Underground Oil Storage in Rock Caverns

Abstract

Underground oil storage is a system of storing oil in rock caverns excavated underground under water seal mechanism.
Since 1976, the possibility of underground oil storage in Japan had been studied by the Agency of Natural Resources and Energy. Since 1979, practical investigation data had been collected through the construction and operation of Kikuma test plant. These data suggested that the construction of large-scale underground facilities for crude oil was technically possible. On the other hand, feasibility studies on the possibilities at Kuji, Kikuma and Kushikino areas were performed.
In 1987, construction of first crude oil storage facilities in underground rock caverns were started at three areas by Japan Underground Oie Storage Co., Ltd.. Now, the construction of three plants are in full swing.
In this paper, principle of underground oil storage under water seal system, rock excavation of storage facilities and outlines of Kuji, Kikuma and Kushikino plants are reported.