Study on the erosion patterns of high-strength injection-production strings under alternating operating conditions in gas storage reservoirs

Underground gas storage reservoirs are vital to China's energy infrastructure, facilitating natural gas peak shaving and supply security. However, cyclic alternating loads from significant pressure fluctuations during injection and production operations lead to severe erosion and wear of tubing strings, complicating safe operation. This study developed a custom jet flow gas–solid–liquid erosion experimental apparatus to analyze the effects of impact angle, impact velocity, and particle size on tubing erosion rates. An erosion model was established from the experimental data. Using computational fluid dynamics flow field analysis, the study evaluated how various factors—such as production rates, particle properties, reservoir pressure, and gas–liquid ratio—affect erosion patterns under production conditions. It also explored the impact of these factors under gas injection conditions. This research offers valuable insights for enhancing the functionality of supply demand regulation and strategic reserves in underground gas storage facilities.