Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
  • F17C5/06—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with compressed gases
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
  • F17C2201/01—Shape
  • F17C2201/0128—Shape spherical or elliptical
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
  • F17C2201/05—Size
  • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
  • F17C2201/05—Size
  • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
  • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
  • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
  • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
  • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
  • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
  • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/068—Special properties of materials for vessel walls
  • F17C2203/0692—Special properties of materials for vessel walls transparent
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
  • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
  • F17C2221/013—Carbone dioxide
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
  • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
  • F17C2223/0115—Single phase dense or supercritical, i.e. at high pressure and high density
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
  • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
  • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
  • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
  • F17C2223/0138—Single phase solid
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
  • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
  • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
  • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
  • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
  • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
  • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
  • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
  • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
  • F17C2227/0157—Compressors
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
  • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
  • F17C2260/044—Avoiding pollution or contamination
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2270/00—Applications
  • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
  • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an apparatus for sequestration of C0 2 in a low-cost and environmentally sustainable manner.
• EOR Enhanced Oil Recovery
• a task of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art.
• a task of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the permanent sequestration of the C0 2 , in an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable manner.
• Another task of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the permanent sequestration of the C0 2 which can be used in vast areas all over the world and with relative ease.
• Another task of the present invention is that it may be easily used in projects where it is possible to produce C0 2 from a renewable source, such as the production of hydrogen from biomass.
• a renewable source such as the production of hydrogen from biomass.
• the overall benefit for the environment consists not only in the sequestered C0 2 , but also in elimination of the emissions due to the use of renewable fuels rather than fossil fuels.
• Some of the projects envisage the use of land which is not suitable for agriculture, for example owing to the presence of brackish water. This land, which allows the production of huge quantities of biomass, is situated in general in coastal areas with easy access to the sea.
• FIG. l.a is a simplified schematic view of a plant for the permanent sequestration of C0 2 according to the invention.
• Figure l.b is a simplified schematic view of a plant for the permanent sequestration of C0 2 according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a simplified schematic view of a detail of the plant according to the invention.
• Figure 3. a is a schematic view of a possible container designed to contain the C0 2 to be sequestered;
• Figure 3.b is a schematic view of the container according to Figure 3. a partially filled with C0 2 ;
• Figure 4 is a schematic view of the action of the pressures which are exerted on the surface of the container according to Figure 3. a filled with C0 2 once immersed in the deep waters of the sea;
• Figures 5 are schematic views, in sequence, of a possible method for sealing a container once filled
• FIGS. a and 6.b are schematic views of two possible configurations of the loading device and the associated pneumatic plant according to the invention.
• FIGS. 7. a to 7.f are schematic views, in sequence, of the working steps of a loading device according to the invention.
• Figure 8 is a schematic view of a possible configuration of a loading device according to the invention.
• Figure 9 shows the step of loading a container into the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 10 shows the step of pressurization of the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 11 shows the step of partial (hydraulic) opening of the vertical tube in the loading device according to Figure 8;
• Figure 12 shows the step of filling with C0 2 a container in the loading device according to Figure 8;
• Figure 13 shows a first step of displacement of a container in the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 14 shows the step of sealing a container in the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 15 shows a second step of displacement of a container in the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 16 shows the step of actuating the vertical sucker on a container in the loading device according to Figure 8;
• Figure 17 shows the step of total (mechanical) opening of the vertical duct in the loading device according to Figure 8;
• Figure 18 shows the step of positioning a container for descent inside the tube in the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 19 shows the step of initial descent of a container inside the tube in the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figure 20 shows the step of descent of a container inside the tube in the loading device according to Figure 8.
• Figures 21. a and 21. b are schematic views of a solution for slowing down the descent of a container according to the invention.
• Figures 22. a and 22.b are schematic views of another solution for slowing down the descent of a container according to the invention.
• Figures 23. a and 23.b are schematic views of a further solution for slowing down the descent of a container according to the invention.
