hydroxide to a flow of water to create a solution of a metal hydroxide having a pH level. The solution containing metal hydroxide is released into the body of water, causing a reaction with the carbon dioxide present in the body of water, thereby producing metal carbonate/bicarbonate, thus sequestering the carbon dioxide. A choice of the metal in the metal hydroxide, a rate of the releasing the solution containing the metal hydroxide into the body of water, and a flow rate of the flow of water so that to substantially maintain the solution containing the metal hydroxide at the pH level that is defined as environmentally safe and not changing chemistry of seawater. A corresponding method is also provided.