Method and apparatus for mixing gaseous oxidant and lixiviant in an in-situ leach operation
Method and apparatus for mixing a gaseous oxidant (e.g., oxygen) and a lixiviant (e.g., an aqueous carbonate solution) at a down-hole location before the oxygen-saturated lixiviant is injected into a formation to be leached. This method involves establishing a mixing zone in the well by positioning a mixing means, comprising a housing, in the well at the down-hole location. Lixiviant is flowed down the well and through a restrictive opening in the housing to substantially increase the flow velocity of the lixiviant. At the same time, gaseous oxidant is fed to the housing and is trapped therein by the increased velocity of the lixiviant and by packing material in the housing. The lixiviant flows through the trapped oxidant which, in turn, dissolves into the the lixiviant to saturate same. Additional packing material is provided in the housing to remove undissolved oxidant from the saturated lixiviant before it is injected into a formation to be leached. 15 claims.
- Assignee:
- Mobil Oil Corp.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4339152
- OSTI ID:
- 6484990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method and apparatus for mixing gaseous oxidant and lixiviant in an in situ leach operation
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Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
AERATION
DISPERSIONS
DISSOLUTION
ELEMENTS
ENGINEERING
EQUIPMENT
IN-SITU PROCESSING
INJECTION WELLS
LEACHING
MIXING
MIXTURES
NONMETALS
OIL WELLS
OXIDIZERS
OXYGEN
PROCESSING
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLUTIONS
SOLVENTS
VELOCITY
WELLS