Investigation of ground condition changes due to cryogenic conditions in an underground LNG storage plant

Abstract

To investigate the feasibility of a new concept of storing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in a lined hard rock cavern, and to develop essential technologies for constructing underground LNG storage facilities, a small pilot plant storing liquid nitrogen (LN2) has been constructed at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). The LN2 stored in the cavern will subject the host rock around the cavern to very low temperatures, which is expected to cause the development of an ice ring and the change of ground condition around the storage cavern. To investigate and monitor changes in ground conditions at this pilot plant site, geophysical, hydrogeological, and rock mechanical investigations were carried out. In particular, geophysical methods including borehole radar and three-dimensional (3D) resistivity surveys were used to identify and monitor the development of an ice ring, and other possible changes in ground conditions resulting from the very low temperature of LN2 in the storage tank. We acquired 3D resistivity data before and after storing the LN2, and the results were compared. From the 3D images obtained during the three phases of the resistivity monitoring survey, we delineated zones of distinct resistivity changes that are closely related to the storage of LN2. In these results, we observed a decrease in resistivity at the eastern part of the storage cavern. Comparing the hydrogeological data and joint patterns around the storage cavern, we interpret this change in resistivity to result from changes in the groundwater flow pattern. Freezing of the host rock by the very low temperature of LN2 causes a drastic change in the hydrogeological conditions and groundwater flow patterns in this pilot plant.