Stranded Gas Conversion to High Energy Density Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stranded natural gas reserves, located in remote or difficult-to-access areas, pose significant challenges for utilization due to high transportation and conversion energy inefficiencies, economic costs, and environmental concerns, with current methods like liquefaction and gas-to-liquid conversion being inefficient and costly, and flaring being wasteful and economically unattractive.
Innovation Solution
Converting stranded natural gas into a high energy density material, such as boron or aluminum, through a reduction process using a material oxide, which is then transported to energy markets for energy generation, allowing for efficient energy distribution and monetization while reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquefaction is used to transport stranded natural gas, then transportation is enabled, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of natural gas from gaseous to solid by converting it into high-energy-density materials (hydrocarbons with API gravity greater than 30). This parameter change eliminates the need for complex liquefaction infrastructure while enabling transportation through existing liquid/solid handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces high-energy-density hydrocarbon materials as intermediary substances that convert stranded natural gas into a transportable form. These intermediaries (syncrude, diesel, jet fuel) serve as mediators between the remote gas source and market destinations, replacing the need for direct gas transportation infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If gas-to-liquid conversion is used, then energy density improves, but conversion energy efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion process is made self-service by using the stranded natural gas itself as the energy source to power the conversion facilities. The gas is converted into high-energy-density materials that can then be transported and combusted, with the combustion energy potentially feeding back into the system, creating a self-sustaining energy loop that minimizes external energy inputs.
3Ease of manufacture
If flaring is used to handle stranded natural gas, then economic cost is reduced, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful act of flaring (burning gas at wellheads) into a beneficial process by capturing the combustion energy and using it to power the conversion facilities. The stranded natural gas that would have been wasted is instead converted into valuable high-energy-density transportation fuels, transforming an energy loss into an energy gain.
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 enhances energy efficiency and economic viability by decoupling production and transport, reducing environmental risks, and lowering infrastructure and operational costs, while providing a sustainable alternative to flaring and existing energy transportation methods.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the material oxide to a high energy density material using the stranded natural gas resource in a stranded natural gas reduction process
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application is directed to a method and system for monetizing energy. More specifically, the invention is directed to the economically efficient utilization of remote or stranded natural gas resources. The invention includes importing a high energy density material into an energy market and distributing the high energy density material (HEDM) therein. The HEDM is produced from reduction of a material oxide such as boria into the HEDM, which may be boron. The reduction utilizes remote hydrocarbon resources such as stranded natural gas resources.