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.

Key issues in water sealing performance of underground oil storage caverns: Advances and perspectives

Water sealing performance is important for underground water-sealed oil storage(UWSOS).The key issues concerning water sealing performance mainly include the permeability of fractured rock mass(FRM),water-sealed safety(WSS),water curtain performance,and prediction and control of water inflow.This paper reviews the progress of above four key issues on water sealing performances.First,the permeability of an FRM is the basis of water sealing performance,and several commonly used permeability test methods and spatial variation characteristics of permeability are outlined.Second,the current water sealing criteria are compared,and the evaluation methods of WSS are summarized.Third,the design parameters and efficiency evaluation of water curtain systems(WCSs)are introduced.The water inflow of oil storage caverns(OSCs)can reflect the water sealing effect,and the prediction methods and control measures of water inflow are also summarized.Finally,the advantages and disadvantages of the current research are discussed,and the potential research directions are pointed out,such as optimization of water sealing criteria and FRM model,quantitative evaluation of WCS efficiency,accurate prediction of water inflow,and improvement of grouting technology.

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.

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.

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.

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 cavern from quantitative point of view and also aids in interpreting monitoring displacements and estimating support requirements.

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.

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.

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.

Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Numerical Simulation of an Ancient Underground Rock Mass under Impact Loading

To study the dynamic mechanical properties of tuff under different environmental conditions,the tuff from an ancient quarry in Shepan Island was prepared.The impact damage to the rock was tested using a triaxial dynamic impact mechanical testing system(TDIMTS)with different ground stresses,temperatures,and groundwater pressures.The time-strain relationship,dynamic stress-strain relationship,energy dissipation law,energy-peak strain relationship,and the impact damage pattern of the tuff specimens under impact air pressures were investigated.The TDIMTS experiment on ancient underground rock mass under impact loading was also simulated using the finite element analysis software LS-DYNA based on the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook(HJC)material model.The dynamic failure process,failure pattern and peak stress of tuff specimen were calculated.The simulation results obtained using the above methods were in good agreement with the experimental results.The results of the dynamic experiment show that with the same local stress,groundwater pressure,and temperature,the damage to the tuff specimens caused by blasting and quarrying disturbances gradually increases as the impact pressure increases.Under the same local stress,groundwater pressure,and temperature,the energy required to rupture the tuffs in ancient underground caverns is relatively small if the impact pressure is low accordingly,but as the impact pressure increases,the damage to the tuff caused by quarrying disturbance gradually increases.The damage gradually increases and the degree of damage to the tuff and the strain energy exhibit asymptotic growth when the tuff specimens are subjected to the greater strain energy,increasing the degree of rupturing of the tuff.In addition,the average crushing size decreases with increasing strain energy.By comparing the simulation results with the experimental results,it was found that the HJC model reflected the dynamic impact performance of tuff specimen,and the simulation results showed an evident strain rate effect.These results of this study can offer some guidance and theoretical support for the stability evaluation,protection,and safe operation of the ancient underground caverns in future.

压气储能地下储气库衬砌裂缝分布特征及演化规律研究

地下储气库衬砌的主要作用是将内压传递给围岩,且同时作为柔性密封层的附着基层。高内压作用下衬砌开裂可导致密封层出现反射型裂缝,进而引起高压气体的泄漏。为深入认识地下储气库衬砌的开裂特征,开发了基于FLAC3D平台的衬砌裂缝分析程序,研究了衬砌配筋方式、配筋率、钢筋保护层厚度、围岩类别和温压循环荷载作用等因素对衬砌开裂演化特征的影响。研究成果表明:对衬砌采取合理的配筋方式和改善围岩质量的措施可有效控制衬砌裂缝的宽度;采用分区配筋的方式可有效控制圆形断面隧洞式储气库衬砌中的最大裂缝宽度,同时降低衬砌的配筋量。空气压力和温度同步变化引起的热力耦合效应还有助于减小衬砌中出现的裂缝宽度。

基于ISM-SD的地下洞室群施工进度风险传递路径研究

针对水电工程地下洞室群施工进度风险存在传递问题,提出了基于解释结构模型(ISM)和系统动力学(SD)的地下洞室群施工进度风险传递路径分析方法。根据地下洞室群的施工特点,建立了地下洞室群施工进度风险指标体系;结合风险传递机理,运用解释结构模型分析风险因素间传递关系,建立了风险因素传递矩阵,并总结归纳出风险因素关系对照表,通过系统动力学分析风险因素间传递路径,揭示了施工进度风险传递路径网络;集成ISM-SD构建了地下洞室群施工进度风险传递路径分析模型,并结合西南地区某大型水电站地下洞室群工程进行分析。结果表明,该方法可有效识别施工进度风险重要因素和关键传递路径,为地下洞室群施工进度风险管理提供了决策依据。

