Past Research Reports

SMRI has been funding research related to the salt, solution mining, and cavern storage for over fifty years. Members have access to all of the historical research reports via the SMRI library. Non-members can view summaries of select reports below and can purchase copies of reports starting one year from the published date. The  individual research papers are available for purchase for 1% of the cost to produce the research itself. Please contact Executive Director John Nadeau ([email protected]) to purchase papers.

  • 65-0001 Final Report IITRI-C8071-1 Preliminary Solution Mining Studies (Snow)
  • 66-0001 Report IITRI-C8071-2 (Snow)
  • 66-0002 Progress Report IITRI-C8071-3 (Snow)
  • 66-0003 Progress Report IITRI-C8071-4 (Snow)
  • 66-0004 Summary Report IITRI-C8071-5 (Snow)
  • 66-0005 Determination of Brine Cavity Size and Shape by Strain Analysis Techniques  (Smith)
  • 66-0006 Critique of the Research Program Sponsored by the Solution Mining Research Institute at IITRI (Helgeson)
  • 67-0001 Progress Report IITRI-C8071-6 (Snow)
  • 67-0002 Progress Report IITRI-C8071-7 (Snow)
  • 67-0003 Proposed Model Cavity Experiments at International Salt Company Mine (Snow)
  • 67-0004 Summary Report IITRI-C8071-9 (Snow)
  • 67-0005 Investigation of Methods to Survey Solution-Mining Brine Cavities (Midwest Research Institute)
  • 68-0001 Progress Report IITRI-C8071-10 (Snow)
  • 68-0002 Progress Report Project IITRI-C8071-11 (Snow)
  • 68-0003 Investigation of the Influence of Certain Variables on the Subsidence Above Mined Areas (Woodward-Clyde & Associates)
  • 68-0004 Mapping of Underground Brine-Filled Cavities (Midwest Research Institute)
  • 68-0005 Report IITRI-C8071-12 Summary (Snow)
  • 68-0006 Final Report IITRI-C8071-13 (Snow)
  • 69-0001 Preliminary Report & Data for First Salt Cavity Growth Due to Failure of the Surrounding Rock (Woodward-Clyde & Associates)
  • 69-0002 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 69-0003 Determining Subsidence Resulting from Cavity Growth Due to Failure of the Surrounding Rock (Woodward-Clyde & Associates)
  • 69-0004 Investigation of the Influence of Certain Variables on the Subsidence Above Mined Areas (Nair)
  • 70-0001 Solution Mining in a Two-Well System (Nair)
  • 70-0002 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 70-0003 Cavity Formation in Massive Salt With a Two-Well System (Arslan)
  • 70-0004 Salt Dissolution Under Turbulent Flow Conditions (University of Texas)
  • 70-0005 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 70-0006 Progress Report Rate of Solution Salt Under Turbulent Flow Conditions (University of Texas)
  • 71-0001 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 71-0002 Study of Mixing in Water-Brine Systems (Saberian)
  • 71-0003 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 71-0004 Analytical Methods for Predicting Subsidence (Nair)
  • 71-0005 Mechanism of Solution and Cavity Control (University of Texas)
  • 71-0006 Progress Report Development of Cavity Shape with Turbulent Flow (University of Texas)
  • 72-0001 Fracmap (Senturion Sciences, Inc.)
  • 72-0002 New Brine Field Program for Morton Salt Company (Senturion Sciences, Inc.)
