In-situ leaching uranium mine injection hole water-gas separation device

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a kind of in-situ leaching uranium mine hole injection water gas separation device including shell, air inlet pipeline, exhaust pipeline and first drain pipe, when liquid backwash occurs, backwash liquid can be with airflow into air inlet pipeline through in-situ leaching injection pipeline, and then flow into the containing space in shell.In the containing space, gas and liquid are separated, separated gas continues to flow through exhaust pipeline, and liquid is gathered to the bottom of shell under the action of gravity, and finally can be discharged from shell through first drain pipe.The device can reduce the pipeline problems that may be caused by liquid retention, ensure stable gas delivery, and support the normal advancement of in-situ leaching uranium process.Liquid discharge can be completed without complex disassembly operation, simplifying the maintenance process, reducing labor input, reducing operation difficulty, improving the efficiency of pipeline maintenance in in-situ leaching uranium related operations, and indirectly ensuring overall operation progress.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of in-situ leaching uranium mining technology, and in particular to a water-gas separation device for injection holes in in-situ leaching uranium mines. Background Technology

[0002] In-situ leaching uranium mining technology is a new uranium mining process that integrates mining, beneficiation, and smelting, and it is currently widely used in uranium mining both domestically and internationally. One of the more widely used processes currently involves injecting O2 and CO2 into the leaching solution, which is then injected underground. Through physicochemical reactions, the uranium is extracted.

[0003] During actual production, it was found that when the gas injection pressure was lower than the liquid injection pipeline pressure, liquid backflow occurred, causing leaching solution to enter the gas injection pipeline. Since the leaching solution is a high-salt liquid, prolonged failure to drain it leads to salt precipitation, causing pipeline blockage and even accelerated corrosion, severely impacting gas injection efficiency. Maintenance of the gas injection pipeline requires removing the flange of the liquid injection pipe in the control room. Only by removing the flange and cleaning the liquid injection branch pipe with air and water can normal operation of the single-hole be restored. In winter, failure to promptly drain the solution backflow can cause blockage of the gas injection pipeline, directly affecting the efficiency of in-situ leaching uranium mining. Therefore, a gas-liquid separation method was researched to solve this problem.

[0004] To reduce the difficulty of repairing leaching liquid backflow, simplify the repair and cleaning process, and improve personnel efficiency, a water-gas separation device was designed during the gas injection process in in-situ leaching uranium mines. Utility Model Content

[0005] The description of the utility model introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This part of the utility model is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related technologies.

[0007] In view of this, the application embodiment proposes a water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines, comprising: A housing having an internal receiving space; An air intake pipe, one end of which is connected to the top of the housing, and the other end of which is connected to an infiltration gas pipe; An exhaust pipe, one end of which is connected to the top of the housing, is disposed opposite to the air intake pipe, and the other end of which is connected to an air injection source; A first drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the housing.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: A first control valve is disposed on the intake pipe; A second control valve is installed on the exhaust pipe; The third control valve is installed on the first drain pipe.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: A second drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the housing; A float and a counterweight are provided. The counterweight is connected to the float via a cable. The float is located within the accommodating space. When no external force is applied, the float blocks the second drain pipe under the weight of the counterweight.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: A rubber head is fitted onto the second drain pipe and located within the receiving space. The float is used to abut against the rubber head to seal the second drain pipe.

[0011] In one feasible implementation, the first drain pipe is arranged at a higher height than the second drain pipe; and / or The casing is made of stainless steel.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the housing includes: Shell body; A cover, which is detachably connected to the housing body, is used to open or close the receiving space.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the exhaust pipe is arranged at an angle relative to the housing, and the end of the exhaust pipe away from the housing is located at the top of the housing.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: A liquid level observation port is provided on the housing; A cover that covers the liquid level observation port and is made of a transparent material.

[0015] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: The frame, wherein the housing is detachably mounted on the frame such that a gap is left between the bottom of the housing and the ground.

