Alkaline-Modified Manganese Oxide Catalyst for Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional steam generation systems for oilfield applications are expensive, environmentally harmful due to fossil fuel combustion, and require costly, easily poisoned catalysts when using high-strength hydrogen peroxide, posing safety risks during transportation and use.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a catalyst with ceramic bodies impregnated with alkaline-promoted manganese oxide to produce steam from moderate strength hydrogen peroxide (30-70 weight percent), which is less expensive, resistant to poisoning, and safer to handle and transport, allowing for efficient steam generation for enhanced oil recovery and other oilfield operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high strength liquid hydrogen peroxide is used to generate steam, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but safety risks and transportation hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of hydrogen peroxide from high strength (typically 70-90%) to moderate strength (30-70%), thereby reducing safety risks and transportation hazards while maintaining acceptable steam generation efficiency through optimized catalyst formulation
2Productivity
If high strength liquid hydrogen peroxide is used, then steam production rate increases, but catalyst poisoning occurs more rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the catalyst composition by incorporating alkaline promoters (such as alkali metal oxides or hydroxides) into the manganese oxide structure, changing the catalyst's chemical properties to enhance resistance to poisoning from moderate strength hydrogen peroxide and its decomposition byproducts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite catalyst system combining manganese oxide with alkaline promoters, where the alkaline components protect the active manganese sites from poisoning while maintaining catalytic activity for steam generation
3Productivity
If expensive catalysts are used with high strength hydrogen peroxide, then initial steam generation capability is improved, but long-term operational costs increase due to catalyst replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective catalyst formulation using readily available manganese oxide and alkaline promoters, replacing expensive noble metal catalysts, while the enhanced stability extends operational life and reduces replacement frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the catalyst's chemical composition and structure to enhance long-term stability and resistance to deactivation, thereby extending the operational lifetime and reducing maintenance requirements
4Use of energy by moving object
If fossil fuel combustion is used to generate steam, then energy requirements are met, but environmental contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system of fossil fuel combustion with a chemical decomposition system using hydrogen peroxide and catalyst, eliminating the need for combustion and associated environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidant, to provide the necessary energy for steam generation through its decomposition reaction, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel combustion
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
The system reduces costs and environmental impact by using a cost-effective, long-lasting catalyst that maintains activity over extended periods, producing steam efficiently for oil production and other applications without the hazards associated with high-strength hydrogen peroxide.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the catalyst with a liquid hydrogen peroxide having a strength between about 30 and about 70 weight percent to produce steam
Implementation Method 2
The catalyst includes a plurality of ceramic bodies impregnated with an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided to produce steam for use in oil field applications. In some embodiments, a catalyst is provided that includes a plurality of ceramic bodies impregnated with an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide. In other embodiments, the catalyst includes a plurality of bodies formed of an active ceramic oxide in a consolidated state without an underlying ceramic body. The bodies are contacted with a liquid hydrogen peroxide having a strength, in one embodiment, between about 30 and about 70 weight percent to produce steam. The steam is directed to an oil field application, such as, but not limited to, a geologic formation to increase oil production from the geologic formation, an applicator to clean oilfield equipment, a heat exchanger to heat hydrogen peroxide, or a heat exchanger to heat living quarters.