Method for extracting material from a subterranean formation and probe assembly for such extraction

Abstract

A method for extracting material from a subterranean formation is described. One or more probe assemblies are inserted into a subterranean formation comprising soil. The one or more probe assemblies liquefy soil within an area of influence by vibrating the one or more probe assemblies and ejecting fluid from the one or more probe assemblies into the subterranean formation. The liquefied soil is extracted from the subterranean formation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to material extraction, and more specifically to methods for extracting target materials (such as minerals or soil) from underground strata. This disclosure also relates to a probe assembly that can be used for such extraction. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional methods of extracting minerals from land include, for example, open-pit mining. However, such methods are typically costly, equipment-intensive, and highly destructive to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the environmental damage caused by open-pit surface mining, including excessive greenhouse gas emissions, can be very severe.

[0003] In contrast, traditional offshore mining methods employ mechanical excavators and processing facilities located on floating barges. Therefore, mining depth is limited by the length of the excavator's boom and stick, as well as tidal influences. Furthermore, the excavated material typically consists of mineral-free gravel, pebbles, and boulders, and this material is usually only removed from within a few feet of the seabed. As the bucket is lifted from the seabed to the processing facility, material is also lost due to the bucket angle and the scouring effect of the surrounding water.

[0004] Meanwhile, small-scale marine mineral extraction methods rely on divers descending to the seabed and operating suction dredgers to extract placer deposits from the surface of the seabed. However, such methods have very low yields and recovery rates, are highly dependent on weather conditions, and pose certain dangers to the personnel involved.

[0005] Similarly, traditional waterway and port dredging methods involve the use of various types of barges loaded with machinery. These methods typically involve dredging the seabed, and some may involve material extraction combined with dredging. These methods are costly, equipment-intensive, and relatively inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for extracting material from a stratum is provided, the method comprising: inserting one or more probe assemblies into a subsurface stratum comprising soil; causing soil liquefaction in an area affected by the one or more probe assemblies, wherein liquefaction comprises vibrating the one or more probe assemblies and injecting fluid from the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface stratum; and extracting the liquefied soil from the subsurface stratum.

[0007] The subsurface strata may also include the target material. Extraction may also include extracting the target material and liquefied soil from the subsurface strata.

[0008] Extraction may include pumping liquefied soil away from the underground formation using one or more probe components.

[0009] The fluid may include one or more of pressurized air and pressurized water.

[0010] Liquefaction can also involve repeatedly raising and lowering one or more probe assemblies within underground formations.

[0011] Inserting one or more probe assemblies into a subsurface formation may include inserting the one or more probe assemblies into a first location within the subsurface formation. The method may also include removing the one or more probe assemblies from the first location and inserting the one or more probe assemblies into a second location within the subsurface formation.

[0012] The first position can be 2 to 3 feet apart from the second position.

[0013] The method may also include removing one or more probe assemblies from the second location and inserting one or more probe assemblies into other locations in the subsurface location to form a grid consisting of the locations where one or more probe assemblies have been inserted in the subsurface strata.

[0014] Adjacent rows of the grid can be staggered by approximately 1.25 to 1.75 feet.

[0015] Extraction may include filtering liquefied soil so that only particles with a diameter of less than 100 mm are extracted.

[0016] One or more probe assemblies may include a first probe assembly and a second probe assembly. Liquefaction may include vibrating at least the first probe assembly and injecting fluid at least from the first probe assembly into the subsurface formation. Extraction may include pumping the liquefied soil out of the subsurface formation through the second probe assembly.

[0017] Extraction may also include aspirating liquefied soil away from the underground strata using only the second probe assembly.

[0018] Subsurface strata may include subsurface geological structures, a portion of the seabed, or a portion of the bottom of a body of water.

[0019] The method may also include separating the extracted target material from the extracted soil.

[0020] The target material may include one or more of placer minerals, rare earth minerals, and oil sands.

[0021] Liquefaction may include vibrating the first probe assembly and the second probe assembly.

[0022] Inserting one or more probe assemblies into underground formations may include inserting one or more probe assemblies using one or more follower tubes connected to one or more probe assemblies.

[0023] Inserting one or more probe assemblies into underground formations may include inserting one or more probe assemblies using one or more flexible cables connected to the probe assemblies.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a probe assembly for extracting material from a subsurface formation is provided, the probe assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the subsurface formation; a vibrator located at the lower end of the housing for applying vibration to material within the vibrator's area of ​​influence; one or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing to the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing; and one or more suction conduits extending at least partially along the length of the housing and configured to allow liquefied soil drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing.

[0025] The probe assembly may also include a nose cone located at the lower end of the housing, the nose cone having holes formed therein to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the housing via the nose cone.

[0026] The holes in the nose cone can be connected to one or more suction tubes to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into one or more suction tubes via the nose cone.

[0027] The probe assembly may also include a mesh structure located between the upper and lower ends of the housing, wherein pores are formed in the mesh structure to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the housing via the mesh structure.

[0028] The holes in the mesh structure can be connected to one or more suction conduits to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into one or more suction conduits via the mesh structure.

[0029] One or more pores formed in one or more suction cannulas can be sized to allow only particles no larger than 100 mm to flow through. The pores in a nasal cone can be sized to allow only particles no larger than 100 mm to flow through. The pores in a mesh structure can be sized to allow only particles no larger than 100 mm to flow through.

