Seabed CO2 Hydrate Plug Sealing for Long-Term Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for CO2 sequestration face challenges in artificial synthesis of clathrate hydrates due to limitations in mass transfer, chemical kinetics, and heat transfer, making it difficult to efficiently form and store CO2 hydrates on the seabed.
Innovation Solution
A method for forming CO2 clathrate hydrates by injecting CO2 into a hydrate formation vessel under controlled pressure and temperature conditions, using large flow rates to generate bubbles, and compacting the hydrates into plugs within a containment chamber, sealed in a sleeve receptacle for long-term storage on the seabed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 is injected into preexisting geologic formations for sequestration, then CO2 storage is achieved, but the method requires existing formations and is not universally applicable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of CO2 from gas to solid hydrate form, enabling storage in marine environments without requiring specific geologic formations. This parameter transformation makes the sequestration method universally applicable to ocean floors worldwide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of CO2 from gas to solid clathrate hydrate through controlled temperature and pressure conditions in marine environments. This phase change enables CO2 storage in water columns and on sea floors, expanding applicability beyond traditional geologic formations.
2Reliability
If artificial synthesis of clathrate hydrates is attempted, then CO2 sequestration capability is enhanced, but mass transfer limitations reduce formation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CO2 injection process into controlled phases: gas injection, hydrate formation zone creation, and compaction. This segmentation optimizes mass transfer at each stage, improving overall formation efficiency while maintaining high CO2 sequestration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cooling and pressurization to the marine environment before CO2 injection to pre-establish optimal conditions for hydrate formation. This preliminary action removes mass transfer barriers by ensuring the environment is ready to rapidly accommodate CO2 conversion to hydrates.
3Ease of manufacture
If clathrate hydrates are formed without compaction, then formation process is simpler, but hydrate stability and storage density are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic two-stage process where hydrates are first formed under gentle conditions for ease of manufacture, then compacted under controlled pressure to enhance stability and density. This dynamic approach balances process simplicity with storage reliability.
4Device complexity
If CO2 hydrates are stored without sealing, then storage system is simpler, but hydrate dissociation occurs in seawater ambient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing layer as an intermediary barrier between the CO2 hydrate and seawater environment. This sealing layer prevents direct contact that would cause dissociation, maintaining storage integrity while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
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
Enables rapid and efficient formation of CO2 clathrate hydrates, allowing for secure and long-term storage of CO2, enhancing CO2 sequestration capabilities and providing a viable alternative to traditional sequestration methods.
Implementation Method 1
Clathrate hydrates are ice-like crystalline materials formed from a lattice of hydrogen bonded water molecules encapsulating a guest molecule or atom, such as a gas molecule or atom. Structurally, CO2 hydrates comprise or consist of cages of water molecules which trap CO2 molecules.
Implementation Method 2
Synthesis of clathrate hydrates requires specific temperature and pressure windows. Artificial synthesis of hydrates is very challenging due to limitations associated with mass transfer, chemical kinetics, and heat transfer.
Implementation Method 3
described herein are methods and systems for generating clathrate hydrates and, in particular, for formation of CO2 hydrates, compaction of CO2 hydrates into a plug, and sealing the plug inside an appropriate material (container) to prevent dissociation of hydrates in a seawater ambient.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and systems for generating CO2 clathrate hydrates, for compaction of CO2 hydrates into a plug, and sealing the plug into a container to prevent dissociation of the plug. The disclosed methods and systems advantageously allow for the rapid formation of CO2 clathrate hydrates in water and sealing the CO2 clathrate hydrate in a container for long term storage on the seabed. CO2 clathrate hydrates can be useful for CO2 sequestration and securely storing the CO2 clathrate hydrate as a solid.