Evaluation of the dynamic sealing performance of cap rocks of underground gas storage under multi-cycle alternating loads

The static sealing of underground gas storage(UGS),including the integrity of cap rocks and the stability of faults,is analyzed from a macro perspective using a comprehensive geological evaluation method.Changes in pore structure,permeability,and mechanical strength of cap rocks under cyclic loads may impact the rock sealing integrity during the injection and recovery phases of UGS.In this work,the mechanical deformation and failure tests of rocks,as well as rock damage tests under alternating loads,are conducted to analyze the changes in the strength and permeability of rocks under multiple-cycle intense injection and recovery of UGS.Additionally,this study proposes an evaluation method for the dynamic sealing performance of UGS cap rocks under multi-cycle alternating loads.The findings suggest that the failure strength(70%)can be used as the critical value for rock failure,thus providing theoretical support for determining the upper limit of operating pressure and the number of injection-recovery cycles for the safe operation of a UGS system.

Mineralogy,microstructures and geomechanics of rock salt for underground gas storage

Rock salt has excellent properties for its use as underground leak‐proof containers for the storage of renewable energy.Salt solution mining has long been used for salt mining,and can now be employed in the construction of underground salt caverns for the storage of hydrogen gas.This paper presents a wide range of methods to study the mineralogy,geochemistry,microstructure and geomechanical characteristics of rock salt,which are important in the engineering of safe underground storage rock salt caverns.The mineralogical composition of rock salt varies and is linked to its depositional environment and diagenetic alterations.The microstructure in rock salt is related to cataclastic deformation,diffusive mass transfer and intracrystalline plastic deformation,which can then be associated with the macrostructural geomechanical behavior.Compared to other types of rock,rock salt exhibits creep at lower temperatures.This behavior can be divided into three phases based on the changes in strain with time.However,at very low effective confining pressure and high deviatoric stress,rock salt can exhibit dilatant behavior,where brittle deformation could compromise the safety of underground gas storage in rock salt caverns.The proposed review presents the impact of purity,geochemistry and water content of rock salt on its geomechanical behavior,and thus,on the safety of the caverns.

Experimental study on repair characteristics of damaged rock salt of underground gas storage

Damage in rock salt has significant implication on permeability, which affects the tightness of underground salt cavern gas storage in further. During the leaching of a salt cavern, the brine with formation temperature and pressure can promote the self-healing of rock salt in the excavation damage zone (EDZ). Laboratory tests were conducted to study the promoting effect. The permeability of two intact rock salt specimens was tested. Then they were damaged into two kinds of the state respectively through uniaxial compression. After that, they were put in saturated brine (with a temperature of 50℃ and pressure of 12 MPa, which we called the repair environment in this paper) for 7 d. Finally, the permeability and mechanical properties were obtained after the damaged specimens being repaired. The results show that the permeability of intact rock salt is below 10^-19 m^2;the permeability increases by more than two orders because of damage;the permeability decreases significantly after being repaired, which can be comparable to its intact state. Discussions of the repair mechanisms are presented (especially the mechanism of recrystallization), which may help to provide significant guidance for the study of the tightness and stability of gas storage facilities in China.

Failure transition of shear-to-dilation band of rock salt under triaxial stresses

Great potential of underground gas/energy storage in salt caverns seems to be a promising solution to support renewable energy.In the underground storage method,the operating cycle unfortunately may reach up to daily or even hourly,which generates complicated pressures on the salt cavern.Furthermore,the mechanical behavior of rock salt may change and present distinct failure characteristics under different stress states,which affects the performance of salt cavern during the time period of full service.To reproduce a similar loading condition on the cavern surrounding rock mass,the cyclic triaxial loading/unloading tests are performed on the rock salt to explore the mechanical transition behavior and failure characteristics under different confinement.Experimental results show that the rock salt samples pre-sent a diffused shear failure band with significant bulges at certain locations in low confining pressure conditions(e.g.5 MPa,10 MPa and 15 MPa),which is closely related to crystal misorientation and grain boundary sliding.Under the elevated confinement(e.g.20 MPa,30 MPa and 40 MPa),the dilation band dominates the failure mechanism,where the large-size halite crystals are crushed to be smaller size and new pores are developing.The failure transition mechanism revealed in the paper provides additional insight into the mechanical performance of salt caverns influenced by complicated stress states.

