DEVICE FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES TRANSPORTED BY GEOGASES AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

A new device and method for collecting mineral nanoparticles transported by geogases, for the area of ​​mineral prospecting, which is intended to detect underground mineralizations occurring at great depths, of any mineralogical nature, that are related to hydrothermal alteration zones and / or shear zones, through a device with the geometry of an inverted funnel and plastic composition, and a method for indicating mineral deposits that do not exhibit the specific physical properties necessary for detection when using conventional geophysical prospecting or exploration methods.

Description

1 / 11 “DEVICE FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES TRANSPORTED BY GEOGASES AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES”

[001] This report deals with the detailed description, accompanied by illustrative figures, of a new Device and Method for Collecting Mineral Nanoparticles transported by Geogases, for the area of ​​mineral prospecting, which is intended to detect underground mineralizations that occur at great depths, of any mineralogical nature, that are genetically related to hydrothermal alteration zones and / or shear zones, carried out through a device with the geometry of an inverted funnel and plastic composition. Field of application

[002] The Device and Method for Collecting Mineral Nanoparticles Transported by Geogases, the subject of this patent, is intended for application in the area of ​​mineral prospecting and exploration, for the detection of mineral deposits at great depths and difficult to detect by conventional means. Objective of the Invention

[003] The Device and Method for Collecting Mineral Nanoparticles Transported by Geogases, the subject of this patent, has as its main objective the detection of non-outcropping underground mineralizations, apparently of any mineralogical nature, provided that they are genetically related to hydrothermal alteration zones and / or shear zones, with a good accuracy rate and low cost, when compared with existing conventional geochemical and geophysical prospecting techniques. Problem to be solved

[004] All conventional mineral prospecting is based on the fact Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 11 / 38 2 / 11 that any mineral deposit presents physical-chemical properties distinct from its adjacent areas, that is, they are geological anomalies and, therefore, can be detected by different methods, carried out on the surface or in the subsurface of the earth. As an example, these anomalies can be differences in densities that produce variations in the local gravitational field or anomalous contents of metallic minerals that produce differences in the magnetic field, etc.

[005] After detecting the existence of any mineral anomaly, it is necessary to carry out more direct mineral prospecting processes, such as excavations and / or drillings that will quantify the grades and dimensions of the deposit, on the surface and / or subsurface, which is essential for analyzing the economic and financial viability of any mineral mining project.

[006] Although conventional geochemistry yields satisfactory results, the growing scarcity of mineral deposits, resulting from the exhaustion of the many already explored, fosters the development of new exploratory techniques.

[007] Currently, conventional geochemical prospecting for base metals is carried out by collecting stream sediments and / or the B horizon of the soil, which are subsequently sent to laboratories where they are analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, Atomic Emission Spectroscopy, among others. This type of geochemical prospecting has a limitation in vertical detection, since deeper mineral deposits, located hundreds of meters deep, are difficult to detect.

[008] Another important limitation of these prospecting methods stems from the occurrence of transported soils, where the collected material does not reflect the subsurface geology.

[009] The present invention, that is, the Device and Method of Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 12 / 38 3 / 11 The Geogas-Transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection, proposed here, has the capacity to detect mineralizations occurring at great depths, with reports of positive results achieved at depths of up to 1,000 meters, and simultaneously detects geogases that vertically traverse the transported soils that may exist between the subsurface mineralizations and the devices installed on the surface. The major advantage of this invention is the support for the TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) grid developed, which facilitates the insertion and removal of the TEM grid from the collector, promoting safety and speed. State of the art

[010] There are scientific documents and patents that describe devices and methods for collecting material for studies and detection of deep or shallow mineralizations, in addition to several patent documents related to various nanoparticle collection models that can be found in bibliographic databases. However, none of these documents anticipates the device and method proposed here. Among these documents, the following can be highlighted:

[011] Patent document CN203534870, “GEOCHEMICAL GEOGAS PROSPECTING AND SAMPLING DEVICE.” Where the utility model refers to a geogas accumulation-type collection and sampling device in the field of geochemical prospecting, in particular to a geochemical geogas prospecting and sampling device. The geochemical geogas prospecting and sampling device comprises a support structure, a collection cover, a sampling device, and an anti-pollution cover cup, where the collection cover is mounted on the support structure; the anti-pollution cover cup is mounted on the collection cover; the collection cover is connected to the sampler. The geochemical prospecting and Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 13 / 38 4 / 11 geogas sampling has the benefit that, through the improved sampling device, a larger cavity is formed below the sampler, thus improving the flow of the geogas. The materials for the device are readily available, and the device has a simple structure, making it convenient to manufacture, easy and convenient to operate, low cost, and easy to popularize and apply.

