Natural Gas Pipeline CO2 Transport With Membrane Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CO2 capture and transformation solutions are costly and inefficient for capturing CO2 from the place of generation and transporting it to the place of sequestration or transformation, with a high impact on existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A gas processing and transport system integrated into existing natural gas infrastructure, utilizing gas processing stations with membranes and control systems to separate and manage CO2 and methane, enabling efficient CO2 capture and transformation while maintaining gas quality and pressure for downstream consumers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CO2 capture and transport solutions are used, then CO2 can be captured and transported to sequestration or transformation sites, but the cost and inefficiency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 transport with natural gas distribution by injecting CO2 into existing natural gas pipelines. This merging of functions allows CO2 to be transported alongside natural gas flow, utilizing the existing infrastructure's pressure and flow systems to reduce transport costs and improve efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The natural gas pipeline infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling it to transport both natural gas and CO2 simultaneously. This universal use of infrastructure eliminates the need for separate dedicated CO2 transport pipelines, significantly reducing capital costs and improving transport efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CO2 is captured and stored at the place of generation, then transformation can occur when excess renewable electricity is available, but the cost and complexity of storage and transport infrastructure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CO2 storage and transport functions by injecting CO2 directly into the natural gas pipeline at the point of generation. This eliminates the need for separate storage facilities and dedicated transport infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining the flexibility to transform CO2 when excess renewable electricity is available.
3Manufacturing precision
If gas processing stations with separation devices are installed, then CO2 can be separated from natural gas to maintain gas quality, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs membrane separation technology using thin film structures to separate CO2 from natural gas at processing stations. These membrane-based separation devices maintain gas purity requirements while having simpler construction and lower installation costs compared to traditional separation equipment.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing natural gas infrastructure is utilized for CO2 transport, then installation is rapid with minimal impact on the network, but the pressure and flow dynamics of the pipeline must be carefully managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements control systems with sensors that continuously monitor pipeline pressure and CO2 concentration. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of CO2 injection rates and pipeline operating parameters to maintain safe pressure levels and gas quality, enabling easy installation while managing pressure dynamics effectively.
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
The system allows for economical, flexible, and efficient CO2 removal and transformation, integrating renewable energy management with minimal impact on existing networks, facilitating quick installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a gas processing station(s) consuming natural gas comprise(s) a gas separating device such as a membrane configured for separating at least CO2 from CH4
Data Source
AI summary
A gas processing and transport system comprising a natural gas pipeline (1), a plurality of gas conditioning stations (4) connected to the natural gas pipeline between an upstream main natural gas supply and a downstream consumer end, the gas processing stations including carbon dioxide producers and carbon dioxide consumers, the carbon dioxide producers including natural gas consumers, at least one control system (10), and at least one sensor connected to the control system. At least one of the gas processing stations producing carbon dioxide is configured to inject produced CO2 into the natural gas pipeline, and at least the gas processing station(s) consuming natural gas comprise(s) a gas separating membrane (5) configured for separating at least CO2 from CH4.