Propane Storage Research Articles

Pilot project shows liquefied gas is stored successfully at low temperature in clay : Boulanger, A; Luyten, W Oil Gas J, V81, N10, 7 March 1983, P118–120

The feasibility of low-temperature underground liquefied gas storage led Geostock and Distrigaz to establish a pilot area for propane storage in a clay pit in Schelle, Belgium. Tests determining the thermal and geothermal behavior of the gallery and surrounding beds defined the optimal shape of the pilot cavity - a 10-ft wide, 98-ft long cylindrical gallery located in Boom's clay at a depth of 75 ft and cooled down with liquid nitrogen injection to temperatures ranging from -49/sup 0/ to -320/sup 0/F. This storage method embodies the following technical advantages: (1) a mean operating pressure equal to atmospheric pressure that can be raised to 44-58 psi and (2) the possibility of refrigerated loading and unloading. Costs for this type of facility depend essentially on geographic location, operating parameters, capacity, and environment.

Performance of a high pressure propane storage cavern in unlined rock, Rafnes, Norway : Proc 4th Congress International Society for Rock Mechanics, Montreux, 2–8 Sept 1979, Vol 2, P275–278. Publ Rotterdam, A A Balkema, 1979 Johansen P.M., Kjaernsli B., Lien R.

Performance of a high pressure propane storage cavern in unlined rock, Rafnes, Norway : Proc 4th Congress International Society for Rock Mechanics, Montreux, 2–8 Sept 1979, Vol 2, P275–278. Publ Rotterdam, A A Balkema, 1979 Johansen P.M., Kjaernsli B., Lien R.

Suitability Studies of Salt Domes in East Texas Basin for Geologic Isolation of Nuclear Wastes: ABSTRACT

The suitability of salt domes in the East Texas basin (Tyler basin), Texas, for long-term isolation of nuclear wastes is being evaluated. The major problems concern hydrologic and tectonic stability of the domes and potential natural resources in the basin. These problems are being approached by integration of dome-specific and regional hydrologic, geologic, geomorphic, and remote-sensing investigations. Hydrologic studies are evaluating basinal hydrology and groundwater flow around the domes to determine the degree to which salt domes are dissolving, their rates of solution, and the orientation of saline plumes in the freshwater aquifers. Subsurface geologic studies are being conducted: (1) to determine the size and shape of specific salt domes, the geology of the strata immediately surrounding the domes, and the regional geology of the East Texas basin; (2) to understand the geologic history of the dome growth and basin infilling; and (3) to evaluate potential natural resources. Geomorphic and surficial geology studies are determining whether there have been dome growth and tectonic movement in the basin during the Quaternary. Remote-sensing studies are being conducted to determine (1) whether dome uplift has altered regional lineation patterns in Quaternary sediments and (2) whether drainage density and ruggedness ratios indicate Quaternary structural movement. By means of the screening criteria of McClain and others, Oakwood and Keechi domes were chosen as possible candidate domes. Twenty-three domes were eliminated because of insufficient size, too great a depth to salt, major hydrocarbon production, or previous use (e.g., liquid propane storage or salt mining or brining). Detailed geologic, hydrologic, and geomorphic investigations are being conducted around Oakwood and Keechi salt domes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1605------------

Design of Ellipsoidal Heads for Pressure Vessels

Abstract This paper, after dealing theoretically with the stresses set up in cylindrical pressure vessels provided with ellipsoidally dished heads, gives results of tests made on a propane storage tank 7 ft. in diameter, 38 ft. 4 in. long, and designed for a working pressure of 200 lb. per sq. in., the heads being ellipsoidal with a 2-to-1 ratio of axes. From these results the author concludes that (1) heads with dish and large knuckle radii proportioned to closely approximate true ellipsoidal shapes with a ratio of axes of 2 to 1, are far superior to the flat dished heads with small knuckle radii commonly used in pressure vessels; (2) that the stress distribution in such heads closely approximates that set forth by theory, and that in consequence the formulas presented in the paper can be safely used for design.