Underground Natural Gas Storage: Geological Formations

The picture below illustrates the various types of geologic formations used for underground natural gas storage. As noted, the majority of underground gas storage facilities make use of depleted oil and gas fields. Other facilities are found to use in almost equal amounts salt formations and depleted aquifers.

Underground Natural Gas Storage
Courtesy of: American Gas Association and American Petroleum Institute

The following are some example graphics depicting the underground natural gas storage wellhead and wellbore. The wellhead is a combination of valves, fittings, and piping that controls the flow of gas into and out of the underground storage formation. The wellhead is connected to the top of the wellbore, which extends from the surface down into the storage formation and provides the pathway for gas into and out of storage.

Typical Natural Gas Underground Storage Wellhead - Schematics

Wellhead Schematic – Natural Gas Underground Storage Wellhead

Typical Natural Gas Underground Storage Wellhead - Pictures

Wellhead Picture #1 - Natural Gas Underground Storage Wellhead