Olefin Metathesis Catalyst for Kerogen Upgrading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for upgrading kerogen in oil shale deposits are either energy-intensive, environmentally uncertain, or require lengthy timelines, necessitating the development of efficient and effective chemical processes for kerogen extraction and processing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves contacting shale-bound kerogen with an alkene species in the presence of an olefin metathesis catalyst, such as Grubbs' catalyst, to facilitate a catalyzed reaction that breaks down kerogen molecules into smaller, more mobile species, which can be easily transported and further processed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermal treatment (retorting) is used to break kerogen into smaller hydrocarbons, then kerogen can be converted to gas or liquids, but the process is energy-intensive and requires high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of kerogen by introducing olefin metathesis reactions that break carbon-carbon bonds at lower temperatures compared to thermal retorting. The reaction transforms kerogen molecular structure through catalytic olefin metathesis, converting it to mobile hydrocarbon products without requiring high-temperature thermal treatment, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If in situ retorting with combustion heating is used, then kerogen can be upgraded subsurface, but the process requires long timeframes and extensive heating holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal heating system (combustion heating through heating holes) with a chemical catalytic system. Olefin metathesis catalysts enable kerogen breakdown at lower temperatures and faster rates than thermal retorting, significantly reducing the time required to establish production while maintaining in situ upgrading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reaction conditions by using catalytic olefin metathesis instead of thermal combustion heating. This parameter change allows the process to proceed at lower temperatures and faster rates, reducing the timeframe for production establishment while maintaining the in situ upgrading advantage.
3Productivity
If electrical heating is used for in situ upgrading, then kerogen can be converted to oils and gases, but the process is energy intensive and requires multiple heating holes per acre
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical heating systems with chemical catalytic systems. Olefin metathesis catalysts enable kerogen breakdown through chemical reactions that consume less energy than electrical heating, reducing the energy input required while maintaining the ability to convert kerogen to oils and gases in situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy input method from electrical heating to catalytic chemical reactions. This parameter change reduces the energy consumption per unit of kerogen converted, as the catalytic olefin metathesis reactions proceed at lower temperatures and with less energy input than electrical heating methods.
4Reliability
If freeze walls are established to prevent groundwater entry, then groundwater can be blocked from entering extraction zone, but environmental impacts are unknown and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the groundwater protection function from the extraction system by using chemical methods to enhance kerogen mobility and extraction efficiency, thereby reducing reliance on freeze walls and other complex barrier technologies. The focus shifts to optimizing the chemical reaction conditions and catalyst systems to achieve effective kerogen conversion without extensive protective barriers.
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 enables low-temperature in situ chemical upgrading of kerogen, reducing energy requirements and environmental concerns, while allowing for the production of commercial petroleum-based products, and can be recycled and reused, enhancing the scalability and flexibility of kerogen extraction.
Implementation Method 1
contacting shale-bound kerogen with a quantity of alkene species in the presence of an olefin metathesis catalyst. A catalyzed metathetical reaction occurs between the shale-bound kerogen and the alkene species
Data Source
AI summary
A method for chemically-upgrading shale-bound kerogen comprises contacting shale-bound kerogen comprising carbon-carbon double bonds with a quantity of alkene species in the presence of an olefin metathesis catalyst. A catalyzed metathetical reaction occurs between the shale-bound kerogen and the alkene species and smaller kerogen-derived molecular species are formed. The smaller kerogen-derived molecular species are recovered.