A long-acting sealing system and method for artificial cavern surrounding rock based on brine crystallization
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611155284.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
Smart Images
Figure CN122752075A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of sealing technology for the surrounding rock of artificial chambers, and in particular to a long-term sealing system and method for the surrounding rock of artificial chambers based on brine crystallization. Background Technology
[0002] Artificial chambers are widely used in underground engineering fields such as compressed air energy storage, natural gas storage, and hydrogen energy storage. Their airtightness directly affects the system's operational safety and energy utilization efficiency. After the chamber is excavated, due to factors such as the original geological structure, excavation disturbance, and subsequent redistribution of surrounding rock stress, the surrounding rock often develops fracture structures of different scales, including micro-fractures and macro-cracks. The presence of these fractures increases the overall permeability of the surrounding rock, resulting in poor initial airtightness and making it difficult to meet the requirements for long-term storage of high-pressure media.
[0003] Existing artificial cavern sealing technologies typically employ high-strength concrete sealing walls as the primary load-bearing structure. These walls resist internal pressure through their embedding with the surrounding rock. Grouting is then used to inject grout into the rock interface and fissures for reinforcement. Flexible materials such as asphalt, rubber, or bentonite are added to form a sealing layer to improve overall sealing performance. However, this type of technology relies primarily on structural sealing and interface treatment, limiting its ability to repair deep fissures within the surrounding rock. Under long-term service conditions, the sealing performance still risks degradation due to stress changes and environmental factors.
[0004] Specifically, existing technologies have the following shortcomings: First, the sealing effect is concentrated on the sealing structure itself and its contact interface, lacking effective repair methods for internal cracks and damaged zones in the surrounding rock caused by excavation disturbance, making it difficult to substantially improve the permeability of the surrounding rock itself; Second, under the complex stress environment and temperature cycle action underground, concrete sealing structures and flexible sealing materials are prone to cracking, aging, or interface debonding, forming new seepage channels and causing a gradual decline in sealing performance; Third, grouting repair is a phased manual operation, making it difficult to continuously repair newly formed cracks during operation, and the penetration range and filling effect of the grout on micro-cracks are somewhat limited; Fourth, the existing sealing system as a whole is a passive sealing mode, lacking adaptive repair capabilities when new cracks occur in the surrounding rock or sealing structure.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a sealed artificial chamber technology that can act inside the surrounding rock fissures, has continuous self-healing capabilities, and is stable in the long term. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a long-term sealing system and method for the surrounding rock of artificial chambers based on brine crystallization. This system effectively seals rock fissures and maintains long-term stability, thereby improving the overall sealing performance of the surrounding rock and enhancing the adaptive control capability of the sealing system. The technical solution is as follows: The first aspect of this application provides a long-term sealing system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization, comprising: a brine injection system for supplying brine to the artificial chamber and surrounding rock fissures; a circulation and control system connected to the brine injection system and the internal space of the chamber for maintaining the flow state of the brine in the chamber and surrounding rock fissures and regulating its crystallization conditions; a brine recovery and discharge system connected to the interior of the chamber for recovering and discharging the remaining brine that has not participated in crystallization; and a residual brine maintenance system located inside the artificial chamber for maintaining a certain volume of brine so that when new fissures are formed in the surrounding rock, the brine enters the fissures under pressure difference and crystallizes and deposits, achieving self-repair. According to the above embodiment, by integrating the brine injection system, circulation and control system, brine recovery and discharge system, and residual brine maintenance system, a closed-loop operating system capable of dynamically sealing and self-repairing the surrounding rock fissures of the artificial chamber is constructed. Its effects are as follows: the injection system delivers highly saturated brine to the surrounding rock fissures; the circulation and regulation system maintains a favorable crystallization state of the brine in the fissures; the recovery system enables the recycling of the brine; and the residual brine maintenance system ensures that a certain volume of brine is always maintained in the chamber. When new fissures are generated in the surrounding rock due to stress changes, the residual brine can automatically enter the fissures under pressure differential and recrystallize and deposit, thereby achieving timely sealing of the newly formed fissures. This system solves the problem that existing technologies cannot continuously repair fissures due to reliance on staged grouting, making the sealing performance adaptive during long-term service.