[0030] One or more suction cannulas may extend along the outside of the housing.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a pair of probe assemblies for extracting material from an underground formation are provided, comprising: a first probe assembly including: an elongated shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground formation; one or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the shell to the lower end of the shell to be ejected from the shell; and a second probe assembly including: an elongated shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground formation; and one or more suction conduits extending at least partially along the length of the shell and configured to allow liquefied soil and material drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the shell.

[0032] The first probe assembly may also include a vibrator located at the lower end of the housing for applying vibration to the material within the vibrator's influence area.

[0033] The second probe assembly may also include one or more fluid ejectors to allow fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing to the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising: a pumping device; a probe assembly including: an elongated housing having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into a subsurface stratum; a vibrator located at the lower end of the housing for applying vibration to soil within the vibrator's area of ​​influence; one or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing to the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing; and one or more suction conduits extending at least partially along the length of the housing and configured to allow liquefied soil drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing.

[0035] The system may also include a processing facility for receiving liquefied soil extracted from the underground strata by the probe assembly.

[0036] The system may also include storage containers for receiving liquefied soil.

[0037] This invention does not necessarily describe all aspects or the full scope of the invention. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 A probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2A and Figure 2B A front view and a side view of a probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 3A and Figure 3B Embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The probe assembly in the image sprays fluid into the underground strata. (Front view and side view) Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that jets fluid and extracts liquefied soil and minerals from underground strata; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for extracting target materials from underground strata according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates a probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure inserted into an underground formation, wherein the target material is covered by a cover layer material; Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure inserted into multiple different locations in an underground stratum, wherein the target material is covered by a cover layer material; Figure 8 A grid showing the locations and associated spacings of probe assemblies inserted into underground strata according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 A dual-probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for liquefying soil and extracting liquefied soil and minerals from underground strata; Figure 10A and Figure 10B The illustration shows a dual-probe assembly inserted into an underground formation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the target material is covered by a cover layer material; Figure 11A and Figure 11B A front view and a side view of a probe assembly without a follower tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 12A and Figure 12B Embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The probe assembly in the image sprays fluid into the underground strata. (Front view and side view) Figure 13 A probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for dredging or removing material from the bottom of a body of water; Figure 14 The illustration shows a probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure inserted into multiple different locations in underground strata to dredge or remove material from the bottom of a body of water; and Figure 15 A grid showing the location and associated spacing of a probe assembly inserted into underground strata according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for dredging or removing material from the bottom of a body of water. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure aims to provide an improved method for extracting materials from subsurface formations, and an improved probe assembly for such extraction. Although various embodiments of this disclosure are described below, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and variations of these embodiments may fall entirely within the scope of this disclosure as defined only by the appended claims.

[0041] In general, according to embodiments of this disclosure, methods for extracting target materials (such as sand, placer minerals, rare earth minerals, or oil sands) from subsurface formations are described. Subsurface formations can be any strata below the Earth's surface, whether that surface is land or water. Therefore, subsurface formations include subterranean formations and strata located at the bottom of the seabed or a body of water (such as oceans, lakes, rivers, ports, or other waterways).

[0042] A probe assembly is inserted into a subsurface stratum, which may include soil particles and pore spaces containing water and air mixed with the target material. The soil within the influence area is then liquefied. Specifically, the probe assembly is vibrated, and a fluid, such as pressurized gas or liquid, is injected from the probe assembly into the subsurface stratum. The soil within the influence area can be considered sufficiently close to the probe assembly to break up under the action of vibration and the injected fluid. The liquefied soil and any target material mixed with it are then extracted from the subsurface stratum. For example, the liquefied soil and target material can be drawn or pumped to the surface through the probe assembly by applying a pressure differential between the top and bottom of the probe assembly for further processing.

[0043] Soil liquefaction can occur when saturated or partially saturated soils significantly lose strength and stiffness in response to applied stress (such as oscillations during an earthquake) or in response to a sudden change in stress state. Due to liquefaction, materials that are normally solid can behave like liquids.

[0044] According to some implementations, the extracted "target" material may include sand / soil from the bottom of the water body, without any associated minerals. Therefore, the methods and systems described herein can be used to dredge the bottom of a water body by extracting the material (i.e., sand / soil) contained therein. The extracted material can then be transported to a storage device without further processing. In such cases, the objective of the method is not necessarily to extract minerals from the bottom of the water body for subsequent processing, but rather to reduce the height of the bottom, for example, to allow safe passage for vessels at sea.

[0045] In general, throughout this disclosure, soil can be homogeneous (e.g., consisting only of sand, silt, clay, gravel, pebbles, or organic matter) or heterogeneous (including any combination of soil types, including but not limited to sand, silt, clay, gravel, pebbles, and / or organic matter).

[0046] These methods and probe assemblies that can be used in these methods will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Transfer to Figure 1An example of a probe assembly 100 that can be used for the extraction of sand, placer minerals (or other target materials) as described herein is shown. For clarity, the probe assembly 100 is shown without any suction tube, but Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example of a suction tube attached to probe assembly 100 is shown, which will be described in further detail below. Probe assembly 100 may be referred to as a vibratory device (or simply a "vibratory device"). Probe assembly 100 includes a housing that includes a follower tube 12 connected at its lower end to a vibrator 14. Vibrator 14 internally houses an electric or pneumatic motor 16, the output of which is coupled to an eccentric shaft 18. Eccentric shaft 18 rotates under the drive of electric or pneumatic motor 16, thereby imparting high-frequency vibrations to vibrator 14 for liquefying soil, as described in further detail below. Vibration damper 20 is located between follower tube 12 and vibrator 14 to attenuate vibrations generated by vibrator 14 or otherwise prevent vibrations from being transmitted to follower tube 12.

