Abstract
The problem of gas capacity assessment accuracy is of significance for Underground Gas Storage (UGS) operators completing the tasks of gas supply and peak-shaving. For operation optimization and more precise assessment of gas storage capacity in salt caverns, this paper presents a study on thermodynamic state of salt cavity subjected to gas injection-and-withdrawal process. A wellbore-cavity thermal-mechanical coupling model is established, couples the cavern thermodynamics with the transport mechanism of cycling gas in wellbore. A methodology based on the thermal-mechanical coupling model is proposed for evaluation the gas capacity. It provides a novel mathematical-numerical framework, fully coupled the variations of gas thermodynamic behaviors in response to operation conditions. Key thermal properties influencing gas capacity calculation are described. The validation of this calculation method is verified by filed case. The potential of using CO2 as cushion gas in salt cavern is also discussed, by comparison with methane, the advantage of CO2 is pronounced, as it can increase working gas volume. It is a solution for carbon dioxide utilization and storage. However, more studies on thermo-dynamic characteristics of CO2 under operation conditions are required.
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