Laserfiche WebLink
J:rne 20, 2~~!!!J Page <br />that the method can successfully estimate the geometry of the cavity. Some methods may be <br />incapable of detecting the bavern boundary within acceptable accuracy or even detecting the cavern <br />at all. Second, case studies of successful application in similar situations are considered. <br />Documentation of similar applications will lend credibility to a technology and improve the chance <br />of its success. Last, a meeting between American Soda, AAI, and the BLM was held on <br />May 16, 2000, to review the technologies. In the meeting, the various advantages and disadvantages <br />of the methods were discussed and the methods were ranked in order of best to least suited for <br />characterizing the solution cavities. <br />In addition to ranking, the technologies have been categorized as a `possible method' or as <br />a `preferred method.' A possible method is defined as one that has the potential to successfully <br />describe the cavity shape, but ignores considerations such as cost and existence of proven case <br />studies . A preferred method is a possible method that was established by American Soda, AAI, and <br />the BLM as the best technology for a given time in the cavern's life. <br />Currently, three test caverns exist. These caverns, ifcylindrical in shape, would have a radius <br />of about 10 to 20 ft and a height of 500 ft, at depths around 1500 to 2000 ft. A mature cavern is <br />expected to be approximately cylindrical in shape, but with a radius of up to 100 ft. Some of the <br />technologies considered in this review are well suited for characterizing a mature cavity, but not for <br />young cavities such as the test cavities currently available. A recommendation for characterization <br />of a test well is given, but other methods should be reconsidered as production cavities reach <br />maturity. <br />2.O RESULTS OF RANKING <br />2.1 Ranking <br />1. Volumetric Analysis <br />2. 3D Seismic <br />3. Vertical Seismic Profiling <br />4. Cross-hole Seismic <br />5. Magnetotellurics <br />6. >;xploration Coring <br />Agapito Associates, Inc. <br />