How Salt Caverns Are Formed

Salt caverns are formed through solution mining.

• Water that is not fully saturated with salt is injected into a formation where it dissolves salt.



• The resulting brine solution is then removed leaving a void space.

Caverns can be formed by direct circulation or by reverse circulation.

Direct Circulation

Fresh water is injected through a tubing string and brine is withdrawn through an annular space between the tubing and the final well casing.

Reverse Circulation

Fresh water enters the formation through an annulus and brine is removed through a tubing string.