Numerical study on the estimation of the temperature profile and thermo-mechanical behaviour in rock around the Taejon LNG Pilot Cavern

For Taejon LNG Pilot Cavern being constructed to verify the technical aspects for storing LNG in lined rock cavern, various numerical studies were carried out to estimate the temperature profile and to understand thermo-mechanical behaviour in the rock around the cavern. With the help of Claesson's analytical solution and numerical models, the extent of zero degree isotherm and possible boil-off rate of gas to be stored were estimated. Even though the tensile stress by cooling down is very large compared to the tensile strength of the rock, it has been shown that possible rock yielding might bring about the dramatic reduction of the stress.