Large-Scale Carbon Dioxide Storage in Salt Caverns:Evaluation of Operation,Safety,and Potential in China

Underground salt cavern CO_(2) storage(SCCS)offers the dual benefits of enabling extensive CO_(2) storage and facilitating the utilization of CO_(2) resources while contributing the regulation of the carbon market.Its economic and operational advantages over traditional carbon capture,utilization,and storage(CCUS)projects make SCCS a more cost-effective and flexible option.Despite the widespread use of salt caverns for storing various substances,differences exist between SCCS and traditional salt cavern energy storage in terms of gas-tightness,carbon injection,brine extraction control,long-term carbon storage stability,and site selection criteria.These distinctions stem from the unique phase change characteristics of CO_(2) and the application scenarios of SCCS.Therefore,targeted and forward-looking scientific research on SCCS is imperative.This paper introduces the implementation principles and application scenarios of SCCS,emphasizing its connections with carbon emissions,carbon utilization,and renewable energy peak shaving.It delves into the operational characteristics and economic advantages of SCCS compared with other CCUS methods,and addresses associated scientific challenges.In this paper,we establish a pressure equation for carbon injection and brine extraction,that considers the phase change characteristics of CO_(2),and we analyze the pressure during carbon injection.By comparing the viscosities of CO_(2) and other gases,SCCS’s excellent sealing performance is demonstrated.Building on this,we develop a long-term stability evaluation model and associated indices,which analyze the impact of the injection speed and minimum operating pressure on stability.Field countermeasures to ensure stability are proposed.Site selection criteria for SCCS are established,preliminary salt mine sites suitable for SCCS are identified in China,and an initial estimate of achievable carbon storage scale in China is made at over 51.8-77.7 million tons,utilizing only 20%-30%volume of abandoned salt caverns.This paper addresses key scientific and engineering challenges facing SCCS and determines crucial technical parameters,such as the operating pressure,burial depth,and storage scale,and it offers essential guidance for implementing SCCS projects in China.

Global stability coefficient of large underground caverns under static loading and earthquake wave condition

Underground energy and resource development,deep underground energy storage and other projects involve the global stability of multiple interconnected cavern groups under internal and external dynamic disturbances.An evaluation method of the global stability coefficient of underground caverns based on static overload and dynamic overload was proposed.Firstly,the global failure criterion for caverns was defined based on its band connection of plastic-strain between multi-caverns.Then,overloading calculation of the boundary geostress and seismic intensity on the caverns model was carried out,and the critical unstable state of multi-caverns can be identified,if the plastic-strain band appeared between caverns during these overloading processes.Thus,the global stability coefficient for the multi-caverns under static loading and earthquake was obtained based on the corresponding overloading coefficient.Practical analysis for the Yingliangbao(YLB)hydraulic caverns indicated that this method can not only effectively obtain the global stability coefficient of caverns under static and dynamic earthquake conditions,but also identify the caverns’high-risk zone of local instability through localized plastic strain of surrounding rock.This study can provide some reference for the layout design and seismic optimization of underground cavern group.

Comparative analysis of thermodynamic and mechanical responses between underground hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns

Underground hydrogen storage(UHS)and compressed air energy storage(CAES)are two viable largescale energy storage technologies for mitigating the intermittency of wind and solar power.Therefore,it is meaningful to compare the properties of hydrogen and air with typical thermodynamic storage processes.This study employs a multi-physical coupling model to compare the operations of CAES and UHS,integrating gas thermodynamics within caverns,thermal conduction,and mechanical deformation around rock caverns.Gas thermodynamic responses are validated using additional simulations and the field test data.Temperature and pressure variations of air and hydrogen within rock caverns exhibit similarities under both adiabatic and diabatic simulation modes.Hydrogen reaches higher temperature and pressure following gas charging stage compared to air,and the ideal gas assumption may lead to overestimation of gas temperature and pressure.Unlike steel lining of CAES,the sealing layer(fibre-reinforced plastic FRP)in UHS is prone to deformation but can effectively mitigates stress in the sealing layer.In CAES,the first principal stress on the surface of the sealing layer and concrete lining is tensile stress,whereas UHS exhibits compressive stress in the same areas.Our present research can provide references for the selection of energy storage methods.

