Input And Output Wells Patents (Class 299/4)
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Patent number: 11732567Abstract: Apparatus and methodologies of mining hydrocarbons from a target area within a subterranean formation, wherein a first phase involves providing at least one production well having at least one mechanical excavator rotatably disposed therein and rotating the mechanical excavator to convey the mined hydrocarbons from the formation to the surface, and a second phase involves, as the hydrocarbons being mined are depleted, withdrawing the mechanical excavator away from the formation, such that additional hydrocarbons are mined.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: DRIFT RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INCInventor: D. Scott Morton
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Patent number: 11041373Abstract: A system and method of creating, operating and maintaining a hydrocarbon storage facility in a salt cavern within an underground salt deposit. The system is portable and can be transported to areas near different well heads. The portability also enables adjacent well heads to be worked in succession to create a large storage cavern by interlinking a series of smaller caverns. This formation processes ensures that a storage cavern can be isolated within the confines of a salt deposit. Using the same portable equipment, the system can be configured to form a salt cavern, displace stored material out of a salt cavern, and repair or maintain a salt cavern well.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Caverneer Holdings LLCInventors: Michael John Tritt, Melvin Charles Reichwein
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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: 10415388Abstract: A device for constructing an underground reservoir by dissolving limestone using carbon dioxide. The device includes a CO2 storage tank; an absorption tower; a decompression valve; a gas-liquid separator; a crystallizer; a vacuum pump; a buffer tank; a first booster pump; a second booster pump; and a third booster pump. The decompression valve is connected to a limestone layer, and is connected to the gas-liquid separator. The absorption tower is connected between the gas-liquid separator and the limestone layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Jianfeng Liu, Heping Xie, Yufei Wang, Lingzhi Xie, Ru Zhang
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Patent number: 10167202Abstract: Process for enhanced metal recovery from, for example, metal-containing feedstock using liquid and/or supercritical fluid carbon dioxide and a source of oxidation. The oxidation agent can be free of complexing agent. The metal-containing feedstock can be a mineral such as a refractory mineral. The mineral can be an ore with high sulfide content or an ore rich in carbonaceous material. Waste can also be used as the metal-containing feedstock. The metal-containing feedstock can be used which is not subjected to ultrafine grinding. Relatively low temperatures and pressures can be used. The metal-containing feedstock can be fed into the reactor at a temperature below the critical temperature of the carbon dioxide, and an exotherm from the oxidation reaction can provide the supercritical temperature. The oxidant can be added to the reactor at a rate to maintain isothermal conditions in the reactor. Minimal amounts of water can be used as an extractive medium.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Mario Blanco, Ulrich Buttner
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Patent number: 9840900Abstract: Processes and systems for inhibiting the flow of fracturing fluid through one or more subterranean wells offset from the subterranean well being fractured. A fracturing fluid is injected under pressure via a first well penetrating and in fluid communication with a subterranean region of interest so as to fracture the subterranean region. A second fluid is positioned within one or more second subterranean wells penetrating and in fluid communication with the subterranean region. Each second well is equipped with a standing valve that is seated by the second fluid in each second well. The pressure of the second fluid may be monitored and the pressure applied to the second fluid at the surface may be increased upon determining an increase in pressure during the monitoring step.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: PETROVATIONS LLCInventors: Philip Martin Snider, David Sanford Wesson
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Patent number: 9803458Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Tronox Alkali Wyoming CorporationInventor: Michael Bestgen
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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: 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: 9062545Abstract: A system of fracturing a geological formation penetrated by a borehole. At least one borehole is drilled into or proximate the geological formation. An energetic charge is placed in the borehole. The energetic charge is detonated fracturing the geological formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Jeffery James Roberts, Tarabay H. Antoun, Ilya N. Lomov