[0007] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealing system for artificial chamber surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, the brine injection system includes: a brine storage device, a delivery pump, an injection pipeline, and a control valve; the delivery pump provides injection power, the injection pipeline is connected to the chamber, and the control valve is used to regulate the injection flow rate and pressure of the brine. According to the above embodiment, the injection pressure can be precisely controlled below the formation fracturing pressure, avoiding high-pressure injection that could induce new fractures; simultaneously, the injection flow rate can be gradually increased according to the permeability characteristics of the surrounding rock, allowing the brine to gradually seep into the deep micro-fractures of the surrounding rock within a safe boundary, providing a sufficient material basis for subsequent crystallization and sealing.
[0008] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealed system for artificial chamber surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, the circulation and control system includes a circulation pipeline, a flow control device, and a monitoring and sensing unit. The monitoring and sensing unit includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a concentration monitoring device, used to acquire system operating parameters and adjust the brine flow rate, pressure, and physicochemical conditions according to the monitoring results. According to the above embodiment, by setting a monitoring and sensing unit including pressure, temperature, and concentration sensors and linking it with the flow control device, the effect is that the seepage state of the surrounding rock and the physicochemical parameters of the brine can be acquired in real time, and the flow conditions of the brine (such as circulation flow rate, injection pressure, etc.) can be dynamically adjusted according to the monitoring results, so that the brine is always in a supersaturated or near-saturated state that is conducive to crystallization and deposition, thereby ensuring that the crystallization process is controllable, uniform, and continuous, and avoiding incomplete crystallization or uneven sealing due to fluctuations in conditions.
[0009] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealing system for artificial chambers based on brine crystallization, the residual brine maintenance system includes a brine buffer storage area and a level control device for adjusting the volume and spatial distribution of the residual brine. According to the above embodiment, by setting up the brine buffer storage area and the level control device, the effect is that the volume of the residual brine and its spatial distribution within the chamber can be precisely adjusted according to the chamber's geometry, the degree of development of surrounding rock fissures, and operational requirements. When new fissures form in the surrounding rock, the local pressure difference can drive the residual brine to rapidly enter the fissures, thereby triggering new crystal deposition and achieving "self-repair" of the sealing performance. This design enables the system not only to have initial sealing capability but also to continuously respond to surrounding rock damage during long-term operation, significantly extending the sealing life.
[0010] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealed system for artificial chambers based on brine crystallization, the brine is a saturated or near-saturated brine with sodium chloride as the main solute, and its concentration is controlled at 95% to 100% of its solubility under the corresponding formation temperature conditions. According to the above embodiment, the brine within this concentration range can reach a supersaturated state when there are slight fluctuations in temperature or pressure, thus easily inducing crystallization within the fractures. Simultaneously, the crystallization product is sodium chloride crystal, which has natural chemical compatibility and mechanical compatibility with the salt rock formation. After the crystals nucleate, grow, and overlap on the fracture walls, they can form a dense crystalline sealing layer, significantly reducing the connectivity and effective permeability of the fractures.
[0011] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealed system for artificial chambers based on brine crystallization, the brine uses a multi-component salt system, including a sodium chloride-potassium chloride composite system, a sodium chloride-magnesium chloride composite system, or a multi-component eutectic salt system. According to the above embodiments, by using a sodium chloride-potassium chloride, sodium chloride-magnesium chloride, or multi-component eutectic salt system and adjusting the ratio of each component salt, the effect is that the brine crystallization temperature range, crystal growth morphology, and crystallization expansion pressure can be controllably adjusted. For example, a salt system with a lower eutectic point can be selected in low-temperature environments, or a composite salt with higher crystallization pressure can be selected in fractures requiring a stronger expansion and filling effect. This alternative allows the technology to adapt to different surrounding rock geological conditions and variable working environments, improving the engineering applicability and flexibility of the method.
