Underground Well Injection of Carbon-Containing Liquids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon sequestration methods, particularly those involving CO2 geological storage, are expensive due to high energy costs associated with gas separation, compression, transportation, and monitoring, and there is a need for improved systems and methods to reduce CO2 emissions.

Innovation Solution

The use of carbon-containing liquids, produced through chemical processes like pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and transesterification, which are injected into underground wells after adjusting properties for compatibility, reducing the need for compression and simplifying infrastructure compared to gaseous or solid injectants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If CO2 gas is used for geological storage, then carbon sequestration is achieved, but high energy costs are incurred due to gas separation, compression, transportation, and monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy costVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon from gas (CO2) to liquid (carbon-containing liquid). This parameter change eliminates the need for compression equipment and reduces energy consumption for transportation and injection, while maintaining the carbon sequestration function. The liquid state allows direct pumping using conventional oil and gas industry equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic principles by using liquid carbon-containing materials that can be pumped and transported through conventional hydraulic infrastructure. This replaces the pneumatic systems required for CO2 gas handling, utilizing existing oil and gas industry pumping and transportation equipment designed for liquid fluids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If CO2 compression equipment is installed, then carbon sequestration capability is improved, but capital costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon sequestration capabilityVSAvoidcapital cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the carbon-containing liquid compatible with existing multi-functional infrastructure used in the oil and gas industry for exploration, production, and transportation. This universal compatibility eliminates the need for dedicated carbon sequestration equipment, reducing capital costs while maintaining sequestration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the carbon-containing liquid to be handled, pumped, and transported using self-service capabilities of existing conventional equipment. The liquid properties are adjusted to be compatible with standard industry equipment, eliminating the need for specialized compression and handling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If solid carbon materials are used for injection, then carbon storage is achieved, but handling and pumping reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling reliabilityVSAvoidpumping ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon from solid to liquid. This parameter change transforms the material from a difficult-to-handle solid that requires specialized injection equipment into an easily pumpable liquid that flows through conventional infrastructure, significantly improving both handling reliability and pumping ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces capital and operational costs, enhances reliability in handling and pumping, and provides a more efficient method for carbon sequestration by utilizing existing oil and gas industry equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrothermal liquefaction:

Implementation Method 3

The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, transesterification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransesterification:

Implementation Method 4

The carbon-containing liquids can be produced using a variety of chemical processes, including, for example, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, transesterification, and fermentation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260036023A1System and process for geological sequestration of carbon-containing materials

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 CHARM IND INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a method and a system for sequestering carbon-containing materials in underground wells. An example method includes: obtaining a material comprising a carbon-containing liquid; optionally testing the material for compatibility with an underground well; optionally adjusting a property of the material to improve the compatibility; and providing the material for injection into the underground well.