Advances in stability analysis and optimization design of large underground caverns under high geostress condition

The demand for underground space and sustainable energy has driven the need for underground structures.Large underground caverns,being an underground structure carrier,offers a feasible solution.However,the stability analysis and optimization design of large underground caverns is always a great challenge due to the high geostress,complicated rock condition,and high sidewalls and large spans in size.By collecting and reviewing a large amount of relevant research literature from 1970 to 2023,the efforts on the advances in stability analysis methods and optimization design of large underground caverns are described,then the research trends in this field through keywords were found and typical deformation and break modes of large underground caverns with high geostress are summarized.The review reveals that stability analysis and optimization are the recent active research topics.There are seven typical deformation and break modes of large underground caverns under high geostress,four stability analysis methods and four theories of optimization design of large under-ground caverns.With the progress of science and technology and society,intelligent design,mechanized con-struction and greening construction are the development trend in this field.The research results can provide a constructive reference for the stability analysis and optimization design of large underground caverns under high geostress.

Measures for controlling large deformations of underground caverns under high in-situ stress condition--A case study of JinpingⅠhydropower station

The Jinping I hydropower station is a huge water conservancy project consisting of the highest concrete arch dam to date in the world and a highly complex and large underground powerhouse cavern. It is located on the right bank with extremely high in-situ stress and a few discontinuities observed in surrounding rock masses. The problems of rock mass deformation and failure result in considerable challenges related to project design and construction and have raised a wide range of concerns in the fields of rock mechanics and engineering. During the excavation of underground caverns, high in-situ stress and relatively low rock mass strength in combination with large excavation dimensions lead to large deformation of the surrounding rock mass and support. Existing experiences in excavation and support cannot deal with the large deformation of rock mass effectively, and further studies are needed. In this paper, the geological conditions, layout of caverns, and design of excavation and support are first introduced, and then detailed analyses of deformation and failure characteristics of rocks are presented. Based on this, the mechanisms of deformation and failure are discussed, and the support adjustments for controlling rock large deformation and subsequent excavation procedures are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of support and excavation adjustments to maintain the stability of the rock mass is verified. The measures for controlling the large deformation of surrounding rocks enrich the practical experiences related to the design and construction of large underground openings, and the construction of caverns in the Jinping I hydropower station provides a good case study of large-scale excavation in highly stressed ground with complex geological structures, as well as a reference case for research on rock mechanics.

Mechanical response and stability analysis of rock mass in high geostress underground powerhouse caverns subjected to excavation

To investigate the stability of rock mass in high geostress underground powerhouse caverns subjected to excavation,a microseismic(MS)monitoring system was established and the discrete element method(DEM)-based numerical simulation was carried out.The tempo-spatial damage characteristics of rock mass were analyzed.The evolution laws of MS source parameters during the formation of a rock collapse controlled by high geostress and geological structure were investigated.Additionally,a three-dimensional DEM model of the underground powerhouse caverns was built to reveal the deformation characteristics of rock mass.The results indicated that the MS events induced by excavation of high geostress underground powerhouse caverns occurred frequently.The large-stake crown of the main powerhouse was the main damage area.Prior to the rock collapse,the MS event count and accumulated energy release increased rapidly,while the apparent stress sharply increased and then decreased.The amount and proportion of shear and mixed MS events remarkably increased.The maximum displacement was generally located near the spandrel areas.The MS monitoring data and numerical simulation were in good agreement,which can provide significant references for damage evaluation and disaster forecasting in high geostress underground powerhouse caverns.

