Low Salinity Fluid for CO2 Mineralization in Basalt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies face challenges in efficiently sequestering CO2 in geological formations, particularly due to limitations in CO2 solubility and mineralization rates in basaltic rocks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dissolving CO2 in a low salinity fluid containing sodium and sulfate ions to form a CO2-brine solution, which is then injected into basaltic formations. This approach enhances CO2 solubility and accelerates the formation of solid carbonate minerals through mineralization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If CO2 is dissolved in high salinity fluid for injection into basaltic formations, then the storage capacity is increased, but the CO2 solubility decreases and mineralization rate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 storage capacityVSAvoidCO2 solubility and mineralization rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the salinity parameter of the injection fluid from high salinity to low salinity (freshwater or brackish water with salinity less than 10,000 mg/L). This parameter change increases CO2 solubility in the fluid and accelerates the mineralization rate in basaltic formations, while still achieving effective CO2 storage through enhanced weathering and carbonate formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If sufficient water is co-injected with CO2 to ensure complete dissolution, then the mineralization efficiency is enhanced, but the volume of water required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemineralization efficiencyVSAvoidvolume of water required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the injection fluid by using low salinity water with specific ion compositions (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, Cl-). This optimization allows for more efficient CO2 dissolution and mineralization, reducing the total volume of water needed while maintaining or enhancing mineralization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method increases CO2 solubility by up to 27% compared to high salinity solutions, reduces the volume of water required, and expedites mineralization, thereby enhancing the efficiency of CO2 storage in basaltic formations.

Implementation Method 1

dissolving CO2 in a low salinity fluid to form a CO2-brine solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubility: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

the CO2 reacts with the geological formation to produce solid carbonate minerals for CO2 sequestration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMineralization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The acidity of CO2-rich water accelerates metal release from Calcium (Ca)-Magnesium (Mg)-Iron (Fe) rich rocks, such as basalt, and formation of solid carbonate minerals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12286866B2Method for enhanced storage of carbon dioxide in geological formations

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Described is a method for enhanced carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in geological formations. The method includes dissolving CO2 in a low salinity fluid to form a CO2-brine solution. The low salinity fluid includes sodium (Na+) ions and sulfate (SO42−) ions. The CO2-brine solution is injected into a geological formation, and the CO2 reacts with the geological formation to produce solid carbonate minerals for CO2 sequestration.