  • 72-0003 Effect upon Environment of Brine Cavity Subsidence at Grosse Ile, Michigan (Landes)
  • 72-0004 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 72-0005 Derivation of Stiffness for Axisymmetric Joint Element (Woodward-Lundgren & Associates)
  • 72-0006 Analysis of Mixing of Fresh Water and Brine Mechanism of Solution and Cavity Control (University of Texas)
  • 72-0007 Analytical Techniques for Predicting Subsidence - Time-Dependent Analysis (University of Texas)
  • 72-0008 A Computer Program to Simulate the Development of Dissolution Cavities in Massive Salt Formations (Schonfeldt)
  • 72-0009 Simulation of Mixing in a Water-Brine System (University of Texas)
  • 73-0001 Mechanism of Solution and cavity Control in a Two Well System with Emphasis on Jetting (Schonfeldt)
  • 73-0002 Model Studies in Solution Mining (Schonfeldt)
  • 73-0003 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 73-0004 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 73-0005 Hydrofrac Project (Haimson)
  • 73-0006 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 74-0001 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 74-0002 Numerical Simulation of Development of Solution Mined Salt Cavities (Saberian)
  • 74-0003 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities V1 (Unterberger)
  • 74-0004 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities V2 (Unterberger)
  • 74-0005 Development of Research Program Detection, Prediction, and Prevention of Surface Failure over Solution Cavities 
    by Using REM Computer Technique (Serata)
  • 74-0006 Operation and Development of brine Well Cavities of "Sakes Del Istmo" (Salinas)
  • 75-0001 Electromagnetic Wave Probing for Salt Discontinuities (Unterberger)
  • 75-0002 Area III - Mass Transfer at the Salt-Brine Interface (Vliet)
  • 75-0003 A Manual on Ground Surveys for the Detection and Measurement of Subsidence Related to Solution Mining (Wong)
  • 75-0004 Sinkhole on Cargill, Inc. Property, Hutchinson, Kansas (O'Connor)
  • 76-0001 The Effect of Water Ascent Velocity on Salt Dissolution Rate (Saberian)
  • 76-0002 Land Subsidence in Central Kansas Related to Salt Dissolution (Walters)
  • 76-0003 Horizontal Penetration of a Buoyant Jet Stream in Brine (University of Texas)
  • 76-0004 A Numerical Model for development of Solution Mined Cavities (Saberian)
  • 76-0005 Laboratory Model Investigation for Predicting Roof-Rock Failure Using 3-D Velocity Logging Technique (Myung)
  • 77-0001 The Development of Hydraulically Fractured Connections Between Boreholes in Salt (Thompson)
  • 77-0002 Application of Jet Injection to Salt Cavity Development (Podio)
  • 77-0003 Cavity Development in a Three Layer Bedded Salt Model (Saberian)
  • 77-0004 Preliminary Report in Field Investigations at Cargill Sinkhole, Kansas (Hendron)
  • 77-0005 Salt Dissolution In Horizontal Conduits (Saberian)
  • 77-0006 Cavity Development in a Five Layer Bedded Salt Model
  • 77-0007 Study of Sinkholes Related to Salt Production in the Area of Detroit, Michigan (Nieto-Pescetto)
  • 77-0008 Optimization of Solution Mining Operations (Podio)
  • 78-0001 Accomplishments of SMRI-Sponsored Salt Dissolution Research Since the Fourth Salt Symposium (Saberian)
  • 78-0002 Sonar Probing as a Mining and Tunneling Tool (Unterberger)
  • 78-0003 Interpace Corporations - Carey Salt Division Brinefield
  • 78-0004 The Development of Hydraulically Fractured Connections Between Boreholes in Salt (Thompson)
  • 78-0005 Field Investigation at Cargill Sinkhole, Hutchinson, Kansas (Hendron)
  • 78-0006 The Stability of Gasolines Stored in Salt Caverns (Kusnetsova)
  • 78-0007 Experimental Studies of Salt Dissolution in Horizontal Fractures
  • 78-0008 Numerical Simulation of Cavity Leaching with Compressible Pads
  • 78-0009 Diamond Crystal Salt Company Hydrofracing of Wells M-1 & M-2 (Quarto)
  • 79-0001 Field Investigations of North Subsidence Area at Cargill, Kansas (Hendron)
  • 79-0003 The Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Sevenker)
  • 79-0004 Initial Experience with the COMPRESSED-AIR ENERGY STORAGE (CAES) Project of Nordwestdeutsche Kraftweke AG (NWK) at Huntorf/ West Germany (Quast)
  • 79-0005 The Effect of Insoluble Stringer Dip Angle on Solution Caverns in Salt (Saberian)
  • 79-0006 Finite Element Analysis of the Time-Dependent Behavior of Solution Caverns in Salt (Ghaboussi)
  • 79-0007 Study of Sinkhole Formation Mechanisms in the area of Hutchinson, Kansas (Hendron)
  • 79-0008 Cavity Shape Alteration due to Product Displacement with Cooler and/or Under-Saturated Brine (Saberian)
  • 79-0009 Analysis of Ground Tilts Associated With Hydraulic Fracturing and Cavity Formation in Salt, St. Clair, Michigan (M.D. Wood, Inc.)
