Review of static and dynamic compressibility relating to deep underground salt caverns

Compressibility of deep fluids-filled cavern is discussed. Compressibility is measured both through statical and dynamical tests. Statical compressibi lity is influenced by cavern shape and the nature of cavern fluids. This pa rameter plays an important role for such applications as the determination of stored hydrocarbons volume, of volume lost during a blow-out and of pres sure buildup rate in a closed cavern. Dynamical compressibility is measured through che periods of waves triggered by pressure changes. Both tube wave s and longer period waves associated to the existence of an interface betwe en a liquid and a gas can be observed. They allow checking of the results o f the statical tests and can provide additional information, for instance t he existence of trapped gas in the well-head. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.