Removal of pillars from a void for explosive expansion toward the void
US4153298A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1977 |
| Grant date | May 8, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21C41/24
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A subterranean formation containing oil shale is prepared for in situ retorting by initially excavating at least one void adjacent a zone of unfragmented formation to be expanded. The zone of unfragmented formation has a substantially horizontal free face adjoining the void. At least one support pillar of unfragmented formation is left in the void for supporting overlying formation. Explosive is placed in the zone of unfragmented formation, and in such a support pillar. Explosive in such a pillar and in the zone of unfragmented formation is detonated in a single round of explosions with a time delay between detonation of explosive in such a pillar and detonation of explosive in the zone of unfragmented formation for first expanding such a pillar toward the void and then expanding unfragmented formation toward the void. The time delay is sufficient for creation of free face at the juncture of such a pillar and the zone of unfragmented formation. The time delay is preferably short enough that explosive in the zone of unfragmented formation is detonated before particles formed by explosive expansion of the pillars have come to rest on the floor of the void. The fragmented permeable ma…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.