EP0819834B1 - Method for making a cavity in a thin-walled salt mine - Google Patents

Method for making a cavity in a thin-walled salt mine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0819834B1
EP0819834B1 EP97401582A EP97401582A EP0819834B1 EP 0819834 B1 EP0819834 B1 EP 0819834B1 EP 97401582 A EP97401582 A EP 97401582A EP 97401582 A EP97401582 A EP 97401582A EP 0819834 B1 EP0819834 B1 EP 0819834B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tunnel
injection
void
communication space
blind
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EP97401582A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0819834A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Gérard Durup
Guy Boris
Yvon Charnavel
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Engie SA
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Gaz de France SA
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Priority to US08/895,983 priority Critical patent/US5957539A/en
Publication of EP0819834A1 publication Critical patent/EP0819834A1/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
    • E21F17/00—Methods or devices for use in mines or tunnels, not covered elsewhere
    • E21F17/16—Modification of mine passages or chambers for storage purposes, especially for liquids or gases
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/28—Dissolving minerals other than hydrocarbons, e.g. by an alkaline or acid leaching agent

Definitions

  • the subject of the invention is a method for digging, by dissolution, a cavity in a ground containing mainly salt.
  • the invention aims more particularly to obtain, after digging, a cavity allowing the storage of a fluid and in particular of natural gas in a salt mine comprising a thin layer of salt, the height is about a hundred meters.
  • the communication space and the blind tunnel are dug in the continuation of one another sloping descending from the injection well so that the closed end of the injection well is lower than its open end.
  • the blind tunnel is an optional well intended to recover the insoluble elements which come and drop off there.
  • the invention proposes that we have the closed end of the blind tunnel at a higher or substantially higher height equal to that of the open end, so that we also dig the blind tunnel by circulation of the solvent in this tunnel, passing through its open end the solvent from the communication space in said tunnel and recover the brine thus formed to extract it.
  • a blind tunnel is a separate tunnel communication space, which has a single end communicating with the communication space.
  • the brine having a density greater than that of the solvent when the closed end of the blind tunnel is arranged at a height lower than the open end the brine tends to stagnate side of the closed end of the blind tunnel. So there is no more traffic solvent in the blind tunnel and digging by dissolving the tunnel one-eyed tends to disappear. This phenomenon is all the more marked since the the slope is steep and the blind tunnel is long.
  • This solution notably has the advantage of allowing a wide variety of cavity shapes and mining in many directions.
  • the term “draft” denotes the initial state a space or a tunnel (before the salt is dissolved by the solvent).
  • the invention proposes that at the place of the connection between the blank of the space of communication and the draft of the blind tunnel (which place could be arranged a priori anywhere along the blank space communication between the two conduits), we can realize the end open from the blank blind tunnel overhanging the space of communication.
  • the invention proposes have the injection and extraction conduits substantially coaxially so that one of these conduits is located in the center and is surrounded by the other, at the less over part of its axial length. There is then only one hole left. dig to make the two conduits.
  • Figure 1 is illustrated a salt mine 1 appearing under stratified form between two mineral layers contained in the soil 10.
  • An injection pipe 16 and an extraction pipe 18 have been arranged in two wells, after digging them, substantially vertically between ground level and a blank the cavity dug in salt mine 1.
  • conduits include an end located at ground level 16a, 18b and one end 16b, 18a located in the cavity blank.
  • the ends 16b, 18a located in the cavity blank 1a are connected by a draft 4 of communication space.
  • draft 4 of the space of communication was drilled from conduit 18.
  • Drilling axis 13 was shown in broken lines. The diameter of the blank is approximately 6 cm and preferably less than 10 cm.
  • the draft 4 of the communication space includes a part elongated and substantially rectilinear and horizontal 4c comprised between a end part 4b in connection with the extraction duct 18, and another extreme part 4a surrounding the injection duct 16 over part of its length, near its end 16b forming an injection point in the cavity.
  • a blank 2 of the blind tunnel was produced by extension of the elongated part 4c of the blank 4 of the communication space beyond of the injection duct 16.
  • This blank 2 of the blind tunnel thus comprises a closed end 2b and an open end 2a communicating with the draft 4 of the communication space.
  • the open end 2a overlooks the injection point 16a, so that the open end 2a is disposed at near the injection point 16b and that the lower part of the end open 2a is higher than the injection point 16b.
  • the blank 4c of the elongated part of the space of communication and blank 2 of blind tunnel are substantially horizontal. We could also plan to make them slightly inclined.
  • the open end of the blind holes should necessarily be lower than the closed end and likewise the part extended communication space should be lower on the side of the extraction duct only on the injection duct side.
  • a solvent here water
  • the water comes out of the conduit 16 through the injection point 16b where it is injected into the end 14a of the communication space as illustrated by the arrows 15a.
  • This space of communication just like the whole cavity is entirely or least almost completely filled with water and brine. Water injected being less dense than the brine, it rises in the upper part of the cavity 11a. Water is injected at a pressure slightly higher than the pressure in the cavity.
  • the injected water flows from the end 14a of the space of communication to the elongated part 14c of the communication space 14 and the blind tunnel 12. Water is not introduced due to the pressure injection into the blind tunnel, but under the action of a flow created by the salt dissolution.
  • the water filling this cavity dig the salt mine by dissolving the salt, so that after digging, the blanks 4; 2 of the communication space and the blind tunnel form the communication space 14 and the blind tunnel 12 in width, in length and higher than their respective blanks.
  • Salt-laden water forming brine then circulates in the lower part of the space of communication 14 and the blind tunnel 12 as illustrated by the arrows 15d, 15f.
  • the brine passes from the blind tunnel 12 towards the elongated part and horizontal 14c of the communication space 14, so that the brine formed in the blind tunnel is recovered in the communication space to be extracted there.
  • the blind tunnel 12 communicates with the communication space 14 only by the open end, which allows to drown the blind tunnel of water by introducing water into the tunnel and recovering the brine formed by dissolving the salt from the blind tunnel.
  • FIG. 3 the elements corresponding to those of FIG. 2 have have been identified by a number increased by 10.
  • This figure is different essentially of FIG. 2 in that the injection circuits 26 and extraction 28 are arranged coaxially.
  • the injection circuit 26 descending lowest in the cavity 21a, it is located inside and the circuit extraction 28 outside.
  • the extraction circuit 28 surrounds the circuit most of its length.
  • the space of communication here no longer includes a horizontal elongated part and is produced entirely around the injection circuit 26, between the ends 26b, 28a injection and extraction conduits. Drilling the blank space communication can be obtained easily at the same time as that intended for the extraction duct. Axis 23 of the blind tunnel outline has been shown in broken lines.
  • the circulation of water, and therefore of brine, is carried out using a compression pump 30 injecting pressurized water into the conduit injection 26 as indicated by arrow 27.
  • FIG. 4 the elements corresponding to those of FIG. 3 have have been identified by a number increased by 10.
  • This figure is different essentially from the previous one in that a second tunnel 43 draft blind was carried out.
  • This figure illustrates the construction of multiple tunnels blind 32, 42 in fluid connection by their open end 32a, 42a with communication space 34.
  • the water injected by the injection point 36b rises since it is less dense than the brine contained in the cavity and that the point injection is located under the open ends 32a, 42a of the blind holes.
  • the water is then distributed between the different blind tunnels and digs them in loading with salt.
  • the brine thus formed then tends to descend in the end 34a of the communication space, as illustrated by the arrows 35c.
  • the flow 35a of injected water directs the brine to the end 38a of the extraction tube 38, as illustrated by the arrows 35b.
  • the brine is then extracted by the extraction tube 38.