[0016] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: An inner liner, which is disposed inside the air intake duct, is made of ceramic material.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells provided in this application includes a shell, an inlet pipe, an exhaust pipe, and a first drain pipe. During operation, gas from the injection source enters the containment space within the shell via the exhaust pipe. Subsequently, the gas is transported from the inlet pipe at the top of the shell to the in-situ leaching gas injection pipe, supplying gas for the in-situ leaching uranium mining process. In the event of liquid backflow, the backflowing liquid can flow with the gas flow through the in-situ leaching gas injection pipe into the inlet pipe, and then into the containment space within the shell. Within the containment space, the gas and liquid are separated. The separated gas continues to flow through the exhaust pipe, while the liquid, under gravity, converges to the bottom of the shell and is eventually discharged through the first drain pipe. This device, through the cooperation of the shell, inlet pipe, exhaust pipe, and first drain pipe, can collect and discharge backflowing liquid, preventing liquid stagnation in the relevant pipes. This reduces potential pipeline problems caused by liquid stagnation, ensures stable gas delivery, and supports the normal progress of the in-situ leaching uranium mining process. Liquid can be drained without complicated disassembly, simplifying the maintenance process, reducing manpower input, lowering the difficulty of operation, improving the efficiency of pipeline maintenance in uranium leaching operations, and indirectly ensuring the overall operation progress.

[0018] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a water-gas separation device for a uranium leaching mine injection hole, provided in this application.

[0020] in, Figure 1 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows: 110 Housing, 120 Intake pipe, 130 Exhaust pipe, 140 First drain pipe, 150 First control valve, 160 Second control valve, 170 Third control valve, 180 Second drain pipe, 190 Float, 200 Counterweight, 210 Rubber head; 111 Shell body, 112 Cover body. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of the technical solutions provided by this invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technical solutions provided by this invention can be implemented without one or more of these details.

[0022] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment, the application proposes a water-gas separation device for injection wells in uranium leaching mines, comprising: a shell 110, with an accommodating space formed inside the shell 110; an air inlet pipe 120, one end of which is connected to the top of the shell 110, and the other end of which is connected to an injection well in leaching; an exhaust pipe 130, one end of which is connected to the top of the shell 110, and the exhaust pipe 130 is disposed opposite to the air inlet pipe 120, and the other end of which is connected to an injection source; and a first drain pipe 140, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the shell 110.

[0025] The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells provided in this embodiment includes a shell 110, an inlet pipe 120, an exhaust pipe 130, and a first drain pipe 140. During operation, gas from the injection source enters the containment space within the shell 110 via the exhaust pipe 130. Subsequently, the gas is transported from the inlet pipe 120 at the top of the shell 110 to the in-situ leaching gas injection pipeline, supplying gas for the relevant processes in in-situ leaching uranium mining. In the event of liquid backflow, the backflowing liquid can flow with the gas flow through the in-situ leaching gas injection pipeline into the inlet pipe 120, and then into the containment space within the shell 110. Within the containment space, the gas and liquid are separated. The separated gas continues to flow through the exhaust pipe 130, while the liquid, under gravity, converges at the bottom of the shell 110 and is eventually discharged from the shell 110 through the first drain pipe 140. This device, through the cooperation of the shell 110, the inlet pipe 120, the exhaust pipe 130, and the first drain pipe 140, can collect and discharge backflowing liquid, preventing liquid stagnation in the relevant pipelines. This reduces potential pipeline problems caused by liquid stagnation, ensures stable gas delivery, and supports the normal progress of the in-situ leaching uranium mining process. Liquid drainage can be completed without complex disassembly operations, simplifying maintenance procedures, reducing manpower, lowering operational difficulty, and improving the efficiency of pipeline maintenance in in-situ leaching uranium mining operations, indirectly ensuring the overall operational progress.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the water-gas separation device for injection wells in uranium leaching mines further includes: a first control valve 150, which is installed on the air inlet pipe 120; a second control valve 160, which is installed on the exhaust pipe 130; and a third control valve 170, which is installed on the first drain pipe 140.

[0027] In this technical solution, the water-gas separation device for the injection borehole in in-situ leaching uranium mine can also include a first control valve 150, a second control valve 160, and a third control valve 170, which allows for precise control of the opening and closing of each pipeline. During backflow, liquid can be discharged by a single person operating the valves without disassembling flanges, avoiding operational risks and reducing manpower input. It can quickly cut off abnormal airflow or accumulated liquid, shorten the time for handling air blockages, prevent high-salt leaching liquid from stagnating and causing pipeline blockage and corrosion, ensure stable gas injection, maintain the efficiency of in-situ leaching uranium mining, significantly save manpower and time costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the water-gas separation device for injection holes in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: a second drain pipe 180, which is connected to the bottom of the housing 110; a float 190 and a counterweight 200, wherein the counterweight 200 is connected to the float 190 via a cable, and the float 190 is disposed within the accommodating space. Under the influence of gravity of the counterweight 200, the float 190 blocks the second drain pipe 180 when no external force is applied.