[012] Patent document CN102621592, “EFFICIENCY-ADJUSTABLE DYNAMIC GEOGAS PROSPECTING METHOD. Where the invention relates to an efficiency-adjustable dynamic geogas prospecting method comprising the following steps: 1) preparation of a dynamic geogas sampling device comprising a sampler, a dryer, at least one trap and an air pump; and 2) geogas prospecting: firstly, laying an open-air geological prospecting profile according to a mine or construction prospecting; secondly, drilling a gas production drill bit into a surface overburden layer and inserting the sampler into the borehole; attaching the retention agent to the trap, connecting the dynamic geogas sampling device to extract it; fourthly, drying the geogas material and capturing it by the liquid retention agent in the trap; fifthly, concentrating the sampled liquid capture agent;Sixthly, multi-element analysis on the concentrated capture agent sample to obtain concentration information for elements such as Zn, Pb, Cu, rare earths, etc., and to draw a multi-element profile map, a contour diagram, and / or a rare earth element distribution mode diagram as evidence for the analysis of the results;”

[013] The article “COLLECTION AND OBSERVATION OF NANOPARTICLES AND THE SIGNIFICANCE FOR GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION, in Wutan Huatan Jisuan Jishu 36(6):708-714 · January 2014 with 15 Reads. DOI: 10.3969 / j.issn.1001-1749.2014.06.11. Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 14 / 38 5 / 11 of nanoparticles and their importance for geochemical exploration. Available at: https: / / www.researchgate.net / publication / 289565612_Collection_and_observation_of_nanoparticles_and_the_significance_for_geochemical_exploration [accessed August 28, 2018];

[014] The article “TEM STUDY OF GEOGAS-TRANSPORTED NANOPARTICLES FROM THE FANKOU LEAD-ZINC DEPOSIT, GUANGDONG PROVINCE, SOUTH CHINA, in Journal of Geochemical Exploration 128(128):124-135 · February. Published in 2013 in Journal of Geochemical Exploration [IF: 2.46]. DOI | 10.1016 / j.gexplo.2013.02.003. TEM study of geogas-transported nanoparticles from the Fankou Lead-Zinc Deposit, Guangdong Province, South China. Available at: https: / / www.researchgate.net / publication / 236261377_TEM_study_of_geogas-transported_nanoparticles_from_the_Fankou_Lead-Zinc_Deposit_Guangdong_Province_South_China [accessed August 28, 2018] Description of the figures

[015] Next, reference is made to the figures that accompany this descriptive report, for better understanding and illustration thereof, where one can see:

[016] Figure 1 shows a complete schematic of the structure of the Geogas-Transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device, the subject of this patent, highlighting its 5 main components, namely: a funnel-shaped main body (1) made of plastic, sleeve (2), tube (3) with zigzag cut, plate (4) containing MET grid (7) and lid (5).

[017] Figure 2 shows the top part of the Geogas-Transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device, the subject of this patent, highlighting its configuration details.

[018] Figure 3 shows a diagram of the components Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 15 / 38 6 / 11 removable from the Geogas-Transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device, object of the present patent, highlighting: the flow director (6), the support (4) for the MET grid (7) and the protection (8) of the MET grid (7).

[019] Figure 4 shows a diagram of the zigzag cut made in the tube (3) used in the protection (8) of the MET grid (7). Where the cut has the function of allowing the passage of Geogas.