• Figure 24 is a phase diagram of the C0 2 obtained from data available in literature
• Figure 25 is a graph which shows the correlation between the pressure and the temperature of the C0 2 , along the boiling-point curve obtained from data available in the literature;
• Figure 26 is a graph which shows the correlation between the density and the temperature of the C0 2 along the boiling-point curve, obtained from data available in the literature;
• Figure 27 is a graph indicating the temperature of the sea water as a function of the depth, obtained from data available in the literature;
• Figure 28 is a diagram which illustrates operation of a detail of the embodiment shown in Figure l.b.
• Figure 29 is a schematic view of a possible container designed to contain the C0 2 to be sequestered.
• C0 2 is in the supercritical state when the pressure and the temperature are higher than those of the critical point, i.e. when the pressure is higher than 73.8 bar and the temperature is higher than 31.1°C (see in this connection also the graph in Figure 24).
• the reference number 100 denotes overall a plant for the permanent sequestration of C0 2 .
• the plant 100 comprises firstly a logistics base 200, an optional store 40 for the C0 2 , an optional store for containers 30, and an apparatus 10 for loading and arranging containers 30 on the sea bottom, according to the invention.
• the logistics base 200 may comprise an off-shore platform 20.
• the plant 10 also comprises means 42 for supplying the C0 2 .
• the logistics base 200 may be connected to a suitable gas pipeline for transporting the C0 2 .
• the off-shore platform 20 may be connected to the coast by means of a suitable gas pipeline for transportation of the C0 2 .
• it is possible to use other methods known per se for transportation of the C0 2 for example by means of pressurized freight containers loaded on special transportation means and/or on special boats.
• the apparatus 10 for the sequestration of carbon dioxide C0 2 in containers 30 comprises a loading device 12 and a pressurized tube 14 which connects the loading device to the depth of the sea.
• the loading device 12 comprises a chamber 123, pressurization means 16, filling means 126 and sealing means 127, wherein:
• the loading device 12 is immersed, during use, in an external low-pressure environment
• the chamber 123 is designed to be opened towards the external low-pressure environment so as to receive at its inlet at least one container 30;
• the chamber 123 is designed to be hermetically sealed from the low-pressure external environment
• the pressurization means 16 are designed to increase the pressure inside the chamber 123 until a predefined high pressure level, called working pressure, is reached;
• the chamber 123 is designed to withstand the difference between the external low pressure and the working pressure which is established internally;
• the filling means 126 are designed to fill the container with C0 2 ;
• the sealing means 127 are designed to hermetically seal the container 30 full of C0 2 ;
• the chamber 123 is designed to be opened towards an external environment at the working pressure so as to output the container 30 full of C0 2 .
• a loading valve 122 which allows the containers 30 to pass from an external environment inside the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 and which hydraulically seals off the environment outside the low-pressure loading device, which is generally at sea-level, from the chamber 123 of said loading device 12;
• the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 which has a suitable, generally cylindrical shape, is designed to contain inside it one or more containers 30 and is designed to withstand the difference between the external atmospheric pressure and the working pressure which is established internally;
• an unloading valve 124 which allows the containers 30 to pass from inside the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 to the tube 14 and which hydraulically seals off the chamber of the loading device 12 from the tube 14 at the working pressure (high pressure);
• the minimum depth 60 which the sea bottom must have in order for the invention to be able to function i.e. the depth at which the design pressure is established.
• the design pressure P p is the minimum pressure at which the containers 30 may be deposited and kept for an indefinite period of time, once filled with C0 2 . It corresponds to the pressure of the depth 60.
• the working pressure Pi is instead the maximum pressure which is established inside the chamber 123 during the various steps of the method according to the invention.
• the working pressure Pi is equal to or greater than the design pressure P p .
• design pressure depends generally on the conditions (in particular the temperature and depth) of the seabed where the containers 30 are to be deposited. Moreover the design pressure also depends on the mechanical characteristics of the container 30 itself.
• the level 51 of the sea water 52 inside the tube 14 will not coincide in general with the depth 60.
• the pressure varies from that which is present close to the loading device 12. Variations in pressure are for example due to the air column and the presence of containers 30 falling inside the tube 14.
• the tube 14 which is shown schematically in Figures 1, 2 and 6 to 23, is a duct which may be vertical or differently inclined, with a preferably circular cross-section, which is straight or curved, suitable for allowing the passage of the containers 30 filled with C0 2, and which connects the loading device 12 situated at the level 50, generally the surface of the sea, to the desired depth 60.
