Ebb Carbon, Inc.

Jeremy Loretz

Todd A Pelman

Matthew Dixon Eisaman

David Elias Hegeman

Ben Tarbell

Guenther Glatz

A release apparatus for receiving an ocean alkalinity product from an Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) system (or other alkalinity source), and for releasing the alkalinity into an ocean at a maximum safe delivery rate to facilitate atmospheric COreduction and mitigate ocean acidification. The release apparatus includes a diffuser having a plenum chamber defining exit ports, a flow control mechanism that controls delivery of the ocean alkalinity product through the exit port(s) into an outfall region (i.e., an ocean region surrounding the diffuser), sensors for measuring seawater parameters in the outfall region, and a controller configured to control an operating (actuation) state of the flow control device (e.g., by way of generating and transmitting a flow control signal) in accordance with the measured seawater parameters. The plenum chamber is anchored at an outfall location and is maintained at a constant depth with the exit ports aimed toward the ocean surface.

Ocean alkalinity release apparatus and method

An ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) system that reduces atmospheric COand mitigates ocean acidification by electrochemically processing feedstock solution (e.g., seawater or brine) to generate an alkalinity product that is then supplied to the ocean. The OAE system includes a base-generating device and a control circuit disposed within a modular system housing deployed near a salt feedstock. The base-generating device (e.g., a bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) system) generates a base substance that is then tested and processed (e.g., mixed/diluted with processed feedstock solution, seawater or another saltwater solution and/or reacted with CO) to generate the ocean alkalinity product. The control circuit controls the base-generating device such that the alkalinity product is supplied to the ocean only when supplying the alkalinity product will not endanger sea life. Modified BPED systems include features that facilitate autonomous system operations including enhanced maintenance cycle operations and a reduced reliance on external fresh water sources.

Ocean alkalinity system and method for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide

An acid substance (e.g., HCl) generated as the byproduct of an ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) process is neutralized using an in-situ acid neutralization subsystem by forcing the acid byproduct through an alkaline formation such that the acid substance is neutralized through interaction with alkaline rocks as the acid byproduct flows from an injection well to a recovery well. A flow rate of acid substance through rock formation is optimized to (a) maximize the amount of neutralized acid substance, and (b) minimize the amount of residual acid substance at the recovery well. The acid flow rate is adjusted by mixing the acid byproduct with a buffer and/or by a flow control device. Acid neutralization and COcapture are combined by forcing COthrough the alkaline formation to react with divalent ions generated by the acid neutralization process, thereby mineralizing the COin the form of carbonate rocks (e.g., limestone or dolostone).

In-situ acid neutralization and carbon mineralization

Acid byproduct from an OAE system is mixed with an aqueous alkaline fluid under conditions that maintain the mixture at or above a target pH level at which the rate of acid neutralization is maximized and the release of COinto the atmosphere is prevented. A neutralization controller utilizes sensor data to monitor the mixture's pH level and to control the rate at which acid byproduct is added (e.g., by a dosing pump) to the mixture. A reaction tank and an optional circulation line and in-line mixer are utilized to perform the mixing process. An optional agitator mechanism is provided to stir the mixture in the reaction tank, and to optionally move sensors and/or injectors along circular paths through the mixture. Optional fixed sensors and/or injectors are located in designated spaced-apart regions inside the reaction tank. The mixture is treated using optional flocculation and grit processing systems/devices.

OAE system with controlled acid neutralization

An ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) system that reduces atmospheric COand mitigates ocean acidification by electrochemically processing feedstock solution (e.g., seawater or brine) to generate an alkalinity product that is then supplied to the ocean. The OAE system includes a base-generating device and a control circuit disposed within a modular system housing deployed near a salt feedstock. The base-generating device (e.g., a bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) system) generates a base substance that is then used to generate the ocean alkalinity product. The control circuit controls the base-generating device such that the alkalinity product is supplied to the ocean only when (1) sufficient low/zero-carbon electricity is available, (2) it is safe to operate the base-generating device, and (3) supplying the alkalinity product will not endanger sea life. Modified BPED systems include features that facilitate autonomous system operations including enhanced maintenance cycle operations and a reduced reliance on external fresh water sources.

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Jeremy Loretz