Partial replacement of the traditional gas cushion by inert gas in underground aquifer storage (in French)
Since 30% of the gas demand is for winter heating in France, and since the production and transportation is pretty much inelastic, large storage facilities must be provided for this seasonal peak demand. This has led to a unit capacity of several hundred million cubic meters in France, mostly in aquifers, for a total of ca. 30 billion cu m withdrawable capacity. A large part of the gas serves as a mechanical cushion, and Gaz de France has studied its partial substitution with inert gas, including production and injection facilities for such gas. Inert gas can be injected either in the center of the storage reservoir, followed by natural gas, or at the periphery of the reservoir to minimize the migration of the more valuable natural gas. The size of the cushion depends on the breathing rate, i.e., the ratio between total withdrawals and total gas volume. Replacing 20% of the gas cushion by inert gas will lead to a decrease of 10% in the installation cost of the storage facility.
- OSTI ID:
- 6137370
- Journal Information:
- Pet. Inf.; (United States), Journal Name: Pet. Inf.; (United States) Vol. 1547; ISSN PETIB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- French
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