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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Underground storage for LNG

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5372136
An underground liquefied gas storage and vaporization chamber are formed by injecting a purge gas under sufficient pressure into an aquifer or water-bearing sand reservoir to displace the water and create a gas bubble. Liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), ethane, ethylene, etc., is injected into the gas bubble whereupon freezing of the surrounding water in the aquifer occurs. There is appreciable heat flow to the stored liquefied gas from the overlying and underlying formations which vaporize a portion of the gas which may be withdrawn in gaseous form at positions remote from the injection wells. The nonvaporized portion can be withdrawn in liquid form and vaporized in the usual revaporization facilities. (8 claims)
Assignee:
Esso Research and Engineering Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3477509
OSTI ID:
5372136
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English