Storage engineering

From the gas reservoir to the underground gas storage

The reservoir – a former gas field – was formed around 22 million years ago by sandstone depositions in a deep-sea environment covering the pre-alpine area.

Over millions of years, natural gas penetrated the pores of the sandstone and formed a natural gas reservoir there. Such reservoir may extend over several square kilometres. Underground gas storage offers a high degree of safety because several hundred metres of shale above the reservoir prevent the gas from escaping. The gas was trapped there for million of years and this proves the sealing capability.

After depletion the former gas reservoir can still be used as natural gas storage. In the process, natural gas has to be re-injected into the storage horizon without exceeding the initial reservoir pressure. For injection and withdrawal of natural gas drilling wells are used. Before the gas can be delivered to the consumer, specific surface facilities, such as compressors for injection and withdrawal as well as facilities for drying and cleaning the natural gas are required.

All of these facilities, equipment and processes have been proven effective and are used in the gas industry worldwide. With our expertise we provide a substantial contribution to the security of gas supply in Austria and Central Europe.