Subterranean Gas Storage Assembly with Self-Centering Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of large volumes of compressed, combustible gases above ground is hazardous, expensive, and cumbersome due to the need for robust and costly materials, and it occupies valuable land, while above ground storage poses safety risks and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A subterranean gas storage assembly with multiple separate vessels connected within a single underground bore, utilizing a self-centering anchor feature and retainer system to ensure proper placement and minimize containment risks, allowing for customizable storage configurations and reduced installation and servicing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large volumes of compressed gas are stored above ground, then gas storage capacity is achieved, but safety risks increase and land occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions gas storage from above-ground (surface dimension) to underground (subterranean dimension), moving the storage system into a different spatial dimension. This resolves the contradiction by providing large storage capacity while eliminating safety risks and land occupation associated with above-ground storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple separate vessels within a single subterranean bore, creating a hierarchical structure where vessels are contained within the bore. This allows large total storage capacity across multiple vessels while maintaining a compact underground footprint, avoiding both safety risks and land occupation.
2Strength
If robust materials are used for above ground storage vessels, then storage strength is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving storage to the subterranean environment, the patent eliminates the need for extremely robust above-ground vessels. The earth provides natural containment and pressure distribution, allowing use of less expensive materials while maintaining adequate strength for high-pressure gas storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple separate vessels into a single subterranean assembly, sharing common infrastructure such as the borehole, anchor system, and retainer mechanisms. This reduces total material requirements and construction costs compared to multiple independent above-ground storage facilities.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple separate vessels are placed in a single bore, then storage capacity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into separate vessels that can be independently manufactured, tested, and installed within the single bore. This segmentation allows for modular assembly, simplifying the overall process despite multiple vessels, as each unit can be handled and positioned independently using the anchor and retainer system.
4Quantity of substance
If above ground storage is implemented, then gas storage is achieved, but land occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the storage system vertically into the subterranean dimension, eliminating the need for large above-ground land occupation. The same storage capacity is achieved underground with minimal surface footprint, effectively trading horizontal space for vertical space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables safe, efficient, and customizable underground gas storage with reduced land use and lower costs, minimizing the risk of gas leaks and external trauma, while allowing for high-pressure gas storage in a smaller footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor feature consists of a self-centering bowspring
Implementation Method 2
Each vessel of the plurality of separate vessels is arranged with an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed to a unit secured in a single subterranean bore. The unit can be configured to store compressed hydrocarbon gas in at least one of a plurality of separate vessels that are respectively attached via at least one retainer. An anchor feature may be employed to center the unit within the single subterranean bore.