In this project, we were tasked with using all we have learned from this year to create a biotechnology product that would solve a current issue in the world. Our group was interested in the effects of climate change and ways we can limit our impact on the environment. We investigated many different solutions like reducing paper bag use or using environmentally friendly straws but in the end we choose carbon capture and storage. Throughout the project, our objective was to utilize our understanding of biology to create a proposal for a product to further our research/create this product.
Our Blueprint: |
Our Proposal: |
Content:
Climate Change:
Climate change is a very prevalent issue in our society and our goal with this project was to mitigate the negatives of climate change. Climate change is caused by an increase in the greenhouse effect which melts the ice caps. This leads to sea level rise which is catastrophic for coastal ecosystems and communities.
We also investigated depletion of natural resources. Seeing that in 110 years almost all forms of fossil fuels will be depleted, we described that we had to research something to help our society fix this drastic issue.
Climate change is a very prevalent issue in our society and our goal with this project was to mitigate the negatives of climate change. Climate change is caused by an increase in the greenhouse effect which melts the ice caps. This leads to sea level rise which is catastrophic for coastal ecosystems and communities.
We also investigated depletion of natural resources. Seeing that in 110 years almost all forms of fossil fuels will be depleted, we described that we had to research something to help our society fix this drastic issue.
What is carbon capture and storage?
Carbon capture and storage is a process where carbon is captured and then stored. It's as simple as that. While the name is simple, it involves many different process and involves many different steps. If executed properly, this process is capable of preventing 90% of burned C02 from entering the atmosphere.
What type of carbon capture is the best?
When it comes to carbon capture, there are three options, pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxyfuel. We did not choose oxyfuel because it is inefficient and requires too much energy to implement and use. Pre-combustion cannot be implemented in older factories so post-combustion was the overall best pick.
Step 1:
Industrial Factories make up almost 22% of United States C02 emissions.
Carbon Capture will start at these factories where large point sources of C02 are emitted.
Carbon Capture will start at these factories where large point sources of C02 are emitted.
Step 2:
- SO2 Scrubber
- Uses a semi-liquid of limestone that reacts to the SO2 to take it out of the flue gas
- Flue Gas Cooler
- Cools the gas down and removes impurities
- Absorber
4. Stripper
1. Heats solution to about 120 C⁰ to release the CO2 gas
5. To Sequence
1. CO2 is transferred to pipe for step 3
Step 3:
Carbon is either transported by boat, truck, or pipeline. For our proposal, we decided to choose pipelines.
- Pipelines
- Made of stainless steel
- Additional chromium oxide layer
- Price ~$1/lb to $1.45/lb
- Type 304L most suitable
- Between 4,000-6,000 ft deep
- 2 ft in diameter
- Made of stainless steel
Step 4:
- Storage
- Refill depleted oil wells with CO2
- Refills natural resources
- Creates fossil fuels after thousands of years
- Currently, carbon storage is largely directed towards placing excess carbon into the sea
- Biological Pump
- Solubility Pump
- We decided to pump excess carbon dioxide in gaseous form into depleted oil fills
- Creates fossil fuels after thousands of years
After carbon capture is implemented, it will successfully address the problems of fossil fuel depletion and climate change. It will reduce carbon emissions by taking carbon out of the air and putting it into the ground instead. It is capable of replenishing natural resources by putting carbon back into the earth. Finally, it will mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere.
Reflection:
Gathering information and research went well during this project. We were able to finish all aspects of the project before deadlines and were able to build a strong proposal. As a group, we worked together to ensure that all parts of the project were ready by the time they were due. One part that went poorly was our management of the project when we did not have any more in class work days. Our work was not as smooth and efficient and we could have improved on our communication.
I learned that it is really important to practice your presentations before you give them. This project we never practiced our presentation as a group and this negatively affected our presentation. I can improve upon making sure I set aside some time to practice for enough time so that our group is confident and ready to present.
I also learned that at the end of the year it becomes hard to get work done. I wasn't very productive this project and I got of task a lot because it was the end of the year. I can improve upon this next year by making sure that I stay focussed until the very end so that my work can continue to stay strong throughout the entire year.
I learned that it is really important to practice your presentations before you give them. This project we never practiced our presentation as a group and this negatively affected our presentation. I can improve upon making sure I set aside some time to practice for enough time so that our group is confident and ready to present.
I also learned that at the end of the year it becomes hard to get work done. I wasn't very productive this project and I got of task a lot because it was the end of the year. I can improve upon this next year by making sure that I stay focussed until the very end so that my work can continue to stay strong throughout the entire year.