Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining fluids via a well includes an outer tubing disposed in the well and set at a shallow reservoir comprising a first fluid, and an inner tubing disposed concentrically within the outer tubing and set at a deeper reservoir further downhole than the shallow reservoir. The deeper reservoir has a second fluid, where a first packer is disposed between the outer tubing and an external tubing and disposed above the shallow reservoir, and a second packer is disposed between the outer tubing and the inner tubing and disposed above the deeper reservoir. The second packer blocks an annulus through which the first fluid is extracted via the outer tubing. The first fluid is obtained from the shallow reservoir and the second fluid is obtained from the deeper reservoir by drilling via the well.

Abstract: A composition including a major amount of carbon dioxide and at least one branched polyolefin polymer is described, as well as methods of making and using the composition, such as in increasing the viscosity of carbon dioxide for use in carbon sequestration and/or enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compensated compressed air energy storage system may include an accumulator disposed underground and a compressor/expander subsystem in fluid communication. A compensation shaft may extend between an upper and a lower end and define a shaft depth. An upper end wall can cover the upper end of the shaft. A compensation liquid reservoir can be offset above the upper end wall by a reservoir elevation that is at least about 15% of the shaft depth. A compensation liquid flow path may extend between the compensation liquid reservoir and the accumulator and can include the compensation shaft and a liquid supply conduit extending between the compensation liquid reservoir and the upper end of the compensation shaft whereby a total hydrostatic pressure at the lower end of the shaft is greater than a hydrostatic pressure at a depth that is equal to the shaft depth.

Abstract: A well system is provided that includes an injection wellbore having a configuration that traverses an injection formation and has a horizontal configuration. The injection wellbore also has a configuration such that a treatment fluid and a CO2 fluid may be introduced into the injection wellbore and also selectively introduced into a treatment zone. The treatment fluid comprises water and basalt nanoparticles. The injection wellbore has a configuration such that the treatment zone is positioned in a horizontal portion of the injection wellbore. Each treatment zone includes a treatment unit. The treatment unit is configured to selectively introduce a fluid into the treatment zone. The treatment zone is in fluid communication with the injection formation. A method for treating an injection formation includes introducing a treatment fluid into a well system as previously described, selectively introducing the treatment fluid into a treatment zone, and monitoring the injection formation.

Abstract: Systems for underground energy storage and methods for their construction. Methods include forming a plurality of chambers underground connected to a plurality of multiple flow conduits, the plurality of chambers including an upper chamber and a lower chamber each containing a working fluid, each multiple flow conduit of the plurality of multiple flow conduits comprising an inner tubular segment having a flowbore interior to the inner tubular segment configured to flow the working fluid, and an outer tubular segment containing the inner tubular segment, wherein each multiple flow conduit defines an annulus between the outer tubular segment and the inner tubular segment configured to flow a compressed gas, by drilling a borehole in the earth formation, installing an outer tubular segment in the borehole, cementing the outer tubular segment at a target location, and installing the inner tubular segment inside the outer tubular segment.

Abstract: Salt caverns with an inner container for storing electrical energy as a flow battery are provided. The salt caverns with an inner container for storing electrical energy as a flow battery comprises an air bag, a second pipeline and a first pipeline. The airbag is located in an underground salt cavern, the salt cavern is full of brine, and a liquid electrolyte is stored in the airbag. One end of the second pipeline is connected with the airbag while the other end thereof is located on the ground, and the second pipeline is used for filling the liquid electrolyte into the airbag. The first pipeline sleeves the second pipeline, one end of the first pipeline is connected with a shaft inlet of the salt cavern while the other end thereof is located on the ground, and the first pipeline is used for discharging the brine from the salt cavern.