[020] Figure 5 shows a schematic of the top side view of the Geogas-Transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device, object of the present patent, without the protection (8) of the MET grid (7), showing the through hole (11) made to introduce the support (4) for the plate-shaped MET grid (7). General description of the invention

[021] Next, a preferred, non-restrictive embodiment of the present device and method, the subject of this patent, is described, where the configuration and form of application may vary as appropriate for each type of mineralization prospecting desired; one of the constructive possibilities that lead to the realization of the described object and the way in which it works and is used is described.

[022] The Device and Method for Collecting Mineral Nanoparticles Transported by Geogases, the subject of this patent, refers to a device and method for indicating mineral deposits beneath the soil surface. More particularly, the invention relates to a device and its method of use for indicating deposits that do not exhibit the specific physical properties required when using geophysical prospecting or exploration methods known to date, or as a complement to traditional exploration techniques.

[023] In this Device for Collecting Mineral Nanoparticles transported by Geogases (10), the aim was to simplify the collector structure. Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 16 / 38 7 / 11 of mineral nanoparticles, using a medium-density polyethylene funnel, readily available on the market and, most importantly and uniquely, a small drawer was created that facilitates, speeds up and protects the placement and removal of the MET grid (7), which is the most vulnerable part of all devices of this nature.

[024] The Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), the subject of this patent, has the geometry of a funnel (1) made of plastic. The funnel (1) is preferably made of medium-density polyethylene, and the other parts are preferably made of PVC. The funnel (1) directs the Geogases to the respective upper part, where a MET grid collection device (7) is installed on the support plate (4), where the mineral nanoparticles are deposited on the surface. The MET grid (7) consists of a small screen with a diameter of 3.05 mm, with a thickness that can vary from 25 to 35 µm, depending on the chemical composition (e.g., Ni, Cu, Mo) arranged on the support plate (4). Above the MET grid (7), the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) has a removable protection (8) for the MET grid (7) against rainwater, which is made by a PVC cover (5).The protection (8) of the MET grid (7) is a removable part of the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10).

[025] The MET grid (7) is fixed by thin double-sided tape to a support (4), which consists of a small 50mm x 10mm plastic support plate (4). The support (4) for the MET grid (7) is introduced into the outlet, upper part of the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) where the smallest diameter of the funnel (1) is located through a through hole (11) made for this purpose.

[026] Nanoparticle collectors should be installed inside wells, excavated to a depth of 50 to 60 cm, regardless Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 17 / 38 8 / 11 of the soil profile type, and carefully buried with the same soil removed during the well excavation. A plastic tarp, placed on top, serves to protect the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) from rain. It is also recommended that drains be made along the strip where the collectors are buried.

[027] The Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), at the end of a period of 45 days, is carefully removed and sent to the laboratory for identification of the mineral nanoparticles by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

[028] Geochemical prospecting of geogases then becomes an extremely interesting technique, as it combines low costs with high investigative power of subsurface geology. According to scientific publications produced in various parts of the world, it is capable of detecting mineralogical anomalies generated hundreds of meters deep, detecting mineral nanoparticles carried by geogases through transported soils, and detecting nanoparticles transported through rocks of very low permeability. Detailed description of the invention

[029] The Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), the subject of this patent, consists of a large funnel (1) made of plastic material positioned inverted, where a sleeve (2) is fixed to the top of the funnel (1) for coupling the lid (5), forming protection against rainwater for the MET grid (7), where a tube (3) also made of PVC cut in a zigzag at the top is fixed to the top - the smaller diameter section of the funnel (1). Approximately, at the upper end of the funnel (1), the support (4) for the MET grid (7) is inserted through a through hole (11), which consists of a small 500x100mm plastic support plate (4) containing the MET grid (7). Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 18 / 38 9 / 11

[030] The Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), the subject of this patent, is formed by three removable components, namely: the flow director (6), the support (4) for the MET grid (7) and the protection (8) for the MET grid (7); wherein said flow director (6) is formed by an inverted funnel (1) which has a sleeve (2) fixed to the upper part of the funnel (1) and, in the smaller diameter section of the funnel (1) is fixed a tube (3), cut in a zigzag pattern, with these elements containing a through hole (11); wherein said support (4) for the MET grid (7) is formed by a support plate (4), which contains the MET grid (7), which consists of a small essentially metallic screen with small dimensions and a thickness between 25 and 35 µm, said support (4) for the MET grid (7) is inserted into the through hole (11); and where the protection (8) of the MET grid (7) consists of a cover (5).

