Patents by Inventor Jean-Paul Detournay
Jean-Paul Detournay has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10807876Abstract: Process for the joint production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate crystals, according to which: a solid powder derived from sodium sesquicarbonate, having a mean particle diameter comprised between 0.1 and 10 mm is dissolved in water; the resulting water solution is introduced into a crystallizer, wherein a first water suspension comprising sodium carbonate crystals is produced; the first water suspension is subjected to a separation, in order to produce crystals comprising sodium carbonate on the one hand, which are valorized, and a mother liquor on the other hand; and a part of the mother liquor is taken out of the crystallizer and put into contact in, a gas liquid contactor, with a gas comprising carbon dioxide, in order to produce a second water suspension comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals, which are separated and valorized. A reagent powder comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals made by such process.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: Perrine Davoine, Francis M. Coustry, Jean-Paul Detournay, Kurt Allen
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Patent number: 10508528Abstract: A method for in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite stratum using a set of wells in fluid communication with at least one mineral cavity with some wells operated in solvent injection mode and other wells operated in brine production mode and optionally with some inactive wells, comprising switching the operation mode of one or more wells. The evaporite mineral preferably comprises trona. The at least one cavity may be formed by directionally drilled uncased boreholes or by lithological displacement of the evaporite stratum at a weak interface with an underlying insoluble stratum by application of a lifting hydraulic pressure to create an interfacial gap. The extracted brine can be processed to make valuable products such as soda ash and/or any derivatives thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: Ronald O. Hughes, Matteo Paperini, Herve Cuche, Joseph A. Vendetti, Larry C. Refsdal, Jean-Paul Detournay, David M. Hansen, Todd Brichacek, Justin T. Patterson, John Kolesar, Ryan Schmidt, Beatrice C. Ortego
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Patent number: 10065866Abstract: Process for the joint production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate crystals, according to which: a solid powder derived from sodium sesquicarbonate, having a mean particle diameter comprised between 0.1 and 10 mm is dissolved in water; the resulting water solution is introduced into a crystallizer, wherein a first water suspension comprising sodium carbonate crystals is produced; the first water suspension is subjected to a separation, in order to produce crystals comprising sodium carbonate on the one hand, which are valorized, and a mother liquor on the other hand; and a part of the mother liquor is taken out of the crystallizer and put into contact in, a gas liquid contactor, with a gas comprising carbon dioxide, in order to produce a second water suspension comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals, which are separated and valorized. A reagent powder comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals made by such process.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: Perrine Davoine, Francis M. Coustry, Jean-Paul Detournay, Kurt Allen
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Publication number: 20180222759Abstract: Process for the joint production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate crystals, according to which: a solid powder derived from sodium sesquicarbonate, having a mean particle diameter comprised between 0.1 and 10 mm is dissolved in water; the resulting water solution is introduced into a crystallizer, wherein a first water suspension comprising sodium carbonate crystals is produced; the first water suspension is subjected to a separation, in order to produce crystals comprising sodium carbonate on the one hand, which are valorized, and a mother liquor on the other hand; and a part of the mother liquor is taken out of the crystallizer and put into contact in, a gas liquid contactor, with a gas comprising carbon dioxide, in order to produce a second water suspension comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals, which are separated and valorized. A reagent powder comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals made by such process.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Perrine DAVOINE, Francis M. COUSTRY, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, Kurt ALLEN
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Publication number: 20180156020Abstract: A method for in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite stratum using a set of wells in fluid communication with at least one mineral cavity with some wells operated in solvent injection mode and other wells operated in brine production mode and optionally with some inactive wells, comprising switching the operation mode of one or more wells. The evaporite mineral preferably comprises trona. The at least one cavity may be formed by directionally drilled uncased boreholes or by lithological displacement of the evaporite stratum at a weak interface with an underlying insoluble stratum by application of a lifting hydraulic pressure to create an interfacial gap. The extracted brine can be processed to make valuable products such as soda ash and/or any derivatives thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Matteo PAPERINI, Herve CUCHE, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Larry C. REFSDAL, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, David M. HANSEN, Todd BRICHACEK, Justin T. PATTERSON, John KOLESAR, Ryan SCHMIDT, Beatrice C. ORTEGO