Abstract

Process for hollowing out by dissolution a cavity (1a) in a terrain (1) containing a majority of salt, with the following stages: An injection channel, an extraction channel and an outline communication space are made so the injection and extraction channels are connected, and at least one outline blind tunnel is made so it extends between an open end and a closed end, with the open end opening into the communication space. A salt solvent is then injected via the injection channel into the communication space before it hollows out the cavity by dissolving the salt. The resulting brine is then removed through the extraction channel. To hollow out the cavity the blind tunnel is also hollowed out by circulating the solvent in the tunnel. Cavity formed by using this process.

Description

L'invention a pour objet un procédé pour creuser, par dissolution, une cavité dans un terrain contenant en majorité du sel.The subject of the invention is a method for digging, by dissolution, a cavity in a ground containing mainly salt.

L'invention vise plus particulièrement à obtenir, après creusement, une cavité permettant le stockage d'un fluide et notamment de gaz naturel dans une mine de sel comprenant une fine couche de sel dont la hauteur est d'environ une centaine de mètres.The invention aims more particularly to obtain, after digging, a cavity allowing the storage of a fluid and in particular of natural gas in a salt mine comprising a thin layer of salt, the height is about a hundred meters.

Le terme hauteur devra être compris dans la suite de la description au sens de l'élévation.The term height should be understood in the rest of the description in the sense of the elevation.

Compte-tenu des sollicitations auxquelles la cavité doit être soumise pendant son exploitation en tant que stockage du gaz, il est nécessaire de maítriser la propagation de la dissolution afin d'obtenir une cavité finale présentant une forme mécaniquement stable.Given the stresses to which the cavity must be submitted during its operation as gas storage, it is necessary to control the spread of the dissolution in order to obtain a final cavity having a mechanically stable shape.

Or, s'il est relativement aisé de contrôler la dissolution lorsque la mine atteint ou même dépasse un millier de mètres, cette opération est plus délicate lorsque le sel est stratifié. En effet, l'épaisseur de sel disponible ne dépassant alors que rarement quelques centaines de mètres, on est amené à réaliser des cavités dont la largeur est au moins égale à la hauteur.However, if it is relatively easy to control the dissolution when the mine reaches or even exceeds a thousand meters, this operation is more delicate when salt is stratified. In fact, the available salt thickness does not rarely exceeding a few hundred meters, we are led to make cavities whose width is at least equal to the height.

