Methanotrophic Bio-Barrier for Methane Emission Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mitigating methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells, landfills, and coal mines are costly and ineffective in addressing leakage through casing-open hole wellbore-casing annuli, as they primarily focus on casing-to-casing annular leakage.
Innovation Solution
A methanotrophic bio-barrier system comprising a geocomposite layer and geotextile layers that disperse and oxidize methane, combined with sensors to monitor and manage emissions, is installed beneath the ground to laterally disperse and reduce methane flux, utilizing methanotrophs to convert methane into carbon dioxide and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cement plugs, cast iron bridge plugs, or mechanical devices are installed at depth to stop casing-to-casing annular leakage, then leakage through casing-to-casing interfaces is reduced, but the cost of implementation increases and leakage through casing-open hole wellbore-casing annuli is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bio-barrier layer as an intermediary substance between the ground and the atmosphere. This bio-barrier, composed of methanotrophic bacteria and carrier materials, mediates the interaction between methane emissions and the environment by biologically consuming methane, thereby addressing both casing-to-casing and casing-open hole leakage without requiring complex mechanical intervention at depth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mitigation systems (cement plugs, bridge plugs, mechanical devices) with a biological system. Instead of using mechanical means to physically block leakage pathways, the invention uses methanotrophic bacteria to biologically consume methane, substituting a mechanical intervention system with a biological process that is simpler to implement and maintains
2Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive mitigation techniques are implemented to address all leakage pathways, then both casing-to-casing and casing-open hole leakage are addressed, but the cost and complexity of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mitigation system that addresses multiple leakage pathways (both casing-to-casing and casing-open hole annuli) through a single bio-barrier implementation. The methanotrophic bio-barrier is multi-functional, simultaneously treating methane from different sources and locations without requiring separate mitigation systems for each leakage type
Solution Approach 2:
The bio-barrier serves as a universal intermediary that intercepts and processes methane from all leakage sources before it reaches the atmosphere. This single intermediary system replaces the need for multiple specialized mechanical devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If methanotrophic bio-barriers are used to reduce methane emissions, then atmospheric methane levels are lowered and the solution is cost-effective, but the system requires proper installation and monitoring to ensure effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The methanotrophic bio-barrier is designed to be self-sustaining, with methanotrophic bacteria that continuously consume methane as their carbon source. The system serves itself by using the target pollutant (methane) to fuel its own operation, eliminating the need for external energy inputs or complex operational interventions while effectively reducing atmospheric methane emissions
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 bio-barrier system effectively reduces methane emissions by dispersing methane across a larger surface area, allowing complete reaction with methanotrophs and oxygen, thereby lowering atmospheric methane levels and providing a cost-effective solution for comprehensive emission mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing methanotrophs to convert methane into carbon dioxide and water
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-barrier for reducing combustible gas emissions from the ground into the atmosphere is disclosed. The bio-barrier includes a geocomposite layer extending laterally beneath a top surface of the ground and a first geotextile layer extending laterally beneath the top surface of the ground and positioned above the geocomposite layer. The geocomposite layer and the geotextile layer configured to laterally disperse the combustible gas through at least the geotextile layer. In addition, at least one sensor may be positioned beneath the top surface of the ground and in or above the geocomposite layer, the at least one sensor measuring a parameter indicative of the concentration or oxidation of the combustible gas beneath the top surface of the ground.