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Mined Rock Caverns

In those locations where neither salt caverns can be leached nor suitable aquifer structures or depleted oil or gas fields are available, there may be the right geological conditions for the construction of caverns in hard rock by traditional mining techniques. This type of storage is especially suitable for products that are in a liquid state under atmospheric conditions.

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Liquefied gases can also be cost-effectively stored in this way. The excavated rock material is removed either through a vertical shaft or through a tunnel by means of dumpers. Once the storage caverns and connecting galleries have been completed, the shaft or tunnel is plugged with cement. Storage volumes of several 100,000 m³ can be achieved this way. Strings of tubing installed in a vertical shaft are used for product injection and discharge. The shaft itself is separated from the storage cavern by a plug. Submersible pumps are used for product discharge.





A specially developed technology is applied to ensure that the stored product does not penetrate into any fissures in the surrounding rock. This involves the creation of a water curtain around the storage cavern, sealing it by means of a slight but permanent water inflow around the cavern space at a pressure slightly in excess of the pressure of the stored medium. This envelops the cavity and ensures its tightness. The stability of hard rock caverns is ascertained in advance by means of geomechanical calculations.

Surface facilities are necessary to separate any water from the stored product, for metering and for loading and unloading operations (onto road tankers, rail tank-wagons, ships and pipelines).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
























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