Certes, il est décrit dans US-A-5 246 273, pour creuser une mine de sel par dissolution de :

  • réaliser un conduit d'injection, un conduit d'extraction, une ébauche d'espace de communication mettant en liaison les conduits d'injection et d'extraction, et au moins une ébauche de tunnel borgne tel que :
    • le tunnel borgne s'étende entre une extrémité ouverte et une extrémité close, et
    • le tunnel borgne soit en liaison par son extrémité ouverte avec l'espace de communication,
  • puis injecter, par le conduit d'injection, un solvant du sel dans l'espace de communication, afin de creuser la cavité par dissolution du sel au contact du solvant,
  • extraire ensuite, par le conduit d'extraction, la saumure formée par la dissolution du sel.
Admittedly, it is described in US-A-5,246,273, for digging a salt mine by dissolving:
  • producing an injection pipe, an extraction pipe, a draft of communication space connecting the injection and extraction pipes, and at least one blank tunnel tunnel such as:
    • the blind tunnel extends between an open end and a closed end, and
    • the blind tunnel is connected by its open end with the communication space,
  • then inject, through the injection pipe, a solvent for the salt into the communication space, in order to hollow out the cavity by dissolving the salt in contact with the solvent,
  • then extract, through the extraction duct, the brine formed by the dissolution of the salt.

Dans ce document US-A-5 246 273, l'espace de communication et le tunnel borgne sont creusés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre en pente descendante à partir du puits d'injection de sorte que l'extrémité close du puits d'injection est plus basse que son extrémité ouverte. Le tunnel borgne est un puits optionnel destiné à récupérer les éléments insolubles qui viennent s'y déposer.In this document US-A-5 246 273, the communication space and the blind tunnel are dug in the continuation of one another sloping descending from the injection well so that the closed end of the injection well is lower than its open end. The blind tunnel is an optional well intended to recover the insoluble elements which come and drop off there.

Par conséquent, la technique mise en oeuvre dans US-A-5 246 273 est coûteuse, car rapporté au volume de la cavité finale de forme mécaniquement stable, le nombre d'opérations de mise en oeuvre est relativement important (en particulier la réalisation des conduits et de l'ébauche de l'espace de communication).Consequently, the technique implemented in US-A-5,246,273 is expensive, because related to the volume of the final shaped cavity mechanically stable, the number of implementation operations is relatively important (in particular the realization of the conduits and the outline of the communication space).

Pour résoudre ces problèmes, l'invention propose que l'on dispose l'extrémité close du tunnel borgne à une hauteur supérieure ou sensiblement égale à celle de l'extrémité ouverte, de telle sorte que l'on creuse également le tunnel borgne par circulation du solvant dans ce tunnel, en faisant passer par son extrémité ouverte le solvant depuis l'espace de communication dans ledit tunnel et que l'on récupère la saumure ainsi formée pour l'en extraire.To solve these problems, the invention proposes that we have the closed end of the blind tunnel at a higher or substantially higher height equal to that of the open end, so that we also dig the blind tunnel by circulation of the solvent in this tunnel, passing through its open end the solvent from the communication space in said tunnel and recover the brine thus formed to extract it.

Comme on l'aura compris un tunnel borgne est un tunnel distinct de l'espace de communication, qui possède une unique extrémité communiquant avec l'espace de communication.As we will have understood a blind tunnel is a separate tunnel communication space, which has a single end communicating with the communication space.

La saumure possédant une densité supérieure à celle du solvant, lorsque l'extrémité close du tunnel borgne est disposée à une hauteur inférieure à celle de l'extrémité ouverte la saumure a tendance à stagner du côté de l'extrémité close du tunnel borgne. Ainsi, il n'y a plus de circulation du solvant dans le tunnel borgne et le creusement par dissolution du tunnel borgne tend à disparaítre. Ce phénomène est d'autant plus marqué que la pente est prononcée et que le tunnel borgne est long. The brine having a density greater than that of the solvent, when the closed end of the blind tunnel is arranged at a height lower than the open end the brine tends to stagnate side of the closed end of the blind tunnel. So there is no more traffic solvent in the blind tunnel and digging by dissolving the tunnel one-eyed tends to disappear. This phenomenon is all the more marked since the the slope is steep and the blind tunnel is long.

En revanche, lorsque l'extrémité close du tunnel borgne est à une hauteur supérieure ou sensiblement égale à celle de l'extrémité ouverte, bien que le tunnel borgne ne favorise a priori pas l'entrée et la circulation du solvant, encore moins le brassage du solvant et la dissolution du sel, de manière surprenante, ce phénomène se produit, ce qui génère le développement du trou borgne.On the other hand, when the closed end of the blind tunnel is at an height greater than or substantially equal to that of the open end, although that the blind tunnel does not a priori favor the entry and circulation of solvent, let alone mixing the solvent and dissolving the salt, surprisingly, this phenomenon occurs, which generates the development of the blind hole.

