Dissolved CO2 Injection Into Subterranean Formations With Lower Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively managing carbon dioxide emissions, particularly in reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas levels through effective sequestration in subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
Dissolving carbon dioxide into a liquid, such as water, and injecting the carbonated liquid into a subterranean formation for sequestration, utilizing a system that includes a rig, casing, and downhole tools for controlled injection and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is injected directly into subterranean formation, then sequestration capacity is increased, but energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon dioxide from gaseous to dissolved state by controlling pressure and temperature conditions. CO2 is dissolved in formation water under elevated pressure conditions, transforming it from a gas that requires compression and injection infrastructure into a dissolved substance that can be injected more efficiently, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sequestration capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces formation water as an intermediary medium to facilitate carbon dioxide sequestration. Instead of injecting CO2 gas directly into the formation, the system dissolves CO2 in formation water, which then serves as a carrier medium for transporting and storing carbon dioxide underground, simplifying the injection process and reducing energy requirements
2Productivity
If carbon dioxide is dissolved in liquid for injection, then injection efficiency is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes formation water already present in the subterranean formation as the dissolving medium, eliminating the need for external water supply infrastructure. The formation water naturally absorbs CO2 under reservoir pressure conditions, and the dissolved CO2-rich brine is then injected back into the formation, allowing the system to use its own resources and reducing overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The formation water serves multiple functions: it acts as the dissolving medium for CO2, serves as the injection carrier, and ultimately becomes part of the sequestration system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems and processes needed, thereby reducing operational complexity while improving injection efficiency
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 dissolving it in a liquid and injecting it into a subterranean formation, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels while optimizing energy use and capturing non-dissolved gases for reuse, thus enhancing the efficiency and environmental impact of CCS.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving carbon dioxide into a liquid, such as water, and injecting the carbonated liquid into a subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sequestering carbon uses a mixed component gas that includes carbon dioxide, dissolves the carbon dioxide in a liquid under pressure, and pumps the resulting carbonated liquid into a subterranean formation.