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Publication number: 20150145315Abstract: A method for building an underground storehouse by dissolving limestone with carbon dioxide, the method comprising the following steps: a.) drilling two wells extending from the ground surface (1) to a limestone layer (2), building a channel (5) allowing the two wells to communicate, and installing casing pipes (3, 4) respectively in the two wells; b.) introducing CO2 gas having at least 1 MPa of pressure into a CO2 absorbing solution having the same pressure to form a CO2 solution, flowing the CO2 solution into underground via the casing pipe (3) to react with the limestone to form a calcium bicarbonate solution, forming a cavern in the meanwhile, and discharging the calcium bicarbonate solution via the other casing pipe (4); c.) decompressing the discharged calcium bicarbonate solution to decompose the calcium bicarbonate contained in the solution into CO2, water and calcium carbonate, and recycling the separated CO2 absorption solution and the CO2; repeating steps b.) and c.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Sichuan UniversityInventors: Heping Xie, Yufei Wang, Jianfeng Liu, Lingzhi Xie, Ru Zhang
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Publication number: 20150137578Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mineral exploitation method and, more specifically, to a method for extracting potassium salts from underground deposits. In the method according to the present invention, an intermediary stage is carried out between the primary mining and secondary mining stages, and in this intermediary stage sinks (8) are created that receive the water-immiscible fluid (9) used in the primary mining stage, exposing an amount of potassium chloride remaining on the cavern ceiling, at the end of the primary mining stage, which will be dissolved by a second solvent during the secondary mining stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Jaime Daniel COLOMÉ
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Patent number: 9010869Abstract: A solution mining method for recovering alkali values from a cavity of an underground ore formation comprising trona and/or wegscheiderite; a manufacturing process using such method to make sodium-based product(s); and a sodium-based product obtained therefrom. The method comprises: an ore dissolution phase (a) in which the incongruent double-salt in trona and/or wegscheiderite is dissolved from an ore face in a first solvent, and a cavity cleaning phase (b) in which sodium bicarbonate deposited on the ore face during the dissolution phase (a) is dissolved into a second aqueous solvent having a higher pH, hydroxide content, and/or temperature and is partly or completely converted in situ to sodium carbonate. The method further comprises withdrawing a liquor resulting from either phase to the ground surface, optionally recycling some liquor to the cavity; and passing some liquor through a crystallizer, a reactor, and/or an electrodialyser, to form at least one sodium-based product which is recovered.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Solvay SAInventors: James D. Phillip, Alain Vandendoren
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Patent number: 8936320Abstract: A relatively warm mineral deposit is solution mined by injecting fluid through a well drilled into the deposit and dissolving the mineral to form a production brine. Warm production brine is cooled at the surface using a heat exchanger as a crystallizer to precipitate the mineral in the exchanger and form a slurry. Crystals of the mineral in the slurry are recovered in a separation plant leaving a relatively cool, dilute or depleted brine, which is conveyed through the heat exchanger for cooling the production brine and then injected into the mineral deposit to dissolve more mineral thereby providing a continuous process. A pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger is preferably used and in a manner so that the heat exchanger also serves as a primary means for conveying the production fluid and/or slurry from the well to the separation plant.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Pinnacle Potash International, Ltd.Inventor: William M. Bishop
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Publication number: 20140354031Abstract: An improved solution mining method for a soluble target layer comprising a target material such as potash, wherein an elongate sump is developed within a salt layer underlying the target layer, with generally horizontal wells extending through the target layer to empty into the elongate sump, the sump capable of storing at least a portion of the salt liberated from the target layer so that an optimized proportion of target material is produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: 101061615 Saskatchewan Ltd.Inventor: Harvey Haugen
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Publication number: 20140354032Abstract: An improved solution mining method for a soluble target Layer such as potash, comprising injecting spent crystallizer brine unsaturated with salt generally horizontally into the top of the target layer to enable immediate target layer dissolution with waste salt accumulating in the sump while the dissolved target material is produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: 101061615 Saskatchewan Ltd.Inventor: Harvey Haugen
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Publication number: 20140265520Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FMC WYOMING CORPORATIONInventor: Michael Bestgen
