This technology uses specially stabilized foams to inject carrier gases into underground formations, accelerating and improving the extraction and separation of valuable geologic gases like hydrogen, helium, and methane for efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly energy production.
Background
The extraction of geologic gases such as hydrogen, helium, and methane from subsurface environments is an area of growing interest due to the increasing demand for clean energy sources and valuable industrial gases. These gases are often produced naturally through geochemical reactions, such as serpentinization, or are present in dissolved form within deep aquifers and rock formations. Harnessing these resources efficiently could provide a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, the subsurface environment presents significant challenges for gas recovery, including high pressures, temperatures, and salinities, as well as complex porous media that hinder effective gas mobilization and extraction.
Current approaches to subsurface gas extraction typically rely on passive degassing, depressurization, or water/gas injection methods that are limited by slow reaction kinetics and low equilibrium concentrations of dissolved gases. These techniques often result in inefficient gas recovery because the target gases remain trapped in solution or are only partially liberated from the host rock. Additionally, conventional gas injection methods can suffer from poor sweep efficiency, where the injected phase bypasses large portions of the reservoir due to viscous fingering, channeling, or inadequate contact with reactive surfaces.
The lack of robust, stable interfaces for gas-liquid exchange further limits the rate and extent of gas extraction, especially under harsh subsurface conditions. As a result, existing technologies struggle to achieve cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable recovery of geologic gases, highlighting the need for more innovative solutions.
Technology description
This technology is an advanced process designed to enhance the generation and extraction of valuable geologic gases—such as hydrogen, helium, methane, and argon—from subsurface aqueous environments. The method involves injecting a carrier gas, often stabilized as a foam, into underground formations where these gases are either dissolved or actively produced through mineral-water reactions like serpentinization. The carrier gas equilibrates with the brine, prompting dissolved geologic gases to exsolve and partition into the gas phase. The use of foam, stabilized by surfactants, nanoparticles, or clays, maximizes the gas-liquid interfacial area, improving both the efficiency of gas extraction and the sweep of the carrier gas through porous rock. Once the gas-laden foam is recovered, it is deconstructed by adjusting pH, salinity, or temperature, allowing for the separation and recycling of both the extracted gases and the carrier gas, with further purification steps as needed.
What differentiates this technology is its strategic use of robust, particle-stabilized foams (including Pickering foams) that maintain stability under the harsh conditions typical of geologic reservoirs—high pressure, temperature, and salinity. These foams not only maximize the efficiency of gas partitioning but also prevent viscous fingering, ensuring thorough contact with the target formation. The process is designed as a closed-loop system, enabling the recycling of brine and stabilizing agents, which reduces operational costs and environmental impact.
Extensive laboratory validation demonstrates significant improvements in gas extraction efficiency and foam stability, with measured gas concentrations surpassing key industry targets. This integrated approach—combining equilibrium-driven gas generation, advanced foam engineering, and sustainable resource recycling—positions the technology as a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solution for large-scale subsurface gas recovery.
Benefits
- Significantly accelerates generation and extraction of geologic gases like hydrogen, helium, and methane from subsurface formations.
- Maximizes gas-liquid interfacial area using foam-stabilized carrier gases, enhancing gas partitioning and sweep efficiency in porous media.
- Employs robust foam stabilization with surfactants and functionalized nanoparticles, ensuring stability under harsh subsurface conditions (high pressure, temperature, salinity).
- Enables a closed-loop system with foam deconstruction and recycling of brine and stabilizing agents, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
- Facilitates direct use or efficient separation of extracted gas mixtures, allowing flexible integration with existing gas processing infrastructure.
- Reduces viscous fingering and improves volumetric contact in reservoirs, increasing overall gas recovery efficiency.
- Offers a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution for clean energy production from Earth's geologic resources.
Commercial applications
- Hydrogen extraction from subsurface formations
- Helium recovery from geologic reservoirs
- Methane production from deep aquifers
- Enhanced gas separation and recycling
- Industrial-scale geologic gas harvesting
Additional information
This technology enhances geologic gas recovery (H₂, He, CH₄) from subsurface brines. It injects foam-stabilized carrier gases into formations, causing dissolved gases to exsolve and partition into the injected gas phase, shifting gas-generating reactions forward. Foams, stabilized by nanoparticles or surfactants, maximize interfacial area and sweep efficiency. Recovered gas-laden foams are deconstructed for gas separation and carrier gas/brine recycling.
US provisional applications: 63/750,106; 63/750,108; 63/750,123; 63/750,116
