Ocean-Depth Liquefaction for Flue Gas CO₂ Separation and Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon dioxide sequestration from industrial flue gases is challenging due to the difficulty in separating CO2 from other gases and geologic sequestration, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the properties of carbon dioxide and ocean depths to liquefy CO2 through pressure and temperature, allowing for efficient separation and sequestration by injecting it into the ocean where it becomes denser than seawater, sinking to the bottom for long-term storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional separation methods are used to separate carbon dioxide from flue gases, then carbon dioxide can be isolated, but the process becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of carbon dioxide by increasing pressure and decreasing temperature to convert it from gaseous to liquid phase. This phase change enables easy separation from flue gases through condensation, avoiding complex separation equipment and processes while efficiently isolating carbon dioxide for sequestration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of carbon dioxide from gas to liquid by exposing it to high pressure and low temperature conditions. This phase transition causes carbon dioxide to condense out of the flue gas mixture, providing a simple and effective separation mechanism that reduces both device complexity and operational costs
2Quantity of substance
If geologic sequestration methods are used to store carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide can be sequestered, but the process becomes challenging and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of carbon dioxide to liquid form through pressure and temperature manipulation before injection. This liquid state enables more efficient injection and storage in geologic formations, increasing sequestration capacity and efficiency while reducing the challenges associated with conventional gaseous carbon dioxide injection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex geologic sequestration processes with a simplified approach using pressure-driven liquid injection. By substituting mechanical separation and handling systems with pressure-based phase change and direct injection, the method achieves higher productivity and efficiency in carbon dioxide sequestration
3Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is discharged into the ocean, then it can be sequestered, but it may dissolve in seawater and acidify the ocean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains carbon dioxide in a liquid state by controlling pressure and temperature parameters during ocean discharge. By keeping carbon dioxide as a dense liquid rather than allowing it to dissolve in seawater, the method achieves sequestration while preventing ocean acidification, as the liquid carbon dioxide remains physically separated from the seawater
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dense liquid carbon dioxide stream that mimics the density characteristics of deep seawater. This liquid carbon dioxide copy sinks to the ocean floor where it can be stored or further processed without interacting with and acidifying the surrounding seawater, thus achieving environmentally safe sequestration
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 enables efficient separation and sequestration of carbon dioxide without dissolving in seawater, reducing the environmental impact and operational costs by leveraging natural ocean conditions for liquefaction and densification.
Implementation Method 1
liquefying the carbon dioxide as a result of the depth and/or the temperature in the ocean to form liquid carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
The liquid carbon dioxide may not mix with seawater within the pipe. The liquid carbon dioxide is not carbon dioxide dissolved in water.
Implementation Method 3
The liquid carbon dioxide may further be densified to be denser than seawater. The liquid carbon dioxide can then sink to the bottom of the ocean
Implementation Method 4
The liquid carbon dioxide may further be densified to be denser than seawater
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to separate carbon dioxide from flue gases and sequester carbon dioxide are described here. By using the properties of carbon dioxide and the temperature in a body of water (e.g., the ocean or freshwater body of water) or the temperatures of the ambient atmosphere, gaseous carbon dioxide can be converted to a liquid and separated from other gases. Pressure used to separate carbon dioxide from other gases may also be used to sequester liquid carbon dioxide. The liquid carbon dioxide is inert and can be discharged into the ocean without dissolving in seawater and acidifying the ocean. The liquid carbon dioxide may further be densified to be denser than seawater. The liquid carbon dioxide can then sink to the bottom of the ocean or be injected into ocean sediments or sediments and rocks beneath the ocean floor, inert and sequestered for the long term.