[0048] A pair of stabilizing vanes 22 are provided on opposite sides of the vibrator 14. The vanes 22 prevent the probe assembly 100 from rotating too quickly during operation. Multiple fluid openings 24 are provided at the lower end of the follower tube 12, adjacent to the vibration damper 20, to allow fluid pumped into the follower tube 12 to be sprayed into the medium (i.e., underground formation) through which the probe assembly 100 moves, as seen in the fluid jet 26. Any suitable number of fluid openings 24 can be present. According to some embodiments, instead of fluid flowing through the interior of the follower tube 12, suitable pipes / ducts / conduits can be provided on the exterior of the follower tube 12, through which fluid can be pumped.

[0049] The vibrator 14 is provided with an additional fluid opening 28 along its length. Fluid pumped through the follower tube 12 can be delivered to the vibrator 14 via a suitable conduit that can be connected to the fluid opening 28. Thus, the fluid opening 28 provides an additional location where the fluid pumped through the follower tube 12 and the vibrator 14 can be ejected from the probe assembly 100.

[0050] The probe assembly 100 also includes a nose cone 30 disposed at the lower end of the vibrator 14. The nose cone 30 is provided with an external mesh cover so that liquefied soil and other particulate matter of a certain size (such as placer minerals) can be drawn into the suction tube 34 in response to suction applied to the nose cone 30 and the suction tube 34 (described in further detail below, also referred to as a suction conduit), thereby creating a pressure differential between the surrounding soil within the area of ​​influence of the probe assembly 100 and the suction tubes 34 located on the sides and bottom of the probe assembly 100. Extraction of liquefied soil and minerals from the bottom of the probe assembly 100 may be important for heavy minerals that tend to sink in liquefied soil.

[0051] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram shows a front view and a side view of the probe assembly 100, wherein suction tubes 34 are provided on opposite sides of the probe assembly 100. The lower end of the suction tube 34 is connected to the nose cone 30, allowing liquefied soil and minerals flowing into the probe assembly 100 under suction to be drawn into the suction tube 34 and flow along its entire length to the upper end of the probe assembly 100. A hole 38 is provided along a portion of the suction tube 34 (near the vibrator), allowing liquefied soil and minerals to enter the probe assembly 100 not only via the nose cone 30 but also to be drawn into the suction tube 34 along a portion of the probe assembly 100's length. The hole 38 can be sized to allow only particles of a predetermined size (such as 3″ or smaller) to enter the suction tube 34.

[0052] A flexible connector 32 is provided between the suction tube 34 attached to the vibrator 14 and the suction tube 34 attached to the follower tube 12. The vibrator 14 may bend and swing at its connection with the follower tube 12, so the flexible connector 32 can reduce the relevant stress on the suction tube 34.

[0053] The diameter of the suction tube 34 can be, for example, 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, or 12″. More or fewer suction tubes 34 may be fixed to the exterior of the probe assembly 100. According to some embodiments, the suction tubes 34 may extend at least partially into the interior of the probe assembly 100.

[0054] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As can be seen, the probe assembly 100 may further include one or more mesh portions 36 for allowing liquefied soil and minerals to enter the suction tube 34. Specifically, the mesh portions 36 are fluidly connected to the suction tube 34, allowing liquefied soil and minerals to flow into the suction tube 34 via the mesh portions 36.

[0055] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows Figure 2A and Figure 2B The probe assembly 100 ejects pressurized water / air from fluid openings 24 and 28.

[0056] Figure 4The diagram illustrates the insertion of a probe assembly 100 into a subsurface stratum 40 comprising soil mixed with target materials, such as placer minerals. Vibration of a vibrator 14, combined with a fluid jet 26 ejected from the probe assembly 100, defines an influence zone 42 within which the subsurface stratum is liquefied. According to some embodiments, the influence zone 42 can extend up to a radius of 3 feet from the probe assembly 100, depending on the surrounding soil type. The influence zone 42 can be considered to include all soil liquefied in response to the vibrations generated by the probe assembly 100 and the fluid jet 26. Soil liquefaction can occur by increasing pore pressure and reducing effective stress to zero, allowing the probe assembly 100 to descend to relatively deep subsurface depths at a relatively rapid rate. The liquefied soil and its mixed placer minerals are then drawn into the suction tube 34 of the probe assembly 100 via orifices 38, a mesh nose cone 30, and a mesh section 36. Soil located outside the affected area 42 is too far from the probe assembly 100 to be sufficiently liquefied or completely non-liquefied, and therefore cannot be drawn into the probe assembly 100.

[0057] Various methods for extracting target materials (such as placer minerals) from underground locations will now be described. First, in... Figure 5 In the context of this, a general method is described.

[0058] like Figure 5 As can be seen in box 52, one or more probe assemblies are inserted into a subsurface stratum comprising soil (e.g., sand, gravel, pebbles, silt, clay, organic matter, or mixtures thereof) and a target material. According to some embodiments, the target material may be placer minerals. Placer minerals may include, for example, gold, gold ore (or other ores), diamonds, garnet, iron, platinum, ruby, sapphire, tin, titanium, uranium, zirconium, and other heavy minerals and deposits. The target material may also include rare earth elements and minerals, as well as petroleum in oil sands formations.

[0059] At frame 54, one or more probe assemblies are used to influence soil liquefaction within the area. Specifically, one or more types of pressurized air and pressurized water are ejected from various openings along the length of each probe assembly. Simultaneously, a vibrator on each probe assembly is vibrated. The vibration, combined with the ejection of one or more fluids from each probe assembly, causes each probe assembly to influence soil liquefaction within the area.

