Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Batch solution mining using lithological displacement of an evaporite mineral stratum and mineral dissolution with stationary solvent
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Application No.: US14062877Application Date: 2013-10-24
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Publication No.: US09638017B2Publication Date: 2017-05-02
- Inventor: 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
- Applicant: SOLVAY SA
- Applicant Address: BE Brussels
- Assignee: Solvay SA
- Current Assignee: Solvay SA
- Current Assignee Address: BE Brussels
- Agent Beatrice C. Ortego
- Main IPC: E21B43/28
- IPC: E21B43/28

Abstract:
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.
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