Cette solution possède notamment comme avantage, de permettre un éventail varié de formes de cavité et une exploitation de la mine dans de nombreuses directions.This solution notably has the advantage of allowing a wide variety of cavity shapes and mining in many directions.

Elle permet par conséquent d'augmenter sensiblement le volume de la cavité finale que l'on peut creuser sans avoir à déplacer le conduit d'injection ou le conduit d'extraction et en conservant une stabilité mécanique donnée. Le coût de l'opération de creusement rapportée au volume de la cavité est donc réduit.It therefore makes it possible to significantly increase the volume of the final cavity that can be dug without having to move the conduit injection pipe or the extraction duct and retaining stability given mechanics. The cost of the digging operation related to volume of the cavity is therefore reduced.

Il sera alors très avantageux de multiplier le nombre d'ébauches de tunnels borgnes en liaison avec l'espace de communication.It will then be very advantageous to multiply the number of sketches of blind tunnels in connection with the communication space.

Dans toute la description, le terme "ébauche" désigne l'état initial d'un espace ou d'un tunnel (avant dissolution du sel par le solvant).Throughout the description, the term "draft" denotes the initial state a space or a tunnel (before the salt is dissolved by the solvent).

Afin d'améliorer encore la dissolution dans le tunnel borgne, l'invention propose qu'à l'endroit de la liaison entre l'ébauche de l'espace de communication et l'ébauche du tunnel borgne (lequel endroit pourrait être disposé a priori n'importe où le long de l'ébauche d'espace de communication entre les deux conduits), on puisse réaliser l'extrémité ouverte de l'ébauche du tunnel borgne en surplomb de l'espace de communication.In order to further improve the dissolution in the blind tunnel, the invention proposes that at the place of the connection between the blank of the space of communication and the draft of the blind tunnel (which place could be arranged a priori anywhere along the blank space communication between the two conduits), we can realize the end open from the blank blind tunnel overhanging the space of communication.

Une variante permettant également d'améliorer la dissolution dans le tunnel borgne consiste à :

  • réaliser l'extrémité ouverte de l'ébauche du tunnel borgne à proximité du conduit d'injection,
  • faire circuler le solvant dans le conduit d'injection et le faire ressortir de ce conduit par une extrémité formant point d'injection dans la cavité,
  • réaliser l'ébauche du tunnel borgne avec la partie de son extrémité ouverte en surplomb du point d'injection.
A variant also making it possible to improve the dissolution in the blind tunnel consists in:
  • make the open end of the blank of the blind tunnel near the injection pipe,
  • circulate the solvent in the injection pipe and bring it out of this pipe by one end forming an injection point in the cavity,
  • carry out the blanking of the blind tunnel with the part of its open end overhanging the injection point.

Afin d'améliorer encore la dissolution dans le tunnel borgne, l'invention propose que :

  • on réalise les conduits d'injection et d'extraction distants l'un de l'autre,
  • on ménage une partie allongée dans l'ébauche de l'espace de communication,
  • on réalise l'ébauche du tunnel borgne et la partie allongée de l'ébauche de l'espace de communication sensiblement dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre, et le conduit d'injection entre l'ébauche du tunnel borgne et la partie allongée de l'espace de communication.
In order to further improve the dissolution in the blind tunnel, the invention proposes that:
  • the injection and extraction conduits are separated from each other,
  • we spare an elongated part in the blank of the communication space,
  • the blank of the blind tunnel and the elongated part of the blank of the communication space are produced substantially in the extension of one another, and the injection pipe between the blank of the blind tunnel and the part extended communication space.

Par contre, si l'on souhaite réduire les coûts de réalisation d'une cavité ou augmenter l'éventail des formes réalisées, l'invention propose de disposer sensiblement coaxialement les conduits d'injection et d'extraction de sorte que l'un de ces conduits est situé au centre et est entouré par l'autre, au moins sur une partie de sa longueur axiale. Il n'y a alors plus qu'un trou à creuser pour réaliser les deux conduits.On the other hand, if one wishes to reduce the costs of carrying out a cavity or increase the range of shapes produced, the invention proposes have the injection and extraction conduits substantially coaxially so that one of these conduits is located in the center and is surrounded by the other, at the less over part of its axial length. There is then only one hole left. dig to make the two conduits.

