Genomic Microbial Tracking for CO2 Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for modeling subsurface geological formations are often expensive and inaccurate, making it challenging to determine the location and movement of gases like CO2 within these formations, which is crucial for carbon storage and preventing groundwater contamination.
Innovation Solution
The use of genomic data from microbial communities in subsurface samples, where genetic material is extracted, amplified, and sequenced to analyze microbial communities at different depths and locations, allowing for the tracking of CO2 movement and detection of fractures, thereby providing high-resolution data for accurate carbon storage capacity assessment and contamination monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to model subsurface geological formations, then the modeling can be performed with established techniques, but the results are expensive and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/geophysical modeling methods with a biological sensing system. Microbial communities act as natural sensors that respond to CO2 presence and movement, providing accurate data through biological responses rather than expensive physical modeling techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The microbial communities in the subsurface environment serve as self-powered indicators of CO2 movement. The microbes naturally respond to changes in their environment caused by CO2 injection and migration, eliminating the need for external energy input or expensive monitoring equipment while providing continuous data on gas movement.
2Measurement precision
If conventional modeling methods are used, then the process is simpler to implement, but the accuracy of determining gas location and movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces microbial communities as intermediary agents between the CO2 gas and the monitoring system. These microbes serve as mediators that translate invisible gas movement into detectable biological responses, enabling accurate tracking without requiring complex direct sensing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses genetic material (DNA/RNA) as a copy or representation of the microbial community's response to CO2. By analyzing genetic sequences from water samples, the system creates a molecular fingerprint that indicates microbial community composition changes caused by CO2 presence, providing accurate tracking data without directly observing the gas itself.
3Measurement precision
If genomic analysis is used to track CO2 movement, then accurate high-resolution data is obtained, but the analysis process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential genetic information needed to identify microbial community composition from complex genomic data. By focusing on specific genetic markers or sequences that indicate CO2 response, the system obtains high-resolution data while simplifying the analysis process through targeted extraction of relevant information.
Data Source
AI summary
Samples are collected from a first wellbore and a second wellbore. Genetic material is extracted from the samples and analyzed to determine microorganisms present in subsurface geological features through which the first wellbore and the second wellbore pass. Movement of microorganisms originating in subsurface geological features at the location of the first wellbore to subsurface geological features at the location of the second wellbore can indicate movement of a carbon-based gas between the first wellbore and the second wellbore.