• the apparatus 10 may comprise means 16 for compressing fluids in order to generate the working pressure (high pressure) in the loading device 12 and in the tube 14.
• the compressed fluids may be liquids, such as water, or gases, such as air or a mixture of other gases containing generally nitrogen, oxygen or C0 2 .
• gases such as air or a mixture of other gases containing generally nitrogen, oxygen or C0 2 .
• An optional compressor or pump 1631 complete with intake duct 1632 and discharge duct 1633.
• An optional compressor or pump 1651 complete with intake duct 1652 and discharge duct 1653.
• the apparatus 10 may comprise different types and configurations of valves 122 and 125.
• - Figure 7.b step for closing the loading valve 122 and pressurization of the chamber 123 of the loading device 12;
• - Figure 7.c step for filling the container with C0 2 , sealing it and subsequent opening of the unloading valve 125 when the pressure inside the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is the same as the pressure inside the tube 14 (working pressure);
• the containers 30 used may have a spherical shape and be made of glass and/or ceramic material.
• the containers 30 have the function of containing the C0 2 and isolating it completely from the external environment.
• the containers 30 in particular have as first function that of retaining the C0 2 inside them so that it cannot be released and cannot reach the atmosphere.
• the containers 30 have moreover as second function that of forming an impermeable physical barrier which keeps the C0 2 separated from the surrounding environment, in particular from the sea water 52.
• the containers 30 must be preferably made of materials which may have a practically infinite duration in the environment and in any case a duration of thousands of years
• the containers 30 must be made preferably with a shape which minimizes the quantity of material used per unit of volume of C0 2 stored.
• the containers 30 must preferably be able to withstand external pressures without breaking or cracking.
• the containers 30 must be preferably made using non-toxic materials which are not harmful for the environment.
• the containers 30 must be preferably made of materials which are easily found and low-cost.
• Glass, ceramic or glass-ceramic materials are characterized by the following main chemical elements which are present in different proportions: Si0 2 , A1 2 0 3 ; Fe 2 0 3 ; CaO; MgO; Na 2 0; K 2 0; S0 3 ; B 2 0 3 , and may have an amorphous, crystalline or intermediate structure depending on the production process by means of which they are obtained.
• Glass, ceramic or glass-ceramic materials are characterized by good mechanical strength values with a Young's modulus generally of between 50 Gpa and 500 Gpa.
• Glass, ceramic or glass-ceramic materials, as well as in their ordinary single-phase homogeneous form, may also be used in a composite form, where a fiber reinforcement is embedded in a matrix which maintains the cohesion of the reinforcement.
• a fiber reinforcement is embedded in a matrix which maintains the cohesion of the reinforcement.
• Cements are characterized by the following main chemical elements which are present in different proportions: Si0 2 , A1 2 0 3 ; Fe 2 0 3 ; CaO; MgO; Na 2 0; K 2 0; and S0 3 .
• the containers 30 are hollow spheres provided with at least one opening 32 for allowing filling with C0 2 .
• the spherical shape is one which, in the manufacture of the container 30, minimizes the quantity of material per unit of storable volume.
• the spherical shape is one which optimizes the mechanical strength of the container 30 when it is subject to external pressures as can be seen in the diagram of Figure 4.
• the spherical shape is one which optimizes the mechanical strength of the container 30 also when it is subject to internal pressures, i.e. when the internal pressure of the C0 2 is greater than the external pressure.
• the containers 30 have a capsule-like shape, i.e. formed by a central cylindrical section which is closed at the ends by two semi-spherical caps.
• the container 30 may travel along the tube 14 also where there are bends, provided that these have a radius which is greater than a threshold value which may be easily determined during design of the plant.
• the container 30, in addition obviously to displacement along the axis of the tube 14, may only perform rotation about the same axis. This allows any forms to be adopted for the opening 32 and for the closing plug 33 of the container 30. In fact, the constrained position of the container 30 with respect to the tube 14 prevents the volume of these elements from causing problems along the tube 14.
