Abstract: A system is provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. A lined impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation and means for injecting the sulfur through the borehole are provided. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, through a pipe arrangement provided with means for injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. An impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation is provided, and the sulfur is then injected through the borehole. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, by injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.