Tunneling and mining method using pre-conditioned hole pattern
US11976556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within geologic material may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating one or more projectiles into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. The projectile(s) pre-condition the geologic material, such as by forming one or more holes in a central region of the material or to define a perimeter of the region to be displaced. A cutting tool or subsequent projectile impacts may then be used to remove the weakened material. The voids formed by the first projectile(s) cause compressive forces from subsequent impacts or cutting operations to be converted to tension forces that more efficiently break geologic material, which may fall into the voids created by the first projectile(s). The voids created by the projectile impacts may also control the material that is removed and the shape of a resulting section of the tunnel or shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.