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Patent number: 9879516Abstract: A method for in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite stratum using a set of wells in fluid communication with at least one mineral cavity with some wells operated in solvent injection mode and other wells operated in brine production mode and optionally with some inactive wells, comprising switching the operation mode of one or more wells. The evaporite mineral preferably comprises trona. The at least one cavity may be formed by directionally drilled uncased boreholes or by lithological displacement of the evaporite stratum at a weak interface with an underlying insoluble stratum by application of a lifting hydraulic pressure to create an interfacial gap. The extracted brine can be processed to make valuable products such as soda ash and/or any derivatives thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: Ronald O. Hughes, Matteo Paperini, Herve Cuche, Joseph A. Vendetti, Larry C. Refsdal, Jean-Paul Detournay, David M. Hansen, Todd Brichacek, Justin T. Patterson, John Kolesar, Ryan Schmidt, Beatrice C. Ortego
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Publication number: 20170167239Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, Alain VANDENDOREN, Larry C. REFSDAL, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Michael C. MONTOYA
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Patent number: 9638017Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: Jean-Paul Detournay, Ronald O. Hughes, Herve Cuche, Matteo Paperini, Joseph A. Vendetti, Larry C. Refsdal, David M. Hansen, Todd Brichacek, Justin T. Patterson, John Kolesar, Ryan Schmidt, Beatrice C. Ortego
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Patent number: 9581006Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Solvay Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Ronald O. Hughes, Jean-Paul Detournay, Alain Vandendoren, Larry C. Refsdal, Joseph A. Vendetti, Michael C. Montoya
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Publication number: 20160356140Abstract: A lithological displacement of an underground evaporite mineral stratum from an underlying non-evaporite stratum comprising the application of a lifting hydraulic pressure of a fluid at a weak interface between the strata, resulting in lifting the overburden above the interface, separating the evaporite stratum from the underlying non-evaporite stratum and thus forming a mineral free-surface. The lifting hydraulic pressure is greater than the overburden pressure. The formed mineral free-surface is accessible for dissolution by a solvent. The fluid used for lifting may comprise a solvent suitable to dissolve the mineral. The evaporite mineral stratum preferably comprises trona, nahcolite, wegscheiderite, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: SOLVAY SAInventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Matteo PAPERINI, Herve CUCHE, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Larry REFSDAL, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, David HANSEN, Todd BRICHACEK, Justin T. PATTERSON, John KOLESAR, Ryan SCHMIDT, Beatrice C. ORTEGO
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Publication number: 20160356157Abstract: A method for in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite stratum using a set of wells in fluid communication with at least one mineral cavity with some wells operated in solvent injection mode and other wells operated in brine production mode and optionally with some inactive wells, comprising switching the operation mode of one or more wells. The evaporite mineral preferably comprises trona. The at least one cavity is preferably formed by lithological displacement of the evaporite stratum at a weak interface with an underlying insoluble stratum by application of a lifting hydraulic pressure. The extracted brine can be processed to make valuable products such as soda ash and/or any derivatives thereof, rock salt, or potash. This method can provide more uniform dissolution of mineral in the cavity, can minimize flow channeling, can minimize sodium bicarbonate blinding for solution mining of incongruent trona ore, and/or may avoid uneven deposit of insolubles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: SOLVAY SAInventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Matteo PAPERINI, Herve CUCHE, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Larry C. REFSDAL, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, David M. HANSEN, Todd BRICHACEK, Justin T. PATTERSON, John KOLESAR, Ryan SCHMIDT, Beatrice C. ORTEGO
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Publication number: 20160356139Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: SOLVAY SAInventors: Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, Ronald O. HUGHES, Herve CUCHE, Matteo PAPERINI, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Larry C. REFSDAL, David M. HANSEN, Todd BRICHACEK, Justin T. PATTERSON, John KOLESAR, Ryan SCHMIDT, Beatrice C. ORTEGO
