Subsurface Gas Separation via Differential Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere are inadequate, as they often require costly separation of gases before subsurface injection and do not effectively differentiate between sequesterable greenhouse gases and non-sequesterable non-greenhouse gases in deep subsurface formations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the in-situ separation of greenhouse gases from non-greenhouse gases within a deep subsurface formation by injecting a pressurized gas stream into a water-laden layer, where the greenhouse gases dissolve and are sequestered, while the non-greenhouse gases are separated and vented, utilizing a deep saline aquifer with specific conditions to facilitate this separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas separation is performed before subsurface injection, then greenhouse gas sequestration efficiency is improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary function of gas separation by performing it in-situ within the subsurface formation rather than requiring complete pre-separation at the surface. The water-laden layer selectively absorbs greenhouse gases while allowing non-greenhouse gases to pass through, achieving effective separation only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsurface water-laden layer performs the separation function automatically based on the differential solubility of gases. The formation itself serves as the separation medium, eliminating the need for external separation equipment and reducing process complexity while maintaining sequestration efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If complete gas separation is performed before injection, then sequestration purity is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the subsurface formation. The water-laden layer provides selective absorption properties specifically at the injection zone, while other layers allow gas passage. This localized separation function achieves sufficient purity without the energy-intensive complete separation required throughout the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the physical-chemical properties of the water-laden layer (specifically its solubility characteristics) to achieve separation. By leveraging the natural differential solubility of greenhouse and non-greenhouse gases in water under subsurface conditions, the system achieves effective separation without energy-consuming separation equipment.
3Ease of operation
If non-greenhouse gases are co-injected with greenhouse gases, then injection process simplicity is improved, but atmospheric emission control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the water-laden layer as an intermediary medium between the injected gas mixture and the subsurface formation. This intermediary selectively interacts with greenhouse gases through absorption while allowing non-greenhouse gases to pass through unchanged, thereby controlling atmospheric emissions without complicating the injection process.
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 method effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering them in the subsurface formation, minimizing the release of non-greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and offers a cost-effective solution by leveraging the differential solubility of gases in the aquifer.
Implementation Method 1
The conditions within the water-laden layer, and the nature of the greenhouse and non-greenhouse gasses present in the waste stream, permit sequestration of the greenhouse gasses and non-sequestration, or separation, of the non-greenhouse gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, such as for example carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere above a ground surface, the method comprising injecting a gas stream comprising one or more than one greenhouse gas into a subsurface injection formation, where the subsurface injection formation comprises a water-laden layer comprising formation water, and where some or all of the greenhouse gases present in the gas stream become dissolved in the formation water in the subsurface injection formation, sequestering the one or more than one greenhouse gas in the subsurface injection formation, separating non-greenhouses gas in situ from the greenhouse gas, venting the non-greenhouse gas from the formation and thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.