Process for excavating a cavity in a thin salt layer
US5957539A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/28
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention concerns a process for excavating by dissolution an underground cavity in a thin salt layer, in order to store a fluid therein. According to the invention, the process includes the steps of producing an injection duct, an extraction duct, and a void for a communication space which places in communication the injection and extraction ducts, producing at least one blind tunnel void communicating with the communication space so as to enable the solvent to circulate and the salt to dissolve in the blind tunnel, injecting via the injection duct a solvent into the communication space, and extracting via the extraction duct the brine formed by the dissolution of the salt on contact with the solvent. The advantage of this process is that the excavated layer has a mechanically stable shape and a larger volume and is produced more cheaply than with prior processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.