[0029] In this technical solution, the water-gas separation device for uranium leaching mine injection wells can also include a second drainage pipe 180, a float 190, and a counterweight 200. Based on this, during operation, if the first drainage pipe 140 fails, the counterweight 200, connected to the float 190 via a cable, can be manually lifted to overcome its weight, causing the float 190 to float and open the second drainage pipe 180 (emergency drainage pipe) for emergency liquid discharge. After drainage, the counterweight 200 is released, and the float 190, under the weight of the counterweight 200, re-seals the second drainage pipe 180. This design, where the counterweight 200 is manually lifted to control the float 190's buoyancy, combined with the second drainage pipe 180, forms a controllable emergency drainage scheme, preventing liquid stagnation in case of a first drainage pipe 140 failure. No pipeline disassembly is required; a single person can operate the counterweight 200 to complete emergency drainage, reducing maintenance difficulty and safety risks, and minimizing manpower input. It can quickly handle accumulated liquid, prevent pipeline blockage, corrosion and freezing in winter caused by high-salt leaching liquid, ensure stable gas injection, maintain the efficiency of in-situ leaching uranium mining, further optimize the operation and maintenance process, and save time and costs.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells further includes: a rubber head 210, which is sleeved on the second drain pipe 180 and located within the receiving space; a float 190 is used to abut against the rubber head 210 to seal the second drain pipe 180. This configuration ensures a tight seal between the float 190 and the rubber head 210, improving the sealing reliability of the second drain pipe 180, preventing gas or liquid leakage under normal operating conditions, and ensuring the airtightness and operational stability of the device. In emergency drainage, the float 190 can be disengaged from the rubber head 210 to initiate drainage, making operation convenient. The coordinated action of the counterweight 200 and the float 190 allows for efficient drainage of accumulated liquid in emergencies, preventing high-salt leaching liquid retention that could lead to pipeline blockage and corrosion, reducing maintenance costs, ensuring stable gas injection, maintaining the efficiency of in-situ leaching uranium mining, and improving the overall safety and practicality of the device.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the housing 110 includes: a housing body 111; and a cover 112, which is detachably connected to the housing body 111 for opening or closing the accommodating space.

[0032] This technical solution further provides the structural composition of the housing 110, which may include a housing body 111 and a cover 112. The housing space can be opened by removing the cover 112, facilitating the inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of components such as the inner wall of the housing 110, the float 190, the rubber head 210, and various pipe interfaces. This prevents internal component failures or scale buildup from affecting the water-gas separation effect. Routine maintenance can be completed without disassembling the entire pipeline, simplifying the operation process and reducing maintenance time. Simultaneously, when the cover 112 is closed, it ensures the airtightness of the housing space, preventing gas leakage or the entry of external impurities, maintaining stable operation of the device, further ensuring gas injection efficiency during uranium leaching, and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the exhaust pipe 130 is arranged at an angle relative to the housing 110, and the end of the exhaust pipe 130 away from the housing 110 is located at the top of the housing 110. This arrangement, with the exhaust pipe 130 angled relative to the housing 110 and the end away from the housing 110 located at the top of the housing 110, optimizes the gas flow path, improves the gas circulation efficiency within the housing 110's internal space, and facilitates more thorough water-gas separation. Simultaneously, this arrangement reduces gas transport resistance, ensures a stable gas supply from the injection source to the in-situ leaching gas injection pipeline, avoids affecting the efficiency of in-situ leaching uranium mining due to poor airflow, and also reduces the risk of gas stagnation within the pipeline, indirectly reducing potential pipeline failures.

[0034] In one feasible embodiment, the water-gas separation device for injection holes in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: a liquid level observation port, which is opened on the housing 110; and a cover, which covers the liquid level observation port and is made of transparent material.

[0035] In this technical solution, a liquid level observation port is provided in the shell 110, covered with a transparent material. This allows personnel to directly observe the liquid level within the shell 110 without disassembling the device. This enables timely detection of leaching liquid backflow and accumulation, preventing pipeline blockage and corrosion caused by delayed drainage due to unmonitored liquid levels. The transparent cover ensures clear observation while preventing gas leakage or the entry of external impurities into the shell 110, maintaining the device's sealing and operational stability. This design simplifies the liquid level monitoring process, reduces the complexity of manual inspections, and facilitates rapid determination of whether routine or emergency drainage is needed, further improving the efficiency and safety of device operation and maintenance in in-situ leaching uranium mining.