Abstract: A gas storage system for storing compressed gas, and method for constructing the system, are described. The system includes a borehole having a first borehole portion and a second borehole portion. An inflatable balloon is arranged within the second borehole portion. An upper support member, mounted on top of the inflatable balloon, is configured for anchoring the inflatable balloon to a sealing material filling the first borehole portion. A lower support member is arranged at the bottom of the inflatable balloon. The system includes an inlet gas pipe for filling the inflatable balloon from the gas compressing system and an outlet gas pipe for releasing the compressed gas. A compacted filling material is placed within a gap formed between the inflatable balloon, the upper support member, the lower support member, and an inner surface of the second borehole portion. One or more filling material pipes extend along the borehole to the gap for providing a filling material thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a separator, a compressor, a mixer and a pump. The separator operates on an input gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide gas and one or more other gases, providing a separated carbon dioxide gas output. A compressor compresses the separated carbon dioxide gas output, providing a second output comprising at least one of gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide. A mixer mixes the second output with liquid water under pressure to provide a third output comprising: at least one of liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide; and water with dissolved carbon dioxide. A pump pumps the third output into an underground structure such that components of the third output react with available rock surfaces to form stable carbonates.

Abstract: Underwater gas pressurization units and liquefaction systems, as well as pressurization and liquefaction methods are provided. Gas is compressed hydraulically by a rising pressurization liquid that is separated from the gas by a water immiscible liquid layer on top of an aqueous salt solution. Tall vessels are used to reach a high compression ratio that lowers the liquefaction temperature. The pressurizing liquid is delivered gravitationally, after gasification, transport to smaller water depths and condensation. Cooling units are used to liquefy the compressed gas. A cascade of compression and cooling units may be used with sequentially higher liquefaction temperatures, which allow eventual cooling by sea water. The pressurizing liquid, dimensions of the vessels, the delivery unit, the coolants and the implementation of the cooling units are selected according to the sea location, to enable natural gas liquefaction in proximity to the gas source.

Abstract: A method of pad gas management in an underground storage volume including storing a first compressible fluid, determining a transient minimum operating pressure (Ptrans), measuring the pressure (Pact), removing at least a portion of the first compressible fluid, concurrently, introducing an incompressible fluid, thereby producing a transient pressure condition controlled by the flow rate of the incompressible fluid, such that Ptrans<Pact. The method may also include a length of casing, permanently cemented into the surrounding rock formations, with a final cemented casing shoe defining the practical endpoint at an approximate depth (Dcasing), determining a transient pressure gradient (Gtrans) for the underground storage volume, wherein Ptrans<Dcasing×Gtrans. The maximum removal of the first compressible fluid is controlled such that Pmin<Pact, and wherein the transient pressure condition has a duration (D) of less than 7 days, more preferably less than 5 days.

Abstract: A method of introducing a CO2 composition into an aquifer for storage of CO2 therein, said method comprising injecting CO2 in a supercritical state into said aquifer at one or multiple first vertical positions; and withdrawing brine solution from said aquifer at one or multiple second vertical positions; wherein any one of said first vertical positions is distinct from any one of said second vertical positions is disclosed. An arrangement for introducing a CO2 composition into an aquifer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for pressure compensation, e.g., for pressure compensation in a subsea environment, may include a fluid filled enclosure surrounding a cavity, a first pressure compensator having a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being in fluid communication with the cavity, and a second pressure compensator having a third chamber and a fourth chamber, wherein the third chamber of the second pressure compensator is in fluid communication with the second chamber of the first pressure compensator.

Abstract: A support structure for providing internal vertical support within an underground water storage system, including a column member, a foot spreader module adapted for fitting to a lower end of the column member to support the column member in a substantially vertical orientation on an underlying surface, and a head spreader module adapted for fitting to an upper end of the column member to support an overlying surface relative to said underlying surface, whereby the column member with said foot and head spreader modules fitted thereto forms a column support for supporting a ground surface above the water storage system.

Abstract: Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string is provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening from an internal passageway with an outer annular passageway communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices, flow diverters and/or isolation conduits can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gas sequestration are provided. The systems include a porous storage reservoir containing a dense fluid; a first tubing string, configured to provide and inject a gaseous emissions (GE) stream at or near the top of the porous storage reservoir above the base portion of the porous storage reservoir; and a second tubing string configured to withdraw the dense fluid from the base portion of the porous storage reservoir. In some embodiments, the first and second tubing strings may be encased in a single well bore and may include measurement and control equipment for pressure management of the injection locations. The withdrawn dense fluids may be re-injected into an overlying porous reservoir or may be sent to the surface for treatment. Methods are provided for injection of GE and withdrawal of dense fluids for safe, long term gaseous sequestration of significant portions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and associated gases (gaseous emissions, GE).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for sequestration of carbon dioxide, said method comprising the steps of injecting a waste gas into a subsurface containment region, providing a filter associated with a separation well for separating a constituent gas from the waste gas, the separation well being in communication with the subsurface containment region and evacuating at least a portion of the waste gas through the separation well for filtered separation of the constituent gas from the waste gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the utilization of a cushion gas in compressed air energy storage (CAES). In particular, the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as the cushion gas has been provided. Using CO2 as the cushion gas enhances the effectiveness of the CAES by allowing greater amounts of compressed air to be stored and extracted.