Determination of the maximum allowable gas pressure for an underground gas storage salt cavern——A case study of Jintan,China

Increasing the allowable gas pressure of underground gas storage(UGS) is one of the most effective methods to increase its working gas capacity. In this context, hydraulic fracturing tests are implemented on the target formation for the UGS construction of Jintan salt caverns, China, in order to obtain the minimum principal in situ stress and the fracture breakdown pressure. Based on the test results, the maximum allowable gas pressure of the Jintan UGS salt cavern is calibrated. To determine the maximum allowable gas pressure, KING-1 and KING-2 caverns are used as examples. A three-dimensional(3D)geomechanical model is established based on the sonar data of the two caverns with respect to the features of the target formation. New criteria for evaluating gas penetration failure and gas seepage are proposed. Results show that the maximum allowable gas pressure of the Jintan UGS salt cavern can be increased from 17 MPa to 18 MPa(i.e. a gradient of about 18 k Pa/m at the casing shoe depth). Based on numerical results, a field test with increasing maximum gas pressure to 18 MPa has been carried out in KING-1 cavern. Microseismic monitoring has been conducted during the test to evaluate the safety of the rock mass around the cavern. Field monitoring data show that KING-1 cavern is safe globally when the maximum gas pressure is increased from 17 MPa to 18 MPa. This shows that the geomechanical model and criteria proposed in this context for evaluating the maximum allowable gas pressure are reliable.

Deformation Analysis of LRC Underground Gas Storage

The risk during construction and in the operation of the underground gas storage （UGS） was analyzed. One of most important risk which should be prevented is large deformation or destruction of the steel lining. The specific deformation of the steel lining needs to be inside the acceptable value. This paper presents lined rock cavern （LRC） concept and specific deformations, which can occur under operation of underground gas storage. Analysis is performed with different （3D model and axis symmetrical） FEM models and analytical model. We made a comparison between analytical calculation and FEM calculation. Concrete wall is mechanically not regarded as reinforced concrete structure which means that concrete will crack. Finally, we determined the minimum value of Young＇s modulus, which satisfies the condition of maximum deformation of steel lining.

Progress and Prospect of Geophysical Research on Underground Gas Storage: A Case Study of Hutubi Gas Storage,Xinjiang,China

Hutubi Underground Gas Storage(UGS) is an important part of China’s West-East Gas Pipeline Project. Its production safety also plays an essential role in ensuring peaking,emergency and reserve of natural gas in the region. Geophysical observations and research conducted on Hutubi UGS provide significant support for understanding the operation status and ensuring safe operation of the UGS. Since the beginning of the construction of Hutubi UGS and its production,several works including gas field observation experiments,rock experiments and numerical simulations have been conducted. Preliminary observational results show that during the initial operation stage of the UGS,the "breathing phenomenon"in caprock and microseismicity in the vicinity are closely related to the operation of the gas storage. However,rock experiments and numerical simulations show that these activities may gradually weaken with the multi-cycle operation of gas storage. The impact of the operation of Hutubi UGS in the surrounding areas is gradually weakening,and its operation tends to be stable. Implementing long-term and multi-method geophysical observations is able to provide us a better understanding of the relationship between the operation of UGS and regional geological hazards. On this basis,the corresponding geomechanical model can be established to form an effective risk management mechanism for gas storage operation. Thus,it is of great significance to understand its operation status,monitor storage conditions,guide production and operation,and ultimately guarantee the safe production of the gas storage.

Experiments on mechanical properties of salt rocks under cyclic loading

The primary purpose of underground gas storages is to provide gas for seasonal consumptions or strategic reserve.The periodical operations of gas injection and extraction lead to cyclic loading on the walls and surrounding rocks of gas storages.To investigate the mechanical behaviors of different host rocks in bedded salt deposit,laboratory experiments were conducted on the samples of rock salt,thenardite,glauberite and gypsum.The mechanical properties of rock samples under monotonic and cyclic loadings were studied.Testing results show that,under monotonic loading,the uniaxial compressive stress（UCS） of glauberite is the largest（17.3 MPa）,while that of rock salt is the smallest（14.0 MPa）.The UCSs of thenardite and gypsum are 16.3 and 14.6 MPa,respectively.The maximum strain at the peak strength of rock salt（halite） is much greater than those of the other three rocks.The elastic moduli of halite,thenardite,glauberite and gypsum are 3.0,4.2,5.1 and 6.8 GPa,respectively.Under cyclic loading,the peak strengths of the rock specimens are deteriorated except for rock salt.The peak strengths of thenardite,glauberite and gypsum decrease by 33.7%,19.1% and 35.5%,respectively;and the strains of the three rocks at the peak strengths are almost the same.However,the strain of rock salt at the peak strength increases by 1.98%,twice more than that under monotonic loading.Under monotonic loading,deformation of the tested rock salt,thenardite and glauberite shows in an elastoplastic style.However,it changes to a ductile style under cyclic loading.Brittle deformation and failure are only observed for gypsum.The results should be helpful for engineering design and operation of gas storage in bedded salt deposit.

