Method of removing hydrocarbons from salt caverns

Patent · Tue Apr 15 04:00:00 EST 1969

OSTI ID:5265555

Lamb, M J; De Yarmett, H W; Barr, C L

A method is described for storing oil and gas hydrocarbons in underground salt caverns, and continually supplying gas flow to shore during the period when liquid batches are being received. This is accomplished by flowing oil and gas into a first cavern containing brine and storing the fluids until the oil, gas, and brine separate. The gas phase is then removed through a main gas stream to shore and the oil is flowed into a second cavern containing brine by utilizing the pressure from the accumulation within the first cavern. Gas is then diverted from the main gas stream into a third cavern containing brine until the brine is displaced by the gas pressure. The displaced brine is flowed into the second cavern, thereby displacing the oil within second cavern and the oil is then flowed to a loading zone. (7 claims)

• Assignee: Shell Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3438203
• OSTI ID: 5265555
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
024000* -- Petroleum-- Storage-- (-1989)
03 NATURAL GAS
035000 -- Natural Gas-- Storage-- (1989-)
BRINES
CAVITIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID FLOW
FLUID WITHDRAWAL
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
NATURAL GAS
PETROLEUM
REMOVAL
SALT CAVERNS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
STORAGE
STORAGE FACILITIES
UNDERGROUND STORAGE