L'invention va apparaítre encore plus clairement dans la description qui va suivre, faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 montre en coupe une première forme d'ébauche de cavité réalisée dans une mine de sel,
  • la figure 2 montre en coupe une première forme de cavité obtenue à partir de l'ébauche de la figure 1 après creusement par dissolution d'une partie du sel contenu dans la mine,
  • la figure 3 montre en coupe une deuxième forme de cavité obtenue après creusement par dissolution d'une partie du sel contenu dans la mine,
  • la figure 4 montre en coupe une troisième forme de cavité obtenue après creusement par dissolution d'une partie du sel contenu dans la mine.
The invention will appear even more clearly in the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 shows in section a first form of cavity blank made in a salt mine,
  • FIG. 2 shows in section a first form of cavity obtained from the blank of FIG. 1 after digging by dissolving part of the salt contained in the mine,
  • FIG. 3 shows in section a second form of cavity obtained after digging by dissolving part of the salt contained in the mine,
  • Figure 4 shows in section a third form of cavity obtained after digging by dissolving part of the salt contained in the mine.

A la figure 1, est illustrée une mine de sel 1 se présentant sous forme stratifiée et comprise entre deux couches minérales contenues dans le sol 10. Un conduit d'injection 16 et un conduit d'extraction 18 ont été disposés dans deux puits, après creusement de ceux-ci, sensiblement verticalement entre le niveau du sol et une ébauche la de cavité creusée dans la mine de sel 1.In Figure 1, is illustrated a salt mine 1 appearing under stratified form between two mineral layers contained in the soil 10. An injection pipe 16 and an extraction pipe 18 have been arranged in two wells, after digging them, substantially vertically between ground level and a blank the cavity dug in salt mine 1.

Ces conduits comprennent une extrémité située au niveau du sol 16a, 18b et une extrémité 16b, 18a située dans l'ébauche la de cavité. Les extrémités 16b, 18a situées dans l'ébauche de cavité la sont reliées par une ébauche 4 d'espace de communication. Ici, l'ébauche 4 de l'espace de communication a été forée à partir du conduit 18. L'axe de forage 13 a été représenté en trait interrompu. Le diamètre de l'ébauche est d'environ 6 cm et de préférence inférieure à 10 cm.These conduits include an end located at ground level 16a, 18b and one end 16b, 18a located in the cavity blank. The ends 16b, 18a located in the cavity blank 1a are connected by a draft 4 of communication space. Here, draft 4 of the space of communication was drilled from conduit 18. Drilling axis 13 was shown in broken lines. The diameter of the blank is approximately 6 cm and preferably less than 10 cm.

L'ébauche 4 de l'espace de communication comporte une partie allongée et sensiblement rectiligne et horizontale 4c comprise entre une partie extrême 4b en liaison avec le conduit d'extraction 18, et une autre partie extrême 4a entourant le conduit d'injection 16 sur une partie de sa longueur, à proximité de son extrémité 16b formant point d'injection dans la cavité.The draft 4 of the communication space includes a part elongated and substantially rectilinear and horizontal 4c comprised between a end part 4b in connection with the extraction duct 18, and another extreme part 4a surrounding the injection duct 16 over part of its length, near its end 16b forming an injection point in the cavity.

Une ébauche 2 de tunnel borgne a été réalisée par prolongement de la partie allongée 4c de l'ébauche 4 de l'espace de communication au-delà du conduit d'injection 16. Cette ébauche 2 de tunnel borgne comprend ainsi une extrémité close 2b et une extrémité ouverte 2a communicant avec l'ébauche 4 de l'espace de communication. L'extrémité ouverte 2a surplombe le point d'injection 16a, de sorte que l'extrémité ouverte 2a est disposée à proximité du point d'injection 16b et que la partie basse de l'extrémité ouverte 2a est plus haute que le point d'injection 16b.A blank 2 of the blind tunnel was produced by extension of the elongated part 4c of the blank 4 of the communication space beyond of the injection duct 16. This blank 2 of the blind tunnel thus comprises a closed end 2b and an open end 2a communicating with the draft 4 of the communication space. The open end 2a overlooks the injection point 16a, so that the open end 2a is disposed at near the injection point 16b and that the lower part of the end open 2a is higher than the injection point 16b.

Ici, l'ébauche 4c de la partie allongée de l'espace de communication et l'ébauche 2 de tunnel borgne sont sensiblement horizontales. On pourrait également prévoir de les réaliser légèrement inclinées. Dans ce cas, en raison de la plus forte densité de la saumure par rapport à l'eau injectée, l'extrémité ouverte des trous borgnes devra nécessairement être plus basse que l'extrémité close et de même la partie allongée de l'espace de communication devra être plus basse du côté du conduit d'extraction que du côté du conduit d'injection.Here, the blank 4c of the elongated part of the space of communication and blank 2 of blind tunnel are substantially horizontal. We could also plan to make them slightly inclined. In this case, due to the higher density of brine per compared to the injected water, the open end of the blind holes should necessarily be lower than the closed end and likewise the part extended communication space should be lower on the side of the extraction duct only on the injection duct side.

