Subterranean Hydrogen Storage With Magnetite Adsorption and Chelation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for hydrogen storage and recovery, particularly in subterranean geological formations, face challenges in securely injecting and storing hydrogen, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss, which is crucial for sustainable hydrogen fuel utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the injection of saline water and a gas mixture containing hydrogen into subterranean gas storage cells filled with magnetite, pyrite, or hematite, followed by the use of a chelating solution like EDTA to desorb stored hydrogen, optimizing storage and recovery processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If hydrogen is stored in subterranean gas storage cells using conventional methods, then storage capacity is achieved, but hydrogen loss and inefficiency occur during injection and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen lossVSAvoidstorage security

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetite as an intermediary material that facilitates hydrogen storage. The magnetite particles are injected into the subterranean formation along with hydrogen, and they temporarily adsorb hydrogen on their surfaces, preventing direct hydrogen loss and enabling controlled recovery later through magnetic separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the porous structure of magnetite particles to store hydrogen. The porous nature of magnetite provides extensive surface area for hydrogen adsorption, allowing efficient storage and subsequent recovery while minimizing hydrogen loss during the storage process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If hydrogen is compressed to high pressure (350-700 bar) for storage, then storage density is improved, but handling difficulty and safety requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical compression system with a chemical/physical adsorption system using magnetite. Instead of compressing hydrogen to 350-700 bar, the hydrogen is adsorbed onto magnetite particles at much lower pressures, eliminating the need for high-pressure compression equipment and reducing safety requirements while maintaining storage density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the storage parameter from high pressure (350-700 bar) to low pressure with magnetite adsorption. This parameter change transforms the storage mechanism from mechanical compression to chemical/physical adsorption, improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate storage density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If hydrogen is stored in subterranean formations without magnetite, then injection simplicity is maintained, but storage efficiency and recoverability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidinjection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the storage function with the injection process by co-injecting magnetite particles with hydrogen gas into the subterranean formation. This combination allows the magnetite to perform its storage function during the injection process itself, improving storage efficiency without significantly increasing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetite particles perform self-service by automatically adsorbing hydrogen as they are injected into the formation. The magnetite's natural magnetic properties and surface characteristics enable it to capture and hold hydrogen without requiring additional active control systems, thereby improving storage efficiency while maintaining relative process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of hydrogen storage and recovery by utilizing magnetite, pyrite, or hematite in subterranean formations, allowing for secure and controlled hydrogen absorption and desorption.

Implementation Method 1

storing a portion of the hydrogen gas in the magnetite under a storage condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

desorbing a part of the portion of the hydrogen gas from the magnetite by injecting a chelating solution into the subterranean gas storage cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Data Source

PatentUS12371973B1Method for storing hydrogen in a subterranean gas storage cell

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

AI summary

A method of hydrogen storage and recovery includes injecting saline water into a subterranean gas storage cell in a subterranean geologic formation, including magnetite. The method further includes injecting a gas mixture having hydrogen gas at a positive pressure into the subterranean gas storage cell, and then storing a portion of the hydrogen gas in the magnetite under a storage condition. At least a portion of hydrogen is desorbed of the hydrogen gas from the magnetite by injecting a chelating solution into the subterranean gas storage cell.