[0012] The second aspect of this application provides a long-term sealing method for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization, comprising the following steps: brine preparation and injection: preparing saturated or near-saturated brine and injecting it into the artificial chamber and surrounding rock fissure areas, with the injection pressure controlled below the formation fracturing pressure; fissure seepage control: adjusting the injection pressure and flow rate to allow the brine to seep into the surrounding rock fissures and form a continuous distribution within the fissure space; crystallization triggering: controlling the brine temperature, pressure, or concentration to achieve a supersaturated state, triggering crystallization deposition, with salt crystals gradually depositing inside the fissures and filling the fissure space to form a tight sealing structure; residual brine maintenance: retaining a certain volume of brine inside the chamber, so that when new fissures form in the surrounding rock, the residual brine enters the fissures under pressure difference and crystallizes and deposits again, achieving self-repair. According to the above embodiments, by sequentially executing the four steps of brine preparation and injection, fissure seepage control, crystallization triggering, and residual brine maintenance, the effect is that a complete "injection-seepage-crystallization-self-repair" process chain is formed. First, low-pressure injection allows brine to safely infiltrate into the surrounding rock fissures. Second, seepage control ensures the brine is evenly distributed within the fissure network. Third, under appropriate conditions, crystallization is triggered, forming an in-situ sealing seal. Finally, the residual brine provides continuous repair capabilities for newly formed fissures during long-term operation. This method fundamentally changes the passive sealing mode of existing technologies that rely on static sealing walls and intermittent grouting, achieving substantial improvement in the permeability of the surrounding rock and long-term sealing.
[0013] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealing method for artificial chamber surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, the fracture seepage control employs an intermittent injection method, that is, alternating between injection and cessation phases, to promote brine penetration into the deep micro-fractures and damaged zones. According to the above embodiment, by adopting an intermittent injection strategy alternating between injection and cessation phases, the effect is that: during the injection phase, pressure drives the brine into the main fractures; during the cessation phase, the pressure decreases, allowing the brine to further penetrate into the deep micro-fractures and damaged zones under capillary action. This synergistic effect of pressure fluctuation and capillary suction can significantly improve the uniformity of brine distribution and penetration depth in complex fracture networks, avoiding the problem that continuous high-pressure injection may cause brine to short-circuit along large fractures and fail to enter micro-fractures.
[0014] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealing method for artificial chamber surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, the crystallization triggering method employs at least one of the following: adjusting the temperature of the surrounding rock or brine to deviate the system from the dissolution equilibrium state to induce crystallization; reducing the brine pressure to create supersaturated conditions and induce crystallization; or increasing the brine concentration to reach or exceed a supersaturated state to promote crystal growth. According to the above embodiment, by providing three independent crystallization triggering methods—temperature control, pressure control, and concentration control—the effect is that they can be flexibly selected or combined according to actual site conditions (such as the thermal properties of the surrounding rock, pressure bearing capacity, and difficulty in maintaining brine concentration). For example, in winter, low ambient temperatures can be used to naturally induce crystallization; in deep, high-pressure environments, crystallization can be triggered by reducing pressure; and when the concentration is easily controlled, salt supplementation can increase the concentration. This multi-path design ensures reliable initiation of the crystallization sealing process in different engineering environments, improving the robustness of the method.