[0060] At frame 56, liquefied soil and any target material mixed with it are extracted from the affected area. Specifically, in response to the pressure difference between the suction tube 34 and the liquefied soil around the probe assembly (e.g., using a surface pump), the liquefied soil and target material flow toward the orifice 38, nose cone 30 and mesh portion 36 that restrict particle size, and are drawn into the probe assembly, for example, via a conduit disposed outside the probe assembly (as described above).

[0061] At box 58, a suitable processing device is used to separate the extracted target material from the extracted soil. For example, gravity-assisted separation can be used to separate the extracted target material from the extracted soil.

[0062] As will be described in further detail, a similar method can be used to dredge the bottom of the water body. In this case, the extracted material (i.e., soil / sand) does not require treatment and can be directly stored in a storage device for future use / disposal.

[0063] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates a probe assembly 60 inserted into an underground stratum 62 comprising a target mining area 64 for the extraction of placer minerals. As shown, the probe assembly 60 is connected to an assembly comprising a crane 66 with a boom 68, pipe and hose extensions, a water and / or air supply unit 70, one or more suction pumps 72, and a processing facility 74.

[0064] Crane 66 is configured to lower probe assembly 60 from the ground surface (when extracting minerals from the ground) or from a floating barge or similar vessel (when extracting minerals from the subsurface seabed). As described above, probe assembly 60 liquefies the soil near probe assembly 60 during descent by vibrating and injecting water and / or compressed air into the surrounding soil matrix. Figure 6A Depending on the soil matrix composition and groundwater conditions, varying amounts of water or air can be used to promote soil matrix liquefaction. Target mining area 64 may include a soil column penetrated by the probe assembly as it descends, or may include one or more soil layers at a specific depth below the surface of the ground or seabed.

[0065] After the probe assembly 60 reaches the target mining area 64, the probe assembly 60 is slowly raised from the bottom of the target mining area 64 to the top of the target mining area 64. Figure 6B The probe assembly 60 is repeatedly raised and lowered within the target mining area 64 to agitate, loosen, and extract the soil and placer minerals within the target mining area 64. Repeated raising and lowering of the probe assembly 60 (with or without water injection) also helps prevent soil consolidation around the follow-up tube due to the dissipation of positive pore pressure over time. Preventing soil consolidation by positioning fluid jets along a portion or the entire length of the follow-up tube can further aid in this process. Such fluid jets can help create a liquefied slurry zone centered around the follow-up tube.

[0066] A suction pump 72 generates suction at the lower end of the probe assembly 100. Therefore, the suction pump 72 draws liquefied and otherwise loosened sand, gravel, silt, clay, organic matter, or placer minerals, or mixtures thereof, from the target mining area 64 into the probe assembly 60. As described above, the suction pipe, upper housing, and nose cone externally disposed of in the probe assembly 60 may include one or more filters (such as screens or mesh structures) to ensure that only soil and placer particles with a diameter smaller than a specified value (e.g., less than 100 mm, or in some cases less than 75 mm) are allowed to enter the suction pipe for pumping to the treatment facility 74. Silt, clay, sand, gravel, organic matter, or placer minerals, or mixtures thereof, form a slurry with groundwater and / or injected water and are extracted from the target mining area 64. Remaining in-situ coarse gravel and pebbles are retained at their original depth after all fine-grained material has been washed away.

[0067] The extracted material is brought to the surface. Once at the surface, the extracted soil and placer minerals can be processed in treatment facility 74, for example, in a conventional treatment facility, where the placer minerals are separated from the liquefied soil by gravity separation and then processed. Depending on the nature of the deposit, if further processing beyond gravity separation is required, the slurry can be pumped through pipelines to a more complex treatment facility.

[0068] like Figure 7 As can be seen, after the material in target mining area 64 has been largely removed, the probe assembly 60 is raised above the ground or seabed and repositioned near the previous insertion location, then lowered back into target mining area 64 to repeat the process. This process can continue in a grid pattern, where the probe assembly 60 is 2 to 3 feet from the previous insertion location, and each subsequent row is offset by up to 1.5 feet relative to the previous row, until the soil and placer deposits in target mining area 64 have been largely removed. Figure 8 An example of this grid pattern is shown. For example... Figure 7 It can also be seen that after the probe assembly 60 was removed, a portion of the underground stratum 62 directly above the liquefaction zone in the target mining area 64 had been reconsolidated.

[0069] According to some implementation methods, mineral extraction methods can be performed using a dual-probe assembly, such as... Figure 9 As shown in the image. Figure 9 A pair of probe assemblies 100a and 100b are shown for liquefying soil and extracting the liquefied soil and associated minerals to the surface. The description of probe assemblies 100a and 100b is consistent with... Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The probe assembly 100 shown is similar, and the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0070] According to this embodiment, both probe assembly 100a and probe assembly 100b are used to liquefy the soil, but typically only probe assembly 100b is used to extract the liquefied soil and associated minerals. Therefore, probe assembly 100a does not require any suction tube or similar device to extract the liquefied soil and minerals. Furthermore, probe assembly 100a does not need to include any external mesh covering and / or a mesh nose cone for allowing the extraction of liquefied soil and minerals from subsurface strata. For example, as... Figure 9 As can be seen, the nose cone 30a of the probe assembly 100a can be a solid nose cone, in which no holes are formed.

