Wellhead Barrier Subsystem for Carbon Capture Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and dedicated aquifers, used in oil and gas production, contribute to carbon dioxide emissions and require distinct solutions for carbon capture and storage, with existing technologies being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead system and method incorporating a wellhead block with a barrier subsystem of isolation gate valves or plugs, and modulation valves to allow access and modulate the injection of carbon-containing wellhead fluids, reducing complexity and costs by eliminating the need for large bore injection wing valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing technologies for carbon capture and storage are used in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs or dedicated aquifers, then carbon storage function is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a wellhead block for injection, a barrier subsystem with isolation gate valves or plugs for sealing, and modulation valves for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability for carbon storage
Solution Approach 2:
The wellhead block and barrier subsystem are designed to serve multiple purposes: they can handle both hydrocarbon production and carbon dioxide injection operations. The same infrastructure is reused for different functions, eliminating the need for separate large bore injection wing valves and reducing system complexity
2Reliability
If existing technologies for carbon capture and storage are used in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs or dedicated aquifers, then carbon storage function is achieved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the injection function into the existing wellhead block structure, combining carbon dioxide injection capabilities with the original hydrocarbon production infrastructure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate large bore injection wing valves and associated complex piping, significantly reducing implementation costs while maintaining reliable carbon storage function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available, cost-effective components such as standard isolation gate valves, plugs, and modulation valves that can be easily manufactured and installed. These components are simpler and less expensive than specialized large bore injection equipment, reducing overall implementation cost
3Quantity of substance
If large bore injection wing valves are used for carbon injection, then injection capability is sufficient, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modulation valves that can dynamically adjust their opening degree to control carbon dioxide flow rates. This dynamic control capability replaces the need for fixed large bore valves, allowing precise injection rate control while using smaller, simpler valve components that reduce overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for carbon capture and storage in a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir or dedicated aquifer is disclosed. A wellhead block includes or supports therewith a barrier subsystem having one or more of at least one isolation gate valve or one or more plugs. The barrier subsystem is to allow access to a well that is associated with the depleted hydrocarbon reservoir or dedicated aquifer. The system includes modulation valves to modulate an injection of a wellhead fluid that includes a carbon component into the wellhead block.