• Other possible shapes of the containers 30 include for example a cylindrical shape, conical shape, oval shape, toroidal shape, parallelepiped shape and pyramid shape.
• the container 30 must be preferably able to sequester the greatest possible quantity of C0 2 per quantity of material used for its manufacture.
• the C0 2 may be present in any form: gas and/or liquid and/or solid and/or supercritical.
• the density of the C0 2 in the liquid phase is optimal at the normal temperatures at the depth of the sea, i.e. between 5°C and 20°C (see in this connection Figure 27).
• the density of the liquid C0 2 38, along the saturation curve at such temperatures varies between about 750 kg/m 3 and about 900 kg/m 3.
• the pressures of the C0 2 vary from about 40 bar to about 57 bar. Higher densities may be obtained at these temperatures by increasing the pressures with respect to those of the saturation curve.
• the container in order to obtain a density of the liquid C0 2 equal to about 1000 kg/m at the temperature of 5°C, the container must be filled to the pressure of 200 bar, while at the temperature of 20°C a pressure of 350 bar is required. Based on the above considerations it is possible to define the design pressure, i.e. the pressure at which filling of the containers 30 is performed.
• Figure 25 shows a graph in which the temperature of the liquid C0 2 is shown in relation to its boiling pressure.
• the minimum pressure necessary for keeping the C0 2 in liquid form is 39.7 bar at 5°C and 57.29 bar at 20°C. This means that the pressure inside the container in order to obtain liquid C0 2 38 at a temperature of 5°C is equal to or greater than 39.7 bar.
• Figure 26 is a graph showing the temperature of the C0 2 in relation to its density along the boiling-point curve thereof.
• a person skilled in the art may easily understand that the density of the liquid C0 2 38 is 895.9 kg/m at a temperature of 5°C and 773,4 kg/m at a temperature of 20°C. This means that the density of the liquid C0 2 38 inside the container at a temperature of 5°C is equal to or greater than 895,9 kg/m .
• the invention preferably envisages that the containers 30 are constructed making optimum use of structural material such as glass or ceramics.
• the container 30, once filled with C0 2 should always be subject to compressive forces rather than tensile forces in order to minimize the use of material for construction thereof.
• the container 30, once filled with C0 2 should always be subject, after sealing, during all the stages of descent (both inside the tube 14 and in the water 52) as far as the final destination on the bottom, to an external pressure equal to or greater than the design pressure exerted internally by the C0 2 . This is achieved by pressurizing the loading device 12 and immersing the container 30 to a suitable depth in the sea.
• the wall of the container must be designed with dimensions for withstanding implosion.
• the thickness 31 is equal to about 5 mm and the total weight of the material to about 18 kg.
• volume of the containers 30 there are no particular limitations for definition of the volume of the containers 30. With reference merely to considerations of a technological nature, associated therefore with the production of the containers 30, and of a logistical nature, associated therefore with the movement of the containers 30 when both empty and full of C0 2 , it is possible to define as a preferable range of values the range of between 0.1 liters and 1000 liters, with a particular preference for volumes of between 5 liters and 200 liters.
• the pressurization with air of 1 m of space from atmospheric pressure to the pressure of 100 bar with air requires a quantity of electric energy equal to about 25 kWh and therefore, as regards the above, implies 10 kg of C0 2 emission for the use of electric energy.
• the loading device 12 according to the invention may require the pressurization of about 2 m of air for 1000 kg of stored C0 2 .
• the pressurization of 1000 kg of C0 2 at atmospheric pressure to the pressure of 100 bar for filling the containers requires about 110 kWh which involve about 44 kg of C0 2 emissions for the electric power consumption.
• the plant 100 according to the invention also envisages accessory energy applications for transportation of the containers 30, for management of the logistics base 200, for movement of the platform 20, for transportation of the C0 2 via a gas pipeline or via ship from the coast to the platform. This further energy may be calculated on average as 10 kWh per ton of stored C0 2 and therefore adds about 4 kg of C0 2 emissions for the electric power consumption.
• a particularly advantageous configuration of the invention envisages using a design pressure inside the containers 30 which allows C0 2 with a minimum density close to that of water to be obtained, namely about 950 kg/m at the temperatures typically associated with the seabed.
• This design pressure will therefore be comprised between about 100 bar for a seabed at 5°C and about 250 bar for a seabed at 20°C.
• a particularly advantageous configuration of the invention envisages using the seabeds at depths of between 1000 m and 8000 m, where the pressure varies between about 100 bar and 800 bar.
• a person skilled in the art will certainly agree that the average depth of the oceans is located at about 4000 m and that there exists a practically infinite space for application of the invention.
• the containers 30 may be filled with dry ice, i.e. C0 2 in solid form rather than liquid C0 2 .
• dry ice i.e. C0 2 in solid form rather than liquid C0 2 .
• the density of the dry ice is equal to about 1500 kg/m .
• the container 30 Since the density of dry ice is greater than that of liquid C0 2, the container 30 must be filled only partially with dry ice in order to prevent, with raising of the temperature, the internal pressure of the C0 2 from increasing to the point of causing the container 30 to explode. On the other hand, it is necessary to calculate the mass of dry ice by ensuring that, when the temperature rises from -78°C to the equilibrium temperature of the water on the seabed, the pressure and the density of the C0 2 inside the container are exactly those which are envisaged for the conditions of the seabed.
• filling of the containers 39 with C0 2 in the liquid or gaseous state must be performed at design pressure (high pressure)
• filling with C0 2 in the solid state may also be performed in low pressure conditions.
• the step of filling the container 30 may precede the step of pressurization of the chamber 123.
• the filling means 126 may be optionally outside the chamber 123.
• the containers 30 must be completely and permanently sealed off from the external environment.
• FIG. 5 shows a particular embodiment of the invention where the containers 30 are hermetically sealed by means of a welding process.
• the container 30 and the plug 33 are both made of glass.
• the particular process schematically shown in Figures 5 uses an induction welding technique which is described below.
• the plug 33 has mounted on it a suitable ring 34 made of ferromagnetic material. Once the plug 33 has been positioned inside the opening 32 of the container 30, the ring 34 completely covers the gap between the plug 33 and the wall 31 of the containers 30. When a suitable electromagnetic field generator 35 is moved towards the ring 34, the latter is heated to temperatures higher than 1000°C due to the effect of the magnetic induction. The ring 34 transmits by means of contact and by means of radiation heat to the underlying glass of the plug 33 and the wall 31 of the container 30, causing localized melting thereof and consequent sealing of the container 30.
• the opening 32 and respective plug 33 have a frustoconical form. This form prevents the plug from being pushed inside the container 30 and, at the same time, produces the effect that it is the difference in pressure which keeps the plug 33 in position.
• FIG 8 shows, again in schematic form, an apparatus 10 according to the invention which comprises advantageously a number of secondary systems, such as for example the means 16 for pressurization of the loading device 12 and the tube 14, the filling means 126, the sealing means 127, the means 128 for displacement of the containers 30 and the means for closing the tube 14.
• secondary systems such as for example the means 16 for pressurization of the loading device 12 and the tube 14, the filling means 126, the sealing means 127, the means 128 for displacement of the containers 30 and the means for closing the tube 14.
• the pressurization means 16 may comprise a compressor 1631 which is designed to generate the pressures necessary for pressurizing the loading device 12 at least up to the design pressure, i.e. the pressure at which filling of the C0 2 inside the containers 30 takes place.
• the compressor 1631 comprises an intake 1632 for a suitable liquid and/or gas, typically air or a gas mixture containing different gases in any proportion.
• a duct 1633 connects the compressor 1631 to the chamber 123 of the loading device 12.
• a duct 1634 provided with suitable process and safety valves, connects the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 to a low-pressure environment, typically at atmospheric pressure.
• the duct 1634 may connect the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 to a confined environment which allows recovery at least partially of the air pressure at the moment of release with a view to opening the loading valve 122.
• a turbine which is able to make use of expansion of the compressed air output from the chamber 123 in order to generate energy is advantageously mounted on the duct 1634.
• the means 126 for filling the containers 30 with C0 2 comprise a nozzle 1261 for conveying the C0 2 inside the container 30.