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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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Publication number: 20140191561Abstract: In solution mining, holes are drilled parallel to the ground in the ore body to form a series of zigzag channels. These holes are connected to respective holes from the surface to provide a feed and delivery path and a solvent is circulated through the system so as to dissolve the ore and carry the ore to the surface. The flow of the solvent through the holes forms circular caverns at the intersection of the horizontal hole as well as meanders by eroding the holes so as to gradually extract the ore on each side of the hole. At the surface the ore is extracted in a series of crystallizers each formed by a vessel with an exterior cooling system and an internal wiping system providing shear inside the vessel. The solvent is topped up, reheated and returned to the paths to continue the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: 101061615 Saskatchewan Ltd.Inventor: Harvey Haugen
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Publication number: 20140142005Abstract: A potash-extraction system and method for extracting potash from a brine containing potash without the use of water-consuming evaporation ponds or additional chemicals is disclosed. The potash processing system uses a vapor-compression cycle (e.g., heat pump or refrigeration system) to separate potash from brine containing potash and NaCl. In embodiments, heat emitted by components of the vapor-compression cycle (e.g., condenser heat exchanger, evaporator heat exchanger) may heat the brine to precipitate some NaCl from the brine. The remaining potash-concentrated brine may then be cooled to precipitate potash from the solution. The precipitated potash may then be further processed for final use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: J. Clair Batty, Brett Boissevain
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Patent number: 8678513Abstract: 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: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: 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: 20130249272Abstract: In solution mining, holes are drilled parallel to the ground in the ore body to form a series of zigzag channels. These holes are connected to respective holes from the surface to provide a feed and delivery path and a solvent is circulated through the system so as to dissolve the ore and carry the ore to the surface. The flow of the solvent through the holes forms circular caverns at the intersection of the horizontal hole as well as meanders by eroding the holes so as to gradually extract the ore on each side of the hole. At the surface the ore is extracted in a series of crystallizers each formed by a vessel with an exterior cooling system and an internal wiping system providing shear inside the vessel. The solvent is topped up, reheated and returned to the paths to continue the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: 101061615 Saskatchewan Ltd.Inventor: Harvey Haugen
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Patent number: 8528989Abstract: A method of solution mining vertically disposed beds of water-soluble deposits comprising a lower bed and at least one upper bed having at least one non-soluble layer disposed therebetween, said method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a channel in the lower bed; (b) drilling at least one zero radius or ultra-short radius injection pathway in the at least one upper bed; (c) manipulating at least one of the channel and the at least one injection pathway such that a fluid pathway is established between said channel and at least one injection pathway; (d) injecting a stream of solvent through the at least one injection pathway; and (e) recovering the solvent containing dissolved deposit therein via a recovery well.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Duane S. Halverson, Wesley K. Nash, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130171048Abstract: A solution mining method for recovering alkali values from a cavity of an underground ore formation comprising trona and/or wegscheiderite; a manufacturing process using such method to make sodium-based product(s); and a sodium-based product obtained therefrom. The method comprises: an ore dissolution phase (a) in which the incongruent double-salt in trona and/or wegscheiderite is dissolved from an ore face in a first solvent, and a cavity cleaning phase (b) in which sodium bicarbonate deposited on the ore face during the dissolution phase (a) is dissolved into a second aqueous solvent having a higher pH, hydroxide content, and/or temperature and is partly or completely converted in situ to sodium carbonate. The method further comprises withdrawing a liquor resulting from either phase to the ground surface, optionally recycling some liquor to the cavity; and passing some liquor through a crystallizer, a reactor, and/or an electrodialyser, to form at least one sodium-based product which is recovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: SOLVAY SAInventor: SOLVAY SA
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Patent number: 8240774Abstract: A method for treating a nahcolite containing subsurface formation includes solution mining a first nahcolite bed above a hydrocarbon containing layer using a plurality of first solution mining wells. A second nahcolite bed is solution mined below the hydrocarbon containing layer using a plurality of second solution mining wells. At least one of the first solution mining wells is converted into a production well. The hydrocarbon containing layer is heated using a plurality of heaters. Formation fluid is produced from at least one converted first solution mining well.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Harold J. Vinegar
