Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for recovering and processing a hydrocarbon mixture from a subterranean formation. The method comprises: (i) mobilizing said hydrocarbon mixture; (ii) recovering said mobilized hydrocarbon mixture; (iii) coking said recovered hydrocarbon mixture to produce decoked hydrocarbon and coke; (iv) combusting said coke to generate steam and/or energy and CO2; (v) upgrading said decoked hydrocarbon by hydrogen addition to produce upgraded hydrocarbon; and (v) adding a diluent to the decoked hydrocarbon prior to upgrading and/or adding a diluent to the upgraded hydrocarbon; wherein said method is at least partially self-sufficient in terms of steam and/or energy and diluent.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving a heavy hydrocarbon, such as mined bitumen, to a lighter more fluid product and, more specifically, to a hydrocarbon product that is refinery-ready and that meets pipeline transport criteria without requiring the addition of diluent. The invention is suitable for enhancing recovery from mined Canadian bitumen, but has general application for processing any heavy hydrocarbon, converting the heavy hydrocarbon to a product that is more suitable for pipeline transport.

Abstract: A method of mining is disclosed. The method includes mining material in a mine in accordance with a mine plan designed to maximise the financial performance of the mining operation at the mine.

Abstract: A system for removing desired subsurface materials. A drilling system has a sonic drill head assembly capable of rotating a drill string and transmitting oscillating forces to the drill string. A material removal system comprises an outer tube attachable to the drill string. An inner tube has an outer diameter sized so that that at least a portion of the inner tube is positionable in an inner volume of the outer tube with an annular void defined between the outer tube and the inner tube. A distal end of the inner tube defines at least one opening such that an interior conduit of the inner tube is in fluid communication with the annular void outside of the distal end of the inner tube. Pressurized fluid can be urged from the annular void through the opening to the interior conduit, entraining the desired subsurface materials therein for removal to a discharge tank.

Abstract: A process for regionalization of mining bitumen-containing oil sands ore for extraction and conversion to produce dry bitumen comprises operating multiple separate oil sands ore mining and extraction facilities or in situ thermal recovery facilities, to produce separate bitumen froth streams; operating a regional paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) hub for receiving a portion of each of the separate bitumen froth streams and treating the bitumen froth streams to produce the dry bitumen; optionally providing a portion of the dry bitumen stream to the bitumen upgrading facility and another portion of the dry bitumen stream to a bitumen market pipeline or remote upgrading facility; and optionally comprising regionalization of water distribution where by-product waters are recovered from the PFT hub and the upgrading facilities and distributed to the mining and extraction facilities for use as extraction processing water to produce the bitumen froth streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting device (1) for solids material which is moved by means of a fluid from a first location on a seabed, on an offshore installation or on land to a second location, the fluid carrying the solids material in through an inlet portion (7) of the collecting device (1), the collecting device (1) being provided with one or more permeable portions arranged to retain the solids material exceeding a predetermined size. The invention also relates to a method of using the collecting device (1), the method including the abandoning of a filled collecting device (1).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This description is directed to a method and system for integrating an in-situ bitumen recovery operation with a bitumen mining operation for improved efficiencies and synergies therebetween. The method comprises obtaining a production fluid from the in-situ bitumen recovery operation, directing the production fluid to the bitumen mining operation, and incorporating the production fluid into the bitumen mining operation. The basic integrated system comprises a production well for recovering production fluid from the in-situ bitumen recovery operation, a bitumen mining and extraction facility, and a transporter for directing the production fluid from the production well to the bitumen mining and extraction facility for incorporation into the mining and extraction operation. The in-situ recovery operation may be a thermal operation, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a center of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising dawsonite includes assessing a dawsonite composition of one or more zones in the formation. Heat from one or more heaters is provided to the formation such that different amounts of heat are provided to zones with different dawsonite compositions. The provided heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to the formation. Fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid (or a second compound) may be produced from the formation. In some embodiments, a first fluid may be provided to the formation prior to pyrolyzing hydrocarbons in the formation, and a second fluid (or a second compound) may be produced prior to pyrolyzing hydrocarbons in the formation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable gold mining dredge for use in collecting potentially gold containing aggregate from streambeds for subsequent classification and separation. The dredge has a receptacle, comprised of a drum with a water-tight lid, for receiving the aqueous dredged aggregate. The receptacle is of a size suitable for carrying. A self-priming pump having an inlet port and an outlet port is attached to the receptacle. A dip tube extends into the receptacle, the outer end of the dip tube being connected to the inlet port of the pump by a conduit. A suction tube communicates with the interior of the receptacle. Hoses are connected to the inlet of the suction tube and to the outlet port of the pump. During operation the suction hose is used to suck up aqueous aggregate from a streambed and the discharge hose is used to wash aggregate from cracks and crevices in rocks.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons trapped in solid media, such as bitumen in tar sands may be recovered from deep formations by relieving the stress of the overburden and causing the formation to flow from an injection well to a production well, for example, by fluid injection, recovering a tar sand/water mixture from the production well, separating the bitumen and reinjecting the remaining sand in a water slurry.

