In-situ method and apparatus for sparging gas bubbles
US4360234A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1976 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87652
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Method and apparatus for introducing finely divided gas bubbles into a lixiviant used for in-situ mining of minerals containing metal values, such as copper values. The lixiviant is supplied to a plurality of porous tubes formed of sintered powdered metal while a gas is supplied under pressure about the tubes to cause the gas to penetrate into the interior of the tubes in the form of fine bubbles which are wiped from the interior of the tubes by the lixiviant passing therethrough. The method and apparatus can be advantageously employed in situations where it is desirable to perform in-situ mining with an oxidizing lixiviant. In these cases oxygen is supplied under pressure about the tubes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.