温度-应力耦合作用下深部盐岩蠕变损伤模型

随着我国盐岩储库工程的兴建,浅部适宜矿床逐渐利用殆尽,盐岩储库向深部发展成为必然趋势。为了研究深部盐岩储库实际运营过程中,围岩在三向地应力和温度耦合作用下的蠕变损伤特征,进行了不同温度和应力耦合作用下深部盐岩的三轴蠕变试验。考虑温度和应力对深部盐岩蠕变损伤的影响,认为温度损伤伴随蠕变全过程,所处应力状态达到屈服极限时应力损伤开始发挥作用,且温度和应力与损伤变量之间分别满足Weibull分布和负指数函数的关系。引入分数阶Abel黏壶改进西原正夫模型,建立了一种新的考虑温度-应力耦合效应的黏弹塑性蠕变损伤模型。该模型不仅形式简单,且每个参数都有明确的物理意义,方便模型在数值计算和工程实践中的应用。结果表明:深部盐岩的稳态蠕变率是偏应力和温度的函数,拟合出稳态蠕变应变率本构方程中材料参数A=32.39 MPa-4.83/h、激活自由能Q=7.84×10^(4) kJ/mol、蠕变应力指数n=4.83;不同温度和应力下的黏弹塑性蠕变损伤模型的理论解析解与对应试验数据有良好的吻合度,验证了模型的正确性和精确度。通过蠕变损伤模型各力学元件拟合参数结果验证了温度和应力对岩石蠕变性能的影响规律,证明了所建模型的合理性。所建模型不仅可以精确表征岩石的衰减和稳态蠕变阶段,也能较好地描述加速蠕变阶段的变形特性。

超深地层盐岩蠕变试验及储气库长期稳定性研究

为了研究宁晋超深地层盐岩的蠕变特性和长期稳定性,采用岩石伺服三轴流变试验机对盐岩进行三轴蠕变试验分析,分析围压、偏应力、时间对蠕变的影响;通过FLAC3D软件对不同循环内压下运行30 a后腔周塑性区范围、腔周位移进行长期稳定性分析。通过三轴蠕变试验表明:围压的变化能够使蠕变三阶段重新发生;随着偏应力的增大,稳态蠕变率增加;偏应力对蠕变的影响要大于围压对蠕变的影响;宁晋超深储气库石盐矿层蠕变参数为:A=1.55×10-10,n=3.961。长期稳定性模拟研究表明:塑性区位置、最大腔周位移都出现在腔体中部位置;随着流变时间的增加,塑性区范围、腔周位移都逐渐变大;内压越高,塑性区范围、腔周位移越小,运行过程中要避免低压长期运行。

Dynamic subsidence prediction of ground surface above salt cavern gas storage considering the creep of rock salt

A new model is proposed to predict the dynamic subsidence of ground surface above salt cavern gas storage during the leaching and storage, which takes into account the creep of rock salt. In the model, the extended form of Gaussian curve is adopted to figure out the shape of subsidence areas. The corresponding theoretical formulas are derived. In addition, parameters are studied to investigate the surface subsidence as a function of the salt ejection rate, internal pressure, buried depth, diameter, height, running time, etc. Through an example, the subsidence of the salt cavern gas storage located at Jiangsu of China obtained by the new model was compared with those by Peter A F formula, Schober & Sroka formula and FLAC3D through simulation. The results showed the proposed model is precise and correct, and can meet the actual engineering demands. The surface subsidence is equidirectional with the increase of salt ejection rate, depth, diameter, height, and running time, but reverse to the increase of internal pressure. The depth, diameter, running time and internal pressure have great effects on the subsidence, whereas the salt ejection rate and height have little influences on it.

