Patent US4716758A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4716758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of predicting and monitoring the imperviousness of an underground cavern
Assignee: FRANCAISE DE STOCKAGE GEOLOGIQUE - GEOSTOCK TOUR AURORE Ste
•
Filing: 1986-11-21
•
Granted: 1988-01-05
•
Expires: 2006-11-21
Abstract
Abstract The imperviousness of an underground storage cavern for hydrocarbons in a water-impregnated rock formation is predicted and monitored by progressively increasing the pressure in the cavern and using pressure sensors placed around the cavern to monitor the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ in the rock formation during the pressure rise in order to check that the gradient is not inverted.
Inventors
- 👤 Eric Amantini
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; B; B65; B65G; B65G5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of predicting and monitoring the imperviousness of an underground cavern formed in a water-impregnated rock formation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) disposing at least two pressure sensors in the formation around the cavern at different distances therefrom and spaced from each other; (b) progressively raising the pressure inside the cavern; and (c) monitoring the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ in the rock formation during the pressure increase to confirm that said gradient is not inverted.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of predicting and monitoring the imperviousness of an underground cavern formed in a water-impregnated rock formation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) disposing at least two pressure sensors in the formation around the cavern at different distances therefrom and spaced from each other; (b) progressively raising the pressure inside the cavern; and (c) monitoring the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ in the rock formation during the pressure increase to confirm that said gradient is not inverted.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of predicting and monitoring the imperviousness of an underground cavern formed in a water-impregnated rock formation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) disposing at least two pressure sensors in the formation around the cavern at different distances therefrom and spaced from each other; (b) calculating the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ at any point in the rock formation over a predetermined distance from the cavern by means of a computational model or by performing measurements on a reduced scale model of the cavern; (c) determining a possible rate of pressure rise in said cavern from said calculations and/or measurements; (d) progressively raising the pressure inside the cavern; and (e) monitoring the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ in the rock formation during the pressure increase in said cavern to confirm that said gradient is not inverted.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of predicting and monitoring the imperviousness of an underground cavern formed in a water-impregnated rock formation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) disposing at least two pressure sensors in the formation around the cavern at different distances therefrom and spaced from each other; (b) calculating the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ at any point in the rock formation over a predetermined distance from the cavern by means of a computational model or by performing measurements on a reduced scale model of the cavern; (c) determining a possible rate of pressure rise in said cavern from said calculations and/or measurements; (d) progressively raising the pressure inside the cavern; and (e) monitoring the gradient of the hydraulic pressure potential φ in the rock formation during the pressure increase in said cavern to confirm that said gradient is not inverted.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
50 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said pressure sensors are disposed around the cavern along at least one probable line of flow, with one of the sensors being situated relatively close to the cavern at a distance of one to a few meters from a wall thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein said pressure sensors are piezo-electric transducers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein said computational model is a finite element model.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-04 | 1991-07-06 | 1992-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-04 | 1995-07-06 | 1996-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-04 | 1999-07-06 | 2000-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |