Dissolved CO2 Injection for Scalable Subsurface Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and sequestering carbon dioxide due to limitations in dissolving CO2 into liquids for injection into subterranean formations, particularly in saline aquifers, which affects the efficiency and scalability of carbon sequestration.
Innovation Solution
A system that dissolves carbon dioxide into a liquid, such as water, and injects the carbon dioxide-laden liquid into a subterranean formation for sequestration, utilizing a pressure recovery system to capture and reuse the non-carbonated gases, and employs renewable energy sources for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is injected directly into subterranean formations, then sequestration capacity is limited, but dissolving CO2 into liquids adds complexity to the injection system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters of CO2 by dissolving it into liquid carriers (water, brine, or other liquids) before injection. This creates a carbonated liquid solution that can be injected at higher concentrations and volumes, thereby increasing sequestration capacity while managing the complexity through parameter optimization rather than system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid carrier as an intermediary substance between the CO2 source and the subterranean formation. This liquid medium facilitates the transport and injection of dissolved CO2, enabling higher quantities to be sequestered while the injection system handles a liquid solution rather than gaseous CO2, balancing capacity gains with manageable system complexity
2Productivity
If conventional energy sources are used for CO2 capture and injection operations, then operational efficiency is maintained, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the energy source parameter from conventional fossil fuel-based power to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, or other renewables). This parameter change maintains operational efficiency by providing sufficient power for capture, dissolution, and injection operations while eliminating the additional environmental burden of burning fossil fuels, thus reducing overall environmental impact
3Device complexity
If non-carbonated gases are vented during the carbonation process, then gas separation is simplified, but gas recovery and energy loss decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system that captures non-carbonated gases (such as nitrogen or other inert gases) that are separated during the carbonation process. Instead of simply venting these gases, the system recovers them for reuse or beneficial disposal, thereby reducing energy loss and improving overall process efficiency while maintaining relatively simple separation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the recovered non-carbonated gases are reused in the carbonation process or other operations. This feedback loop improves energy efficiency by utilizing the recovered gases rather than losing them, while the separation process itself remains relatively simple, thus resolving the contradiction between separation complexity and energy recovery
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
Enhances the efficiency and scalability of carbon sequestration by effectively dissolving CO2 into liquids for injection, reducing the environmental impact by utilizing renewable energy, and optimizing gas separation and recovery processes.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving carbon dioxide into a liquid, such as water, and injecting the carbon dioxide laden liquid into a subterranean formation
Data Source
Figure 1
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.