[0015] For example, in one embodiment of the long-term sealing method for artificial chamber surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, a monitoring feedback and dynamic control step is also included: real-time acquisition of information on the seepage state, crystallization distribution, and structural changes of the surrounding rock through a monitoring device; when a decrease in sealing performance or the presence of seepage channels in a local area is detected, supplementary crystallization is performed in the local area by adjusting the brine injection parameters and crystallization triggering conditions to restore sealing performance. According to the above embodiment, by real-time monitoring of the seepage state, crystallization distribution, and structural changes of the surrounding rock, and by adjusting the brine injection parameters and crystallization triggering conditions to perform supplementary crystallization in the local area when a decrease in sealing performance or the presence of seepage channels is detected, the effect is to achieve closed-loop dynamic management of the sealing system. Compared with existing technologies that cannot be intervened after a one-time construction, this method can proactively identify weak areas and perform precise repairs during operation, preventing local failures from expanding into overall leakage, thereby significantly improving the long-term operational reliability of artificial chambers in complex geological environments.
[0016] This application provides a long-term sealing system and method for the surrounding rock of artificial chambers based on brine crystallization. Compared with existing artificial chamber sealing technologies, this application fundamentally improves the repair method and sealing mechanism of surrounding rock fissures by introducing the self-healing mechanism of brine crystallization and salt rock, and has the following significant beneficial effects: (1) In-situ sealing of fractures in the surrounding rock: This application utilizes the low viscosity and high permeability of highly saturated brine, enabling it to penetrate into the deep areas of micron-sized fractures and damaged zones in the surrounding rock that are difficult to reach with conventional grouting materials. Under temperature, pressure, or concentration disturbances, solutes crystallize and deposit in situ. Salt crystals nucleate, grow, and overlap on the fracture walls, forming a dense crystalline sealing layer, which significantly reduces fracture connectivity and effective porosity, fundamentally improving the overall permeability of the surrounding rock and overcoming the limitation of existing technologies that can only treat structural interfaces.
[0017] (2) A dynamic sealing system with continuous self-healing capability was constructed: By maintaining a specific volume of residual brine in the chamber, when new cracks are generated in the surrounding rock due to stress changes, the residual brine can automatically enter the cracks under pressure differential and recrystallize and deposit again under changing environmental conditions, thus achieving automatic sealing of the cracks. This self-healing mechanism makes the sealing performance no longer dependent on one-time construction or staged grouting, but plays a continuous role during operation, significantly improving the system's adaptability to surrounding rock damage and long-term reliability.
[0018] (3) Improved long-term stability of sealing performance: The salt crystal sealing layer formed by brine crystallization in this application has natural chemical compatibility and mechanical matching with the salt rock strata. The crystallization process can continue during operation, which helps to slow down the degradation of sealing performance caused by stress changes and temperature cycles. At the same time, through monitoring feedback and dynamic control, supplementary crystallization can be carried out when the local sealing performance declines, forming a closed-loop management and effectively extending the safe service life of the artificial chamber.
[0019] (4) Good engineering adaptability and adjustability: This application can be implemented on the basis of existing artificial chamber structure and sealing system. The fluid system and operation mode can be adjusted without large-scale modification of the main structure. By selecting different brine systems (such as sodium chloride-potassium chloride composite system, sodium chloride-magnesium chloride composite system or multi-component eutectic salt system) and adjusting the salt ratio, the crystallization temperature range, crystal morphology and crystallization expansion pressure can be controlled and adjusted, thereby adapting to different geological conditions and operating conditions.
[0020] (5) The recycling of brine resources has been realized: by setting up a brine recovery and discharge system, the remaining brine that has not participated in crystallization is recovered and treated for reuse, which not only reduces brine consumption but also reduces potential environmental impact, which is in line with the concept of green engineering.
[0021] In summary, this application has constructed an artificial chamber sealing technology system that can seal the surrounding rock fissures in situ and has long-term self-repair capabilities by integrating brine injection, fissure seepage control, crystallization triggering, residual brine maintenance and monitoring feedback regulation. This system effectively overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as insufficient sealing capacity of the surrounding rock body, easy decay of sealing performance and lack of self-repair capabilities. It has significant technological progress and engineering application value. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the long-term sealed system of the artificial chamber surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, as described in this application. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.