• the means 127 for sealing the containers 30 comprises a welding head 1271 which may for example be an inductive electrode similar to that indicated by 35 in Figures 5.c and 5.d.
• the means 128 for displacement of the containers 30 comprise a sucker 1281 which is designed to grip the container 30 and retain it in a sufficiently firm manner so as to be able to move inside the chamber 123 of the loading device 12.
• the first means 129 for partial (or mechanical) closing of the tube 14 comprise a stop member 1291 designed to prevent the uncontrolled falling of the container 30 inside the tube 14 and ensure at the same time hydraulic communication, and therefore a pressure equilibrium, between the tube 14 and the body 134 of the loading device 12.
• the second means 124 for total (or hydraulic) closing of the tube 14 comprise an unloading valve 125 designed to close hermetically the tube 14 with respect to the body 134 of the loading device 12, thus ensuring the possibility of establishing different pressures in the two environments.
• the unloading valve 125 may advantageously comprise a sucker 1251 designed to grip the container 30 and retain it in a sufficiently firm manner to prevent it from falling in an uncontrolled manner inside the tube 14.
• the loading valve 122 is in the open position
• the container 30 is empty and is introduced into the chamber 123 of the loading device 12;
• the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is at atmospheric pressure; and the tube 14 is closed by the unloading valve 125 and is at the working pressure.
• the loading valve 122 is closed so as to seal hermetically the chamber 123 of the loading device 12;
• the container 30 is in the position where it will be filled with C0 2 ; the loading valve 125 is in the closed position, hermetically sealing the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 from the tube 14; and
• the compressor 1631 introduces into the chamber 123 of the loading device a quantity of air sufficient to increase the pressure inside the chamber 123 until it is equal to the working pressure and equal to the pressure present inside the tube 14.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position, hermetically sealing the chamber 123 of the loading device 12;
• the unloading valve 125 is opened when the pressure inside the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is equal to the pressure inside the tube 14;
• the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is kept at the working pressure by the compressor 1631;
• the filling means 126 fill the container 30 with the liquid C0 2 38;
• the partial closing means 129 close partially the inlet mouth of the tube 14;
• the displacement means 128 move towards the container 30 and grip it with the special sucker 1281.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 is in the open position
• the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is kept at the working pressure; and the filling means 126 fill the container 30 with liquid C0 2 38.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 is in the open position
• the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is kept at the working pressure; and the displacement means 128 move the container 30 with its load of liquid C0 2 38 into the sealing position.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 is in the open position; the chamber 123 of the loading device 12 is kept at the working pressure; and the sealing means 127 hermetically seal the container 30 by means of the welding of the plug 33.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 is in the open position
• the displacement means 129 move the container 30 into the position for entry into the tube
• the means 129 for partially closing the inlet mouth of the tube 14 prevent the container 30 from falling in an uncontrolled manner inside the tube 14.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the sucker 1251 grips the container 30.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 is in the open position
• the sucker 1251 keeps the container 30 firmly connected to the body of the unloading valve 125;
• the displacement means 128 are retracted into a rest position, leaving the container 30 free;
• the means 129 for partially closing the inlet mouth of the tube 14 are retracted into the rest position, leaving the inlet mouth of the tube 14 completely free;
• the container 30 is supported by the sucker 1251 and may not accidentally fall into the tube 14.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 starts the closing step
• the sucker 1251 keeps the container 30 firmly connected to the body of the unloading valve 125; and the container 30 supported by the sucker 1251 starts to enter in a controlled manner the tube 14;
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the sucker 1251 keeps the container 30 integrally connected to the body of the unloading valve 125;
• the container 30 supported by the sucker 1251 enters the tube 14 completely and in a controlled manner.
• the loading valve 122 is in the closed position
• the unloading valve 125 closes completely sealing off the chamber 123 of the loading device from tube 14;
• the sucker 1251 releases the container 30 which is free to descend inside the tube 14.
• the tube 2 is at a pressure which is generally higher than 35 bar.
• the tube 14 may be full of pressurized air in order to compensate for the water pressure.
