Pod hanger for subsurface gas storage

Abstract

Apparatus for the subsurface storage of one or more pressurized gases such as hydrogen, compressed natural gas, etc. A subsurface storage pod includes a pod hanger support plate configured to span an opening of a well bore that extends into a subsurface formation. The support plate includes an upper plate with storage container apertures extending therethrough, a lower plate configured to be supported by a support pad that surrounds the well bore opening, and at least one support flange that extends between and interconnects the upper and lower plates. Gas storage containers extend through the storage container apertures and into the well bore. A vent aperture allows flow of gases from within the well bore to the surrounding environment. The support flanges may be arranged as interlocking members in a crossing pattern, and the lower plate can be arranged as discontinuous segments installed between adjacent pairs of the interlocking members.