Abstract: An underground porosity water storage reservoir minimizes the impacts on surface uses of the reservoir site. Furthermore, a method of operating an underground porosity storage reservoir minimizes damage to the reservoir due to injecting sediment-laden water or water that is chemically incompatible with the porous material in the underground reservoir. The underground porosity water storage reservoir reduces temperature impacts on surface waters due to the discharge of stored water. A method of using the porosity storage reservoir to minimize adverse temperature impacts when discharging water to a surface body is disclosed.

Abstract: A well intake with an anti-coning end portion provides for withdrawal of fluid hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, from pockets that contain an underlying layer of water. The anti-coning end portion may include a tube having an upwardly turned or upwardly facing end or mouth, a tube having a non-circular cross section, a tube having one or more baffles, or a combination thereof, in order to prevent or block the formation of cyclonic or swirling flow patterns of water in the vicinity of the well intake.

Abstract: An underwater oil storage method, which includes the steps of: a) excavating a cellar in the ground earth and constructing a wall structure in the cellar to form a water pool, b) setting an oil tank in the water pool, c) supplying a predetermined amount of water to the water pool, and d) filling the oil to be stored into the oil tank and regulating the amount of water in the water pool subject to the amount of storage oil stored in the oil tank for enabling water in the water pool to support the oil tank and storage oil in the oil tank and to keep the oil tank in balance by means of the physical characteristic that the specific gravity of the storage oil is lower than water.

Abstract: A process and apparatus of separating CO2 gas from industrial off-gas source is provided in which the CO2 containing off-gas is introduced deep within an injection well. The CO2 gases are dissolved in the liquid within the injection well while non-CO2 gases, typically being insoluble in water or brine, are returned to the surface. Once the CO2 saturated liquid is present within the injection well, the injection well may be used for long-term geologic storage of CO2 or the CO2 saturated liquid can be returned to the surface for capturing a purified CO2 gas.

Abstract: The current invention provides processes and apparatuses for introducing slurry into underground geological formations thereby disposing of the slurry, while also sequestering carbon dioxide and collecting methane from the slurry.

Abstract: In the past, “compensated” salt caverns have operated with a compensating liquid, such as brine to displace a stored liquid, such as crude oil, when the stored liquid is needed on the surface. Virtually all of the stored liquid in a compensated salt cavern can be expelled from the salt cavern when it is filled with the compensating liquid. In the past, “uncompensated” salt caverns have been used to store gases, such as natural gas. Uncompensated caverns operate without any compensating liquid; instead they rely on pressure. Some of the stored gas (cushion gas) must always be left in an uncompensated salt cavern. This invention breaks with convention and uses a compensating liquid in a salt cavern to store gases which is a technique believed to be previously unknown. “Cushion gas” is not required because the compensating liquid displaces virtually all of the gas in the salt cavern.

Abstract: A gas storage well with a tubing string that is disposed within a wellbore communicating an underground storage cavern with the surface. A surface controlled subsurface safety and flow control system is provided within the wellbore so that all flow into or out of the well can be shut down rapidly in the event of an emergency. The safety and flow control system features a dual opening-style packer element that provides an annulus seal between the surrounding casing and the tubing string and between the casing and a pup joint that is located within the annulus. Both the tubing string and the pup joint contain surface controlled subsurface safety valves that are capable of quickly shutting off flow through both the flowbore and the annulus. Each valve can be opened or closed independently of the other.

Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the barge so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for creating a reaction zone in an aquifer, for circulating and purifying ground and raw water, in particular for tap water use, which aquifer comprises satellite wells and at least one extraction well wherein each satellite well comprises at least two, essentially vertical water conducting sections separated from each other in substantially vertical longitudinal direction, and having at least two geohydrologic zones, whereby said zones are arranged to alternating emit water to the surrounding, and receive water coming from the outside surrounding, respectively, whereby adjacent wells are arranged for opposite flows so that substantially horizontal flows are obtained in a water leading layer, in which layer the wells have been placed between adjacent wells, and whereby the water of at least one section is arranged to be pumped in one direction from below and upward, and at least in one vertical section, form above and downward, respectively, and to be lead out through

Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the barge so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.

Abstract: A method for offloading and storage of liquefied compressed natural gas into a salt dome by using inserting displacement gas with a pressure greater than a pressure of the liquefied compressed natural gas and a temperature of from about 80 degrees Fahrenheit to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit into a created cavern in the salt dome. The liquefied compressed natural gas is offloaded from the vessel to the storage cavern, wherein the liquefied compressed natural gas is at a pressure of from about 750 psi to about 1100 psi and a temperature of from about ?80 degrees Fahrenheit to about ?110 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquefied compressed natural gas is mixed with gas vapor in the storage cavern, wherein the gas vapor in the storage cavern is at a geostatic temperature and at a pressure lower than a pressure of the liquefied compressed natural gas.

Abstract: A compressed gas storage tank 10 utilizes a rock-bed cavity 11 in which a bentonite slurry is fed into an underground cavity 11 formed in a rock-bed, a forcibly fed compressed gas is stored in the rock-bed cavity in a state in which the compressed gas is loaded with a pressure load of the bentonite slurry from the underside of the compressed gas, the bentonite slurry in the rock-bed cavity 11 is of a dual layer structure consisting of an upper layer composed of a light bentonite slurry 30 mixed with a filling-up material invading into and filling up a void and a crack formed in an inner wall surface of the rock-bed cavity and a lower layer composed of a heavy bentonite slurry 13 mixed with a high specific gravity fine powder as a load condition material.

Abstract: A system for handling liquified natural gas (LNG) wherein (a) the LNG is delivered into a subterranean formation such that the LNG absorbs heat energy from the subterranean formation and is thereby converted to a gas product and (b) the gas is then produced from the subterranean formation. The subterranean formation is preferably a depleted offshore gas formation having an offshore production platform which is modified to receive LNG from marine transport vessels which are unloaded at an offshore receiving station.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a downhole separation tool is provided which utilizes a downhole separation chamber with a series of fluid regulators responsive to a formation fluid and constituent components for separate desirable formation yields from the less desirable yields prior to lifting the fluids to the surface. The separation chamber has an input for the formation fluid, a production output, and a disposal output, in a tree arrangement according to the density order of the fluids in the separation chamber. The input flow regulator is coupled to the separation chamber input, the production regulator is coupled to the production output, and the disposal regulator is coupled to the disposal output. Each of the regulators are responsive to a fluid density of the formation fluid, first constituent and remainder constituent, accordingly, to regulate the flow of the respective fluid.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of oil field wastes contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The method includes the steps of: drilling a pair of wells which intersect in a salt formation, providing a slurry containing NORM wastes and a carrier liquid, injecting the slurry through one of the wells into the salt formation wherein the NORM wastes settle, and removing the carrier liquid from the other one of the wells. One carrier liquid, fresh water, dissolves the salt formation to form and enlarge a cavern for receiving the NORM wastes. The quantities of carrier liquid removed from the salt formation are disposed of by injection into permeable formation remote from the salt formation.

Abstract: A system and method for removing light non-aqueous liquids via a wellbore from at least a water-saturated subterranean zone using an oleophilic absorbent wick by positioning the wick in a wellbore extending from the surface through at least a portion of the subterranean water-saturated zone; reducing the pressure in the wellbore and removing vaporized light non-aqueous liquids from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of putting under gas a saline cavity 3 for storing a gaseous substance, the cavity being formed by being washed out in rock salt and being filled with brine 5 once the washing-out step has been completed, the cavity includes a bottom 31 and a roof 30, a well 1 drilled for washing-out purposes opening out in the roof and putting the saline cavity into communication with the surface, the well also serving as an injection well for inserting the gaseous substance to be stored. The method includes a step of drilling an associated dewatering well 4 from the surface in the proximity of the injection well, the dewatering well meeting the saline cavity close to the bottom thereof so as to dewater the brine from the cavity through said dewatering well as the gaseous substance is injected into the cavity via the injection well.