[0071] The probe assembly 100b is responsible for extracting liquefied soil and minerals. However, it is still advantageous for the probe assembly 100b to be configured for fluid injection to promote the penetration and liquefaction of the soil matrix, so the probe assembly 100b is also configured to allow fluid to be ejected from an opening provided along the length of the probe assembly 100b for liquefying the surrounding soil (as described above).

[0072] Generally, the probe assemblies are allowed to rotate because they are typically suspended from freely rotating steel cables connected to the crane boom. To enable efficient extraction of liquefied soil and minerals by the probe assembly 100b, ideally, rotation of the probe assembly 100b should be restricted at the crossbeam 71, thereby preventing or at least minimizing rotation of the suction device during surface operation. This ensures that the suction pipe 34b on the side of the probe assembly 100b closest to the probe assembly 100a remains as close as possible to the liquefied soil area located between the probe assemblies 100a and 100b. Furthermore, rotation of the probe assembly 100a can be prevented or at least minimized by ensuring that the fluid opening on the side of the probe assembly 100a closest to the probe assembly 100b always points towards the probe assembly 100b, so that the main jet and flow of fluid from the probe assembly 100a can always be directed towards the probe assembly 100b. Alternatively, equal amounts of fluid can be ejected from both sides of the probe assembly 100a. Figure 9 Only water sprayed onto probe assembly 100b is shown in the image. Figure 9 The dual-probe assembly arrangement shown allows for positive pressure to be generated at probe assembly 100a and negative pressure at probe assembly 100b. This can facilitate the formation of conditions for liquefied mineral soil or oil mortar to flow from probe assembly 100a to probe assembly 100b.

[0073] There are several ways to limit the rotation of the probe assembly, such as by using a mechanical device to connect the follower tube to the crossbeam 71 (e.g., a welded chain can be used to prevent the probe assembly from rotating at the crossbeam 71).

[0074] Figure 10A and Figure 10BThe diagram shows a dual-probe assembly 60 inserted into an underground stratum 62 comprising a target mining area 64 for the extraction of placer minerals. Figure 10A and Figure 10B and Figure 6A and Figure 6B Similarly, the same features are represented using the same reference numerals.

[0075] The placer mineral extraction method described in this paper can significantly increase yield (milligrams of minerals per cubic meter of treated soil) by removing only the mineral-bearing soil from a defined target mining area. This method avoids large-scale excavation and the unnecessary transportation and handling of large pebbles and boulders, and reduces equipment wear.

[0076] Traditional open-pit mining may require the removal of large amounts of topsoil to reach the mineralized target area. This topsoil must be stockpiled for subsequent on-site remediation, resulting in secondary handling of unmineralized soil, which is time-consuming, equipment-intensive, and costly. Furthermore, open-pit mining requires the excavation of mineralized soil using excavators (excavators and bulldozers) and its transport from the target area to processing facilities by truck, necessitating a complex process of stockpiling and secondary handling of the mineralized soil. The embodiments of this disclosure eliminate the need for transporting and secondary handling of topsoil and mineralized material, minimizing environmental impact and the need for land remediation, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of mineral extracted. Therefore, the mineral extraction method described herein can offer significant advantages over traditional open-pit mining.

[0077] The probe assembly can reach depths of up to 200 feet within minutes without removing overburden soil, thus avoiding the costly and time-consuming process of removing overburden to reach mineralized soil. The probe assembly can precisely extract mineralized soil from target areas or subsurface layers over large areas where it is economically infeasible in conventional open-pit mining. The extracted soil and mineral slurry can be pumped long distances to and directly injected into processing facilities, avoiding expensive transportation and handling costs. Post-mining surface restoration disturbance can be significantly reduced, and costs are also significantly lower due to minimal disturbance. By extracting only the mineralized soil, the mineral yield per cubic meter of disturbed soil can be several orders of magnitude higher than in conventional open-pit mining, while the greenhouse gas emissions per gram or ounce of mineral extracted can be several orders of magnitude lower.

[0078] In marine environments, current methods for recovering placer minerals are limited to seabed or near-seabed surface sediments, typically at depths of 6 inches to 3 feet. Suction dredgers are generally limited to mineral deposits within one foot of the seabed top, while barge-mounted bucket operations (excavators) are limited by water depth and the length of the equipment's boom and stick. Current methods are very inefficient and have limited reach, making them economically feasible only in extremely rich mineral areas. Therefore, the mineral extraction method described in this paper can offer significant advantages over conventional marine mining. For example, probe assemblies are not limited by water depth, thus enabling them to target deep-water sediments inaccessible to conventional equipment. The probe assemblies described in this paper are not limited to surface mining and can extract mineralized deposits at significant depths below the seabed without removing overburden, with minimal and short-term disturbance to the seabed. Therefore, the mineral extraction method described in this paper addresses many of the drawbacks of marine mining while significantly improving mining reach, yield, and efficiency compared to conventional marine mining methods.

[0079] Furthermore, according to some implementations, the probe assembly can be equipped with up to four suction slurry pumps, similar to the EDDY Pump Corporation's HD 12000 Heavy Duty Slurry Pump, capable of conveying slurry mixtures with particle sizes up to 12″ (300 mm). Such pumps can deliver 1590 cubic meters of material per hour at an efficiency of 45.6%, with a hydraulic head of 110 feet (33.5 m). Considering pump efficiency, a slurry composition of 2 parts water to 1 part particle material, and allowing time for probe repositioning, a single probe assembly can employ one 12″ pump or two 6″ pumps, processing 330 cubic meters of material per hour. This is without removing the capping layer and assumes that 70% of the soil particles in the target area are smaller than the specified filter size (75 mm to 100 mm) of the probe assembly's suction pipe / nose cone. If the excavator removes all such material at a rate of 470 cubic meters per hour (mm), then the equivalent processing rate is 470 cubic meters per hour. The dual-probe assembly, operating at 80% of the efficiency of the single-probe assembly, can be expected to be equivalent to processing 753 cubic meters per hour. Therefore, the method according to the embodiments described herein can extract most of the mineralized soil at two to four times the yield of a conventional two-cubic-meter bucket excavator (240 cubic meters per hour), while generating 30% less waste than conventional methods, without the need to extract and process uneconomical subsurface soil or remove overburden.

