Method of leaching subsurface minerals in situ

Patent · Tue Mar 14 04:00:00 EST 1967

OSTI ID:6521167

Fitch, J L; Hurd, B G

In a method for the in-situ leaching of subsurface inorganic minerals disposed in pods of ore, the surrounding formations are sealed off to prevent loss of the leaching solvent. An inert fluid is injected into the formation surrounding the pod of ore contemporaneously with injecting a leaching solvent into the pod of ore. The leaching solvent, when impregnated, is removed by replacing it with an equivalent amount of inert fluid. The rates of injecting the inert fluid into the formation, the leaching solvent, and the inert fluid following the leaching solvent into the pod of ore are adjusted to establish a pressure gradient between the inert fluid in the surrounding formation and the leaching solvent in the pod of ore. This pressure gradient is adequate to prevent the flow of the leaching solvent out of the pod of ore into the surrounding formation. (3 claims)

• Assignee: TUL; EDB-81-081837
• Patent Number(s): US 3309141
• OSTI ID: 6521167
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400105* -- Separation Procedures
DISSOLUTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
LEACHING
MINERALS
MINING
PLUGGING
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
PROCESSING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLUTION MINING