[0026] I. System Composition and Connections like Figure 1As shown, this application provides a long-term sealed system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization, comprising: a brine storage device 1, a delivery pump 2, a brine circulation and control system 3, an injection pipeline 4, a recovery pipeline 5, a control valve 6, a central pipe 7, a bottom recovery pipeline 10, and a monitoring and sensing unit 11.
[0027] 1. Brine injection system The brine injection system is used to deliver brine to the artificial chamber and the surrounding rock fissure zone 8, and includes a brine storage device 1, a delivery pump 2, an injection pipeline 4, and a control valve 6. The brine storage device 1 is used to store saturated or near-saturated brine; the delivery pump 2 is used to provide injection power; the injection pipeline 4 is connected to the chamber and is equipped with a central pipe 7 to ensure that the brine is evenly distributed inside the chamber; the control valve 6 is located on the pipeline and is used to regulate the injection flow rate and pressure of the brine.
[0028] 2. Circulation and Regulation System The circulation and control system 3 is connected to the brine injection system and the internal space of the chamber, and is used to maintain the flow state of the brine in the chamber and the surrounding rock fissures, and to regulate its crystallization conditions. This system includes circulation pipelines, a flow control device, and a monitoring and sensing unit 11. The monitoring and sensing unit 11 is installed in the chamber and the surrounding rock, and includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a concentration monitoring device, used to acquire system operating parameters (pressure, temperature, brine concentration, etc.), and to adjust the brine flow rate, pressure, and physicochemical conditions based on the monitoring results, so that the brine is in a state conducive to crystallization and deposition.
[0029] 3. Brine recovery and discharge system The brine recovery and discharge system is connected to the interior of the chamber and is used to recover and discharge the remaining brine that has not participated in crystallization. The system includes a recovery pipeline 5, a recovery pump, and a discharge control device, which can transport excess brine from the chamber to the surface brine storage device 1 for recycling or treatment as needed. The bottom recovery pipeline 10 is used to recover residual brine at the bottom of the chamber.
[0030] 4. Residual brine maintenance system The residual brine maintenance system is located inside the artificial chamber and is used to maintain a certain volume of brine (i.e., residual brine zone 9) to ensure that the system has continuous crystallization and self-repair capabilities. The system includes a brine buffer storage area and a liquid level control device. By adjusting the volume and spatial distribution of the residual brine, it can enter the fissures under pressure difference and crystallize and deposit when new fissures are generated in the surrounding rock, thereby achieving continuous maintenance and dynamic repair of the airtight performance.
[0031] II. Implementation Methods and Steps This application also provides a method for long-term sealing of the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Preparation and Injection of Brine Based on the permeability test results and fracture development characteristics of the surrounding rock, saturated or near-saturated brine is prepared. The brine uses sodium chloride as the main solute, and its concentration is controlled at 95%–100% of its solubility under the corresponding formation temperature conditions. After preparation, the brine is injected into the artificial chamber and surrounding rock fracture areas via injection pipelines through a brine circulation device and injection pump system. The injection pressure is controlled below the formation fracturing pressure, and the injection flow rate is adjusted in stages to avoid sudden pressure changes that could damage the surrounding rock.
[0032] Step 2: Control of fracture seepage and saturation distribution During brine injection, the injection pressure and flow rate are adjusted to allow the brine to gradually seep into the surrounding rock fissures, forming a continuous distribution within the fissure space. Intermittent injection is employed, alternating between injection and non-injection phases to promote brine penetration into deeper micro-fissures and damaged zones. During seepage, the distribution of brine within the surrounding rock is monitored using a system; continuous injection ceases when the target area reaches the predetermined coverage area of the fissures.
[0033] Step 3: Crystallization Triggering and Fracture Sealing After the brine has filled the fissures, its temperature, pressure, or concentration is adjusted to achieve a supersaturated state, thereby triggering the crystallization and deposition process. The crystallization triggering method includes at least one of the following: Crystallization is induced by adjusting the temperature of the surrounding rock or brine to deviate the system from the dissolution equilibrium state. By reducing the pressure of the brine, supersaturation conditions are created, and crystallization occurs. Crystal growth is promoted by increasing the concentration of the brine to reach or exceed a supersaturated state.
