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Contenido archivado el 2022-12-27

STORAGE OF LIQUID AND LIQUEFIED HYDROCARBONS IN LINED HARDROCK CAVERNS

Objetivo

Rock caverns have until now been constructed and utilized according to a storage concept developed in Scandinavia for the storage of crude oil, mineral oil products such as heating oil, liquid gas ( LPG). The application of this storage concept with a hydrodynamic water seal is severely restricted in the European inland, as well as in other countries for reasons of environmental and groundwater protection. In addition contaminations of the storage product, which fundamentally impair the product stability occur with this storage principle due to the direct contact between groundwater, rock and storage product.
This problem could be avoided if the storage were to occur in lined caverns. The aim of this project is to develop storage concepts, which stand out above the present-day technologies of their greater geotechnical safety potential, greater geographical utilization possibilities and more diverse employment possibilities with respect to different products stored.
The liquid and liquefied hydrocarbons intented for storage have been described and specificated. The compilation of relevant safety data packages and the determination and description of the process and of significant process elements have been completed.
The planning principles for the specified products were also recorded diagrammatically and laid down in basic process flow charts.
A general system of classification for rock is presented and discussed by means of examples. Subsequently, six types of rock were selected as being representative for the geological formations under consideration in Central Europe. The types of rock were described in detail.
The types of rock are very different in their natural state and in their mechanical behaviour. Models in terms of rock mechanics were worked out, which contain the characteristics properties of each rock in a clear form. They are basis for the numerical calculation of the stress and deformation behaviour.
For the economic dimensioning of measures for sealing, drainage, influence of the goundwater on the structure and the environment, the geohydraulic parameters are determined: permeability, groundwater relationship, chemistry.
The method of testing in order to determine the individual parameters in the rock plays an important and essential role. General statements are made with reference to the thermal characteristics of each type of rock. Values for the six types of rock found in relevant literature were listed in tabular form.
As a result of the calculations one receives temperature distribution, thermal balances and static loads for prestated time periods, such as construction stages and differing operational conditions. The forces of the individual calculations can be used as load cases in the static design calculation.
The internal sealing systems are checked.
The aim of this project is the preparation of a largescale workable construction concept for lined rock caverns for storage of a variety of hydrocarbon products. An evaluation of the stability and tightness of cavern storage facilities (with internal lining) is interconnected with questions of geology, rock mechanics, geohydraulics, geothermics, construction technology, construction material technology, belowground construction and operation technology. The stability, tightness and economic viability of this storage type are predominantly dependent on the geological underground conditions, the construction process and the product -specific stress characteristics.
In the project's initial phase the bases are prepared in the individual subject areas of underground construction. Using rock mechanical and numerical calculations the rock caverns' stress/ strain conditions are examined and criteria for design and dimensioning prepared. Laboratory tests on material laws and material characteristics of the construction, sealing and heat insulation materials are carried out and incorporated in the theoretically calculated simulation.
The preparation of the construction concepts is carried out giving due consideration to concrete location possibilities but the concepts are designed in such a way that an adaptation to various different geological conditions is possible. A definite pilot project, with respect to location selection is only possible with regard to the construction concept and the cost efficiency analysis and after detailed preparation of project proposals with the future operators of the project. Construction concepts developed for lined cavern storage facilities are the subject of cost efficiency analysis in comparison to existing alternative storage concepts. Any concepts which do not appear feasible, wether for economical and/or technical reasons are dropped.
The last stage of this project is the planning of a pilot plant.
After previous preliminarytalks with possible operators the following projects are carried out to set up pilot plants.
Storage Type 1: liquid hydrocarbons
Storage Type 2: compressed liquefied hydrocarbons
location: areas of consumption, large towns.

Convocatoria de propuestas

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Régimen de financiación

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinador

PREUSSAG AG (EX SALZGITTER AG)
Aportación de la UE
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Dirección
ABTEILUNG FORSCHUNG ENTWICKLUNG POSTFACH 15 06 27
1000 Berlin
Alemania

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Coste total
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