• the water level inside the tube 14 is indicated by the level 51 which generally does not coincide with the level 60. This means that the container 30 must descend over a vertical distance between the level 50 and the level 51, said distance being generally between 350 m and 3000 m, preferably between 750 ma and 2500 m, inside a tube full of air with the possibility of reaching high free-falling speeds.
• the tube 14 comprises: a pressure-tight wall 141;
• ribs 142 which allow the container 30 to be kept at a controlled distance from the wall 141 of the tube 14, thus creating slits 143.
• the container 30 which descends along the tube 14 defines two portions of said tube: a top portion 146 situated between the container 30 and the loading device 12 and a bottom portion situated between the container 30 and the water level 51.
• the container 30 tends to descend along the tube 14 by means of the force of gravity. Since the air of the portion 145 underneath the container 30 is confined by the wall 141 of the tube 14 and by the surface of the water 51, it exerts a force which opposes the descent of the container 30.
• the container 39 in order to be able to descend along the tube 14, must allow the air contained in the underlying portion 145 to pass to the portion 146 situated above: this occurs via the slits 143 where only a controlled amount of air may pass. This allows the speed of descent of the container 30 to be controlled.
• Figures 22. a and 22.b show a solution similar to that described above, where however the container 30 has a different (for example cylindrical) form designed to increase the aerodynamic resistance thereof and therefore influence further the speed of free descent along the tube 14.
• Figures 23. a and 23.b show a further solution similar to those described, where, however, the cross-section of the tube 141 is uniform and the ribs 142 are mounted on the external surface of the container 30.
• the tube 14 may be advantageously constructed using an outer tube 140 and an inner tube 144.
• the outer tube 140 which is preferably made of metallic material, is designed to withstand the high working pressures and may have a smooth inner wall.
• the inner tube 144 which is preferably made of plastic, defines the ribs 142. It can be noted that it is not necessary for the inner tube 144 to be suitable for withstanding high pressures, since the pressure is counteracted by the outer tube 140. With this configuration it is possible to use as an outer tube 140 tubes which are already commercially available with very high qualitative standards because they are used for gas pipelines. On the other hand, the inner tube 144 may be easily made, with the necessary ribs 142, by means of extrusion processes.
• the logistics base 200 is provided on the mainland or on the coast or in any case on structures which are connected to it in a stable and direct manner, such as piers, quays or the like.
• the tube 14 may not have generally an orientation close to the vertical as in the embodiment shown in Figures l.a and 2.
• the tube 14 of the embodiment shown in Figure l.b is generally inclined with the average slope of the seabed which extends from the logistics base 200 to the bottom 60 where the design pressure is established.
• the tube 14 following the profile of the seabed will have in general a variable inclination along its path. It cannot be ruled out a priori that, along the path, there will sections with a zero inclination (i.e. horizontal sections) or even sections with a negative inclination (i.e. sections where the tube rises upwards briefly). This condition is shown schematically in Figure l.b.
• the movement of the container 30 along the tube 14 is obtained by applying upstream a working pressure Pi greater than the design pressure P p .
• the pressurization means 16 and the chamber 123 are designed to operate at a predefined level of high pressure greater than the design pressure P p . In this way a single container 30 is exposed to a pressure difference between its upstream surface and its downstream surface. This pressure difference generates a force which pushes the container 30 along the tube 14 and is able to overcome the frictional forces which it encounters during its movement.
• This basic idea may be developed so as to allow the movement along the tube 14 of a plurality of containers 30 simultaneously.
• a return tube 147 and a compressor 148 As may be seen in Figure l.b, the compressor 148 is located upstream, in the vicinity of the loading device 12.
• the return tube 147 connects the compressor 148 to the section of the tube 14 in the vicinity of its downstream end. In this way, the compressor 148 is able to cause circulation of the air, or other suitable fluid, recovering it at the downstream end of the tube 14, compressing it and re-introducing it upstream of the tube 14.
• this tube section 14 should be relatively short and it is moreover preferable that it should have a suitable inclination so as to allow the container 30 to continue its movement by means of gravity to the downstream end of the tube 14.

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• 2015
  • 2015-11-26 EP EP15823383.3A patent/EP3227597A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2015-11-26 WO PCT/IB2015/059150 patent/WO2016088002A1/en active Application Filing

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