Finite element analysis of salt caverns employed in the strategic petroleum reserve with comparison to field data
A finite element computer program, developed previously to predict the creep response of bedded rock salt, has also been used to successfully predict the creep closure rates of several caverns using an approximation of the cavern geometry and material properties from the site. The caverns at Bryan Mound, Texas have been analyzed with this program by approximating each with a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element mesh. Initial leaching and thermal effects were treated in an approximate manner. An element deletion technique was used to simulate the leaching which occurs when oil is withdrawn and replaced with fresh water. Each cavern was analyzed for thirty years and an indication of the long-term stability and volume change was obtained. This information will be used in the formulation of operating procedures for the cavern.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- OSTI ID:
- 5852551
- Journal Information:
- In Situ; (United States), Journal Name: In Situ; (United States) Vol. 8:3; ISSN ISOMD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
024000* -- Petroleum-- Storage-- (-1989)
CAVITIES
COMPUTER CODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CREEP
DISSOLUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION VI
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
LEACHING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICS
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PETROLEUM
RESERVES
RESOURCES
ROCK MECHANICS
SALT CAVERNS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SIMULATION
STABILITY
STORAGE
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
TEXAS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
USA