Traveling undercut solution mining systems and methods
US9234416B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21C37/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In-situ solution mining method of an ore bed, particularly containing trona, which comprises exposing to a solvent an ore region inside a borehole drilled in the ore, and dissolving a desired solute within the exposed region to provide a liquor and create a voided ‘undercut’, such undercutting making the ore susceptible to gravitational loading and crushing. Unexposed ore falls into the undercut by gravity without breaking the ore roof resulting in exposure of fresh ore to the solvent and in preventing solvent exposure to contaminating material near the roof. The desired solute is eventually dissolved away in the entire bed from its floor up to its roof. Solvent injection may be delivered through a conduit positioned inside the borehole, and may be moved by retracting or perforating the conduit. The method may employ an advancing undercut initiated up-dip and traveling down-dip, or a retreating undercut initiated down-dip and traveling up-dip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.