Design and realization of rock salt gas storage database management system based on SQL Server

Projects involving the construction of rock salt underground gas storage have several disadvantages,for example,effective management is not employed to manage the production information and data in the process of the project,resulting in duplication of data storage,waste of storage space,lower efficiency of data calling,and negative effects on the efficiency of data update.Therefore,a database and its management systems for a rock salt gas storage was constructed based on an SQL Server database system,primarily including the management forms of the geological modeling,storage simulation,stability evaluation,economic evaluation,and covering the addition and delete checks of static and dynamic data.The security of the system was improved by setting the administrator permission.The establishment of the database management system was of tremendous importance and it provided a significant technical support for the development of the gas storage project.

中国深部地下空间储能的理论和技术挑战

深层地下储能是利用深层地下空间进行大规模储能,是提供稳定的清洁能源供应、实现石油战略储备、促进天然气调峰的重要途径。岩盐地层是大规模储能的理想地质介质,而中国盐岩资源丰富,储能空间严重短缺。与其他国家的盐丘相比,中国的盐类岩层为典型的湖相层状盐岩,具有层薄、杂质含量高、夹层多的特点。盐类储层大规模储能的发展面临着科学和技术上的挑战,包括:①考虑多场多相耦合的影响,建立储能洞室周围岩体的多尺度递进破坏和表征方法;②了解大型地下深层蓄能洞室渗漏演化规律;③了解大型地下深层储能洞室的长期性能演化;④开发深层地下盐穴储能智能施工技术;⑤保证深层地下蓄能空间的长期功能。解决这些关键科技问题的关键在于为中国大规模地下深层储能的发展奠定理论和技术基础。

Mechanical behavior of salt rocks: A geomechanical model

The geomechanical behavior of salt rocks is a significant concern during drilling and development operations in some hydrocarbon reservoirs and underground gas storage sites.In this study,the static and dynamic salt rock geomechanical properties from a field in southwest Iran were evaluated using experiments such as waves'velocities,and thermo-mechanical coupled uniaxial and triaxial compression tests.As a result and by considering both the petrophysical well logs and laboratory data of the waves’velocities,it is observed that the elastic properties of the core samples are concentrated within a narrow range unless an abnormality causes scatter.The results of uniaxial compression tests showed that rock strength decreases with increasing temperature linearly.In addition,the reduction of rock strength was observed with increasing porosity of the core samples as expected.In the case of triaxial compression tests,applying confining pressure on the core sample caused an increment in rock strength,while temperature decreased rock strength.The temperature also increased cohesion and decreases friction angle.The ratio of changes in stress to strain was used to investigate the dynamic changes in the geomechanical state.The maximum 0.25 damage factor was observed for the core samples for different definitions of the damage factor.Finally,we propose a novel analytical model to predict the stress-strain behavior of salt rocks at different conditions.The model was validated using experimental results and indicated a satisfactory accuracy.

盐岩全过程蠕变试验及模型参数辨识

对国内拟建地下盐穴储库的岩心进行三轴蠕变试验,得到泥质盐岩全过程蠕变试验曲线。基于试验的非线性蠕变特点和损伤力学理论,借助伯格斯模型建立了可以反映盐岩加速蠕变阶段的本构模型,并给出参数辨识方法,同时与试验曲线进行了比较研究。结果表明:较高轴向力下进行分级蠕变试验能够加快第三蠕变阶段(加速蠕变阶段)破坏,轴向力越大,加速蠕变起始应变值及蠕变破坏时应变值越小;增大围压时,加速蠕变起始应变值及蠕变破坏时应变值会变大。该本构方程能够很好地反映盐岩蠕变全过程,表明所建模型的正确性及合理性。

盐岩地下储气库地表沉降风险失效概率的计算分析

盐岩地下储气库在运营过程中,因盐腔蠕变体积收缩引起地表沉降变形,从而对盐矿区地面设施(如建筑物、桥梁、路基等)产生不良影响,为了评估该影响,建立盐岩地下储气库地表沉降风险失效概率的计算方法,即:首先通过数值计算获得盐岩储气库的体积收缩率,然后通过SRAKA SCHOBER矿山法获得盐腔体积收缩引起的地表沉降,并建立地表沉降风险功能函数表达式,最后采用基于随机变量的蒙特卡洛方法可计算获得盐腔体积收缩引起的地表沉降风险失效概率。将该方法应用于金坛盐岩地下储气库,有效获得储气库体积收缩引发的地表沉降对盐矿区地面建筑的影响,为储气库区地面设施风险安全控制提供理论依据。