Characteristics of microseismic b-value associated with rock mass large deformation in underground powerhouse caverns at different stress levels

Rock mass large deformation in underground powerhouse caverns has been a severe hazard in hydropower engineering in Southwest China.During the development of rock mass large deformation,a sequence of fractures was generated that can be monitored using microseismic(MS)monitoring techniques.Two MS monitoring systems were established in two typical underground powerhouse caverns featuring distinct geostress levels.The MS b-values associated with rock mass large deformation and their temporal variation are analysed.The results showed that the MS bvalue in course of rock mass deformation was less than 1.0 in the underground powerhouse caverns at a high stress level while larger than 1.5 at a low stress level.Prior to the rock mass deformation,the MS b-values derived from both the high-stress and low-stress underground powerhouse caverns show an incremental decrease over 10%within 10 d.The results contribute to understanding the fracturing characteristics of MS sources associated with rock mass large deformation and provide a reference for early warning of rock mass large deformation in underground powerhouse caverns.

Gleaning insights from German energy transition and large-scale underground energy storage for China’s carbon neutrality

The global energy transition is a widespread phenomenon that requires international exchange of experiences and mutual learning.Germany’s success in its first phase of energy transition can be attributed to its adoption of smart energy technology and implementation of electricity futures and spot marketization,which enabled the achievement of multiple energy spatial–temporal complementarities and overall grid balance through energy conversion and reconversion technologies.While China can draw from Germany’s experience to inform its own energy transition efforts,its 11-fold higher annual electricity consumption requires a distinct approach.We recommend a clean energy system based on smart sector coupling(ENSYSCO)as a suitable pathway for achieving sustainable energy in China,given that renewable energy is expected to guarantee 85%of China’s energy production by 2060,requiring significant future electricity storage capacity.Nonetheless,renewable energy storage remains a significant challenge.We propose four large-scale underground energy storage methods based on ENSYSCO to address this challenge,while considering China’s national conditions.These proposals have culminated in pilot projects for large-scale underground energy storage in China,which we believe is a necessary choice for achieving carbon neutrality in China and enabling efficient and safe grid integration of renewable energy within the framework of ENSYSCO.

Two-and three-dimensional stability analysis of underground storage caverns in soft rock(Cappadocia, Turkey) by finite element method

Engineering design in soft rocks and its stability analysis exerts many challenges to rock engineers. Many engineering works in Turkey’s Cappadocia region must face and tackle the existing sites covered by the soft rocks. This study is aimed to examine the stability condition of a typical underground storage cavern(USC) excavated in a soft rock in this region. For this purpose, two-and threedimensional stability analyses of the USCs were performed using the finite element method(FEM).Because of the inherent difficulty in characterizing soft/weak rock masses in the region using traditional classification systems, the stability of a typical USC was evaluated by representing the rock mass condition with two distinct scenarios in FEM analysis.While these structures were unstable according to the 2D analysis conducted in RS2 software in the worstcase scenario, they were stable in the 3D analysis using RS3 software in both scenarios. Besides,feasible cover depths were examined to assess their possible effects on the factor of safety and deformation measurements. It was found that 15 m seems to be an optimal depth for excavating a typical USC in the soft rocks exposed in the region. The 3D FEM results provide valuable information to optimize the future planning and preliminary design of USCs.

Long-term stability analysis of large-scale underground plant of Xiangjiaba hydro-power station

Numerical analysis of the optimal supporting time and long-term stability index of the surrounding rocks in the underground plant of Xiangjiaba hydro-power station was carried out based on the rheological theory. Firstly,the mechanical parameters of each rock group were identified from the experimental data; secondly,the rheological calculation and analysis for the cavern in stepped excavation without supporting were made; finally,the optimal time for supporting at the characteristic point in a typical section was obtained while the creep rate and displacement after each excavation step has satisfied the criterion of the optimal supporting time. Excavation was repeated when the optimal time for supporting was identified,and the long-term stability creep time and the maximum creep deformation of the characteristic point were determined in accordance with the criterion of long-term stability index. It is shown that the optimal supporting time of the characteristic point in the underground plant of Xiangjiaba hydro-power station is 5-8 d,the long-term stability time of the typical section is 126 d,and the corresponding largest creep deformation is 24.30 mm. While the cavern is supported,the cavern deformation is significantly reduced and the stress states of the surrounding rock masses are remarkably improved.

