Batch solution mining using lithological displacement of an evaporite mineral stratum and mineral dissolution with stationary solvent
US9638017B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/283
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Batch initiation and/or exploitation phases of in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite mineral stratum. The initiation phase may comprise a lifting step which employs a lithological displacement (lifting) of this stratum from an underlying non-evaporite stratum with application at the strata interface of a lifting hydraulic pressure greater than overburden pressure by a solvent suitable to dissolve the mineral; a soaking step for dissolution of mineral upon contact with stationary solvent, and a brine extraction step. The method may further comprise one or more exploitation phases carried out after the initiation phase. The exploitation phase may comprise a partial filing or filling step with the same solvent or different solvent than during lifting, another soaking step, and another brine extraction step. The lifting, cavity partial filing/filling, and brine extraction steps are being discontinuous. The evaporite mineral stratum preferably comprises trona.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.