Coalification and carbon sequestration using deep ocean hydrothermal borehole vents
US11414962B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Systems and methods are described for sequestering carbon stored in organic matter while minimizing the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere, with the carbon (C) being stored as char or coal through the coalification process. Organic matter will be moved to submarine hydrothermal vent fields where the extreme heat in the water will drastically accelerate the degradation of the material and destroy microbes that normally consume the organic material and release the carbon as CO2 or CH4. The oxygen level in the heated water around the vents is extremely low. The water surrounding these vents can reach temperatures of 400° C. (750° F.). Exemplary implementations may include constructing hydrothermal borehole vents to harness the energy continuously released from the Earth's core in the form of volcanic heat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.