Design and operation problems related to water curtain system forunderground water-sealed oil storage caverns

The underground water-sealed storage technique is critically important and generally accepted for the national energy strategy in China. Although several small underground water-sealed oil storage caverns have been built in China since the 1970s, there is still a lack of experience for large-volume underground storage in complicated geological conditions. The current design concept of water curtain system and the technical instruction for system operation have limitations in maintaining the stability of surrounding rock mass during the construction of the main storage caverns, as well as the long-term stability. Although several large-scale underground oil storage projects are under construction at present in China, the design concepts and construction methods, especially for the water curtain system, are mainly based on the ideal porosity medium flow theory and the experiences gained from the similar projects overseas. The storage projects currently constructed in China have the specific features such as huge scale, large depth, multiple-level arrangement, high seepage pressure, complicated geological conditions, and high in situ stresses, which are the challenging issues for the stability of the storage caverns. Based on years’ experiences obtained from the first large-scale （millions of cubic meters） underground water-sealed oil storage project in China, some design and operation problems related to water curtain system during project construction are discussed. The drawbacks and merits of the water curtain system are also presented. As an example, the conventional concept of “filling joints with water” is widely used in many cases, as a basic concept for the design of the water curtain system, but it is immature. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the conventional concept are pointed out, with respect to the long-term stability as well as the safety of construction of storage caverns. Finally, new concepts and principles for design and construction of the underground water-sealed oil storage caverns are proposed.

Determination of convergence of underground gas storage caverns using non-invasive methodology based on land surface subsidence measurement

Undergroundgas storage caverns aremonitoredfor environmental safety in termsof equipmentandpotential emissions,particularly methane emissions from the underground and above-ground parts of the storage facility.Periodical measurements of land surface deformations and costly echometric measurements of convergence of individual storage facilities are carried out.The aims of environmental monitoring are:(1)to eliminate potential hazards in the shortest time,(2)assess the overall impact of intensive operation of storage facilities on the environment,(3)developmonitoringmethods relevant to environmental protection,and(4)take actions in case of failure.The paper presents a solution to the problem of determination of the convergence of underground caverns in a salt rock mass based on the results of land surface subsidence measurements carried out using the Gauss-Markov equalization algorithm.Themethod makes it possible for ongoing control of cavern volume convergence after each subsidence measurement on the ground surface and determining the actual impact of the use frequency(injection-mediumconsumption)on the convergence in time.The presentedmethodology is universal and verified on caverns located in a salt rockmass.The Gauss-Markov inversion model is the first used in this area,hence its application is significant.

Natural Radiation Protection and Analysis in Underground Caverns

Underground caverns have important military and civilian uses, but their internal natural radiation may endanger human health, and it is necessary to implement protection. The protective measures taken for an underground cavern in Chongqing have obvious effects. The results show that cleaning the radiation source in the environment and sealing the gap of the hole can re-duce the natural radiation intensity inside the cavern to a certain extent, reducing the ambient temperature can significantly reduce the natural radiation intensity inside the cavern, the use of press-in ventilation can greatly reduce the natural radiation intensity inside the cavern, the cumulative drop can reach 25.63%, and the protective effect is obvious. These protective measures can be used in underground caverns to improve the safety of military and civilian activities.

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.

