RI 6534 Feasibility of Inert-Gas Cushions in Gas Storages

The feasibility of inert - gas cushions in underground gas storages was studied by the Bureau of Mines in accordance with a continuing program of cooperative research between the natural gas industry -- through the American Gas Association . As mixing of the inert - gas cushion with the stored natural gas is undesirable , the various mechanisms tending to bring about such mixing were the subjects of both theoretical and experimental studies . These studies indicated the practicability of such cushions is dependent upon both reservoir and operating conditions . Equations and tables of illustrative data relating the various reservoir and operating conditions to the expected time required for undesired mixing to occur in ideal reservoirs are presented . This information permits estimating the relationship of such factors in actual storage operations .