On-Site CO2 Production Combustion and Separation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional carbon dioxide production techniques are energy-intensive and costly, especially when scaled for industrial use, and transporting CO2 from production sites to Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) sites is economically significant.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a collection subsystem for natural gas, a combustion subsystem (including internal combustion engines or turbines) that generates electrical energy by combusting hydrocarbons to produce CO2 and water, and a separation subsystem using adsorbent materials like zeolites to isolate CO2 from the combustion effluent, which also includes heat exchangers and desiccants to enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional carbon dioxide production techniques are used, then carbon dioxide can be produced, but energy consumption is high and transportation costs are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the CO2 production process into modular components: a combustion subsystem that generates CO2 on-site, a separation subsystem that isolates CO2 from combustion effluent, and integration with EOR operations. This segmentation eliminates the need for centralized production and long-distance transportation, reducing both energy consumption and transportation costs while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by producing CO2 directly at the EOR site using local natural gas resources. The combustion subsystem uses naturally occurring gas to generate CO2, and the separation subsystem processes the combustion effluent to extract CO2, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external CO2 supply chains.
2Reliability
If carbon dioxide is transported from production sites to EOR sites, then CO2 supply is ensured, but transportation costs are quite significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining CO2 generation, CO2 separation, and EOR operations into a single integrated system. The combustion subsystem serves dual purposes of energy generation and CO2 production, while the separation subsystem processes combustion effluent to provide pure CO2 for EOR, eliminating the need for separate transportation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by using the separation subsystem as a bridge between combustion effluent and EOR operations. This intermediary component processes and purifies CO2 on-site, replacing the need for direct transportation pipelines or freight services while ensuring reliable CO2 supply.
3Productivity
If combustion subsystem generates electrical energy, then additional income streams are created, but separation subsystem energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the electrical energy generated by the combustion subsystem to power the separation subsystem and other operational components. This internal energy recycling reduces external energy requirements and transforms the energy balance from net consumption to partial self-sufficiency, maintaining productivity while reducing net energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the energy generation function and CO2 production function into a single combustion subsystem. The same combustion process that generates CO2 for EOR also produces electrical energy, combining two value-generating functions into one integrated component and eliminating the need for separate energy import infrastructure.
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 energy consumption and transportation costs by producing CO2 on-site, utilizing waste heat for regeneration, and generating additional income streams from electrical energy, water, and CO2, effectively creating a virtual pipeline for CO2 delivery to EOR sites.
Implementation Method 1
a combustion subsystem configured to combust the hydrocarbon in the process gas and output a gaseous combustion effluent, wherein the gaseous combustion effluent includes carbon dioxide and water
Implementation Method 2
a separation subsystem configured to separate the carbon dioxide from the gaseous combustion effluent... the separation subsystem comprises an adsorbent material
Implementation Method 3
the separation subsystem comprises a heat exchanger, and wherein said heat exchanger lowers a temperature of said gaseous combustion effluent prior to said gaseous combustion effluent contacting said adsorbent material
Implementation Method 4
the separation subsystem comprises a desiccant, and wherein said gaseous combustion effluent contacts said desiccant prior to contacting said adsorbent material
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for producing carbon dioxide including a collection subsystem configured to collect a process gas, the process gas including a hydrocarbon, a combustion subsystem configured to combust the hydrocarbon in the process gas and output a gaseous combustion effluent, wherein the gaseous combustion effluent includes carbon dioxide and water, and a separation subsystem configured to separate the carbon dioxide from the gaseous combustion effluent.