Abstract: A method of dewatering mineral-containing sludge by adding to the sludge (a) an aqueous solution or emulsion of acrylamide polymer flocculating agent and (b) a microfiber additive. By using this method, such mineral-containing sludges can be quickly dewatered into a cake having 25-35% solids which can then be further processed to a 60% solids-containing material. The method is particularly suitable for use in methods for treating, recovering, rehabilitating and recycling residue of mining operations. The method also enhances the filtration characteristics of certain mineral residues. With modification, the method is also suitable for dewatering organic sludges. Kaolin clay and red mud from the Bayer process are disclosed among the mineral-containing sludges which may be dewatered in accordance with the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method of dewatering mineral-containing phosphatic clay sludge comprising adding to the sludge (a) an aqueous solution or emulsion of acrylamide polymer flocculating agent and (b) a microfiber additive. By using this method, such mineral-containing sludges can be quickly dewatered into a cake comprising 25-35% solids which can then be further processed to a 60% solids-containing material. The method is particularly suitable for use in methods for treating, recovering, rehabilitating and recycling residue of mining operations. With modification, the method is also suitable for dewatering organic sludges.

Abstract: This invention relates to process and apparatus for recovering and cleaning lead shot, bullets and slugs of various sizes from shooting range backstops and similar sites. The process involves excavating the site material and delivering same to a surge hopper from which the material is metered substantially uniformly to a vibratory feeder. The material is delivered by the feeder to a shredder which serves to condition and de-agglomerate the material for uniform flowability and separation. The shredded material is delivered to a trommel screen for initial separation into two major fractions, returning the larger particle fraction to the excavation site and delivering the smaller particle fraction to a sizing screen.

Abstract: A process and device for decontamination of contaminated soil wherein contaminated soil is precleansed by a pressurized flushing and cutting jet of a cutting device located in a borehole. The soil is removed from the existing soil structure and flushed so intensely that is largely freed from adhering pollutants. The fine particles of the flushed and precleansed soil, together with the pollutants, are sluiced as a slurry in a return flow through a preventer. For decontamination, they are conveyed to a decontamination plant where the remaining pollutants are extracted. The coarse particles of soil remain in the ground. Finally, the cleansed soil, together with a bonding agent, is flushed back into the borehole where it forms a soil structure capable of bearing loads.

Abstract: A process for the purification of soil contaminated with organic material is provided. The preferred process generally involves superposed attrition and classification processes, which lead to removal and concentration of highly contaminated fractions. The process may also include a step of flotation whereby hydrophobic materials in the soil are released to an interface with air bubbles, and are floated to the top of a flotation cell. In preferred processes according to the present invention, soil to be treated is extracted from a contaminated site, and is broken into relatively small particles. These particles are preferably treated in attrition and classification steps, to remove fine, slow settling, contaminated materials such as wood and fine soil materials. The resulting isolated coarser materials are then treated by flotation for a final polishing step.

