Abstract: Disclosed is a method of connecting two or more subterranean cavities in a deposit having a potassium chloride-rich stratum which contains sodium chloride and which is disposed above a potassium chloride-lean, sodium chloride-rich stratum. The method comprises drilling at least two adjacent wells into the sodium chloride-rich stratum, establishing a chimney filled with insulating fluid at the bottom of at least one of the wells, extracting ore from the potassium chloride-lean stratum with solvent, raising the roof of the cavities by incrementally raising the insulating fluid level and allowing the cavities to grow laterally until the cavities connect.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of solution mining a mineral from a subterranean deposit thereof, where an aqueous solvent is introduced into the deposit and a solution enriched in the mineral is withdrawn from the deposit through a conduit which traverses a water bearing formation which overlies the deposit. The improvement comprises establishing through the wall of the conduit communication between the water bearing formation and the conduit to effect dilution of the enriched withdrawn solution thereby avoiding plugging of the conduit caused by crystallization of the mineral.

Abstract: A containment vessel for use in mobile nuclear reactor installations. The containment vessel completely surrounds the entire primary system, and is located as close to the reactor primary system components as is possible in order to minimize weight. In addition to being designed to withstand a specified internal pressure, the containment vessel is also designed to maintain integrity as a containment vessel in case of a possible collision accident.

Abstract: An auxiliary heat removal system to remove residual heat from gas-cooled nuclear reactors. The reactor coolant is expanded through a turbine, cooled in a heat exchanger,and compressed by a compressor before reentering the reactor coolant. The turbine powers both the compressor and the pump which pumps a second fluid through the heat exchanger to cool the reactor coolant. A pneumatic starter is utilized to start the turbine, thereby making the auxiliary heat removal system independent of external power sources.