[0080] Beyond placer deposits, the mineral extraction methods described in this paper can provide a valuable alternative to open-pit mining of shallow oil sands, and also a valuable alternative to deep oil sands currently mined using steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Overall, the oil sands mineral extraction methods described in this paper are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to current methods used in the oil sands industry.

[0081] As mentioned above, in addition to being used for extracting placer deposits and other mineral deposits, methods for liquefying and extracting soil materials (such as sand) can be used to dredge the bottom of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and ports. Therefore, the methods described herein can provide a valuable alternative to traditional, inefficient, and costly dredging methods.

[0082] When dredging the bottom of a body of water, probe assemblies with follow-up tubes may not be necessary because the goal is to remove material from the bottom to a specified depth, and the rigidity of the assembly is less critical at shallow depths. Therefore, [the text continues...] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The diagram shows a front and side view of a probe assembly 500 without a follower tube, which can be used for such dredging. Instead of a follower tube, the probe assembly 500 can be lowered to the bottom of the water using heavy-duty steel cables or similar wire ropes 120, for example, operated from a crane on a barge. The description of the probe assembly 500 is consistent with... Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The probe assembly 100 shown is similar, and the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0083] Furthermore, the probe assembly 500 includes a supply tube 250 and an extraction tube 340 disposed on both sides thereof. Figure 11A As can be seen, the supply pipe 250 extends downward along two opposite sides of the probe assembly 500 and is configured to inject water (or other fluid) into the surrounding soil medium. For example... Figure 11B As can be seen, the extraction tube 340 extends downward along the other two opposite sides of the probe assembly 500 and is used to extract liquefied soil and water to the surface for treatment or storage by suction. The extraction tube 340 may be the same as / similar to the suction tube 34 described above. For example, the lower end of the extraction tube 340 may be connected to the nose cone 300, so that liquefied soil flowing toward the probe assembly 500 under suction is drawn into the extraction tube 340 and can flow along the entire length of the extraction tube 340 toward the upper end of the probe assembly 500. The extraction tube 340 is provided with holes along a portion of its length (the portion near the vibrator), so that liquefied soil can not only enter the probe assembly 500 via the nose cone 300, but also be drawn into the extraction tube 340 along a portion of the length of the probe assembly 500.

[0084] Figure 12A and Figure 12B It shows Figure 11Aand Figure 11B The probe assembly 500 ejects pressurized water / air from the supply pipe 250, as seen in the fluid jet 260.

[0085] Transfer to Figure 13 An example of a probe assembly 500 for dredging the bottom 805 of a body of water 800 is shown. Below the bottom 805 may lie a more robust subsurface geological formation 810, such as a harder sedimentary layer or bedrock. Alternatively, when dredging sand to clear a waterway, the formation 810 may simply contain more sand that does not need to be removed, as the required dredging depth has been reached. The probe assembly 500 can be seen connected to a component including a crane 660 with a boom 680, pipe and hose extensions, a water and / or air supply unit 700, one or more suction pumps 720, and a treatment facility or dredged sand storage unit 735.

[0086] The soil surrounding the probe assembly 500 is liquefied and extracted by a slurry pump 720. The extracted soil is transported to a treatment facility or a dredged sand storage unit 735. Specifically, if the soil contains other target materials that need to be separated from the soil, such as minerals, it can be treated at the treatment facility. Alternatively, if the soil does not require treatment, it can be stored directly in the storage unit for future use / disposal.

[0087] like Figure 14 As can be seen, during dredging, the soil is reorganized into the natural rest angle of natural soil (typically 30 to 45 degrees), forming pyramidal or triangular structures. Each triangular "pile" of soil can then be further extracted by inserting a probe assembly 500 into the pile. Figure 14 As can be seen, probe assembly 500 extracts soil from pile 812. The extracted material may include sand or fine-grained material deposited in water bodies by tides and currents, which need to be maintained at specific depths to ensure safe passage for vessels at sea. Alternatively, underwater sand layers may be extracted for other uses.

[0088] Figure 15An exemplary extraction pattern that can be used when dredging the bottom of a body of water is shown. According to a non-limiting example, for saturated soil with a natural repose angle of 30 degrees, if the required soil material depth is 10 meters, the spacing between insertion points (i.e., the points where the probe components are inserted) could be, for example, approximately 34.6 meters. Therefore, to excavate an area with sides of 103.8 meters and a depth of 10 meters, 13 extractions are required: 9 primary extractions, as shown in reference numeral 905, and 4 secondary extractions, as shown in reference numeral 910. Each cone (10 meters deep, 34.6 meters in diameter) would take approximately 3 hours to complete the extraction. Of course, the precise spacing depends on the soil type and density. The above example is for loose sand with a natural repose angle of 30 degrees as indicated. The above example further assumes the use of an HD 12000 Heavy Duty Slurry Pump from EDDY Pump Corporation, removing 26.5 cubic meters of slurry per minute.

