Renewable Fuel Gas Pyrolysis for Heavy-Oil Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for heavy oil extraction using steam injection face high carbon emissions, capital costs, and weather-related variability, necessitating improved steam generation processes with lower fuel costs and reduced carbon footprints.
Innovation Solution
A renewable gaseous fuel production system that utilizes biogenic and non-biogenic carbonaceous feedstocks to generate steam, incorporating pyrolysis and gas recycling to produce hydrogen and residual carbon solids, reducing reliance on natural gas and enhancing carbon sequestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If natural gas is used to generate steam for heavy oil extraction, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fuel parameter from natural gas to renewable biomass feedstocks (agricultural waste, forestry residue, energy crops). This substitution maintains the steam generation function while changing the carbon source from fossil to renewable, thereby reducing carbon emissions intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts waste biomass materials (which would otherwise be harmful environmental pollutants) into useful fuel for steam generation. The waste materials serve dual purposes: eliminating environmental harm and providing renewable energy, thus converting a harmful factor into a beneficial one.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If solar thermal steam generators are used to replace natural gas, then carbon emissions are reduced, but capital cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive biomass feedstocks (agricultural waste, forestry residue) that are readily available and low-cost, replacing expensive solar thermal equipment. The renewable fuel source is cheaper and more accessible than solar infrastructure, reducing capital investment while maintaining carbon reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses locally available waste biomass materials as fuel, making the steam generation process self-sufficient and independent of external energy sources or expensive equipment. The waste materials are already present in the environment, eliminating the need for capital-intensive solar thermal infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar thermal steam generators are used, then renewable energy is utilized, but operational reliability decreases due to weather variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biomass fuel as an intermediary energy carrier that bridges the gap between renewable energy goals and reliable steam generation. Biomass serves as a storable, controllable fuel source that can be burned consistently regardless of weather conditions, providing operational reliability while maintaining renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from solar radiation (which is variable and weather-dependent) to biomass combustion (which is controllable and consistent). This parameter change maintains the renewable energy aspect while dramatically improving operational reliability and steam generation stability.
4Device complexity
If existing gas-fired steam generators are used, then infrastructure utilization is maintained, but carbon intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing steam generator infrastructure universal by enabling it to accept both natural gas and biomass fuel sources. The steam generator is designed to be flexible and accommodate different fuel types, allowing the same infrastructure to function with low-carbon biomass fuel while maintaining existing equipment and reducing carbon intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fuel parameter of the existing steam generator from natural gas to biomass, thereby reducing carbon intensity while maintaining the same infrastructure and operational capabilities. This parameter change allows the existing equipment to serve a lower-carbon function without requiring replacement.
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 achieves efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly steam generation for heavy oil extraction with reduced carbon emissions and operational stability, utilizing recycled gases and solids for enhanced energy efficiency and emissions control.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pyrolysis and gas recycling to produce hydrogen and residual carbon solids
Implementation Method 2
The gas production process provides an output of renewable fuel gas for steam generation
Implementation Method 3
produce steam which is then injected into heavy oil formations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for improving the efficiency and reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels produced from heavy oil extracted with the steam injection process, by replacing natural gas from fossil fuel sources with a substitute renewable gas produced from solid carbonaceous materials while co-producing a solid carbonaceous byproduct.