A la figure 2, on injecte un solvant (ici de l'eau) tel qu'illustré par la flèche 17 par l'extrémité 16a du conduit d'injection 16. L'eau ressort du conduit 16 par le point d'injection 16b où elle est injectée dans l'extrémité 14a de l'espace de communication tel qu'illustré par les flèches 15a. Cet espace de communication, tout comme l'ensemble de la cavité est entièrement ou du moins presque entièrement rempli de d'eau et de saumure. L'eau injectée étant moins dense que la saumure, celle-ci monte en partie supérieure de la cavité 11a. L'eau est injectée à une pression légèrement supérieure à la pression régnant dans la cavité.In FIG. 2, a solvent (here water) is injected as illustrated by the arrow 17 through the end 16a of the injection pipe 16. The water comes out of the conduit 16 through the injection point 16b where it is injected into the end 14a of the communication space as illustrated by the arrows 15a. This space of communication, just like the whole cavity is entirely or least almost completely filled with water and brine. Water injected being less dense than the brine, it rises in the upper part of the cavity 11a. Water is injected at a pressure slightly higher than the pressure in the cavity.

L'eau injectée circule de l'extrémité 14a de l'espace de communication vers la partie allongée 14c de l'espace de communication 14 et le tunnel borgne 12. L'eau n'est pas introduite du fait de la pression d'injection dans le tunnel borgne, mais sous l'action d'un flux créé par la dissolution du sel.The injected water flows from the end 14a of the space of communication to the elongated part 14c of the communication space 14 and the blind tunnel 12. Water is not introduced due to the pressure injection into the blind tunnel, but under the action of a flow created by the salt dissolution.

Tel qu'illustré par les flèches 15c, 15e, l'eau remplissant cette cavité creuse la mine de sel en dissolvant le sel, de sorte qu'après creusement, les ébauches 4; 2 de l'espace de communication et du tunnel borgne forment l'espace de communication 14 et le tunnel borgne 12 de largeur, de longueur et de hauteur supérieures à leur ébauche respective. L'eau chargée en sel formant saumure circule alors en partie inférieure de l'espace de communication 14 et du tunnel borgne 12 tel qu'illustré par les flèches 15d, 15f.As illustrated by arrows 15c, 15e, the water filling this cavity dig the salt mine by dissolving the salt, so that after digging, the blanks 4; 2 of the communication space and the blind tunnel form the communication space 14 and the blind tunnel 12 in width, in length and higher than their respective blanks. Salt-laden water forming brine then circulates in the lower part of the space of communication 14 and the blind tunnel 12 as illustrated by the arrows 15d, 15f.

La saumure passe du tunnel borgne 12 vers la partie allongée et horizontale 14c de l'espace de communication 14, de sorte que la saumure formée dans le tunnel borgne est récupérée dans l'espace de communication pour y être extraite.The brine passes from the blind tunnel 12 towards the elongated part and horizontal 14c of the communication space 14, so that the brine formed in the blind tunnel is recovered in the communication space to be extracted there.

En appliquant une pression d'injection supérieure à la pression d'extraction, la saumure circule de la partie allongée 14c de l'espace de communication 14 vers le conduit 18 via l'extrémité 14b de l'espace de communication 14, tel qu'illustré par la flèche 15b.By applying an injection pressure higher than the pressure the brine flows from the elongated part 14c of the space of communication 14 to the conduit 18 via the end 14b of the space of communication 14, as illustrated by arrow 15b.

Le tunnel borgne 12 communique avec l'espace de communication 14 uniquement par l'extrémité ouverte, qui permet de noyer le tunnel borgne d'eau en y introduisant l'eau dans le tunnel et de récupérer la saumure formée par dissolution du sel du tunnel borgne.The blind tunnel 12 communicates with the communication space 14 only by the open end, which allows to drown the blind tunnel of water by introducing water into the tunnel and recovering the brine formed by dissolving the salt from the blind tunnel.

A la figure 3, les éléments correspondant à ceux de la figure 2 ont été repérés par un numéro augmenté de 10. Cette figure se différencie essentiellement de la figure 2 en ce que les circuits d'injection 26 et d'extraction 28 sont disposés coaxialement. Le circuit d'injection 26 descendant le plus bas dans la cavité 21a, il est situé à l'intérieur et le circuit d'extraction 28 à l'extérieur. Le circuit d'extraction 28 entoure le circuit d'injection sur la majeure partie de sa longueur.In FIG. 3, the elements corresponding to those of FIG. 2 have have been identified by a number increased by 10. This figure is different essentially of FIG. 2 in that the injection circuits 26 and extraction 28 are arranged coaxially. The injection circuit 26 descending lowest in the cavity 21a, it is located inside and the circuit extraction 28 outside. The extraction circuit 28 surrounds the circuit most of its length.

