Technical Committee Underground Storage Technology

Influence of Oxygen Impurities on Underground Gas Storage and Surface Equipment - Literature Study

Oxygen is formally associated with a large variety of problems that can occur in a gas storage site and the connected installations. The corrosion of steel by oxygen, especially in the presence of water and CO2 or H2S, the formation of black powder and sulfur precipitation are well examined. Precipitations in valves and screens, as well as excessive corrosion in pipelines, may lead to malfunctions which represent risks for health and safety. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen during the drying process leads to the decomposition of glycol, which is also disruptive for the gas processing.
The oxidization of iron- and sulfide-bearing minerals in the storage formation is well known. Reduced permeability by precipitation of elemental sulfur and minerals might occur.
This report summarizes the current state of knowledge on the potential impact of oxygen on underground natural gas storage and surface facilities.