Portable LRL CO2 Conversion Near Wellheads Using Pulsed Laser Photocatalysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CO2 conversion methods in the oil and gas industry are inefficient and environmentally hazardous, particularly due to the use of chemical reactions, and there is a need for a more effective and sustainable method to mitigate CO2 emissions from hydraulic fracturing.
Innovation Solution
A portable laser reduction in liquids (LRL) system using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to convert CO2 from hydraulic fracturing flowback into methanol by directing a pulsed laser beam at purified CO2 in the presence of a photocatalyst, such as ZnTe, within a reaction unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional chemical reaction methods are used to convert CO2, then the conversion process can be implemented, but environmental hazards and economic costs increase due to hazardous byproducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional chemical reaction methods with a laser-based photolysis process. Instead of using chemical catalysts and reagents that produce hazardous byproducts, the system uses focused laser beams to directly break down CO2 molecules into useful chemicals like methanol and formic acid, eliminating the need for harmful chemical intermediaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy input parameter from chemical reactions to optical energy. By using laser irradiation with specific wavelengths and intensities, the system achieves CO2 conversion through photodissociation, transforming the fundamental mechanism from chemical to physical-optical processes, thereby eliminating hazardous chemical byproducts
2Ease of operation
If LED light sources are used for CO2 conversion, then the system can be portable, but light intensity is insufficient to achieve efficient photochemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser operation rather than continuous illumination. By delivering high-intensity light in periodic pulses, the system achieves the necessary photon flux for efficient photochemical reactions while maintaining portability. The pulsed nature allows for high peak power delivery without requiring continuous high-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces LED light sources with laser-based illumination. Lasers provide the necessary coherent, high-intensity light required for efficient photolysis of CO2, while maintaining the portable form factor through compact laser systems and integrated optical components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If CO2 is vented or flared to eliminate emissions, then immediate environmental harm is reduced, but valuable resources are wasted and climate change is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions from hydraulic fracturing into useful chemicals through laser photolysis. Instead of venting or flaring CO2, the system captures it and transforms it into valuable products like methanol and formic acid, turning a environmental liability into a resource that can be utilized for energy and chemical production
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 LRL system efficiently converts CO2 into methanol, reducing environmental impact and costs associated with transportation and storage, while generating a valuable chemical feedstock and addressing climate change.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction unit including Q-driven ND:YAG laser and a reaction site at which a pulsed laser beam from the Q-driven ND:YAG laser is directed at the purified CO2
Implementation Method 2
When comparing lasers to LEDs, lasers typically emit light with much higher intensity. This heightened intensity implies that a greater number of photons is delivered per unit of time. As a result, the light-absorbing molecules in the photochemical reaction encounter a more substantial photon flux.
Implementation Method 3
directing a pulsed laser beam at purified CO2 in the presence of a photocatalyst to thereby convert the CO2 into methanol and water
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mitigating pollution from hydraulic fracturing uses a laser reduction liquid (LRL) unit operable to receive flow back from a wellhead. The LRL unit includes a CO2 filtration unit for filtering CO2 from the flow back, a CO2 purification unit for purifying the filtered CO2, and a reaction unit including Q-driven ND:YAG laser and a reaction site at which a pulsed laser beam from the Q-driven ND:YAG laser is directed at the purified CO2 in the presence of a photocatalyst to thereby convert the CO2 into methanol and water.