Abstract: Elemental sulfur in substantially pure form is recovered from an underground sulfur formation which has been previously been mined by the Frasch process by injection of hot water into the underground formation to melt at least a portion of the sulfur, removing the resulting mixture of sulfur and hot water to the surface, separating the mixture of sulfur and hot water, recovering the sulfur as molten sulfur, and recycling the water to the underground formation. In alternatives, the water may be treated with additives to prevent corrosion, and scale and to reduce hardness and enhance separation of sulfur and water. The process is practiced using a conventional Frasch sulfur well in combination with a bleed water well and/or injection well. Also provided is a method and apparatus for separating molten sulfur from a mixture of molten sulfur and water.

Abstract: A combination borehole drilling apparatus and a separator for receiving a three phase gas, liquid and solid mixture, from the borehole, and venting the gas, separating the liquid from the solid, collecting and discharging the solid and recycling the liquid to the borehole drilling apparatus.

Abstract: A dredging platform has a water pump that creates suction in a hose for drawing loose materials from the bottom of a stream into the hose for transport to a sluice and vibratory screen. Larger stones are dropped off the end of the screen while finer sand and gold ore concentrate fall through the screen into hoppers for delivery to a centrifugal separator. The platform floats in the stream at water level to partially submerge the hoppers in order to provide a steady controlled flow of water over the hopper sides as the "fines" are collected for separation.

Abstract: Nahcolite solution mining process comprising drilling at least one well into a Nahcolite bed, circulating hot barren aqueous liquor in a cavity in said Nahcolite bed for a time sufficient to produce a pregnant liquor having an increase in the concentration of NaHCO.sub.3 in the range of from about 3 to about 20% while maintaining Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 concentration in the range of about 0.25-4%, preferably less than 2.5%, withdrawing said pregnant liquor, cooling said pregnant liquor to preferentially precipitate NaHCO.sub.3 therefrom and to produce a barren liquor, recovering said NaHCO.sub.3, and reheating and re-injecting said barren liquor in said well. The cavity temperature is maintained below about 250.degree. F. and preferably below about 200.degree. F. The barren liquor is injected at a pressure of below about 150 psig. The pregnant liquor is extracted at a temperature in the range of from about 85.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F., and the cystallization occurs at a temperature of about 25.degree.-120.

Abstract: A method for the electro-thermal and electrochemical underground conversion of coal into oil and by-products comprises the steps of inserting an underground probe into a bore hole until the probe is in close proximity to a coal seam. A mixture of air, steam, an electrolyte and a suitable catalyst is supplied to the probe, and the mixture is then sprayed directly on the coal seam through a passage in a nozzle. The probe is also energized with electricity applied to the nozzle to produce an arc between the coal and the probe, simultaneous with the spraying of the mixture on the coal seam. Heat of the combustion from the arc and the steam combine to produce a pyrolysis, oxidation, and reduction of the coal, thereby converting the coal into a gaseous combination of oil and by-products. The arc can be rotated to increase the tunnel diameter. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A mining machine system for deep boring a hole in a seam includes a cutting head, a drill pipe, a power unit for driving the cutting head, a recovery mechanism for the fluidized conveyance of the aggregate coal or other mineral product from the bore hole and a blocking unit. The blocking unit includes a substantially cylindrical frame member that substantially conforms to the diameter of the hole being bored by the cutting head. Thus, the blocking unit serves to support the weight of the cutting head and drill pipe so as to maintain the proper alignment of the cutting head in the seam. The aggregate coal or other product may be conveyed from the bore hole adjacent the cutting head to the seam face either through a coal conveyance passageway in the drill pipe or through a separate coal conveyance pipe. In either embodiment a sealed pipe extending unit is provided to extend or advance the coal conveying pipe or drill pipe into the bore hole with the cutting head.

