A technology for the reconstruction of existing convection connected salt caverns into underground gas storage

Salt & Chemical Company has abundant resources of convection connected salt caverns. And if this type of salt cavern is utilized effectively, not only the reconstruction time of gas storage is shortened, but also the engineering investment can be reduced significantly. In this paper, the salt brine production model of Salt & Chemical Company was firstly reviewed. Then, based on numerical simulation and sonar detection data, the difficulties in the reconstruction process of existing convection connected salt caverns were investigated, such as shape detection and de-brining mode. Finally, the reconstruction feasibility of existing convection connected salt caverns into underground gas storage was discussed, and the reconstruction method was put forward. In conclusion, Salt & Chemical Company's technologies for the reconstruction of existing convection connected salt caverns into underground gas storage broaden the construction ideas of salt-cavern gas storage, and especially are of great significance to the construction of underground gas storage in salt layers with multiple interlayers and low purity in China.