Offshore CO2 Carrier and Storage for Pipeline-Free EOR
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of CO2-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and enhanced gas recovery (EGR) techniques is limited in offshore oil and gas fields due to lack of CO2 availability, variability in CO2 quantities, difficulties in matching CO2 supply and demand, and the need for extensive modifications to existing production facilities, making it economically unviable for aging assets and small or remote fields.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for delivering CO2 in liquid or super-critical states to an integrated offshore facility with on-site storage and marine transfer equipment, allowing for injection into sub-sea reservoirs and recovery of oil and gas, which includes a fleet of carrier vessels and specialized storage tanks, enabling efficient CO2 storage and injection without the need for extensive facility modifications or CO2 transport pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2 is injected into depleted reservoirs for EOR/EGR, then hydrocarbon production rates and recovery factors are improved, but CO2 availability and supply matching become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces carrier vessels as intermediary elements to transport CO2 from onshore storage sites to offshore facilities. This mediator resolves the contradiction by bridging the gap between CO2 supply sources and injection points, enabling continuous supply without direct pipeline connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the CO2 supply chain into distinct components: onshore storage sites, carrier vessels for transport, and offshore reception facilities. This segmentation allows flexible coordination of CO2 delivery schedules to match varying injection demands at different offshore locations.
2Productivity
If CO2-based EOR/EGR is applied to existing offshore facilities, then enhanced recovery is achieved, but extensive facility modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The offshore facilities are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as hydrocarbon production platforms and as reception points for CO2 delivery. The facilities can handle multiple operations (hydrocarbon processing, CO2 reception, storage, and injection) without requiring dedicated specialized structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing offshore facilities utilize their own existing infrastructure (storage tanks, injection wells, processing equipment) to handle CO2 delivery and injection. The facilities serve themselves by using available capacity in existing tanks and leveraging existing subsea injection capabilities, minimizing the need for new specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If CO2 is stored on-site at offshore facilities, then CO2 supply variability is managed, but storage infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
CO2 is delivered and stored in advance at the offshore facilities before it is needed for injection. The carrier vessels bring CO2 to the facility and transfer it to on-site storage tanks, allowing the facility to build up reserves and manage supply timing independently of injection rate variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 storage function is merged with the existing hydrocarbon production facility infrastructure. CO2 storage tanks are integrated alongside existing hydrocarbon storage and processing equipment, sharing common structural support, safety systems, and operational personnel, thereby avoiding duplicate infrastructure.
4Reliability
If CO2 transport pipelines are constructed, then reliable CO2 delivery is ensured, but capital expenditure and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 delivery system uses dynamic carrier vessels that can be deployed and relocated as needed, rather than static pipelines. This dynamic approach allows flexible adaptation to changing operational requirements, different offshore locations, and varying CO2 demand patterns without the rigidity of fixed pipeline infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 transport function is extracted from the offshore facility itself and performed by separate carrier vessels. This separation allows the facility to focus on its primary hydrocarbon production role while CO2 delivery is handled by specialized transport vessels that visit as needed, eliminating the need for permanent pipeline integration.
Data Source
AI summary
CO2 in the liquid or super-critical state is delivered by at least one carrier vessel from at least one CO2 storage site, which may be an onshore site, to an integrated offshore facility. The integrated offshore facility is provided with at least one on-site storage tank or vessel adapted to store CO2 in the liquid or super-critical state and with equipment for marine transfer of CO2 in the liquid or super-critical state. CO2 is utilised as required from said at least one on-site storage tank or vessel for EOR at said offshore site or for EGR at said offshore site by injection into a sub-sea oil or natural gas bearing reservoir and recovery of oil and/or natural gas from a resulting production stream.