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Publication number: 20120027516Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: SESQUI MINING, LLCInventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
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Patent number: 8057765Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Sesqui Mining, LLCInventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
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Patent number: 8021461Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improving component extraction from heap leach operations. Following heap leaching for some time, portions of the heap deficient in component extraction are identified, and treatment wells are drilled and remedial treatments are selectively performed on the identified portions of the heap. The remedial treatment can include hydraulically fracturing the identified portions of the heap followed by selective treatment with leach solution of the area impacted by the fracturing.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Newmont USA LimitedInventor: Thomas Joseph Seal
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Publication number: 20110175428Abstract: In solution mining, holes are drilled parallel to the ground in the ore body to form a series of zigzag channels. These holes are connected to respective holes from the surface to provide a feed and delivery path and a solvent is circulated through the system so as to dissolve the ore and carry the ore to the surface. The flow of the solvent through the holes forms circular caverns at the intersection of the horizontal hole as well as meanders by eroding the holes so as to gradually extract the ore on each side of the hole. At the surface the ore is extracted in a series of crystallizers each formed by a vessel with an exterior cooling system and an internal wiping system providing shear inside the vessel. The solvent is topped up, reheated and returned to the paths to continue the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: Harvey Haugen
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Publication number: 20110127825Abstract: 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: July 29, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: 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: 20110080035Abstract: A relatively warm mineral deposit is solution mined by injecting fluid through a well drilled into the deposit and dissolving the mineral to form a production brine. Warm production brine is cooled at the surface using a heat exchanger as a crystallizer to precipitate the mineral in the exchanger and form a slurry. Crystals of the mineral in the slurry are recovered in a separation plant leaving a relatively cool, dilute or depleted brine, which is conveyed through the heat exchanger for cooling the production brine and then injected into the mineral deposit to dissolve more mineral thereby providing a continuous process. A pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger is preferably used and in a manner so that the heat exchanger also serves as a primary means for conveying the production fluid and/or slurry from the well to the separation plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: PINNACLE POTASH INTERNATIONAL, LTD.Inventor: William M. Bishop
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Patent number: 7857396Abstract: A relatively warm mineral deposit is solution mined by injecting fluid through a well drilled into the deposit and dissolving the mineral to form a production brine. Warm production brine is cooled at the surface using a heat exchanger as a crystallizer to precipitate the mineral in the exchanger and form a slurry. Crystals of the mineral in the slurry are recovered in a separation plant leaving a relatively cool, dilute or depleted brine, which is conveyed through the heat exchanger for cooling the production brine and then injected into the mineral deposit to dissolve more mineral thereby providing a continuous process. A pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger is preferably used and in a manner so that the heat exchanger also serves as a primary means for conveying the production fluid and/or slurry from the well to the separation plant.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Pinnacle Potash International, Ltd.Inventor: William M. Bishop
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Publication number: 20100225154Abstract: A method of solution mining vertically disposed beds of water-soluble deposits comprising a lower bed and at least one upper bed having at least one non-soluble layer disposed therebetween, said method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a channel in the lower bed; (b) drilling at least one zero radius or ultra-short radius injection pathway in the at least one upper bed; (c) manipulating at least one of the channel and the at least one injection pathway such that a fluid pathway is established between said channel and at least one injection pathway; (d) injecting a stream of solvent through the at least one injection pathway; and (e) recovering the solvent containing dissolved deposit therein via a recovery well.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: FMC CORPORATIONInventors: Duane S. Halverson, Wesley K. Nash, JR.