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Patent number: 9422166Abstract: In a process to produce sodium carbonate, a first production solution comprising sodium carbonate is introduced into less basic compartments of an electrodialyzer comprising alternating less basic and more basic adjacent compartments separated from each other by cationic membranes, the more basic compartments being delimited by anionic faces of bipolar membranes on one side and by the cationic membranes on the other side; a second production solution comprising sodium carbonate is introduced into the more basic compartments of the electrodialyzer; a solution comprising sodium hydroxide is produced into the more basic compartments by combination of sodium ions flux sodium ions crossing the cationic membrane and hydroxyl ions flux crossing the anionic face of the bipolar membranes, and is then extracted from the electrodialyzer to be used as a reaction solution; and the reaction solution is reacted with sodium bicarbonate in order to form a produced solution comprising sodium carbonate.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Jean-Paul Detournay, Francis M. Coustry
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Publication number: 20160115774Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, Alain VANDENDOREN, Larry C. REFSDAL, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Michael C. MONTOYA
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Patent number: 9234416Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SOLVAY CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Ronald O. Hughes, Jean-Paul Detournay, Alain Vandendoren, Larry C. Refsdal, Joseph A. Vendetti, Michael C. Montoya
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Patent number: 9139447Abstract: Process for the joint production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate out of sesquicarbonate, in which the sesquicarbonate is dissolved in water, in order to form a feed water solution comprising both sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, in which at least part of the feed water solution is introduced into all the compartments of an electrodialyser and in which a sodium bicarbonate enriched solution and a sodium carbonate enriched solution are extracted from the compartments.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)Inventors: Jean-Paul Detournay, Francis M. Coustry, Alessandra Pastacaldi
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Publication number: 20150260025Abstract: A method for in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite stratum using a set of wells in fluid communication with at least one mineral cavity with some wells operated in solvent injection mode and other wells operated in brine production mode and optionally with some inactive wells, comprising switching the operation mode of one or more wells. The evaporite mineral preferably comprises trona. The at least one cavity may be formed by directionally drilled uncased boreholes or by lithological displacement of the evaporite stratum at a weak interface with an underlying insoluble stratum by application of a lifting hydraulic pressure to create an interfacial gap. The extracted brine can be processed to make valuable products such as soda ash and/or any derivatives thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Matteo PAPERINI, Herve CUCHE, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Larry C. REFSDAL, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, David M. HANSEN, Todd BRICHACEK, Justin T. PATTERSON, John KOLESAR, Ryan SCHMIDT, Beatrice C. ORTEGO
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Publication number: 20150098876Abstract: Process for the joint production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate crystals, according to which: a solid powder derived from sodium sesquicarbonate, having a mean particle diameter comprised between 0.1 and 10 mm is dissolved in water; the resulting water solution is introduced into a crystallizer, wherein a first water suspension comprising sodium carbonate crystals is produced; the first water suspension is subjected to a separation, in order to produce crystals comprising sodium carbonate on the one hand, which are valorized, and a mother liquor on the other hand; and a part of the mother liquor is taken out of the crystallizer and put into contact in, a gas liquid contactor, with a gas comprising carbon dioxide, in order to produce a second water suspension comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals, which are separated and valorized. A reagent powder comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals made by such process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Perrine DAVOINE, Francis M. COUSTRY, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, Kurt ALLEN
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Publication number: 20140225415Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: SOLVAY CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Ronald O. HUGHES, Jean-Paul DETOURNAY, Alain VANDENDOREN, Larry C. REFSDAL, Joseph A. VENDETTI, Michael C. MONTOYA
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Patent number: 8784756Abstract: A process for the joint production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate out of trona, comprising: introducing and dissolving crushed trona ore in a leaching tank containing a solution comprising sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, saturated in sodium bicarbonate, in order to produce solid particles suspended in a production solution comprising sodium carbonate, the solid particles containing insoluble impurities and at least 65% in weight of sodium bicarbonate; separating the solid particles from the production solution containing sodium carbonate; drying and valorizing the separated solid particles; taking at least part of the production solution containing sodium carbonate out of the leaching tank in order to constitute a produced solution which is valorized; and introducing water in the leaching tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: Jean-Paul Detournay, Francis M. Coustry, Perrine Davoine