Du fait de cette conformation particulière, l'espace de communication ne comprend plus ici de partie allongée horizontale et est réalisé entièrement autour du circuit d'injection 26, entre les extrémités 26b, 28a des conduits d'injection et d'extraction. Le forage de l'ébauche d'espace de communication pourra être obtenu aisément en même temps que celui destiné au conduit d'extraction. L'axe 23 de l'ébauche de tunnel borgne a été représenté en trait interrompu.Because of this particular conformation, the space of communication here no longer includes a horizontal elongated part and is produced entirely around the injection circuit 26, between the ends 26b, 28a injection and extraction conduits. Drilling the blank space communication can be obtained easily at the same time as that intended for the extraction duct. Axis 23 of the blind tunnel outline has been shown in broken lines.

La circulation d'eau, et donc de saumure, est réalisée à l'aide d'une pompe de compression 30 injectant l'eau sous pression dans le conduit d'injection 26 tel qu'indiqué par la flèche 27.The circulation of water, and therefore of brine, is carried out using a compression pump 30 injecting pressurized water into the conduit injection 26 as indicated by arrow 27.

A la figure 4, les éléments correspondant à ceux de la figure 3 ont été repérés par un numéro augmenté de 10. Cette figure se différencie essentiellement de la précédente en ce qu'une deuxième ébauche 43 de tunnel borgne a été réalisée. Cette figure illustre la réalisation de multiples tunnels borgnes 32, 42 en liaison fluide par leur extrémité ouverte 32a, 42a avec l'espace de communication 34.In FIG. 4, the elements corresponding to those of FIG. 3 have have been identified by a number increased by 10. This figure is different essentially from the previous one in that a second tunnel 43 draft blind was carried out. This figure illustrates the construction of multiple tunnels blind 32, 42 in fluid connection by their open end 32a, 42a with communication space 34.

L'eau injectée par le point d'injection 36b monte puisqu'elle est moins dense que la saumure contenue dans la cavité et que le point d'injection est situé sous les extrémités ouvertes 32a, 42a des trous borgnes. L'eau se répartit ensuite entre les différents tunnels borgnes et les creuse en se chargeant en sel. La saumure ainsi formée a ensuite tendance à descendre dans l'extrémité 34a de l'espace de communication, tel qu'illustré par les flèches 35c. En pratique, le flux 35a d'eau injectée dirige la saumure vers l'extrémité 38a du tube d'extraction 38, tel qu'illustré par les flèches 35b. La saumure est alors extraite par le tube d'extraction 38.The water injected by the injection point 36b rises since it is less dense than the brine contained in the cavity and that the point injection is located under the open ends 32a, 42a of the blind holes. The water is then distributed between the different blind tunnels and digs them in loading with salt. The brine thus formed then tends to descend in the end 34a of the communication space, as illustrated by the arrows 35c. In practice, the flow 35a of injected water directs the brine to the end 38a of the extraction tube 38, as illustrated by the arrows 35b. The brine is then extracted by the extraction tube 38.

Sur cette figure 4, la circulation d'eau, et donc de saumure, est réalisée à l'aide d'une pompe d'aspiration 40 aspirant la saumure par l'intermédiaire du tube d'extraction 38, tel qu'indiqué par la flèche 39.In this figure 4, the circulation of water, and therefore of brine, is carried out using a suction pump 40 aspirating the brine by through the extraction tube 38, as indicated by arrow 39.

Bien entendu l'invention n'est nullement limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus. Ainsi, on pourrait prévoir d'inverser les conduits d'injection et d'extraction, sans que cela modifie l'invention.Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the modes of realization described above. So we could plan to reverse the injection and extraction conduits, without this modifying the invention.

Claims (7)

  1. Process for excavating by dissolution a cavity (1a) in ground (1) predominantly containing salt, said process comprising the following steps:
    producing an injection duct (16, 26, 36), an extraction duct (18, 28, 38), a void (4) for a communication space (14, 24, 34) which places the injection and extraction ducts in communication, and at least one void (2) for a blind tunnel (12, 22, 32, 42) such that:
    the blind tunnel extends between an open end (2a) and a closed end (2b); and
    the blind tunnel communicates via its open end with the communication space;
    then injecting via the injection duct a salt solvent into the communication space (4, 14, 24, 34) in order to excavate the cavity by dissolution of the salt on contact with the solvent; and
    then extracting via the extraction duct the brine formed by the dissolution of the salt;
    characterised in that, the closed end of the blind tunnel is disposed at a level which is higher than or substantially the same as that of the open end, so that the blind tunnel is likewise excavated by circulating solvent in this tunnel, by making the solvent pass into the tunnel via its open end from the communication space and the resultant brine is recovered so that it can be extracted therefrom.
  2. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that the open end (2a) of the blind tunnel (12, 22, 32, 42) void (2) is produced such that it overhangs the communication space (14, 24, 34) void (4) at the point where they are connected.
  3. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that:
    the open end (2a) of the blind tunnel (12, 22, 32, 42) void (2) is provided in the vicinity of the injection duct (16, 26, 36); and
    the solvent is circulated in the injection duct, emerges therefrom via an end (16b, 26b, 36b) forming the point of injection into the cavity; and
    the blind tunnel void is produced such that its open end overhangs the injection point.
  4. Process according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the injection duct (16, 26, 36) and extraction duct (18, 28, 38) are disposed substantially coaxially such that one of these ducts is located in the centre and is surrounded by the other, at least over part of its axial length.
  5. Process according to one of claim 1 to 3, characterised in that:
    the injection duct (16) and extraction duct (28) are produced at a spacing from each other;
    an elongate part (4c) is provided in the communication space void,
    the blind tunnel void (2) and the elongate part (4c) of the communication space void (4) are produced substantially as an extension of each other, and the injection duct (16) is produced between the blind tunnel void (2) and the elongate part (4c) of the communication space void (4).
  6. Process according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plurality of blind tunnel (33, 43) voids are produced connected to the communication space (34).
  7. Process according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blind tunnel void has a diameter of less than 10 cm.
EP97401582A 1996-07-19 1997-07-03 Method for making a cavity in a thin-walled salt mine Expired - Lifetime EP0819834B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/895,983 US5957539A (en) 1996-07-19 1997-07-17 Process for excavating a cavity in a thin salt layer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9609104 1996-07-19
FR9609104A FR2751374B1 (en) 1996-07-19 1996-07-19 PROCESS FOR EXCAVATING A CAVITY IN A LOW-THICKNESS SALT MINE

