Traveling undercut solution mining systems and methods
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United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Mar 25, 2014
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jul 29, 2009
filing date -
Aug 1, 2008
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
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.
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Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
- 2 Citation Count
- E21B Class
- 5.02 % this patent is cited more than
- 11 Age
Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 Year Payment | $7400.00 | $3700.00 | $1850.00 | Sep 25, 2025 |
