Kavernenbau

Kavernenbau refers to the construction of underground cavities or chambers, often for storage purposes. These caverns are typically created in geological formations such as salt domes or hard rock. The primary use of kavernenbau is for the storage of large volumes of substances like natural gas, oil, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The geological stability of salt formations makes them particularly well-suited for this application, as salt is impermeable and can withstand significant pressure.

The process of kavernenbau involves drilling a borehole into the salt dome or rock formation. Once the desired depth is reached, a well is established. For salt caverns, a leaching process is employed, where fresh water is injected to dissolve the salt, creating the cavity. The resulting brine is then pumped to the surface. For hard rock caverns, excavation techniques similar to mining are used.

Safety and integrity are paramount in kavernenbau projects. The caverns are designed to maintain their stability over long periods, and rigorous monitoring systems are in place to detect any potential issues. The stored substances are typically injected and withdrawn under controlled pressure conditions. Kavernenbau plays a crucial role in energy infrastructure, providing essential storage capacity for strategic reserves and balancing supply and demand fluctuations in the energy market.