[0034] After crystallization occurs, salt crystals gradually deposit inside the fractures and fill the fracture space, forming a tight sealing structure, thereby significantly reducing the permeability of the surrounding rock.
[0035] Step 4: Monitoring, Feedback, and Dynamic Control During system operation, the monitoring sensor unit acquires real-time information on the seepage status, crystallization distribution, and structural changes of the surrounding rock. When a localized area of reduced sealing performance or the presence of seepage channels is detected, the system adjusts the brine injection parameters and crystallization triggering conditions to replenish crystals in the localized area, thereby restoring the sealing performance.
[0036] Step 5: Brine Recycling and Reuse The circulation and control system maintains the flow of brine in the chamber and surrounding rock fissures. Brine that has not participated in crystallization is recovered through a recycling pipeline and then treated for reuse in brine preparation and injection, thus achieving recycling.
[0037] Step 6: Maintenance and self-repair of residual brine A certain volume of brine (i.e., residual brine zone 9) is retained at the bottom of the artificial chamber or in a predetermined area, and its volume and distribution are regulated by a liquid level control device. When new fissures are generated in the surrounding rock due to stress changes, the residual brine enters the fissures under pressure differential and recrystallizes and deposits again under changing environmental conditions, thereby achieving automatic sealing of the fissures and continuous maintenance of sealing performance.
[0038] III. Key Process Parameters and Control Requirements 1. Injection pressure and surrounding rock stability control During brine injection, the injection pressure should always be kept below the upper limit of the formation fracturing pressure, and dynamically adjusted based on surrounding rock mechanical parameters, in-situ stress state, and fracture development characteristics. Real-time monitoring of injection pressure and seepage response helps prevent the induction of new fractures or the expansion of existing ones. In areas with high fracture development, low-pressure, multi-cycle injection or intermittent injection techniques are recommended to improve the uniformity of brine distribution within the fracture network and reduce the risk of disturbance to the surrounding rock structure.
[0039] 2. Coordinated control of temperature and pressure disturbances When triggering brine crystallization using temperature changes or pressure disturbances, the amplitude and rate of change of the disturbance should be precisely controlled to avoid adverse effects on the stability of the surrounding rock due to abrupt changes. A gradual or staged control method is preferred, allowing the crystallization process to proceed step by step under controllable boundary conditions, thereby forming a continuous, uniform, and dense crystalline sealing layer.
[0040] 3. Optimized control of residual brine volume The volume of residual brine within the artificial pit should be rationally configured based on the pit's geometry, the degree of fissure development in the surrounding rock, and the target functional requirements. While meeting the needs for continuous fissure self-healing and crystallization replenishment, excessive residual brine should be avoided from occupying effective storage space. During long-term operation, the brine level can be replenished or adjusted in a timely manner based on monitoring data to maintain the stability and sustainability of the system's self-repairing capability.
[0041] IV. Alternative Solutions The brine system is not limited to a single sodium chloride system; multi-component salt systems can also be selected according to engineering requirements, including but not limited to: sodium chloride-potassium chloride composite systems, sodium chloride-magnesium chloride composite systems, and multi-component eutectic salt systems. By adjusting the ratio of each component salt, the crystallization temperature range, crystal growth morphology, and pressure characteristics generated during the crystallization process of the brine system can be controllably adjusted, thereby adapting it to different surrounding rock geological conditions and variable working environments, improving the adaptability and engineering adjustability of crystallization plugging.
[0042] The artificial chamber employing the method described in this application exhibits a significant reduction in surrounding rock permeability after brine injection and crystallization triggering. During long-term operation, the residual brine maintenance system can automatically repair newly formed cracks caused by surrounding rock deformation, avoiding the intermittent and limited nature of traditional grouting repair. Real-time data feedback from the monitoring and sensing unit supports dynamic control, enabling the sealing system to be self-adaptive. This application significantly improves the long-term sealing reliability of the artificial chamber without altering the main structure.
