Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Salt Creep Closure of the SPR Big Hill Site Wells 106 Through 110

摘要

An experimental program was carried out in several Big Hill wells to determine whether salt creep closure is likely to result in borehole size being reduced to that of the outside diameters of hanging strings in the wells. Measured creep closures were sufficient to indicate the need for a small leaching program to ensure the boreholes would not close into contact with the hanging strings in the event that large scale leaching is not implemented in the near future. Theoretical calculations of creep closure using the ''SANCHO'' finite element computer program indicated radial and volumetric closures less than experimental values by factors of 4 and 2.5, respectively. 20 refs., 19 figs., 4 tabs. (ERA citation 11:039703)