极端风险因素影响的深部层状盐岩地下储气库群运营稳定三维流变模型试验研究

盐岩因其非常低的渗透特性与良好的蠕变行为被公认为能源储备最理想的介质。为有效反映不同采气速率、注气速率、运行低压、运行高压、储库失压、储气压差以及储库间距等极端风险因素对盐岩地下储气库群运营安全稳定的影响,采用满足流变相似条件的盐岩储气库介质模型相似材料,对江苏金坛深部层状盐岩地下储气库群的运营稳定进行三维流变地质模型试验。试验结果表明:(1)洞腔径向位移和径向应变随着注、采气速率的增加而逐渐增大;(2)洞腔随储气内压的减小而不断向洞内收敛变形,随储气内压的增大而不断向洞外扩张变形,当储库采气降压到3 MPa或注气升压到22 MPa时,洞腔出现加速蠕变现象;(3)相邻洞腔位移随着储气压差的增加而增大,当储气压差达到9 MPa时,洞腔出现加速蠕变现象;(4)储库群之间存在明显的相互影响,洞腔位移随着储库间距的减小而增大;(5)当盐腔突然失压时,洞周径向位移和径向应变瞬间突然增大。因此,为保证盐岩地下储气库群的安全运营,建议储气库群的最大采气速率应小于0.65 MPa/d,最大注气速率应小于0.75 MPa/d;储气库群的最低运行气压应大于3 MPa,最高运行气压应小于22 MPa;相邻储气库间的最大储气压差应小于9MPa;储气库之间的间距应大于1.5倍储库最大直径。这些研究成果可为盐岩地下储气库群的运营安全控制与管理提供重要的试验依据。

岩盐品位对岩盐储气库水溶建腔的影响

岩盐储气库就是根据水溶采矿的原理,通过采出盐水,利用在地下形成的溶腔作为天然气的存储空间。岩盐储气库水溶建腔技术是岩盐储气库的核心内容,直接影响着岩盐储气库的后期作业,对岩盐储气库运行效果、使用寿命等具有重要意义。为此,研究了岩盐品位对岩盐储气库水溶建腔的影响:根据水溶建腔机理,建立岩盐储气库水溶建腔数学模型;对岩盐品位不同的地层条件下岩盐储气库水溶建腔进行动态模拟数值计算;进而综合分析了岩盐品位对岩盐储气库水溶建腔的影响规律。结果表明:岩盐储气库应选择在岩盐品位高的地层建造,这样既有利于溶腔形态的控制,又能缩短建腔周期。

薄层状盐岩地下储气库工程地质条件及可行性分析

地下盐穴储气库安全性是蓄气运行的关键地质问题。针对平顶山盐田盐层薄、夹层多以及埋藏深等特征,从薄层状盐岩的渗透性、流变性以及稳定性3个方面,详细讨论了储气库的地质可储性及地面沉降问题。首先采集了纯盐岩、互层状盐岩、泥岩夹层3种岩石试样,分别进行了电镜扫描和不同应力水平下的三轴压缩蠕变试验,并应用CYT法对试验区进行了深部盐岩溶腔的探测。鉴于试验区多个采井影响区的重叠,地面沉降量实际监测结果比较复杂,绝对值偏小但具有波动性。综合上述地质特征,作出了平顶山地下盐穴储气库地质条件良好的结论,为我国同类工程提供一定的实际参考。

利用深层煤炭地下气化技术建设煤穴储气库的可行性研究

我国天然气主要消费市场尤其是环渤海和华东地区,调峰和应急保障需求强烈,但地下储气库设施数量与规模都严重不足,与实际需求量差距很大。国外已有将煤炭矿井改造成地下储气库的经验,深层煤炭地下气化实验也已经取得成功。环渤海和华东地区已被证实存在大量的深部厚煤层,借鉴盐穴储气库建设、深层煤炭地下气化和煤穴封存CO_2的思路和技术,可将深层煤炭原位气化后所形成的煤穴空间改造为地下储气库。模拟案例分析结果表明,煤穴储气库在资源、选址、主体工艺、建设规模、建设周期和投资经济性等方面均较为可行,而且在投资经济性上优于环渤海和华东地区目前在建和规划建设的盐穴储气库。利用深层煤炭地下气化技术建设煤穴储气库,既能利用没有井工开采价值的深层煤炭资源,增加天然气供应量,又能提升天然气市场健康发展所急需的调峰和应急保障能力。最后建议:油气企业应与煤炭企业、燃气企业和研究院所等开展合资合作,在储气库调峰需求强烈的京津冀和华东地区,率先启动深层煤炭地下气化技术研究,开展矿场试验,尽快启动煤穴储气库建设。