地下洞室变形破坏物理模拟的力学相似畸变映射原理与实例分析

相似物理模拟是研究地下工程变形破坏问题的重要手段,然而经典相似理论关于相似模型与工程原型之间的几何相似比和材料力学参数相似比的相互约束,导致室内物理相似模型尺寸和材料力学参数一直面临难以完全满足相似准则的困局,从而产生力学畸变和模拟试验结果解译困难。为此,提出了地下洞室变形破坏物理模拟的力学相似畸变映射处理方法,引进畸变系数和映射系数,通过耦合解析法或数值法来映射畸变效应,实现地下洞室物理模拟结果对原型力学行为的定量解译;以圆形隧洞为工程原型,采用水泥基3D打印隧洞物理模型进行相似物理超载试验,基于提出的耦合力学相似畸变法与解析法对物理模拟结果进行了定量分析和对比验证;以某水电站地下洞室群为研究原型,通过砂岩3D打印洞室群物理模型的超载试验获得洞室破坏的变形值,采用耦合力学相似畸变法与数值方法对物理模拟结果进行定量分析。实例分析结果表明,在物理相似模拟中几何相似比和力学相似比不满足经典相似准则条件下,该方法可实现圆形隧洞或复杂洞室群原型的相似物理模拟结果的定量映射分析,对非恒定相似比的地下洞室物理模拟畸变分析具有普适性。

压缩空气储能地下储气库热力学改进模型研究

【目的】明晰地下储气库的热力学过程是压缩空气储能(compressed air energy storage,CAES)电站安全设计与运行调度的重要基础。【方法】现有地下储气库热力学模型在计算热量交换时,存在高压储气阶段热损失偏大和低压储气库阶段补热过多的不足。本文在全面分析地下储气库热力学模型理论基础合理性的前提下,先分析储气库热量计算偏差的形成根源;再提出改进模型。【结果】研究结果表明:现有的热力学计算解析模型忽略了CAES地下储气库在运行过程中温度分布的不均匀性,这种温度分布的不均匀导致储气室洞壁与压缩空气之间的对流换热模型失真,导致温度计算结果偏差大。考虑混合对流换热的改进模型二可以较好地解决储气阶段温度计算结果与真实结果之间偏差过大的问题。算例分析证明了改进模型二的合理性。【结论】本文的改进模型二可为CAES地下储气库容积优化设计与效率分析提供计算依据。

裂隙发育岩体水电工程地下洞室预裂爆破试验研究

硬梁包水电站地下厂房地质构造复杂,围岩裂隙发育,岩性杂乱,岩体具有“硬、碎、杂”特点,厂房开挖成型难度较大、预裂爆破效果差,为解决此问题,结合地下厂房第Ⅲ层中部拉槽施工预裂,开展了系统的爆破试验。初期试验中,预裂爆破线装药密度低于规范计算值近100 g/m的情况下,两侧边墙岩体在爆破后十分破碎,无法明显看到预裂孔的痕迹。开展的岩体声波测试和岩体完整性分析表明:厂房岩体全孔平均纵波速度为4.03 km/s,整体完整性差;岩体沿预裂孔轴向0~1.5 m、1.5~3.9 m、3.9~7.4 m深度的分段波速平均值分别为2.59 km/s、3.58 km/s、4.70 km/s,表现出在深度方向上的分段完整性差异。根据上述特点,在厂房开挖施工过程中,预裂爆破的平均单孔线装药密度取为0.123~0.284 kg/m,并针对不同深度选取不同的线装药密度,各分段采用小药卷均匀间隔装药,试验和应用效果良好,保证了壁面基本成型,半孔率显著提高。

基于两相流的水封油库油气泄漏运移规律及控制措施

地下水封油库运行的关键是保持一定的水封厚度,为确定合适的水封厚度,基于气液两相流理论,采用有限元数值模拟方法,以我国某石油储备地下水封洞库为依托,模拟了地下水封石油洞库储油运行期油气的泄漏运移演变过程。结果表明:施工期不设置水幕系统情况下,洞室顶部出现了大面积的疏干区,造成后期无法储油;设置水幕系统情况下,洞库上方能够维持一定水封厚度,洞库周围岩层油气泄漏范围和泄漏量均与储油运行时间呈正幂函数关系;水封厚度越大油气泄漏范围和泄漏量越小,但过大的水封厚度会大大增加工程成本,所对应的案例在水封厚度为30 m时对油气泄漏控制最为经济合理,《地下水封石洞油库设计标准》推荐的水封厚度合理且有一定安全裕度。研究成果可为水封油库工程的设计及油气泄漏控制提供一定理论参考。

某抽水蓄能电站地下厂房洞室群三维有限元稳定性分析

为了了解抽水蓄能电站地下厂房洞室群开挖支护后围岩的稳定性,以某抽水蓄能电站地下厂房洞室群为例,采用隐式弹粘塑性本构关系,建立三维有限元模型,对比分析地下洞室群毛洞工况、锚杆+锚索+衬砌联合支护工况及支护参数优化后围岩的变形、应力场分布及D-P点安全系数。结果表明:采用锚杆+锚索+衬砌联合支护的方式可以有效减小地下洞室群围岩的位移量,提高D-P点安全系数,使应力分布更为均匀,围岩的稳定性更好。锚杆长度在6m~8m范围变化及锚索预应力变化对围岩的变形、应力以及D-P点安全系数的影响不显著,但是对围岩局部有一定的影响,施工过程中应动态优化调整。