Modular solution mining system and methods
US12031421B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/305
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A modular solution mining method may include the steps of: providing an injection wellbore, the injection wellbore including a horizontal injection portion, in which the horizontal injection portion includes a toe end and heel end; providing a production wellbore, in which the production wellbore includes a horizontal production portion that is proximate to the toe end; injecting a solvent into the horizontal injection portion; generating a turbulent solvent flow proximate to the toe end to generate a mineral solution and an initial cavern proximate to the horizontal production portion; and motivating the mineral solution from the initial cavern, into the horizontal production portion, and to a surface location. Optionally, the method may include the step of repositioning the turbulent solvent flow to be closer to heel ends to generate mineral solution and subsequent caverns further from horizontal production wellbore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.