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Patent number: 7735935Abstract: A method of treating an oil shale formation in situ includes providing heat directly from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat is controlled to maintain an average temperature of the portion below a dissociation temperature of carbonate minerals in the portion. A first fluid is injected into the portion of the formation. A second fluid is produced from the formation. An in situ conversion process is conducted in the portion of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Kevin Albert Maher, Lanny Gene Schoeling, Scott Lee Wellington
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Publication number: 20100066153Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: SESQUI MINING, LLCInventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
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Patent number: 7638109Abstract: A process for the production and recovery of crystalline sodium sesquicarbonate and of crystalline sodium carbonate monohydrate from aqueous liquors containing sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The crystalline products may optionally be heated or calcined to produce soda ash. The process is particularly suited for the recovery of soda ash from aqueous minewater streams obtained from solution mining of subterranean trona ore deposits.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: FMC CorporationInventor: William C. Copenhafer
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Patent number: 7611208Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Sesqui Mining, LLCInventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
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Patent number: 7559368Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising nahcolite is disclosed. The method includes providing a first fluid to a portion of the formation through at least two injection wells. A second fluid is produced from the portion through at least one injection well until at least two injection wells are interconnected such that fluid can flow between the two injection wells. The second fluid includes at least some nahcolite dissolved in the first fluid. The first fluid is injected through one of the interconnected injection wells. The second fluid is produced from at least one of the interconnected injection wells. Heat is provided from one or more heaters to the formation to heat the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Lanny Gene Schoeling
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Patent number: 7556095Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising dawsonite includes providing heat from one or more heaters to the formation to heat the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation. At least some dawsonite in the formation is decomposed with the provided heat. A chelating agent is provided to the formation to dissolve at least some dawsonite decomposition products. The dissolved dawsonite decomposition products are produced from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Harold J. Vinegar
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Patent number: 7549470Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising nahcolite includes providing a first fluid to a portion of the formation. A second fluid is produced from the portion. The second fluid includes at least some nahcolite dissolved in the first fluid. A controlled amount of oxidant is provided to the portion of the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, George Leo Stegemeier
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Publication number: 20090079255Abstract: A method of extraction of fuels and elements from coal, shale, peat and landfill seams is described which cuts the earth with only a main shaft which could measure half a meter diameter and with auxiliary narrow drillings of, say 10 centimeter diameter, widely spaced from the shaft. The coal, shale or peat seam is heated to the highest temperature of the hydrocarbon fraction desired to be extracted and the evaporated hydrocarbons are carried out of the shaft by Nitrogen gas. To enhance the extraction rate of the evaporated hydrocarbons, tonal input from two or more organ pipes vibrates the seam structure freeing the evaporated hydrocarbons allowing their escape into the shaft. As the extraction continues requiring inclusion of a greater area of the seam structure, narrow drillings are made and Liquid Nitrogen is inserted in the drillings reaching seam levels as Nitrogen gas which seeps into the seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Denyse Claire DuBrucq
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Patent number: 7410627Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: American Soda, LLPInventors: Max E. Ramey, John S. McEwan, Kevin L. Green, Charles L. Yates, Allan L. Turner, Michael A. Rockendal, Irvin P. Nielsen, Michael P. Hardy, Rex Goodrich
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Publication number: 20080122286Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of hydraulically mining of oil sands from a well pair drilled into an oil sands deposit is disclosed. The wells are preferably installed from a protected underground workspace in or near the producing zone. The method of hydraulic mining disclosed herein includes: means of drilling production and tailings injection wells; means of augmenting hydraulic excavation for example by inducing block caving and/or wormholing; means of isolating the underground personnel areas from formation gases and fluids; and means of backfilling the excavated volumes with tailings. In one configuration, production wells are formed and lined with a frangible material, for example, a weak concrete or an inflatable epoxy-impregnated felt tube. Hydraulic mining of the full deposit thickness using a directional water jet bit begins at the far end of the drill hole and continues back in stages toward the well-head.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: OSUM OIL SANDS CORP.Inventors: Dana Brock, Andrew Squires, John David Watson