[031] For its specific operation, the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), the subject of this patent, can be made with low-cost materials such as recycled plastics, PVC, medium-density polyethylene and other polymers and can have dimensions such as: 0300mm x 035mm x 360mm (lower diameter, upper diameter and height) and a unit weight of 830g for the funnel (1); 060mm x 40mm with a unit weight of 30g for the sleeve (2); 060mm x 90mm with a unit weight of 65g for the tube (3); 50mm x 10mm x 3mm (length, width and thickness) for the support plate (4); and 50mm x 0100mm and a unit weight of 65g for the upper part glued to a 060mm tube to form the lid (5).

[032] The Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection method, the subject of this patent, consists of positioning in the soil, installed inside excavated wells at a depth of around 50 to 60 cm, the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) formed by the large funnel (1) made of Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 19 / 38 10 / 11 plastic and positioned inverted, so that the funnel (1) directs the geogases to its respective upper part, where the TEM grid (7) is installed on the support plate (4), in which the mineral nanoparticles are deposited, transported by the geogases, which pass through it and, at the end of a period of 45 days, it is carefully removed and sent to the laboratory for identification of the mineral nanoparticles by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM); where the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), regardless of the type of soil profile, is carefully buried with the same soil removed during the excavation of the well, making drains along the excavation strip and then a plastic tarp is placed on top, with the function of protecting the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) from rain. Advantages

[033] Thus, the Device and Method for Collecting Mineral Nanoparticles transported by Geogases, the subject of this patent, as described above, have a new and unique configuration and operation that give them great advantages over devices and methods currently used and found on the market for the same application. Among these advantages, we can mention: the ability to detect mineralizations that occur at great depths, up to 1,000 meters, and at the same time eliminate the barrier produced by the existence of transported soils that may occur between the mineralizations in the subsurface and the devices installed on the surface; and the ease of construction, use and low cost.

[034] Thus, from the configuration and operating characteristics described above, it can be clearly seen that the DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES TRANSPORTED BY GEOGASES are a device and method for Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, p. 20 / 38 11 / 11 new use for the state of the art, which has unprecedented conditions of innovation, inventive activity and industrialization, which make it worthy of the privilege of an invention patent. Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, p. 21 / 38

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. DEVICE FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES TRANSPORTED BY GEOGASES (10) characterized by being formed by three removable components, namely: a flow director (6), a support (4) for MET grid (7) and a protection (8) for the MET grid (7); wherein the flow director (6) is formed by an inverted funnel (1), which has a sleeve (2) fixed to the upper part of the funnel (1), and in the smaller diameter section of the funnel (1) is fixed a tube (3), cut in a zigzag pattern at the top, with these elements containing a through hole (11); where the support (4) for MET grid (7) is formed by a support plate (4) which contains the MET grid (7) which consists of a small essentially metallic screen with small dimensions and thickness between 25 to 35 pm, the support (4) for MET grid (7) is inserted into the through hole (11); and where the protection (8) of the MET grid (7) consists of a cover (5).

2. METHOD FOR COLLECTING MINERAL NANOPARTICLES carried out using the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) as defined in claim 1, characterized by consisting of positioning in the soil, installed inside excavated wells at a depth of around 50 to 60 cm, the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) formed by the large funnel (1) made of plastic and positioned inverted, so that the funnel (1) directs the Geogases to the respective upper part, where the MET grid collection device (7) is installed on the support plate (4), in which it adsorbs the mineral nanoparticles that pass through it and at the end of a period of 45 days, it is carefully removed and sent to the laboratory for identification of the mineral nanoparticles by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM);where the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10), regardless of the type of soil profile where it is buried, is carefully buried with the same soil removed during the well excavation, making drains along the excavation strip and then a plastic tarp is placed on top, with the function of protecting the Geogas-transported Mineral Nanoparticle Collection Device (10) from rain. Petition 870260049846, dated 05 / 25 / 2026, page 23 / 38;

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