Abstract: An aqua culture facility and method using a pneumatic pump for displacement of water or other liquid located in a confined space having rigid bottom and side walls which form an interior surface of the space, with a flexible liner having the same contour as the space in which the liquid is confined. The confined space is a culture chamber and open at the top side, such as a fish pond. The flexible liner is comprised of two or more flexible membranes which are in sealing engagement at their edge portions to form a sealed compartment. There is an air inlet-outlet means through which gas or liquid can be introduced to inflate and then to exhaust the air from the sealed compartment. The flexible liner has a flexible membrane in contact with the rigid bottom and side walls of the confined space and is larger then the interior surface of the confined space. The placed flexible membrane liner is covered with water and seeded with organisms to create the culture chamber.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for providing storage for hydrocarbons produced at an offshore production facility. A tank assembly having inner and outer tanks defining an annular chamber therebetween and the inner tank defining an inner chamber, has a piling projection extending from one end thereof. A first piping system is connected to the annular chamber and input piping system connected to the inner chamber and an output piping system connected to the inner chamber. The outer chamber is flooded to provide ballast for the system during and after placement of the piling into the soil beneath a platform.

Abstract: The subterranean storage facility includes a subterranean cavern forming an underground cavity in which is disposed an immiscible displacing liquid. A plurality of concentric pipes extend from the surface into the cavity. As a cold fluid at a sub-zero temperature is passed down a first flow bore formed by the concentric pipes, the immiscible displacing fluid is passed in heat exchange relationship up a second flow bore formed by the concentric pipes. The cold fluids are then stored within the cavity at a temperature and pressure consistent for safe storage.

Abstract: A process for obtaining decomposition products from a slurry of municipal waste by use of a geothermal reservoir. The process comprises placing the slurry of municipal waste into a geothermal reservoir; sealing the opening of the geothermal reservoir; and retorting the municipal waste slurry in the geothermal reservoir for a time sufficient to liberate methane, ammonia, urea, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates from said slurry. Thereafter, the liberated products are removed from the geothermal reservoir and separated.

Abstract: A method for Refuse Disposal in Solution-Mined Salt Cavities is described. Firstly, crush municipal refuse to a particulate size of less than one inch. Secondly, compact a mixture of particulate refuse and brine into cakes less than one inch in thickness at densities in excess of 77 pounds per cubic foot. Thirdly, mix the cakes with brine to form a slurry with a minimum volume ratio of 2 portions brine to 1 portion cakes. Fourthly, inject the slurry into a brine filled salt cavity, whereby the cakes, being denser than the brine, settle to the bottom of the salt cavity.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for completely sealing off an underground liquified gas storage cavity when a dangerous situation arises, whereby all links between the storage cavity and the surface, including the vent link between the gas phase and the surface can be closed off by forming water plugs in the storage cavity. The water plugs are created automatically from existing reserves of water in the underground cavity. Maximum overall safety is achieved by not installing any important equipment in the underground storage cavity, by standardizing all links other than the vent link, and by minimizing the number of functional links required. Every standard link connects the gaseous or liquid phase of the gas to the surface via a side tube running downwards into a well containing water linked to the main tube which returns to the surface.

Abstract: Used drilling mud, and other high solids oilfield waste which has been contaminated with hydrocarbons, is pumped downhole into a salt cavity where the mud and hydrocarbons separate with the mud gravitating to the bottom of the cavity and the hydrocarbons rising toward the surface of the ground. Brine separates the accumulated hydrocarbons from the residual mud. The brine or the hydrocarbons is selectively removed for sales while additional water or contaminated mud is added to the system as may be required. The salt cavity preferably is located in a geographical area wherein anhydride ledges are formed therewithin upon formation of the cavity. The resultant ledges form baffle plates that coalesces the separated particles of oil and enhance formation of the separated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the in-line blending of a crude oil with an aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion, such as an aqueous emulsion formed in-situ in a cavern in a salt dome, wherein the crude oil and aqueous crude oil emulsion are separately fed to a dynamic in-line blender wherein the crude oil is formed into a flowing crude oil shear curtain and wherein the stream of the aqueous crude oil emulsion is charged to the interior of the flowing crude oil shear curtain, whereby the aqueous emulsion is impacted upon and fragmented by the crude oil of the flowing crude oil shear curtain to form a flowing suspension of finely divided aqueous emulsion particles in the crude oil.