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Patent number: 6997518Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to the treatment area. Fluids may be injected into the formation to remove a component within the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. In some embodiments, fluids may be injected prior to production of formation fluids. Alternatively, fluids may be injected after production of formation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Kevin Albert Maher, Lanny Gene Schoeling, Scott Lee Wellington
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Publication number: 20020185906Abstract: A coal mining operation begins by using directional drilling to bore several horizontal shafts through a coal deposit with its natural overburden still intact. Any methane gas permeating the coal deposit is pumped out and preferably sold as natural gas to commercial and residential customers, or used locally in support of mining operations. The methane gas evacuation continues until the concentrations are reduced to safe levels for mining. But before mining begins, ground penetrating radar equipment is lowered into the boreholes for electronic imaging studies of the coal deposit. One borehole is used for a transmitter and another for a receiver. Many measurements are made at a variety of frequencies and equipment positions within the boreholes. Such studies estimate the electrical conductivity of the surrounding material, and thereby give clues where and how much coal is actually deposited.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Larry G. Stolarczyk
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Patent number: 6251346Abstract: A solution mining process for recovering sodium values from an underground deposit of a sodium bicarbonate containing ore is disclosed. The process involves contacting the ore with an aqueous sodium carbonate-containing solution to produce a dilute brine which is stripped with steam to reduce the bicarbonate content and increase the carbonate content. The dilute carbonate/bicarbonate solution from the stripper is fed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer to produce pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals and a mother liquor containing less than about 4% sodium bicarbonate.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Tg Soda Ash, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Neuman, Richard W. Chastain
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Patent number: 6164727Abstract: For use in a field having a plurality of interspersed injection and production wells that extend to a mineral bearing formation, a system for extracting the mineral from the formation having a jet pump system for each production well, each pump system having a power fluid inlet and a production fluid outlet at the earth's surface, a bottom hole fluid inlet, a solvent reservoir at the earth's surface providing a source of liquid solvent and reservoir having connection to each of the injection wells by which solvent is conveyed to the mineral producing formation to produce a bottom hole reservoir of mineral laden bottom hole fluid, a power fluid reservoir at the earth's surface, a high pressure pump at the earth's surface connected between the power fluid reservoir and the power fluid inlet of each of the jet pump systems for moving power fluid through the jet pump systems to draw in bottom hole fluid that is mixed with the power fluid to provide production fluid that is moved to the earth's surface; and a mineType: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: Melvin E. Kelly
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Patent number: 6030048Abstract: An in-situ reactor with hydrologic cells is provided to facilitate recovery of metals such as gold from rocks, or purification of salts such as potium or magnesium chloride formed by evaporation of brines, by injecting into a source aquifer a fluid, which flows through and reacts with the solids or host rock within the in-situ reactor and then flows into a sink aquifer, from it is drained or pumped out via an exhaust borehole into a plant or a facility for further chemical treatment.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Tarim Associates for Scientific Mineral and Oil Exploration AG.Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
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Patent number: 6022080Abstract: A process and a system for the solution mining of evaporites and preparation of the obtained saline solution and in particular for the dissolution of salts, evaporation and cooling of the obtained saline solution, and crystallization of salts under subtropical and tropical climatic conditions. The invention can also be applied for the preparation of naturally occurring saline solutions. In the process and system of the invention, a solvent is heated in a solar pond by means of solar energy to a temperature above ambient condition and up to approximately 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. The heated solvent is introduced into a cavern to be solution mined to produce a production brine which is heated. The heated production brine leaves the cavern and is then cooled along with water evaporation whereby solids crystallize and separate producing a solid product and a cold mother solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignees: Kavernen Bau- und Betriebs-GmbH, deusa Projekt Management GmbHInventors: Norbert Gruschow, Frank Klaus Horst Walkhoff, Wolfgang Ulrich
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Patent number: 5957539Abstract: The invention concerns a process for excavating by dissolution an underground cavity in a thin salt layer, in order to store a fluid therein. According to the invention, the process includes the steps of producing an injection duct, an extraction duct, and a void for a communication space which places in communication the injection and extraction ducts, producing at least one blind tunnel void communicating with the communication space so as to enable the solvent to circulate and the salt to dissolve in the blind tunnel, injecting via the injection duct a solvent into the communication space, and extracting via the extraction duct the brine formed by the dissolution of the salt on contact with the solvent. The advantage of this process is that the excavated layer has a mechanically stable shape and a larger volume and is produced more cheaply than with prior processes.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Gaz de France (G.D.F.) Service NationalInventors: Jean-Gerard Durup, Guy Boris, Yvon Charnavel