[0089] When used in conjunction with the terms "comprising" or "including" in the claims and / or description, the word "a" or "an" may mean "one," but may also be consistent with the meanings of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more," unless otherwise expressly stated. Similarly, the word "another" may mean at least a second or more, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0090] As used herein, the terms “connection,” “connector,” or “link” can have a variety of meanings depending on the specific context. For example, as used herein, the terms connection, connector, or link can mean two elements or devices directly connected to each other, or connected to each other by mechanical means through one or more intermediate elements or devices, depending on the specific context. When used in conjunction with a list of items, the term “and / or” means any one or more items included in that list.

[0091] As used in this article, using “about,” “approximately,” or “basically” to describe a value means that the value is within + / - 10% of that value.

[0092] The use of language such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and Z,” or “at least one of X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to include both single items (e.g., only X, or only Y, or only Z) and multiple items (e.g., {X and Y}, {X and Z}, {Y and Z}, or {X, Y, and Z}). The phrase “at least one” and similar phrases are not intended to indicate that every possible item must be present, although every possible item may be present.

[0093] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications or variations to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0094] Furthermore, any aspect or any part of any implementation discussed in this specification may be implemented or combined with any other aspect or any part of any implementation discussed in this specification. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A method for extracting materials from a formation, comprising: One or more probe assemblies are inserted into the subsurface strata, including soil, by allowing each probe assembly to descend to the subsurface strata using its own weight. During the descent of each probe assembly using its own weight, soil liquefaction is caused within the area affected by the one or more probe assemblies, wherein the liquefaction includes vibrating the one or more probe assemblies and injecting fluid from the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface strata; and Liquefied soil was extracted from the underground strata. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The underground strata also include the target material; and The extraction also includes extracting the target material and the liquefied soil from the underground strata. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction comprises aspirating the liquefied soil away from the underground stratum via the one or more probe assemblies. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of pressurized air and pressurized water. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The liquefaction also includes repeatedly raising and lowering the one or more probe assemblies within the underground formation. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Inserting the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface formation includes inserting the one or more probe assemblies into a first location within the subsurface formation; and The method further includes removing the one or more probe components from the first location and inserting the one or more probe components into a second location in the underground strata. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first position is spaced 2 to 3 feet from the second position. 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the method further comprises: The one or more probe components are removed from the second location and inserted into other locations in the subsurface strata to form a grid consisting of the locations where the one or more probe components were inserted in the subsurface strata. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein adjacent rows of the grid are staggered from each other by approximately 1.25 to 1.75 feet. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the extraction comprises filtering the liquefied soil such that only particles with a diameter less than 100 mm are extracted. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The one or more probe components include a first probe component and a second probe component; The liquefaction includes at least vibrating the first probe assembly and injecting the fluid at least from the first probe assembly into the underground formation; and The extraction includes aspirating the liquefied soil away from the underground stratum using the second probe assembly. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the extraction further comprises aspirating the liquefied soil away from the underground formation solely through the second probe assembly. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the underground strata include an underground geological structure layer, a portion of the seabed, or a portion of the bottom of a body of water. 14. The method of claim 2 further includes separating the extracted target material from the extracted soil. 15. The method according to claim 2, wherein the target material comprises one or more of placer minerals, rare earth minerals, and oil sands. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquefaction comprises vibrating the first probe assembly and the second probe assembly. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein inserting the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface formation comprises inserting the one or more probe assemblies using one or more follower tubes connected to the one or more probe assemblies. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein inserting the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface formation comprises inserting the one or more probe assemblies using one or more flexible cables connected to the one or more probe assemblies. 19. A probe assembly for extracting materials from underground strata, comprising: A long, slender shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground strata; A vibrator, located at the lower end of the housing, is used to apply vibration to the material within the vibrator's influence area; One or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing; and One or more suction conduits extend at least partially along the length of the housing and are configured to allow liquefied soil drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing. 20. The probe assembly of claim 19, further comprising a nose cone located at the lower end of the housing, the nose cone having a hole formed therein to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the housing via the nose cone. 21. The probe assembly of claim 20, wherein the orifice in the nose cone is connected to the one or more suction conduits to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the one or more suction conduits via the nose cone. 22. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising: A mesh structure is located between the upper and lower ends of the housing, wherein pores are formed in the mesh structure to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the housing via the mesh structure. 23. The probe assembly of claim 22, wherein the holes in the mesh structure are connected to the one or more suction conduits to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the one or more suction conduits via the mesh structure. 24. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein one or more of the following are satisfied: The size of one or more orifices formed in the one or more suction conduits is designed to allow only particles with a size no greater than 100 mm to flow through; The size of the orifice in the nose cone is designed to allow only particles with a size no larger than 100 mm to flow through; and The size of the holes in the mesh structure is designed to allow only particles with a size no larger than 100 mm to flow through. 25. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the one or more aspiration catheters extend along the outside of the housing. 26. A pair of probe assemblies for extracting material from underground strata, comprising: The first probe assembly includes: A long, slender shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground strata; One or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing; and The second probe assembly includes: An elongated shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground strata; and One or more suction conduits extend at least partially along the length of the housing and are configured to allow liquefied soil and material drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing. 27. The pair of probe assemblies according to claim 26, wherein: The first probe assembly also includes a vibrator located at the lower end of the housing for applying vibration to the material within the vibrator's area of ​​influence. 28. The pair of probe assemblies according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The second probe assembly further includes one or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing. 29. A system comprising: Pumping device; The probe assembly includes: A slender shell with an upper end and a lower end for insertion into underground strata; A vibrator, located at the lower end of the housing, is used to apply vibration to the soil within the vibrator's influence area; One or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing via the pumping device to be ejected from the housing; and One or more suction conduits extend at least partially along the length of the housing and are configured to allow liquefied soil drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing. 30. The system of claim 29 further includes a processing facility for receiving the liquefied soil extracted from the underground strata by the probe assembly. 31. The system of claim 29 further includes a storage container for receiving the liquefied soil.

