Offshore Methane Splitting for Solid Carbon and Hydrogen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore marine power production systems generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide, necessitating costly capture and disposal processes, which reduce the efficiency of the industrial process and pose logistical challenges due to the large quantities of CO2 produced.
Innovation Solution
An offshore marine power production system that utilizes a liquified methane regassification system and a methane splitting system to convert gaseous methane into hydrogen gas and solid carbon, allowing the use of hydrogen-rich fuel streams in internal combustion engines and efficiently handling and transporting the solid carbon byproduct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional carbon capture technology is used to handle CO2 emissions, then CO2 can be captured and transported, but the cost increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful CO2 component from the combustion process by using selective catalytic reduction technology. The CO2 is separated and captured from the exhaust gases, allowing it to be removed from the main process stream while the useful energy and other components continue to be utilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (ammonia or urea) that reacts with CO2 in the exhaust stream to form a removable compound. This intermediary enables the selective capture and transport of CO2 without directly interfering with the main power generation process.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 is liquefied for transport, then portability is enhanced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of CO2 by liquefying it under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. This phase change enables compact storage and efficient maritime transport while minimizing the volume required for a given amount of CO2.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If large quantities of solid carbon are produced, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but logistical challenges arise from handling the carbon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic conveyance systems to transport solid carbon particles through pipes and ducts within the facility. Compressed air streams move the carbon material from production points to storage or shipping locations, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition mechanisms to facilitate carbon handling. Solid carbon is converted to a suspended particulate form using gas streams, enabling easy transport through pneumatic systems, and can be re-deposited as solid material at destination points.
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 reduces CO2 emissions, eliminates the need for CO2 capture and transportation, and provides an efficient logistics solution for handling large quantities of solid carbon, enhancing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the power production process.
Implementation Method 1
a methane splitting system that splits gaseous methane molecules into hydrogen gas (H2) and solid carbon
Implementation Method 2
a power generation system in which a hydrogen rich fuel stream resulting from the methane splitting system is utilized in an internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A system for marine electricity generation and solid carbon production includes an offshore marine platform on which is mounted a regassification system for regassification of liquid methane; a methane splitting system producing solid carbon and gaseous hydrogen; and a power generation system producing electricity and exhaust heat. A first marine vessel is moored adjacent the marine platform for delivery of the liquid methane, and a second marine vessel is moored adjacent the marine platform for removal of the solid carbon produced by the methane splitting system. The hydrogen produced from the methane splitting system is used in a fuel stream for the power generation system. The exhaust heat from the power generation system is utilized in the methane splitting process. Also mounted on the marine platform is a solid carbon handling system disposed to manage the large amount of solid carbon resulting from the methane splitting process.