Fiber-Optic Injection Control for Continuous Carbon Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon dioxide injection systems face challenges in maintaining continuous operation due to pressure spikes, leading to downtime and increased costs, as they typically halt injection when pressure stabilization is required, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An integrated injection control system using fiber-optic sensors and a control system that automatically updates injection operations in real-time based on sub-surface parameters, such as pressure and temperature, to maintain continuous carbon dioxide sequestration without over-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If injection operation is halted when pressure spikes are detected to avoid over-pressurization and cracking, then reservoir safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time pressure monitoring using fiber-optic sensors that continuously feed pressure data back to the control system. When pressure approaches predefined thresholds, the control system automatically adjusts injection rates, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains reservoir safety while minimizing injection interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The injection system performs self-regulation through automated control algorithms that respond to pressure sensor data without external intervention. The system automatically modifies injection parameters based on real-time reservoir conditions, enabling continuous operation while maintaining safety constraints
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring is performed continuously to detect pressure spikes early, then reservoir safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical pressure gauges and manual monitoring procedures with fiber-optic sensing technology and automated digital control. This substitution enables continuous, high-precision pressure measurement and automatic response without requiring complex mechanical intervention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber-optic sensing system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors pressure, provides real-time data to the control system, and triggers automated responses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each monitoring and control task
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
Enables continuous carbon dioxide sequestration by adjusting injection rates in real-time, reducing downtime and operational costs by preventing pressure spikes and ensuring safe operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber-optic system including: a fiber-optic interrogator coupled to the control system; a plurality of fiber-optic sensors disposed at one or more of the plurality of ported connections, the plurality of fiber-optic sensors configured to respectively measure a plurality of parameters including an internal pressure and internal temperature of the injection tubing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an integrated control system of a carbon sequestration injection system. The integrated control system receives information from fiber-optic sensing elements disposed within a sub-surface portion of the injection system such that operation of the surface injection equipment is automatically adjusted in real-time based on sub-surface parameters detected by the fiber-optic sensing elements.