Abstract: Metal values, particularly precious metal values, are recovered from fines on a footwall and in the fissures and cracks therein by passing a solution capable of solubilizing the metal values across the footwall. The metal values are preferably adsorbed on to a suitable support such as activated carbon underground and then the support, having the metal values adsorbed thereon, transported to the surface for further processing.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in borehole mining which overcomes the conventional problem in hydraulic mining of removing rock fragments and ore from beneath the surface by utilizing a foam/air conveyance technique. This eliminates the need for a pump and overcomes the drawback of short pump life that is ordinarily encountered when pumps are engaged in pumping fluid slurries containing a high component of fragmented rock. A foaming agent, such as an organic sulfonic acid surfactant is introduced into the borehole, preferably combined in the water used to dislodge the particles thereby foaming during mining. The foam containing the entrained particles is removed to the surface by a gas, e.g., air under sufficient pressure and rate to maintain the flow from the well bore. The foam is broken at the surface by conventional methods and the mined particles recovered.

Abstract: A device for separating the liquid phase from the solid phase of rigid multiphase materials such as bituminous schists, domestic waste and vegetables, in which there is used at least one compression operation at a pressure of at least 500 bars, the compression being effected in at least a first elongated chamber (2) having orifices (4) adapted to let the fluid materials pass, a pressure being applied at an inlet end (1a) by a piston (3), the volume of the chamber exceeding the volume swept out by the piston so that the compressed material remains under pressure in the chamber during several strokes of the piston, the other end (1b) of the chamber being equipped with an extraction-metering system (5) so as to allow the permanent pressure of the material in the chamber.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering valuable metals from geothermal brine comprising introducing donor metallic particles into a geothermal zone which is dominated with hot-pressurized geothermal brine which contains a metal value selected from the group consisting of gold value, silver value, copper value, lead value, tin value and mixtures thereof. The donor metallic particle contains a donor metal selected from the group consisting of iron, zinc, aluminum and mixtures thereof. The process further comprises forming a deposit on the donor metallic particles by replacing at least a part of the donor particle with the metal values, producing a stream of the hot-pressurized geothermal brine containing the donor metallic particles which, in turn, contain the deposit of metal values, and separating the donor metallic particles from the thusly produced stream of hot-pressurized geothermal brine.

Abstract: At peat mining peat is suspended in water to a slurry or suspension which is led to a dewatering plant. From the dewatering plant (13) return water is returned and used to heat the raw peat in connection with the mining area. The return water can be spread onto the moss over an area (11) at a suitable distance from the mining pit (2), thereby at least partially displacing the moss water and providing water for making a slurry, the moss water preferably being drained to the mining pit. The return water contains also a separated fine parts fraction of the peat as well as peat ash and/or other chemicals which break down the colloidal bonds of the peat and which preferably also raise the pH-value of the water which is drained into the mining pit together with said fine parts fraction.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering metallic particles from a recovery hole formed in a sub-surface formation containing said particles, comprises(a) a barge,(b) a rotating cutter head supported by the barge for controlled bodily movement at the recovery hole and for cutting the formation adjacent said hole to form cuttings mixed with said particles,(c) hydraulic conduit means supported by the barge to deliver flushing water to the vicinity of the cutter in said recovery hole, thereby to produce a slurry of water, cuttings and metallic particles, and(d) a suction duct supported by the barge, and having an intake located to draw said slurry from the hole for subsequent processing to separate and recover the metallic particles.

Abstract: The method of beneficiating phosphate tailings and debris waste material is disclosed for producing enriched phosphate ore and a sand product which is usable for glass, cement and the like or for land reclamation. The method includes treating the phosphate tailings and waste material with a cationic reagent and subjecting the tailings and waste material to a flotation process to overflow the sand product therefrom. The underflow phosphate ore is subjected to a conventional double flotation process to produce a high grade phosphate product. The sand product may either be directly pumped into an existing phosphate quarry for land reclamation or may be deregentized and treated with anionic reagents to remove remaining impurities providing a sand product suitable for glass, cement and the like.

Abstract: A method for the in situ leaching of a subterranean mineral (e.g. uranium) deposit which permits the use of downflow ion exchange columns without requiring expensive filtration equipment to remove particulate material and/or sediment from the leach solution. The injection and production wells are gravel packed so that all of the heavier particulate material will be filtered from the leach solution as it flows into the production well. The bed of ion exchange resin in the downflow column is then used to filter the finer sediment from the leach solution as the resin adsorbs the uranium from the leach solution. The barren leach solution from the ion exchange column can be used to makeup fresh leach solution without any further filtration. The loaded resin is removed from the ion exchange columns and is screened to remove the fine sediment. The resin is then eluted and screened again to remove any sediment that may accumulate during elution.

