Refrigerated underground storage and tempering system for compressed gas received as a cryogenic liquid
OwnerRobert L. Loofbourowinventor
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Abstract
Methods and systems for storing large volumes of gas, such as natural gas, commonly shipped as liquid at very low temperature and unloaded through comparatively short cryogenic pipelines. Systems are disclosed for receiving, storing and warming shipments of liquefied gas prior to distribution to consumers. The systems include invisible underground storage as a safeguard against natural and artificial hazards and to utilize natural heat flow to warm the gas.
Claims15
A method of storage and tempering of large volumes of compressed gas received as a cryogenic liquid in an underground storage facility deep in the earth including at least one underground rock chamber, which method comprises:
- A. receiving liquefied gas at about -260.degree. F and at about atmospheric pressure into a cryogenic pipeline for charging to said storage facility,
- B. introducing heat into said storage facility to warm the gas therein,
- C. maintaining the storage facility at a temperature between about 0.degree. F to about -110.degree. F and moderately elevated pressure up to about 2500 psi to maintain the gas predominantly in the gaseous state to store between about 75 and 475 cubic feet of gas to each cubic foot of storage space,
- D. withdrawing gas from said storage facility for consumption as needed,
- E. heating said withdrawn gas to between about 32.degree. F and -40.degree. F, and
- F. discharging the warmed gas to a pipeline for distribution.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.