Method for filling voids with aggregate material
US6322293A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/91
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for filling a void using an aggregate material, such as mine tailings, the fill material being pumped from a site which is located remote from the void. A fluid, aerated material is formed by mixing the particulate solid material with finished foam. The aerated material may also include cement or another binder for applications requiring structural strength. The bubble structure which results from incorporating the foam constituent in the fill material renders this much more fluid and pumpable, thereby allowing the use of much higher solids-to-water ratios than would otherwise be possible while still being able to pump the material over significant distances. This reduces the possibly of fluidic collapse of the material in the void, and produces other advantages as well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.