  • 79-0010 Surface Subsidence Related to Salt Well Operation Hutchinson, Kansas (Walters)
  • 79-0011 Finite Element Models of Caverns in Salt (Russell)
  • 79-0012 Geomechanics Investigations of SPR Crude Oil Storage Caverns (Tilerson)
  • 80-0001 Sonar Probing as a Mining and Tunneling Tool (Unterberger)
  • 80-0002 KWIC Index of Salt (With Emphasis on Nuclear Waste Disposal Literature) (Russell)
  • 81-0001 Potash Dissolution (Saberian)
  • 81-0002 Field Investigations of Subsidence Areas at Carey Salt Brinefield, Hutchinson, Kansas (Hendron)
  • 81-0003 Surveys for Detection and Measurement Subsidence (Fledelman)
  • 81-0003 A Surveys for Detection and Measurement Subsidence (Fledelman)
  • 82-0001 An Alternative Hypothesis for Sink Development Above Salt Cavities in the Detroit Area (Nieto)
  • 82-0002 State of the Art of Solution Mining for Salt, Potash, and Soda Ash
  • 82-0003 A manual on Ground Surveys for the Detection and Measurement of Subsidence Related to Solution Mining (Nigbor)
  • 83-0001 Subsurface Investigation at Well #56 Carey Salt Brinefield, Hutchinson, Kansas (Hendron)
  • 83-0002 A Dissolution/ Temperature Relation for Vertical Salt Surfaces Dissolved in Saline Solutions (Saberian)
  • 83-0003 Comparative Evaluation of Computer Models Used in the Prediction of Salt Dissolution in the Solution-Mining Process (Moore)
  • 83-0004 Downhole Treatment of Impurities using Additives During Solution Mining of Salt: State-of-the-Art Study (Rands)
  • 83-0005 Survey of Storage Cavern Certification Practices (Fernandez)
  • 84-0001 Bibliography and Retrieval Computer Program on Solution Mining (Piper)
  • 84-0002 Survey of Existing Caverns U.S Salt Domes (Thoms)
  • 84-0004 Ultimate Stress in the Salt Envelope of a Sealed Liquid-Filled Solution Cavern Final Report (Serata)
  • 86-0001 Subsidence Investigations Over Salt-Solution Mines Hutchinson, Kansas (Dyni)
  • 87-0001 Improvements in Solution Mining Techniques as Applied to Gas Storage Experienced by Gaz De France (Gaz de France)
  • 88-0001 Hydraulic Fracturing Tests in the Rayburns Salt Dome (Thoms)
  • 88-0002 In Situ Measurement of Stress States in Salt and Associated Sedimentary Rock in Relation to Depth (Serata)
  • 89-0001 Design Variables for Excavation and Utilization of Solution Cavern Fields in Bedded Salt Formations (Serata)
  • 90-0001 Hydrofrac Gradient in Gulf Coast Salt Domes - Phase 2 (Thoms)
  • 90-0002 Long Term tests for Tightness Evaluations with Brine and Gas in Salt (Field Test No.1 with Brine) (Durup)
  • 91-0001 Permeability Studies in Relation to Stress State and Cavern Design (Serata)
  • 92-0001 Permeability Study in Relation to Stress State and Cavern Design (Serata)
  • 94-0002 Long-Term Tests for Tightness Evaluations with Brine and Gas in Salt (Field Test No.2 With Gas) (Durup)
  • 94-0003 Technical Manual for External Well Mechanical Integrity Testing Class III Salt Solution Mining Wells (CH2M Hill, Inc.)
  • 94-0004 Technical Manual for External Well Mechanical Integrity Testing Class III Salt Solution Mining Wells (CH2M Hill, Inc.)
  • 95-0001 SMRI Reference for External Well Mechanical Integrity Testing/ Performance, Data Evaluation, and Assessment (Crotogino)
  • 97-0001 Development of a New Criterion for the Determination of the Maximum Permissible Internal Pressure for Gas Storage in Caverns in Rock Salt (Rokhar)
  • 97-0001A Development of a New Criterion for the Determination of the Maximum Permissible Internal Pressure for Gas Storage in Caverns in Rock Salt (Final Report) (Rokhar)
  • 97-0002 Bibliography for Cavern Abandonment (KBB, PB-KBB)
  • 98-1 Overbrining and Subsidence (Sofregaz)
  • 98-2 Data Comparisons for Beldevere Spinello Brinefield (Mining Italiana)
  • 98-4 Long-Term Evolution of a Sealed Cavern (Berest)
  • 98-5 Pressure Build-Up Test in the Etzel K 102 Cavern
  • 2000-2 Integrity of Cemented Casing Seals CSA (Pfeifle)
  • 2001-1 Relationship Overbrining & Subsidence, 2 Parts (Jonard)
  • 2001-2 Evaluation of Salt Permeability Tests (Stormont)
  • 2001-3 Evaluation of Salt Permeability Tests (Behr)
  • 2001-4 Evaluation of salt Permeability Tests (Malinksy)
