API RP 1115:1994(R2012) pdf download.Recommended Practice on the Operation of Solution-Mined Underground Storage Facilities
1.1 Scope
This recommended practice provides basic guidance on the operation of solution-mined underground hydrocarbon liquid or liquefied petroleum gas storage facilities. This document is intended for first-time cavern engineers or supervisors, but would also be valuable to those people experienced in cavern operations. This recommended prac- tice is based on the accumulated knowledge and experience of geologists, engineers, and other personnel in the petroleum industry. All aspects of solution-mined under- ground storage operation, including cavern hydraulics, brine facilities, wellhead and hanging strings, and cavern testing are covered. Users of this guide are reminded that no publi- cation of this type can be complete, nor can any written document be substituted for effective site-specific operating procedures. This recommended practice does not apply to caverns used for natural gas storage, waste disposal purposes, caverns which are mechanically mined, depleted petroleum reserve cavities, or other underground storage systems which are not solution-mined.
1.2 Overview
Storage of products in solution-mined salt caverns has been utilized in the United States since the late 1940s. Today, storage of hydrocarbon liquids and liquefied petroleum gases in caverns developed in both domal and bedded salt forma- tions is utilized throughout the world. Salt caverns can act independently as long term, seasonal storage vessels; or they may serve as short term, operational storage. Caverns can also be inserted into the production plant/pipeline systems to prevent supply interruptions when maintenance or emergency shut downs occur or to “float” on pipelines to optimize operations. Storage of product in a salt cavern may require careful review to ensure that the product is compatible with the salt. Chemical and physical properties of the salt at the cavern depth and at the pressure anticipated should be reviewed to verify that unwanted chemical or physical reactions will not occur. Incompatibility of product and salt is rarely a problem for most hydrocarbons. Examples of exceptions are storage in bedded salt caverns where sulfides are present and storage of jet fuels with de-icing agents that absorb water. In summary, storage of products in salt caverns can provide an economical, safe, and environmentally sound method to store large quantities of compatible materials.
API RP 1115:1994(R2012) pdf download
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