[0036] In one feasible implementation, the first drain pipe 140 is positioned higher than the second drain pipe 180. This allows for the priority drainage of regular accumulated liquid through the first drain pipe 140, avoiding frequent activation of the emergency second drain pipe 180. Drainage through the second drain pipe 180 is only necessary when a malfunction in the first drain pipe 140 causes the accumulated liquid to exceed the normal height, thus creating a tiered drainage mechanism. This ensures efficient regular drainage while guaranteeing precise triggering of emergency drainage, reducing the risk of pipeline blockage and corrosion, maintaining the efficiency of in-situ leaching uranium mining, and improving the reliability of the equipment.

[0037] In one feasible implementation, the housing 110 is made of stainless steel. This design allows the housing 110 to resist corrosion from high-salt leaching solutions, preventing rust and damage and extending the lifespan of the device. Furthermore, the stability of stainless steel ensures the airtightness of the containment space, maintaining effective water-gas separation and facilitating the stable operation of in-situ leaching uranium mining.

[0038] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for injection holes in in-situ leaching uranium mines further includes: a frame, on which a housing 110 is detachably mounted, such that a gap is left between the bottom of the housing 110 and the ground.

[0039] In this technical solution, the water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells may also include a frame. The frame supports the shell 110 and has a gap between its bottom and the ground. On the one hand, this prevents the bottom of the shell 110 from directly contacting the ground, reducing the impact of ground moisture and debris on the shell 110 and the bottom drainage pipe from corrosion or blockage, and ensuring unobstructed drainage. On the other hand, the detachable connection facilitates the overall disassembly and maintenance of the shell 110, allowing for adjustment of the device position or repair of internal components without complex operations, thus reducing the difficulty of operation and maintenance. At the same time, the gap provides space for drainage pipe operation, enabling a single person to quickly complete the drainage.

[0040] In one feasible implementation, the water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells further includes an inner lining layer, which is installed inside the air inlet pipe 120 and is made of ceramic material. This arrangement allows the ceramic lining layer inside the air inlet pipe 120 to resist corrosion from backflowing high-salt leaching solutions, preventing damage to the pipe due to rust from the leaching solution and extending the lifespan of the air inlet pipe 120. Simultaneously, the wear-resistant ceramic material reduces wear on the inner wall of the pipe caused by impurities carried by the airflow, ensuring unobstructed airflow and maintaining stable gas delivery.

[0041] In this utility model, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "join," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "join" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0043] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water-gas separation device for injection wells in in-situ leaching uranium mines, characterized in that, include: A housing having an internal receiving space; An air intake pipe, one end of which is connected to the top of the housing, and the other end of which is connected to an infiltration gas pipe; An exhaust pipe, one end of which is connected to the top of the housing, is disposed opposite to the air intake pipe, and the other end of which is connected to an air injection source; A first drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the housing.

2. The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first control valve is disposed on the intake pipe; A second control valve is installed on the exhaust pipe; The third control valve is installed on the first drain pipe.

3. The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the housing; A float and a counterweight are provided. The counterweight is connected to the float via a cable. The float is located within the accommodating space. When no external force is applied, the float blocks the second drain pipe under the weight of the counterweight.

4. The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A rubber head is fitted onto the second drain pipe and located within the receiving space. The float is used to abut against the rubber head to seal the second drain pipe.

5. The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first drain pipe is arranged at a higher height than the second drain pipe; and / or The casing is made of stainless steel.

6. The water-gas separation device for injection wells in uranium leaching mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes: Shell body; A cover, which is detachably connected to the housing body, is used to open or close the receiving space.

7. The water-gas separation device for in-situ leaching uranium mine injection wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe is arranged at an angle relative to the housing, and the end of the exhaust pipe away from the housing is located at the top of the housing.

8. The water-gas separation device for injection wells in uranium mines according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A liquid level observation port is provided on the housing; A cover that covers the liquid level observation port and is made of a transparent material.

9. The water-gas separation device for injection wells in uranium mines according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The frame, wherein the housing is detachably mounted on the frame such that a gap is left between the bottom of the housing and the ground.

10. The water-gas separation device for injection wells in uranium mines according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: An inner liner, which is disposed inside the air intake duct, is made of ceramic material.

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