| 摘要 |
A method and a system are provided for the safe storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from a naturally occurring earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the underground cavity. A borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation is provided, and the sulfur, in either liquid or solid form, is injected through the borehole, which is preferably lined with a substantially impervious liner such as a metal pipe. When feeding liquid sulfur to the system, a set or concentric pipes is placed within the borehole to circulate pressurized hot water (at 280.degree. - 320.degree. F) or other heating flui d through an annular space within the concentric pipes so as to impart enough heat within the borehole to maintain the sulfur being injected in liquid state while inside the borehole. The method and the system are particularly suited for the long - term storage of both mined and recovered sulfur. Solution-mined, salt- enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, by injecting pressurized hot water (at 280.degree. - 320.degree. F) through a first annul ar space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space, also created within the borehole, so as to cause the sulfur within th e cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole. The stored sulfur may also be withdrawn through a separate borehole that penetrates the underground cavity at a different location and is equipped with similar means for delivering a heating fluid a nd air to the cavity and cause the sulfur to melt and come up to the surface in liquid state. |