Abstract: An earth battery which includes a first electrode which is a veined material located in the earth, a second electrode electrically connected to the surface of the earth and disposed in a hole which extends from the surface of the earth into the first electrode, an electrolyte disposed in the hole and in contact with the first and second electrodes, and means for electrically connecting the first electrode to the surface of the earth. A seam of coal is preferred as the first electrode. A method of mining metals located in the earth using the earth battery and a method of drilling holes in the earth are also disclosed.

Abstract: Heavy breaking giant excavator having a mining system with the following components: a boom having a feed chute and conveyor equipment at one end thereof; and sifting, crushing, and transfer equipment at the other end thereof, and a dipper boom arrangement is disposed on the end of the vertically supported, swivellable boom onto which mined material is fed. The dipper boom has a limited hydraulic capacity dipper disposed thereon.

Abstract: A method of recovering boric acid from a subterranean deposit of colemanite ore by solution mining, comprises:supplying a leach solution comprising hydrochloric acid to the subterranean deposit via an injection well in communication therewith, whereby colemanite ore is dissolved and an aqueous pregnant solution of boric acid and calcium chloride is formed in the deposit;withdrawing the pregnant solution of boric acid and calcium chloride from said deposit via a production well in communication therewith;separating boric acid from the withdrawn solution;adding sulfuric acid to the resultant concentrated solution from which boric acid has been separated, whereby hydrochloric acid is regenerated therein and CaSO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O is formed;separating CaSO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O from the resultant solution containing regenerated hydrochloric acid thereby forming a regenerated leach solution; andrecycling the regenerated leach solution to the subterranean deposit of colemanite via an injection well.

Abstract: In the manufacture of moulds or mould cores, refractory sand, a resin binder and a catalyst are passed into a mixer to form a freeflowing mixture from which the moulds or mould cores are made. As the sand is fed into the mixer it is cooled by contact with an atmospheric gas in liquid or solid state or the cold vapour of such a gas so as to keep the temperature of the sand as it enters the mixer below that at which the resin cures. To enable the sand to be delivered below a chosen temperature from a quarry to a foundry where the sand is used, the sand after quarrying and drying is fluidized by air, an atmospheric gas in liquid or solid state being introduced into the fluidizing air so as to lower its temperature.

Abstract: In a method of open pit mining, a tunnel or tunnels are driven into one or more seams of minerals to be mined or in the surrounding rock, and draw shafts are formed between and connecting the earth's surface and tunnels. A bulk transport or conveyor system is installed in the tunnel or tunnels to remove material passed down the shafts to the surface. Overburden is removed such that the minerals are accessible on the surface adjacent the shafts. The minerals are then deposited into the shafts and transported by the bulk transport conveyor system to a storage area external of the pit. The overburden can also be deposited into the shafts for removal from the pit. The land to be mined is preferably divided into a substantial rectilinear grid pattern or formation, and a draw shaft is formed in each of the elemental areas of the grid pattern.

Abstract: An improved system and method for relocating a selected layer of overburden, such as a layer of unconsolidated soil, in a strip mining operation are provided. The system employs an excavator, an intermediate belt wagon with at least two slewable conveyors, and a cross-pit conveyor having a long cantilevered conveyor pivotably supported on a mobile base; with all of said equipment being preferably based on the highwall side of the pit. According to the method, the area to be stripped is divided first into a series of large rectangles aligned parallel to the pit, with each rectangle being further divided into a series of narrow strips also parallel to the pit. The area is then progressively stripped beginning with the nearest strip of a first rectangle and proceeding with the next adjacent strip until the first rectangle is completed and then proceeding in like manner with each successive rectangle.

