Measurements and analysis of rock mass responses around a pilot lined rock cavern for LNG underground storage

A new concept of storing LNG underground in lined rock cavern, has been developed and tested for several years. In order to prove technical feasibility of the developed concept, a pilot plant has been constructed and tested since 2003 by storing LN2 (Liquefied Nitrogen). This paper presents monitored responses of in-situ rock mass under very low temperatures from the pilot cavern including heat transfer, deformation and thermal stress evolution of rock and rock joints. It is found from the experience of pilot cavern that thermal response of rock in full-scale storage can be predicted accurately. Thermomechanical responses of rock mass also show favorable direction of deformation by cooling in terms of cavern stability.