A numerical modelling approach to assess the behaviour of underground cavern subjected to blast loads

The paper gives an insight into the behaviour of large underground caverns which are subjected to blast loads. Caverns are generally constructed in hard rock formation which compels us to use blasting methods for the excavation works. Comparative study was done between models with intact rock mass and discontinuities to assess the stability of cavern as a result of blast loads. Numerical modelling was performed with 3 dimensional distinct element code(3 DEC) to analyse the performance of cavern walls in terms of displacement and to compute peak particle velocities(PPV) both around the cavern periphery and at surface of models. Results showed that the velocity wave with higher frequency exhibited large displacements around the periphery of cavern. Computation of PPV showed that model with horizontal joint sets showed lower PPV in comparison to model with intact rock mass. PPV values were also analysed on the surface for model consisting vertical joints spaced at 4 m intervals. Comparative study of PPV on surface vertically above the blast location between models with horizontal joints spaced at 4 m and vertical joints at 4 m intervals were conducted. Results depicted higher magnitudes of PPV for model with vertical joints in comparison to model with horizontal joints.

Estimation of the three-dimensional in situ stress field around a large deep underground cavern group near a valley

Understanding three-dimensional(3D)in situ stress field is of key importance for estimating the stability of large deep underground cavern groups near valleys.However,the complete 3D in situ stress fields around large deep underground cavern groups are difficult to determine based on in situ stress data from a limited number of measuring points due to the insufficient representativeness and unreliability of such measurements.In this study,an integrated approach for estimating the 3D in situ stress field around a large deep underground cavern group near a valley is developed based on incomplete in situ stress measurements and the stress-induced failures of tunnels excavated prior to the step excavation of the cavern group.This integrated approach is implemented via four interrelated and progressive basic steps,i.e.inference of the regional tectonic stress field direction,analyses of in situ stress characteristics and measurement reliability,regression-based in situ stress field analysis and reliability assessment,and modified in situ stress field analysis and reliability verification.The orientations and magnitudes of the 3D in situ stress field can be analyzed and obtained at a strategic level following these four basic steps.First,the tectonic stress field direction around the cavern group is deduced in accordance with the regional tectonic framework and verified using a regional crustal deformation velocity map.Second,the reliability of the in situ stress measurements is verified based on the locations and depths of stressinduced brittle failures in small tunnels(such as exploratory tunnels and pilot tunnels)within the excavation range of the cavern group.Third,considering the influences of the valley topography and major geological structures,the 3D in situ stress field is regressed using numerical simulation and multiple linear regression techniques based on the in situ stress measurements.Finally,the regressed in situ stress field is further modified and reverified based on the stress-induced brittle failures of small tunnels and the initial excavation of the cavern group.A case study of the Shuangjiangkou underground cavern group demonstrates that the proposed approach is reliable for estimating the 3D in situ stress fields of large deep underground cavern groups near valleys,thus contributing to the optimization of practical excavation and design of mitigating the instability of the surrounding rock masses during step excavations.

Effects of external dynamic disturbances and structural plane on rock fracturing around deep underground cavern

The occurrence of disasters in deep mining engineering has been confirmed to be closely related to the external dynamic disturbances and geological discontinuities.Thus,a combined finite-element method was employed to simulate the failure process of an underground cavern,which provided insights into the failure mechanism of deep hard rock affected by factors such as the dynamic stress-wave amplitudes,disturbance direction,and dip angles of the structural plane.The crack-propagation process,stress-field distribution,displacement,velocity of failed rock,and failure zone around the circular cavern were analyzed to identify the dynamic response and failure properties of the underground structures.The simulation results indicate that the dynamic disturbance direction had less influence on the dynamic response for the constant in situ stress state,while the failure intensity and damage range around the cavern always exhibited a monotonically increasing trend with an increase in the dynamic load.The crack distribution around the circular cavern exhibited an asymmetric pattern,possibly owing to the stress-wave reflection behavior and attenuation effect along the propagation route.Geological discontinuities significantly affected the stability of nearby caverns subjected to dynamic disturbances,during which the failure intensity exhibited the pattern of an initial increase followed by a decrease with an increase in the dip angle of the structural plane.Additionally,the dynamic disturbance direction led to variations in the crack distribution for specific structural planes and stress states.These results indicate that the failure behavior should be the integrated response of the excavation unloading effect,geological conditions,and external dynamic disturbances.