Claims

1. A method for extracting materials from a formation, comprising: Insert one or more probe assemblies into underground strata including soil; Soil liquefaction is caused within the area affected by the one or more probe assemblies, wherein the liquefaction includes vibrating the one or more probe assemblies and injecting fluid from the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface strata; as well as Liquefied soil was extracted from the underground strata.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The underground strata also include the target material; and The extraction also includes extracting the target material and the liquefied soil from the underground strata.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extraction includes aspirating the liquefied soil from the underground strata using one or more probe components.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fluid includes one or more of pressurized air and pressurized water.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The liquefaction also includes repeatedly raising and lowering the one or more probe assemblies within the underground formation.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Inserting the one or more probe assemblies into the underground formation includes inserting the one or more probe assemblies into a first location within the underground formation; as well as The method further includes removing the one or more probe components from the first location and inserting the one or more probe components into a second location in the underground strata.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first position is 2 to 3 feet apart from the second position.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The method further includes: The one or more probe components are removed from the second location and inserted into other locations in the subsurface strata to form a grid consisting of the locations where the one or more probe components were inserted in the subsurface strata.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The adjacent rows of the grid are staggered by approximately 1.25 to 1.75 feet.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The extraction includes filtering the liquefied soil so that only particles with a diameter of less than 100 mm are extracted.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The one or more probe components include a first probe component and a second probe component; The liquefaction includes at least vibrating the first probe assembly and injecting the fluid at least from the first probe assembly into the underground formation; and The extraction includes aspirating the liquefied soil away from the underground stratum using the second probe assembly.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The extraction also includes pumping the liquefied soil away from the underground stratum using only the second probe assembly.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The underground strata include underground geological structures, a portion of the seabed, or a portion of the bottom of a body of water.

14. The method of claim 2 further includes separating the extracted target material from the extracted soil.

15. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The target material includes one or more of placer minerals, rare earth minerals, and oil sands.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The liquefaction includes vibrating the first probe assembly and the second probe assembly.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, Inserting the one or more probe assemblies into the subsurface formation includes inserting the one or more probe assemblies using one or more follower tubes connected to the one or more probe assemblies.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, Inserting the one or more probe assemblies into the underground formation includes inserting the one or more probe assemblies using one or more flexible cables connected to them.

19. A probe assembly for extracting materials from underground strata, comprising: A long, slender shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground strata; A vibrator, located at the lower end of the housing, is used to apply vibration to the material within the vibrator's influence area; One or more fluid ejectors are used to enable fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing; as well as One or more suction conduits extend at least partially along the length of the housing and are configured to allow liquefied soil drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing.

20. The probe assembly of claim 19, further comprising a nose cone located at the lower end of the housing, the nose cone having a hole formed therein to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the housing via the nose cone.

21. The probe assembly of claim 20, wherein, The hole in the nasal cone is connected to the one or more suction conduits to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the one or more suction conduits via the nasal cone.

22. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising: A mesh structure is located between the upper and lower ends of the housing, wherein pores are formed in the mesh structure to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the housing via the mesh structure.

23. The probe assembly of claim 22, wherein, The holes in the mesh structure are connected to the one or more suction conduits to allow liquefied soil to be drawn into the one or more suction conduits via the mesh structure.

24. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, One or more of the following conditions must be met: The size of one or more orifices formed in the one or more suction conduits is designed to allow only particles with a size no greater than 100 mm to flow through; The size of the orifice in the nose cone is designed to allow only particles with a size no larger than 100 mm to flow through; and The size of the holes in the mesh structure is designed to allow only particles with a size no larger than 100 mm to flow through.

25. The probe assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein, The one or more suction catheters extend along the outside of the housing.

26. A pair of probe assemblies for extracting material from underground strata, comprising: The first probe assembly includes: A long, slender shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground strata; One or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing; and The second probe assembly includes: An elongated shell having an upper end and a lower end for insertion into the underground strata; and One or more suction conduits extend at least partially along the length of the housing and are configured to allow liquefied soil and material drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing.

27. The pair of probe assemblies according to claim 26, wherein: The first probe assembly also includes a vibrator located at the lower end of the housing for applying vibration to the material within the vibrator's area of ​​influence.

28. The pair of probe assemblies according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The second probe assembly further includes one or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing to be ejected from the housing.

29. A system comprising: Pumping device; The probe assembly includes: A slender shell with an upper end and a lower end for insertion into underground strata; A vibrator, located at the lower end of the housing, is used to apply vibration to the soil within the vibrator's influence area; One or more fluid ejectors for enabling fluid pumped from the upper end of the housing toward the lower end of the housing via the pumping device to be ejected from the housing; and One or more suction conduits extend at least partially along the length of the housing and are configured to allow liquefied soil drawn into the one or more suction conduits to be transported toward the upper end of the housing.

30. The system of claim 29 further includes a processing facility for receiving the liquefied soil extracted from the underground strata by the probe assembly.

31. The system of claim 29 further includes a storage container for receiving the liquefied soil.

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