Abstract: A method for the removal of water or aqueous liquids from the sump of an underground cavity, especially a cavern, is based on providing a process in which a water-miscible organic liquid is added to the sump, and then the mixture formed in this way is extracted from the cavity.

Abstract: The offshore facility and terminal includes a plurality of underground salt caverns located beneath the ocean floor. An offshore platform is located above the caverns and includes a flow line to a single point mooring for connection to a supertanker. A well extends from the platform into the underground salt caverns for the flow of hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are stored in the underground salt caverns with an immiscible displacing fluid, such as brine. The hydrocarbons and brine are immiscible and have different densities such that the brine settles at the bottom of the underground cavern. Another well extends from the underground cavern to a displacing fluid reservoir. This reservoir is a brine pond located in a depression in the ocean floor. The brine is pumped to and from the brine pond and into the underground cavern to assist in the off-loading and removal of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for underground storage of a gas is disclosed in which the stored gas or top gas is physically separated from the cushion gas to avoid undesired intermixing of the two gases. This enables a less expensive cushion gas to be used resulting in a significant cost savings in the development and use of an underground storage cavern. The gas separation can be accomplished by dividing the cavern into two portions using a flexible membrane attached at its periphery to the walls of the cavern, installing a plurality of balloons inflated with the cushion gas in the cavern or inflating a single large bladder in the cavern with the cushion gas. With additional separation of the cavern into multiple portions, a plurality of gases can be simultaneously stored in a single cavern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of returning geothermal gases discharged from geothermal plants to the underground together with waste water through a return well, characterized in that the apparent velocity of waste water V.sub.eo relative to the return well is equal to or more than 1 m/s and the range of the apparent velocity of waste water V.sub.eo and of an apparent velocity of the geothermal gases V.sub.go is regulated to satisfy the following equation:V.sub.go <1.33V.sub.eo -0.41.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for drawing off ground air under the foundation slab of a house. A tube is placed in an excavation made some meters away from the house. The bottom end part of the tube is downwardly open and is provided with a plurality of rows of holes through which a blower, arranged inside the pipe, draws air from the ground. The ground air which is withdrawn departs via an evacuation duct opening out above the ground surface. A lid is arranged airtight at the upper end of the tube. The evacuation duct connects up with the tube in an area above the blower.

Abstract: Safety valves and control apparatus for generally inaccessible fluid storage facilities wherein a closure mechanism may be attached to an access conduit at an accessible control location and inserted with the conduit into a casing or outer conduit, which closure mechanism may be actuated by control mechanism from the accessible control location to open or close the access conduit or the annulus between the access conduit and the casing, as desired, to permit or interrupt fluid flow, respectively therein. In an underground storage reservoir with access facilities including an outer casing and an inner conduit, separate closure mechanisms may be attached to the inner conduit and inserted therewith along and within the casing to the reservoir, and may be actuated independently to open or close the annulus between the outer casing and inner conduit, and the inner conduit, to thereby control fluid flow in either or both, as desired.

Abstract: Subterranean cavities which can be filled with water or brine are also used for safely depositing ecologically harmful waste. In order to introduce the waste, which must not come in contact with the water or brine, a liquid which is not miscible with water and is specifically heavier than water or brine is let in below the water or brine, where it forms a layer, and the waste is introduced into this liquid via a pipeline, whereby the waste or the mixtures of waste and binding agents must be specifically heavier than the liquid. The displaced water or brine is upwardly removed.

Abstract: Safety valves and control apparatus for generally inaccessible fluid storage facilities wherein a closure mechanism may be attached to an access conduit at an accessible control location and inserted with the conduit into the storage facilities, which closure mechanism may be actuated by control mechanism from the accessible control location to open or close the access conduit at the remote storage facilities to permit or interrupt fluid flow, respectively. In an underground storage reservoir with access facilities including an outer casing and an inner conduit, separate closure mechanisms may be attached to the inner conduit and inserted therewith along and within the casing to the reservoir, and may be actuated independently to open or close the annulus between the outer casing and inner conduit, and the inner conduit, to thereby control fluid flow in either or both, as desired.