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EP0819834A1 EP0819834A1 (en) 1998-01-21
EP0819834B1 true EP0819834B1 (en) 2003-06-11

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EP (1) EP0819834B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE242840T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2210866A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69722718T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2201252T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2751374B1 (en)
PT (1) PT819834E (en)

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US6598686B1 (en) 1998-11-20 2003-07-29 Cdx Gas, Llc Method and system for enhanced access to a subterranean zone
US6662870B1 (en) 2001-01-30 2003-12-16 Cdx Gas, L.L.C. Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from a limited surface area

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US7025154B2 (en) 1998-11-20 2006-04-11 Cdx Gas, Llc Method and system for circulating fluid in a well system
US8297377B2 (en) 1998-11-20 2012-10-30 Vitruvian Exploration, Llc Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface and tools therefor
US6280000B1 (en) * 1998-11-20 2001-08-28 Joseph A. Zupanick Method for production of gas from a coal seam using intersecting well bores
US6679322B1 (en) 1998-11-20 2004-01-20 Cdx Gas, Llc Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface
US6681855B2 (en) 2001-10-19 2004-01-27 Cdx Gas, L.L.C. Method and system for management of by-products from subterranean zones
US6454000B1 (en) 1999-11-19 2002-09-24 Cdx Gas, Llc Cavity well positioning system and method
US7048049B2 (en) 2001-10-30 2006-05-23 Cdx Gas, Llc Slant entry well system and method
US6425448B1 (en) 2001-01-30 2002-07-30 Cdx Gas, L.L.P. Method and system for accessing subterranean zones from a limited surface area
US8376052B2 (en) 1998-11-20 2013-02-19 Vitruvian Exploration, Llc Method and system for surface production of gas from a subterranean zone
US6412556B1 (en) 2000-08-03 2002-07-02 Cdx Gas, Inc. Cavity positioning tool and method
US8333245B2 (en) 2002-09-17 2012-12-18 Vitruvian Exploration, Llc Accelerated production of gas from a subterranean zone
CN102828777B (en) * 2012-09-19 2015-07-29 重庆大学 Double-vertical shaft horizontal butt joint salt cavern deposit construction method
EP3293314A1 (en) * 2016-09-12 2018-03-14 MLW-intermed Handels- und Consultinggesellschaft für Erzeugnisse und Ausrüstungen des Gesundheits- und Bildungswesens mbH Method of forming a water storage device
CN107035343A (en) * 2017-03-17 2017-08-11 重庆大学 A kind of rock salt cavern method of construction and its application based on to the well exploitation old well of formula
CN111749733A (en) * 2019-03-28 2020-10-09 中国石油天然气集团有限公司 Method for rebuilding gas storage warehouse by communicating old cavity
CA3083568C (en) * 2019-06-27 2021-07-06 Eavor Technologies Inc. Guidance method for multilateral directional drilling
CN110344810B (en) * 2019-07-18 2020-09-15 中国科学院武汉岩土力学研究所 Method for establishing horizontal cavity of rock salt layer gas storage

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US6598686B1 (en) 1998-11-20 2003-07-29 Cdx Gas, Llc Method and system for enhanced access to a subterranean zone
US6662870B1 (en) 2001-01-30 2003-12-16 Cdx Gas, L.L.C. Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from a limited surface area

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE242840T1 (en) 2003-06-15
FR2751374B1 (en) 1998-10-16
ES2201252T3 (en) 2004-03-16
FR2751374A1 (en) 1998-01-23
DE69722718D1 (en) 2003-07-17
CA2210866A1 (en) 1998-01-19
DE69722718T2 (en) 2004-04-22
EP0819834A1 (en) 1998-01-21
PT819834E (en) 2003-10-31

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