CO2 Extraction from Seawater for Enhanced Oil Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for CO2 extraction from the atmosphere are inefficient, particularly from dilute sources, and require processing large volumes of air, whereas extracting CO2 from oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon could provide a more environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery without the need for new well drilling.
Innovation Solution
A system that extracts CO2 from seawater by converting bicarbonate ions into CO2 gas using an electrodialysis process, which is then used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in existing hydrocarbon wells, while also restoring ocean alkalinity by adjusting the pH of returned seawater to reabsorb atmospheric CO2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If CO2 is extracted from atmospheric mixed-gas source, then CO2 separation is achieved, but large volumes of gas must be processed due to low CO2 concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts CO2 from oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon sources where CO2 concentration is significantly higher than in atmospheric air. By taking out CO2 from this concentrated source rather than processing dilute atmospheric air, the system achieves the same CO2 production with much lower gas processing volumes, directly resolving the contradiction between CO2 concentration and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the source parameter from atmospheric CO2 (dilute, ~0.04% concentration) to oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon (concentrated, equilibrium with atmospheric CO2 but in liquid phase). This parameter change in the source medium allows CO2 extraction with significantly reduced processing volume while maintaining the same output concentration
2Productivity
If new hydrocarbon wells are drilled for hydrocarbon recovery, then hydrocarbon extraction capacity is increased, but environmental impact and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing hydrocarbon wells serve a dual function: continuing their primary role for hydrocarbon extraction while simultaneously serving as injection points for CO2 from the oceanic carbon extraction system. This multi-functionality allows the system to increase hydrocarbon recovery capacity without drilling new wells, thereby avoiding the environmental impact and costs associated with new well construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing infrastructure of hydrocarbon wells for the dual purpose of hydrocarbon production and CO2 injection. The wells essentially serve themselves by continuing their original function while simultaneously enabling enhanced recovery through CO2 injection, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure and reducing both environmental impact and operational costs
Data Source
AI summary
A method of extracting hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well includes receiving an aqueous solution including dissolved inorganic carbon, and extracting the dissolved inorganic carbon from the aqueous solution to create CO2 by changing a pH of the aqueous solution. The method also includes pumping the CO2 into the hydrocarbon well and, in response to pumping the CO2 into the hydrocarbon well, extracting the hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon well.