Abstract: An extraction well system is disclosed that allows for isolation of electrical cables from underground mine atmosphere. The extraction well system provides for a well casing that extends downwardly proximate to an existing mine cavity and an extension casing that extends downwardly below the mine roof. In one embodiment the extension casing is external to the well casing and is attached to the well casing mechanically such as with a dual thread reducer. The extension runs from above the mine roof to below the mine floor and is perforated in the area of the mine cavity to allow liquid to drain into the bottom of the extension well. In a second embodiment, the extension casing is interior to the well casing and is attached for example by an internal liner hanger. In this embodiment, the extension casing runs from above the mine roof to below the desired minimum liquid level and it is the well casing that extends downwardly in the extension well and which is perforated to allow liquids to flow into the well.

Abstract: An extraction well system is disclosed that allows for isolation of electrical cables from underground mine atmosphere. The extraction well system provides for a well casing that extends downwardly proximate to an existing mine cavity and an extension casing that extends downwardly below the mine roof. In one embodiment the extension casing is external to the well casing and is attached to the well casing mechanically such as with a dual thread reducer. The extension runs from above the mine roof to below the mine floor and is perforated in the area of the mine cavity to allow liquid to drain into the bottom of the extension well. In a second embodiment, the extension casing is interior to the well casing and is attached for example by an internal liner hanger. In this embodiment, the extension casing runs from above the mine roof to below the desired minimum liquid level and it is the well casing that extends downwardly in the extension well and which is perforated to allow liquids to flow into the well.

Abstract: A protective shield for filter leaf bags utilized in a filtration system is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the protective shield comprises an upper shield surface comprising an elongated strip having securing ring proximate to a mid-point of the strip. The protective shield embodiment further comprises a forward side strip and a rear side strip extending downwardly and generally perpendicularly to the upper shield surface. When installed over the upper portion of the filter bag, the protective shield deflects liquid streams away from the upper portion of the filter bag decreasing damage and prolonging bag life.

Abstract: A method of solution mining a subterranean mineral ore deposit such as trona ore in which a borehole is drilled from a subterranean mechanically-worked mineral ore mining operation to connect a mineral ore bed to be solution mined, using subterranean drilling apparatus located proximate to the mechanically-worked mineral ore mining operation. The mineral ore bed is isolated from the mechanically-worked mineral ore mining operation by passage of the drilled borehole through an impermeable layer adjacent to the mineral ore bed to be solution mined. The mineral ore bed is then solution-mined using a mining solvent introduced into the mineral ore bed to solubilize the mineral and form a mining solution, and the resulting mining solution is withdrawn from the mineral ore bed.

Abstract: A method of solution mining a subterranean mineral ore deposit such as trona ore in which a borehole is drilled from a subterranean mechanically-worked mineral ore mining operation to connect a mineral ore bed to be solution mined, using subterranean drilling apparatus located proximate to the mechanically-worked mineral ore mining operation. The mineral ore bed is isolated from the mechanically-worked mineral ore mining operation by passage of the drilled borehole through an impermeable layer adjacent to the mineral ore bed to be solution mined. The mineral ore bed is then solution-mined using a mining solvent introduced into the mineral ore bed to solubilize the mineral and form a mining solution, and the resulting mining solution is withdrawn from the mineral ore bed.