Wellsite greenhouse gas reduction and hydrogen production system and method
US11466546B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2022 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2257/7025
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and a method for reduction or elimination of environmentally harmful or “greenhouse” gases in situations in which gaseous hydrocarbons are flared or vented from an oil and gas well are disclosed. The system configures to inject a chemically reactive, or dispersive, or reactive and dispersive atomized mist into a gas flow line leading to a flare stack. The mist reacts with the gas in the flow line to convert methane to hydrogen and carbon monoxide and to reduce other harmful gases, facilitating a clean-burning, compact flare of blue color due to the presence of primarily hydrogen, some carbon monoxide, and a small amount of residual methane. The hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be captured and stored before reaching the ignition point at the top of the flare stack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.