  • 2001-5 Review of Ocnele Mari, Romania (Van Sambeek)
  • 2001-6 Review of Ocnele Mari, Romania (Thompson)
  • 2001-7 Review of Ocnele Mari, Romani (Lorenzen)
  • 2001-8 Salt Permeability Testing - 2 parts (Berest, Brouard)
  • 2002-1 Locating Abandoned Brine Wells Manual (Subsurface, Jordan)
  • 2002-2 High Pressure Cavern Analysis (Rokhar)
  • 2002-3 Summary of SMRI Cavern sealing & Abandonment (Ratigan)
  • 2003-1 State pf the Art Review of Hydrate Potential Associated with Natural Gas Storage Operation in Salt Caverns
  • 2003-2 Gas filled MIT (RWE-GTI Klafki)
  • 2003-3 Summary Report - SMRI Cavern Sealing and Abandonment Program 1996-2002 (Ratigan)
  • 2003-4 State of the Art Review of the Understanding, Mitigation, and Monitoring of corrosion in Brine and Water Piping, Tubing, and Casing at Brine Production and Hydrocarbon Storage Cavern Facilities (Subsurface)
  • 2004-1 State of the Art Review of Existing and Novel Methods for Mapping Solution Mined and Storage Caverns (Subsurface)
  • 2005-1 Improvements in Mechanical Integrity Tests for Solution-Mines Used for Mineral Production or Liquid- Production Storage (Respec)
  • 2006-1 Cavern Abandonment Field Test with Seismic Monitoring (Brouard)
  • 2006-2 Compilation of Bedded Salt (KBB-UT, Beutel)
  • 2006-3 Cavern Well Abandonment Guidelines (KBB-UT)
  • 2007-1 Compilation of Geological and Geotechnical Data of Worldwide Dormal Salt Deposits and Domal Salt Cavern Fields (KBB-UT)
  • 2008-1 Deep Cavern Abandonment Test, Barbers Hill (Enterprise)
  • 2008-2 SALGAS Software Update (Eyermann)
  • 2008-3 TOOLBOX, New Software development (Brouard)
  • 2009-1 Shallow Cavern Abandonment, field test (Stassfurt) (RWE-ESK)
  • 2009-2 SUBSID Software Update (RESPEC)
  • 2010-1 High Frequency Cavern Cycling Part 1 (KBB-UT)
  • 2011-1 Carresse Cavern Tests Update (Brouard)
  • 2011-2 Synthesis of SMRI Cavern Abandonment Research (WEP)
  • 2011-3 Flow Induced Vibration of Hanging Pipe Analysis (McGill University)
  • 2012-1 Deformation of Cemented Casings (KBB-UT)
  • 2012-2 High Freq Cavern Cycling Phase 2 (KBB-UT)
  • 2012-3 Gas Storage Cavern Common Practices (Sabine Storage & Operations)
  • 2013-1 Analysis of Moss Bluff Cavern #1 Blowout Fatigue (Brouard)
  • 2013-2 High Freq Cavern Cycling Phase 2B (RESPEC)
  • 2014-1 Hanging String Vibration Analysis, Phase 2 (McGill University)
  • 2015-01 Renewable Energy Storage Thermodynamics H2 CH4 and air (ESK/RWE)
  • 2015-02 Barber's Hill Deep Cavern Abandonment Field Tests, phase 2 (Enterprise)
  • 2016-01 Salt Mine Low Temperature Mine Tests, France, High Freq Cycling Caverns (Storengy)
  • 2017-01 Very Slow Creet Tests Underground salt Mine, Austria (Ecole Polytech)
  • 2017-02 Cavern Incident Database Phase 1, for past Salt Cavern Incidents (Geostock)
  • 2017-3 High Freq Cavern Cycling Phase 2C,3 (RESPEC)
  • 2017-4 Salt Dome Edge Location - Distance from Caverns (DEEP, Wille)
  • 2017-5 Update of Worldwide Salt Deposits & Cavern Fields (KBB-UT)
  • 2018-1 Hanging String Vibration Analysis, Phase 3 (joint with PRCI) (McGill University)
  • 2018-2 Companion Report on Hanging String Vibration of McGill (Ratigan)
  • 2019-1 Standard Salt core Acquisition for Future Research Avery Island Mine (RESPEC)
  • 2019-2 SPR Field Tests, Induced Deformation (SOCON)
  • RR2020-1 Very Slow Creep tests, Phase 2, as a Basis of Cavern Stability Analysis, Zone 1- MPa Investigation (Ecole Polytech)
  • RR2020-2 Thermal Expansion Coefficient and Modulus Measurements on Damaged Salt (RESPEC)
  • RR2021-1 Hanging String Vibration Analysis, Phase 4 (joint with PRCI) (McGill University)
  • RR2021-2 Development of a suitable method, monitoring, and advance warning system to determine and measure axial loads in casings
  • RR2021-3 Incidents 2 - Developments of a Database of Past Rock-Mechanics Incidents in Salt Caverns' Structural Integrity - Sinkholes, Collapses, Roof falls, Major Ledges, or Block Falls (Ecole Polytech)
  • RR2021-4 Review and Potential Improvements of Cavern Backfilling Techniques Using Residual Material from Salt Production (DEEP .KBB)
  • RR2022-1 Abandoment of Salt Caverns, Phase 1 : Gap Analysis (DEEP.KBB, Geostock, WSP)