Supercritical Carbon Dioxide [UPSC Notes]

IIT-Madras researchers develop a new method to neutralize carbon dioxide emissions while enhancing oil recovery. This new method involves supercritical carbon dioxide and in this article, you can read all about this substance and its use in oil recovery. This topic is very important for the IAS exam science and technology segment.

What is Supercritical Carbon Dioxide?

• Supercritical carbon dioxide is a form of carbon dioxide that has properties between a gas and a liquid. 
• It is denser than regular carbon dioxide and is easier to pump. 
• Researchers have found that supercritical carbon dioxide can be used in combination with surfactants to increase carbon dioxide sequestration and enhance oil recovery in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
• The study conducted by the researchers at IIT-Madras shows that the use of supercritical carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery resulted in greater storage of carbon dioxide for both water-alternating gas (WAG) and surfactant-alternating gas (SAG) approaches. 
• The SAG method performed better than other methods in recovering oil and storing carbon dioxide due to the surfactant solution’s ability to alter the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases.

Safe and permanent storage of carbon dioxide emissions:

• Using supercritical carbon dioxide can improve oil recovery and safely store emitted carbon dioxide from human activities.
• Prof Jitendra S Sangwai of IIT-Madras stated that using supercritical carbon dioxide can reduce oil viscosity, induce in situ oil swelling, and lower the interfacial tension of the fluid system.

Future implications & significance:

• This innovative approach to neutralising carbon dioxide emissions while enhancing oil recovery has promising implications for the future. 
• It has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also increasing oil recovery. 
• It could also pave the way for other countries to adopt similar methods and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.
• Climate change is a major concern for the world, and carbon dioxide emissions are one of its leading causes. 
• India is also contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions and has committed to reducing them by 33-35% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. 
• This innovative discovery can help India meet its obligations under the agreement and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

Conclusion:

• The study conducted by the researchers at IIT-Madras shows that the use of supercritical carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery and carbon sequestration is a viable method for reducing carbon dioxide emissions while also increasing oil recovery. 
• This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the oil and gas industry, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 
• The use of supercritical carbon dioxide is a game-changer in the fight against climate change and could be a crucial step towards achieving the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.

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