Introduction
In a world where energy is fundamental to the development and sustainability of our society, natural gas is considered one of the most valuable resources. Located mainly in remote regions, moving this precious resource to consumption centers becomes a complex and highly engineered task. In the face of this, new concepts in natural gas storage represent a solution to provide energy security.
This article delves into natural gas storage technologies. It will examine how these innovations not only meet today’s needs, but also open up new prospects for a more sustainable energy future. Focusing on the technical and economic characteristics and the possibilities of implementation in different geographical contexts, the aim is to highlight the importance of advancing in the development of storage systems that respond effectively to the demands of the present and the challenges of the future.
Types of natural gas storage
Subway natural gas storage
Subway natural gas storage refers to the process and infrastructure used to store large volumes of natural gas below the earth’s surface for the purpose of balancing supply and demand for the resource1. This type of storage takes advantage of existing geological spaces, such as depleted oil or gas fields, deep aquifers, or cavities in salt formations, to preserve gas safely and efficiently2.
These subway reserves provide natural gas distributors with an accessible source of gas to meet fluctuations in consumption throughout the year, especially during seasonal variations, thus ensuring continuity and reliability of gas supply to consumers.
Subway natural gas reservoirs not only provide an answer to logistical and transportation challenges from remote regions, but also act as a bulwark against demand intermittency and supply contingencies. With markets as diverse as residential, commercial, industrial and power generation, each with their own dynamics and seasonalities, the ability to store gas efficiently and safely becomes a critical component of the energy infrastructure.
Cryogenic tanks
They are assets used for the storage and transportation of fuels in extremely cold temperatures. Its design keeps the natural gas at cryogenic temperatures, where it becomes liquid, allowing a larger quantity to be stored in a reduced space and facilitating its handling. Thanks to their double-walled construction and special insulation, these tanks ensure that the storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is maintained at the temperatures and pressures necessary to preserve its liquid state, ensuring its stability and safety during transportation3.
Cryogenic tanks are crucial elements in the LNG cryogenic treatment process. Without them, it would be impossible to carry out the deep cryogenic treatment necessary for the efficient handling of this type of gas. Their capabilities allow the efficient storage and transport of liquefied natural gas, as well as ensuring the success of the entire cryogenic process, avoiding interferences that could compromise its quality and safety.
Pressurized tanks or cylinders (CNG)
These containers are meticulously designed to maintain the gas at a pressure different from atmospheric pressure, in order to guarantee its stability and safety during storage and transportation. Depending on their type, these natural gas storage tanks are made of different high-strength materials, such as steel, allowing them to withstand the high internal gas pressures4.
In addition, they have specialized features to mitigate any potential risks, such as excess pressure. In the specific case of compressed natural gas (CNG), thick-walled pressurized tanks are used, generally in an elongated cylindrical shape with hemispherical edges. This is a configuration that allows the uniform distribution of the stresses generated by the gas pressure, ensuring the structural integrity of the tank and guaranteeing its optimum performance in various industrial and transportation applications.
Why do we need to store natural gas?
The objective of storage is to meet seasonal fluctuations; during periods of low demand, gas will be stored and injected into the distribution networks during peak demand.
The objective of storage is to meet fluctuations during periods of low demand; since consumption fluctuates significantly due to seasonal variations and other factors, such as increases in demand during the winter months for heating, a system is required to provide accessible reserves to meet these consumption peaks.
Subway reservoirs represent the most common alternative for storing natural gas, using old deposits, deep aquifers or cavities in salt formations. Compared to aboveground storage tanks, they offer higher storage capacities at lower costs and, with proper construction and monitoring, can be safer.
Technology trends in natural gas storage
Storage based on nanomaterials
Advances in natural gas storage technology have given way to innovative concepts such as storage based on nanomaterials, whose unique surfaces and properties offer unparalleled adsorption capacity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and carbon nanotubes are particularly promising in this area.
This technology not only increases storage capacity, but also increases process efficiency from an energy standpoint through improvements in gas adsorption and desorption kinetics. Storage based on nanomaterials is one of the major advances in natural gas storage systems.
Remote monitoring
Natural gas storage management has undergone a radical transformation thanks to monitoring equipment, especially with the integration of smart sensors and IoT technologies. These tools allow accurate real-time monitoring of critical aspects such as composition, pressure and temperature of natural gas stored underground or in tanks, raising safety and reliability standards. They also facilitate predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving the operational efficiency of the facilities where gases are stored.
Network control systems for remote monitoring and control provide the personnel in charge with the necessary data for agile and efficient decision making5. This 24/7 monitoring capability ensures a rapid response to any anomaly and optimizes gas injection and extraction processes. The present natural gas storage technology increases safety and operability, in addition to providing unprecedented flexibility in gas handling.
Implementation of carbon capture technologies
Carbon capture technologies are a crucial trend in the field of natural gas storage. This breakthrough focused on capturing and storing carbon dioxide prior to its atmospheric release represents a significant step towards mitigating environmental impacts. Adopting these technologies reflects a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of operations and continuously improving the efficiency and sustainability of natural gas facilities.
Tank fabrication with composite materials
Starting from the traditional steel tanks, these assets have constantly undergone innovations, resulting in the manufacture of composites such as carbon fiber6. This technological evolution offers lighter and more resistant natural gas storage tanks, thus optimizing their functionality and applicability in storage processes. The portability and safety offered by these composite materials, without sacrificing strength, offer improvements in injection and extraction processes, redefining the operability of natural gas storage systems.
Conclusions
Natural gas storage is essential in maintaining energy security and the economic stability of the industry behind this resource. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have natural gas storage technologies and systems that guarantee a more efficient and safe management, paving the way towards an increasingly sustainable sector.
The implementation of advanced technologies in warehousing processes demonstrates the sector’s interest in innovation and continuous improvement. These trends raise safety and operational efficiency standards, two fundamental aspects that highlight the crucial role of natural gas in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
This technological progress, backed by sophisticated engineering and a commitment to innovation, seeks to ensure that natural gas supply becomes an essential pillar in the global energy infrastructure, facilitating an effective response to the sector’s current and future challenges.
References
- Enagas. (sf). Subway storage. Retrieved April 1, 2024 from https://www.enagas.es/es/transicion-energetica/red-gasista/infraestructuras-energeticas/almacenamientos-subterraneos/.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2015, November 16). The Basics of Underground Natural Gas Storage. Retrieved April 1, 2024 from https://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/storage/basics/.
- Cryoteknik. (2023, February 16). What is a cryogenic storage tank?. Retrieved April 2, 2024 from https://cryoteknik.com/en/what-is-a-cryogenic-storage-tank.
- Advanced Structural Technologies (AST). (n.d.). Compressed Natural Gas CNG Storage Options [Ultimate Guide]. Retrieved April 2, 2024 from https://astforgetech.com/compressed-natural-gas-cng-storage-options-ultimate-guide/#Natural_Gas_Storage_Options.
- Uniper. (sf). Gas Storage Technology. Retrieved April 2, 2024 from https://www.uniper.energy/energy-storage-uniper/gas-storage-technology.
- Zhejiang Kaibo Pressure Vessel. (sf). Unveiling the Future: Advancements in Gas Storage Technology. Retrieved April 3, 2024 from https://www.kbcylinders.com/news/unveiling-the-future-advancements-in-gas-storage-technology/.
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