Nouvelles problematiques posees par le cyclage thermo-mecanique en cavites salines

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and effects of high-frequency thermo-mechanical cycling in salt caverns used for natural gas storage, focusing on material behavior, design criteria, and long-term integrity.

Contribution

It introduces new considerations for operational modes and design criteria for salt caverns subjected to frequent cycling, addressing gaps in current understanding.

Findings

Impact of high-frequency cycling on salt cavern integrity

Laboratory test procedures for cyclic loading of salt

Design criteria for operational safety

Abstract

Storage of natural gas in salt caverns had been developed mainly for seasonal storage, resulting in a small number of yearly pressure cycles and moderate gas-production rates. The needs of energy traders are changing towards more aggressive operational modes. The "high-frequency cycling" operation of salt caverns raises questions concerning the effects of frequently repeated and intense mechanical and thermal loading. These questions concern the constitutive creep laws for salt, laboratory test procedures, criteria to be used at the design stage to provide operability, and the long-term integrity of the underground salt caverns.