Sulfur Management via Elemental Conversion and Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing sulfur in hydrocarbon production streams result in elemental sulfur surpluses and pose challenges due to the toxicity and handling issues associated with sulfur dioxide, a byproduct of sulfur oxidation.
Innovation Solution
Converting sulfur-containing streams to elemental sulfur, transporting it to a location near a geological formation, and then converting it to sulfur oxides for injection, while generating electrical energy through combustion and heat recovery, thereby avoiding the transport of toxic sulfur dioxide and allowing for selective injection locations based on desired outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elemental sulfur is oxidized to sulfur dioxide for disposal, then sulfur management is achieved, but toxic sulfur dioxide transport and handling issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses geological formations as an intermediary medium to receive and sequester sulfur dioxide directly at the injection site, eliminating the need for long-distance transport of toxic sulfur dioxide. The formation acts as a safe repository that converts the harmful gas into stable mineral forms through natural geological processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful sulfur dioxide gas into beneficial outcomes by injecting it into geological formations where it undergoes mineralization to form stable sulfate minerals. This process transforms a toxic waste product into a permanent geological storage solution that also has potential applications in enhanced oil recovery and groundwater management.
2Reliability
If sulfur dioxide is transported from production site to disposal location, then sulfur can be managed, but handling complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide at the production site using the Claus process, then immediately transports and injects the sulfur dioxide into nearby geological formations. This preliminary conversion eliminates the need for complex storage and long-distance transport systems, simplifying the overall disposal infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elemental sulfur is stockpiled for market changes, then economic flexibility is maintained, but storage space and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of sulfur from solid elemental form to gaseous sulfur dioxide, then injects it into geological formations where it is permanently sequestered. This parameter change eliminates the need for large-volume stockpiling while maintaining economic flexibility through controlled injection rates and selection of injection timing based on market conditions.
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 enables the safe and efficient management of sulfur, reducing environmental impact by avoiding sulfur dioxide transport and allowing for multiple injection strategies to achieve sulfur sequestration, gas sweetening, and enhanced oil recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The Claus process, which oxidizes at least a portion to hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide, and then sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are reacted to produce elemental sulfur and water
Implementation Method 2
converting it to sulfur oxides for injection, while generating electrical energy through combustion and heat recovery
Implementation Method 3
generating electrical energy through combustion and heat recovery
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing sulfur in a sulfur-containing stream may include steps of providing a sulfur-containing stream; converting sulfur within the sulfur-containing stream to elemental sulfur; transporting the elemental sulfur to a location at or near a sulfur oxide injection location; converting the elemental sulfur to sulfur oxides; recovering electrical energy from said step of converting the elemental sulfur to sulfur oxides; injecting the sulfur oxides into the sulfur oxide injection location. The method may include steps of screening a plurality of injection locations and selecting, from the screened plurality of injection locations, a particular sulfur dioxide injection location with specific reservoir characteristics for the sulfur oxides.