[0043] Although the embodiments of this application have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this application. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this application is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.
Claims
1. A long-acting sealing system for artificial cavern surrounding rock based on brine crystallization, characterized in that, include: The brine injection system is used to deliver brine to artificial chambers and areas with rock fissures. The circulation and control system is connected to the brine injection system and the internal space of the chamber, and is used to maintain the flow state of the brine in the chamber and the surrounding rock fissures, and to regulate its crystallization conditions. The brine recovery and discharge system is connected to the interior of the chamber and is used to recover and discharge the remaining brine that has not participated in crystallization. The residual brine maintenance system is installed inside the artificial chamber to maintain a certain volume of brine so that when new fissures are generated in the surrounding rock, the brine can enter the fissures under pressure difference and crystallize and deposit, thus achieving self-repair.
2. The long-term sealing system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brine injection system includes: a brine storage device, a delivery pump, an injection pipeline, and control valves; the delivery pump provides injection power, the injection pipeline is connected to the chamber, and the control valves are used to regulate the injection flow rate and pressure of the brine.
3. The long-term sealing system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulation and control system includes circulation pipelines, flow control devices, and monitoring and sensing units; the monitoring and sensing units include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and concentration monitoring devices, used to acquire system operating parameters and adjust the brine flow rate, pressure, and physicochemical conditions based on the monitoring results.
4. The long-term sealing system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The residual brine maintenance system includes a brine buffer storage area and a liquid level control device for adjusting the volume and spatial distribution of the residual brine.
5. The long-term sealing system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brine is a saturated or near-saturated brine with sodium chloride as the main solute, and the concentration is controlled at 95% to 100% of the solubility under the corresponding formation temperature conditions.
6. The long-term sealing system for the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brine uses a multi-component salt system, including a sodium chloride-potassium chloride composite system, a sodium chloride-magnesium chloride composite system, or a multi-component eutectic salt system.
7. A method for long-term sealing of the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Brine preparation and injection: Prepare saturated or near-saturated brine and inject it into the artificial chamber and surrounding rock fissure areas, controlling the injection pressure below the formation fracture pressure; Fissure seepage control: By adjusting the injection pressure and flow rate, the brine seeps into the surrounding rock fissures and forms a continuous distribution within the fissure space; Crystallization triggering: Adjusting the temperature, pressure or concentration of the brine to make it supersaturated triggers crystallization and deposition. Salt crystals gradually deposit inside the fissures and fill the fissure space, forming a tight sealing structure. Residual brine maintenance: A certain volume of brine is retained inside the chamber. When new fissures appear in the surrounding rock, the residual brine enters the fissures under pressure difference and recrystallizes and deposits again, thus achieving self-repair.
8. The method for long-term sealing of the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the fissure seepage control, an intermittent injection method is adopted, that is, the injection stage and the stop injection stage are alternated to promote the brine to penetrate into the deep part of the micro-fissures and damaged zones.
9. The method for long-term sealing of the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 7, characterized in that, The crystallization triggering method employs at least one of the following: Crystallization is induced by adjusting the temperature of the surrounding rock or brine to deviate the system from the dissolution equilibrium state. By reducing the pressure of the brine, supersaturation conditions are created, and crystallization occurs. Crystal growth is promoted by increasing the concentration of the brine to reach or exceed a supersaturated state.
10. The method for long-term sealing of the surrounding rock of an artificial chamber based on brine crystallization according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes monitoring feedback and dynamic control steps: real-time information on the seepage status, crystallization distribution and structural changes of the surrounding rock is obtained through monitoring devices. When a local area is found to have decreased sealing performance or seepage channels, the local area is supplemented with crystallization by adjusting the brine injection parameters and crystallization triggering conditions to restore sealing performance.