Parametric modeling on spatial effect of excavation-damaged zone of underground cavern

Regarding excavation-damaged zone （EDZ） around underground opening as non-homogeneous rockmass with spatial deterioration effect on stuffiness and strength, a parametric model of EDZ using radius-displacement-dependent deformation modulus （RDDM） was proposed. Considering the nonlinearity characteristic of deformation and locality otherness of surrounding rock, deterioration parameter field of deformation modulus of rockmass around opening was quantitatively calculated through a given function. Applicability for multi-cavern condition and parameter sensibility of the model was analyzed by numerical experiments using synthetic data. Furthermore, the model was applied to identify EDZ of underground caverns of Pubugou hydropower station by calculating deterioration parameter field. Based on the parametric analysis of spatial effect and geological investigation, it is recognized that large radial deformation of deep fractured rock at the spandrel position and insufficient supporting bolts mainly result in great deformation pressure to act on the shotcrete and cause partial crack and spalling. It is shown that deterioration parameter field along the longitudinal axis of main powerhouse is evidently non-homogeneous in space and distributes exponentially along the radius from the opening. The model provides a simple and convenient way to identify the EDZ in the working state for rapid construction feedback analysis and support optimization of underground cavem from quantitative point of view and also aids in interpreting monitoring displacements and estimating support requirements.

Rock Mass Characterization and Support Design for Underground Additional Surge Pool Cavern—A Case Study, India

For better rock mass characterization and support design, 3D engineering geological mapping was carried for the heading portion of the under construction 200.00 m long, 68.75 m high and 20.20 m wide underground additional surge pool cavern of a Pranahitha-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi lift irrigation scheme package 8, India. To study cavern behavior, 3D geologic mapping of heading portion is very important for large cavern for predicting geologic conditions in benching down up to invert level, planning support system, selecting inclination for best location of supplemental rock bolt and choosing strategic locations for various types of instrumentation. The assessment of Tunnel Quality Index “Q” and Geomechanics classification for the granitic rock mass was done based on the information available of the rock joints and their nature and 3D geological logging. Hoek-Brown parameters were also determined by the statistical analysis of the results of a set of triaxial tests on core samples. On basis of geological characteristics and NMT Q-system chart, support system is recommended which includes rock bolt, steel fibre reinforced shotcrete and grouting. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed support system, the capacity of support system is determined.

Integrated approach of predicting rock stability in high mountain valley underground caverns

High mountain valleys are characterized by the development of intricate ground stress fields due to geological processes such as tectonic stress,river erosion,and rock weathering.These processes introduce considerable stability concerns in the surrounding rock formations for underground engineering projects in these regions,highlighting the imperative need for rigorous stability assessments during the design phase to ensure construction safety.This paper introduces an innovative approach for the pre-evaluation of the stability of surrounding rocks in underground caverns situated within high mountain valleys.The methodology comprises several pivotal steps.Initially,we conduct inverse calculations of the ground stress field in complex geological terrains,combining field monitoring and numerical simulations.Subsequently,we ascertain stress-strength ratios of the surrounding rocks using various rock strength criteria.To assess the stability characteristics of the surrounding rocks in the 1^(#)spillway cave within our project area,we employ numerical simulations to compute stress-strength ratios based on different rock strength criteria.Furthermore,we undertake a comparative analysis,utilizing data from the 5^(#)Underground Laboratory(Lab 5)of Jinping II Hydropower Station,aligning the chosen rock strength criterion with the damage characteristics of Lab 50s surrounding rocks.This analysis serves as the cornerstone for evaluating other mechanical responses of the surrounding rocks,thereby validating the pre-evaluation methodology.Our pre-evaluation method takes into account the intricate geological evolution processes specific to high mountain valleys.It also considers the influence of the initial geostress field within the geological range of underground caverns.This comprehensive approach provides a robust foundation for the analysis and assessment of the stability of surrounding rocks,especially in high mountain valley areas,during the design phase of underground engineering projects.The insights derived from this analysis hold substantial practical significance for the effective guidance of such projects.