US 12,404,972 B2
Method and process for storing liquid and gaseous fluids under pressure in a vertical subsurface vessel
Melvin Charles Reichwein, Richmond, TX (US)
Filed by Melvin Charles Reichwein, Richmond, TX (US)
Filed on Mar. 7, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/180,111.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/318,787, filed on Mar. 11, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0288025 A1, Sep. 14, 2023
Int. Cl. F17C 1/00 (2006.01); B65D 88/76 (2006.01); B65G 5/00 (2006.01); E21B 33/13 (2006.01)
CPC F17C 1/007 (2013.01) [B65D 88/76 (2013.01); B65G 5/00 (2013.01); E21B 33/13 (2013.01); F17C 2201/0109 (2013.01); F17C 2203/012 (2013.01); F17C 2205/0352 (2013.01); F17C 2270/0149 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of forming a subterranean storage facility at a location where there is underlying bedrock covered by overburden, said method comprising:
providing a storage tank having a cylindrical casing with a top closure and a bottom closure, wherein said storage tank has a maximum first width and a maximum first length;
providing a secondary closure over said top closure, wherein an interstitial space exists between said top closure and said secondary closure;
excavating a first hole through the overburden to access the underlying bedrock;
excavating a second hole into the bedrock, wherein said second hole is wider and longer than said storage tank;
erecting said storage tank in said second hole with said top closure facing said first hole, wherein gap spaces exist between said storage tank and said second hole when said storage tank is placed in said second hole;
filling said gap spaces between said storage tank and the bedrock in said second hole with a cement mixture;
extending pipe risers into said storage tank through said top closure, wherein said pipe risers extend through said first hole and provide access to said storage tank; and
filling said first hole.