Nitrogen Waste Plastic Hydrolysis for CO2 Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The environmental issue of plastic pollution and the need for effective storage solutions for greenhouse gases like CO2 and hazardous gases like H2S in geological formations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing nitrogen-containing waste plastics, such as polyamides, in combination with an aqueous base fluid and CO2 or H2S, to form hydrolysis reaction products that react with the gases, creating stable compounds for storage within subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If amine absorbents are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 absorption efficiency is improved, but corrosion and degradation issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses waste plastics as a disposable, low-cost material that can be injected into the formation to react with CO2 and form permanent mineralized storage. This avoids the need for expensive, corrosive amine absorbents that require continuous replacement and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts waste plastics, which are harmful environmental pollutants, into a beneficial resource for CO2 storage. The waste plastic serves as both the storage medium and reacts with CO2 to form stable mineralized products, turning an environmental problem into a solution.
2Quantity of substance
If amine absorbents are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 absorption capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs waste plastics as a cheap, readily available material that can be injected in sufficient quantities to achieve the desired CO2 storage capacity. The low cost of waste plastic compared to amine absorbents eliminates the economic barrier to large-scale deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste plastic material performs multiple functions: it serves as the CO2 storage medium, reacts with CO2 to enhance storage capacity, and forms permanent mineralized products. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional chemicals or complex infrastructure.
3Loss of substance
If standard recycling of waste plastics is performed, then plastic waste is processed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste plastics directly into a useful resource for CO2 storage without requiring energy-intensive recycling processes. The waste plastic is injected into the formation where it naturally reacts with CO2 and forms stable mineralized products, eliminating the need for melting, reprocessing, or other high-energy recycling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste plastic performs the function of CO2 storage and reaction medium in its original form, requiring no prior processing or preparation. This self-service approach eliminates the energy consumption associated with standard recycling processes while still achieving effective waste 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 provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for storing CO2 and H2S, while also addressing the issue of plastic waste by utilizing it as a reactive component in the storage process.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolyzing the nitrogen-containing waste plastic in the aqueous base fluid under conditions in the subterranean formation wellbore, thereby forming hydrolysis reaction products
Implementation Method 2
reacting the hydrolysis reaction products and the carbon dioxide in the subterranean formation wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems including introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation wellbore. The treatment fluid includes an aqueous base fluid; nitrogen-containing waste plastic; and carbon dioxide. The nitrogen-containing waste plastic is hydrolyzed in the aqueous base fluid under conditions in the subterranean formation wellbore, thereby forming hydrolysis reaction products. The hydrolysis reaction products and the carbon dioxide are reacted in the subterranean formation wellbore.