Abstract: Bitumen is separated and recovered from tar sands deposits by use of special hydraulic mining techniques. One or more jets of hydraulic mining fluid are projected by a nozzle or nozzles against a face of a tar sands deposit and advanced towards the face as the face erodes under the jetting action. Sand and bitumen separate, due to the jetting action, and are removed from the eroding area by the flow of hydraulic fluid which is cycled to a recovery zone for separation of fluid, sand, and bitumen. Fluid is recycled, bitumen recovered, and sand disposed of as backfill. Advance of a single nozzle is varied by lateral diversion to erode over a wider area of the face and increase the volume eroded by a single advancing jet.

Abstract: A method for the separation of extracted viscous crude oil placed in a reservoir of a opened cell. Materials such as oil shale, oil sand, or tar sand may be involved. Hot water is introduced to the top surface of the reservoir material in the cell while steam is injected into a steam gallery running through the cell. The hot water and steam may contain a surfactant. The bouyancy of the crude oil creates an artificial water drive which causes the water and oil to "flip-flop" so that the oil rises to the top of the reservoir and separates from the remainder of the reservoir material. This separated oil may be removed from the cell and the remaining material disposed of.

Abstract: A process for separating hydrocarbons from naturally occurring mixtures comprising minerals and inorganic materials originating from rock admixed with oil, for example tar sands and oil shales. The process comprises introducing particles of such mixtures into a gaseous plasma of a chemically inert gas to vaporize the hydrocarbons and thus separate them from the solid particles. The solid particles are allowed to drop from the plasma. The vaporized oil is condensed as a separate stock.

Abstract: A device for separating and recovering solid particles or granulated matel from a stream of fluid in a state of high purity and with minimal fluid remaining in the recovered solids. The device also provides a calibration or sizing of the recovered solids. More particularly, the device is suitable for recovering sand and gravel from a liquid slurry in dredging operations or the like and comprises a chamber into which the slurry is discharged in the form of two diametrically disposed impinging jets to decrease the kinetic energy of the slurry. The chamber is provided with one or a plurality of outlets disposed in communication with a corresponding number of channels each having a discharge port in the base thereof and a deflector in the discharge port, preferably disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees, for directing the concentrated lower layer of slurry in each channel through the discharge port into a deposition tank.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and recovering uranium material from a solution containing uranium, comprises passing the solution through at least one semipermeable membrane system capable of concentrating uranium, to provide a uranium rich product.

Abstract: A coal mining system is provided including a pneumatic separator having an air lock to separate the coal dust from the remainder of the coal aggregate in the system. A pneumatic suction means is provided to convey the dislodged coal aggregate from the mine face as it is mined by a mining machine. A duct carries the coal aggregate from the mining machine, past the separator where the coal aggregate remainder is transferred to an auger conveyor with the coal dust proceeding to a pollution control mechanism, such as a cyclone separator at a remote location outside the mine. A jet engine provides the suction for the system. A hopper is provided above the inlet to the auger conveyor providing the blocking concentration of coal to assure maintenance of the full vacuum in the pneumatic duct. A level control switch is operated by pivotal spade in the hopper and a similar switch is provided to sound an alarm when the hopper is filled to capacity.

Abstract: An improved method for mining and processing phosphate matrix in its dry state utilizing a gas moving at supersonic velocity as the carrier fluid to perform the various process steps, in a substantially closed system, that yields dry high grade phosphatic materials and dry sand and clay fractions and to recombine and thoroughly mix the sand and clay fractions in approximately equal proportions by weight as they are produced and to transport the sand-clay mixture along with the naturally radioactive Radon-222 gas that is generated during the processing to the mined out pits and depositing them therein after which the leach zone materials of the overburden are deposited thereover and then depositing thereover the sandy materials of the overburden with provisions being made in preselected areas to form lakes to complete the process of reclaiming the land to its natural state immediately and without danger of radiation from the buried radioactive materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of surface mining along an elongated pit using a cross-pit conveyor for transferring selected excavated material, such as topsoil, directly across the pit while using a separate overburden excavator to transfer the remaining overburden. The method uses a cross-pit transporter which is supported solely on the working bank, includes a cantilevered conveyor which extends completely across the pit, and is slewable so it can periodically swing to a non-interfering position when passing the other excavator. The method allows the selective replacement of the different overburden materials in accordance with modern reclamation practice.