In Situ CO2 Generation via Propylene Carbonate Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively convert propylene carbonate to CO2 at high temperatures relevant to bottom hole conditions, posing challenges in oilfield applications due to its stability at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of propylene carbonate and a catalyst into a target zone, where the catalyst decomposes the propylene carbonate to produce CO2, utilizing metal oxides, metal nanoparticles, acids, or bases, with controlled release mechanisms to generate CO2 in situ for oilfield treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If propylene carbonate is used as an in-situ source of CO2, then transportation costs and HSE risks are reduced, but the conversion to CO2 is ineffective at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
A catalyst is introduced as an intermediary substance that facilitates the decomposition of propylene carbonate into CO2 at high temperatures. The catalyst lowers the activation energy barrier, enabling the conversion to proceed effectively under bottom hole conditions without requiring extreme temperature increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of a catalyst changes the kinetic parameters of the decomposition reaction, allowing it to proceed at lower temperatures than would otherwise be required. This parameter change enables effective CO2 generation from propylene carbonate at typical oilfield temperatures.
2Loss of energy
If propylene carbonate is used as CO2 source, then transportation costs are reduced, but the decomposition does not occur at bottom hole temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst acts as a mediator that enables the decomposition reaction to occur at lower temperatures. By providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy, the catalyst allows propylene carbonate to decompose at bottom hole temperatures without requiring excessive thermal input.
3Device complexity
If natural degradation processes are used to convert propylene carbonate to CO2, then no additional reagents are needed, but the conversion is unsuccessful at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent and reliable conversion of propylene carbonate to CO2. Unlike natural degradation processes that fail at high temperatures, the catalytic process provides dependable conversion under oilfield conditions.
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
Generates CO2 in situ for oilfield applications, reducing transportation risks and costs by using propylene carbonate, achieving effective decomposition at high temperatures and enabling treatments like cementing, fracturing, and enhanced oil recovery.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a catalyst into the target zone, where the catalyst decomposes the propylene carbonate at the target zone to produce the CO2
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating CO2 in situ for oilfield applications involves introducing propylene carbonate into a target zone and introducing a catalyst into the target zone, where the catalyst decomposes the propylene carbonate at the target zone to produce the CO2. The CO2 is subsequently used for a desired treatment objective or chemical reaction. The steps of introducing the propylene carbonate and the catalyst into the target zone occur in any order or simultaneously.