Geologic CO2 Conversion to Hydrocarbons via Reservoir Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for carbon dioxide handling and conversion either focus on sequestration without conversion to hydrocarbons or require catalysts for hydrocarbon production, lacking a solution that simultaneously sequesters and converts CO2 to hydrocarbons without catalysts.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that injects catalyst-free carbon dioxide into a partially produced hydrocarbon subterranean reservoir, utilizing geologic heating and a backflow preventer to maintain pressure, allowing CO2 to react with residual hydrocarbons and water over time to produce additional hydrocarbons, which are then recovered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is sequestered underground without conversion, then CO2 storage is achieved, but CO2 is not converted to hydrocarbons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 waste product into beneficial hydrocarbons by injecting it into depleted reservoirs where it reacts with residual hydrocarbons and water under geologic conditions to form new hydrocarbon products, thus transforming a sequestration problem into a production solution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the reservoir environment by injecting CO2 at high pressure (200-600 bar) and utilizing geologic temperatures (30-100 C) to shift chemical equilibria and enable reactions that convert CO2 into hydrocarbons
2Productivity
If catalysts are used to convert CO2 to hydrocarbons in processing plants, then hydrocarbon production is achieved, but the process requires complex catalytic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the catalyst component entirely from the conversion process, relying instead on geologic heating and pressure conditions within the reservoir to drive the chemical reactions that convert CO2 to hydrocarbons, thereby eliminating the need for complex catalytic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The depleted reservoir itself provides the necessary conditions for conversion through its inherent geologic heating and pressure, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external catalysts or complex processing equipment
3Stress or pressure
If reservoir pressure is increased to maintain operating conditions, then CO2 injection is facilitated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic injection cycles where CO2 is injected at high pressure to maintain operating conditions and chemical equilibria, then allowed to react over time periods (5-80 years), creating a rhythmic pattern of injection and reaction that optimizes energy utilization
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
This approach effectively converts CO2 to hydrocarbons without catalysts, utilizing geologic heating and reservoir pressure to shift chemical equilibria, enabling the production of usable hydrocarbon streams from previously depleted reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
The sequestered carbon dioxide reacts with water and at least a portion of the residual hydrocarbons over a time period to produce additional hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 2
The heat required for reaction may be provided by geothermal heating
Implementation Method 3
The backflow preventer maintains the operating pressure in the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon conversion device and method are disclosed. A partially produced hydrocarbon subterranean reservoir comprising residual hydrocarbons is provided. A carbon dioxide source is provided, positioned on a surface proximate to the reservoir. A surface mounted high-pressure fluid injector system connecting the carbon dioxide source and the reservoir is provided. A backflow preventer is disposed in-line between the injector system and the reservoir. The injector system injects a catalyst-free feed stream, comprising carbon dioxide, into the reservoir up to an operating pressure. The backflow preventer maintains the operating pressure in the reservoir and sequesters the feed stream in the reservoir. The sequestered carbon dioxide reacts with water and at least a portion of the residual hydrocarbons over a time period to produce additional hydrocarbons. The water is present in the reservoir, provided by the feed stream, or both. The additional hydrocarbons are recovered after the time period.