Produced Water Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen and Fresh Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Produced water from oil and gas wells poses challenges in handling, disposal, and reuse, necessitating solutions that can effectively utilize this water for hydrogen and fresh water production.
Innovation Solution
The process involves purifying produced water and either electrolyzing it to produce hydrogen and oxygen or steam reforming it with methane to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide, with options for storing, selling, or converting these gases into useful products, while also producing fresh water suitable for beneficial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If produced water is disposed of through conventional methods (injection or evaporation), then disposal issues are addressed, but environmental impact increases and valuable resources are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste stream (produced water) into valuable resources (hydrogen fuel and fresh water) through electrolysis and steam methane reforming processes. The produced water, which would otherwise require costly disposal and pose environmental risks, becomes the feedstock for producing green hydrogen and reusable fresh water, simultaneously addressing disposal issues while creating economic value and reducing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of produced water through electrolysis (breaking down H2O into H2 and O2) and steam methane reforming (converting CH4 and H2O into H2 and CO2). These parameter changes transform the waste water stream into high-value hydrogen gas and concentrated brine suitable for fresh water production, converting a liability into an asset
2Quantity of substance
If produced water is purified and processed through electrolysis or steam reforming, then valuable hydrogen and fresh water are produced, but processing complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional processing system where produced water serves multiple purposes: it is the feedstock for hydrogen production through electrolysis or steam methane reforming, the source of concentrated brine for fresh water generation, and the means to capture carbon dioxide for sequestration or utilization. This universal approach maximizes the value extracted from a single waste stream, justifying the increased processing complexity through multiple revenue streams and environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple value-added processes (electrolysis, steam methane reforming, carbon capture, and fresh water production) into an integrated produced water management system. By combining these processes, the system achieves synergies where hydrogen production, fresh water generation, and carbon management work together to create a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, making the complex system economically viable
3Object-generated harmful factors
If produced water is injected into formation for disposal, then disposal is achieved, but injection capacity is limited and environmental risks remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the produced water from a disposal burden into a valuable resource feedstock. Instead of injecting water into formation for disposal, the system uses electrolysis and steam methane reforming to convert produced water into hydrogen fuel and concentrated brine for fresh water production. This conversion eliminates disposal challenges while creating economic value and reducing environmental risks associated with injection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the state and composition of produced water through electrolysis (H2O → H2 + O2) and steam methane reforming (CH4 + H2O → H2 + CO2). These parameter changes convert the waste water stream into high-value hydrogen gas and concentrated brine suitable for fresh water generation, providing versatile product options that enhance adaptability and eliminate disposal limitations
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 mitigates disposal issues, reduces environmental impact by converting a liability into an asset, and can produce high-quality water and green hydrogen, eligible for incentives and low-carbon credits, while minimizing waste disposal requirements.
Implementation Method 1
purifying and then electrolyzing the produced water to produce at least hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
purifying and then steam reforming the produced water with methane to produce at least hydrogen and carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to systems and methods for remediating a produced water from an oil or gas well. A representative process may comprise optionally purifying and then electrolyzing the produced water to produce at least hydrogen and oxygen; storing, selling, releasing, or converting oxygen to a useful oxygen product; and storing, selling, releasing, or converting hydrogen to a useful hydrogen product and to produce fresh water for beneficial reuse. Alternatively or additionally, the optionally purified produced water may be subjected to steam reformation with methane to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen which can be used as desired.