Critical Length and Collapse of Interlayer in Rock Salt Natural Gas Storage

The existence of an interlayer has a significant effect on the stability of a rock salt gas storage cavity; therefore, an uncontrollable collapse of the interlayer would cause a series of issues. In this study, three types of mechanical instability criteria are comprehensively calculated. The limit radius of the interlayer is computed under different criteria, and the collapse radius of the interlayer is obtained by comparison. The calculation results of the mathematical model are highly accurate with respect to actual engineering logging data, in general with over 90% of accuracy. It is demonstrated that, besides the physical and mechanical characteristics of the sandwich, the location of the interlayer in the cavity and concentration of the brine also have an important effect on the collapse of the interlayer. The brine at the bottom of the cavity is nearly saturated. Therefore, an interlayer at this location does not easily collapse. The mathematical model established in this study is used in the seismic design and prediction of interlayer collapse during the construction of salt-cavern gas storage facilities in China.

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