A prediction model of the accumulation shape of insoluble sediments during the leaching of salt cavern for gas storage

• We propose a prediction model of the insolubles accumulation shape in salt cavern UGS.
• Experiments have been carried out to determine the properties of the insolubles.
• The equations of the two interfaces of the insolubles accumulation are derived.
• A software has been developed to simulate the insolubles accumulation shape.
• Lower the cavern height in early leaching stages will increase the cavern capacity.

A mathematical model is proposed to predict the accumulation shape of the insoluble sediments during cavern leaching. Laboratory tests have been carried out to determine the properties affecting the shape of the insolubles accumulation. The cutoff value of insoluble substances content in rock salt is introduced in the mathematical model. The equations of the shape of the insolubles accumulation are deduced, and a computer program is developed based on these equations. JT-52 cavern of Jintan salt mine is simulated by the program. The simulation results are compared with the sonar survey data of the insolubles accumulation shape of JT-52 cavern to verify the accuracy of the mathematical model. It shows that the proposed mathematical model has a high accuracy, which can satisfy the requirement of the actual engineering. A smaller distance between the inner leaching tubing and the blanket is suggested in the early leaching stages to increase the usable volume of the cavern.

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