Method and filling device for filling an earth cavity

Abstract

Method for filling an earth cavity (4), wherein a hose (7) is unwound from a hose reel (5) and a hose end (11) of the hose (7) facing away from an axis (A) of the hose reel (5) is lowered into the earth cavity (4) to be filled, wherein a filling material (FM) is introduced through the hose (7) and the hose end (11) into the earth cavity (4), and wherein the hose (7) is wound onto the hose reel (5) while the filling material (FM) is being introduced into the earth cavity (4), wherein the hose end (11) is displaced in the earth cavity (4) with a filling front (34) of the filling material (FM).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for filling an earth cavity and a filling device for filling an earth cavity.

[0002] When filling earth cavities, it must be ensured that the affected areas can be accessed safely after filling, and that subsequent subsidence of the ground is reliably prevented. This requires, in particular, complete backfilling, which prevents the creation of further cavities or the leaving of residual cavities in the ground. To ensure this, a suspension of water and a filler is typically pumped under pressure through a segmented pipeline into the earth cavity to be filled, for example, to the bottom of a borehole being backfilled.At the beginning of the backfilling process, the pipeline must be assembled segment by segment and lowered into the borehole. During the backfilling process, the pipeline is gradually withdrawn, and the individual segments are disassembled one after the other as the fill level increases – similar to the way a drill rod is assembled during drilling, for example, in raw material extraction. The problem with this is that the working pressure in the pipeline must always be reduced to atmospheric pressure when a segment is disassembled, as this requires the pipeline to be separated from the conveying device intended for conveying the backfill material.Furthermore, it may happen that the fill material solidifies or compacts so much during the dismantling of a segment that the lowest segment of the pipeline can no longer be pulled up and thus must remain in the borehole because the friction between the outer surface of the pipe segment and the solidified fill material is already too great. This causes detrimental material wear and, at least in certain regions, conflicts with legal or other regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the process is cumbersome, requiring expensive and heavy equipment, such as an excavator or a mobile crane, to lift and lower the segmented pipeline.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method for filling an earth cavity and a filling device for filling an earth cavity, wherein the disadvantages mentioned are at least reduced, preferably do not occur.

[0004] The object is achieved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims as well as the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] The object is achieved in particular by providing a method for filling an earth cavity, wherein a hose is unwound from a hose reel and a hose end facing away from an axis of the hose reel - or, for short, facing away from the hose reel - is lowered into the earth cavity to be filled, wherein a filling material is introduced into the earth cavity through the hose and the hose end, and wherein the hose is wound onto the hose reel while the filling material is being introduced into the earth cavity, wherein the hose end is displaced, in particular upwards, in the earth cavity with a filling front of the filling material. Advantageously, using comparatively simple and lightweight devices, filling of the earth cavity can be carried out - in particular continuously or, taking certain setup times into account, in particular for portion-wise mixing of the filling material, quasi-continuously.Since the hose can be continuously wound onto the hose reel, at least in sections, there are no delays like those associated with dismantling a segment, and there is no risk of the hose becoming stuck in the solidifying filler material. This effectively prevents material loss, and legal or other regulatory requirements can be reliably complied with. An upper end of the hose can advantageously remain permanently fluidically connected to a conveying device intended for conveying the filler material, so that the working pressure can be maintained at least over long periods of time—possibly except for the aforementioned setup times.

[0006] In the context of the present technical teaching, an earth cavity is understood to mean, in particular, a cavity in the ground. Such an earth cavity can be, in particular, a borehole, for example, from a well, in particular a mining filter well, or a mining shaft.

[0007] A fill front of the fill material is understood to be a front or end surface of the fill material that shifts as the earth cavity is filled. In the case of a borehole, the fill front is, in particular, a fill material level that rises geodetically upwards as the fill level increases; in the case of an at least essentially horizontal shaft, the fill front is an end surface of the fill material that runs obliquely to the horizontal and shifts essentially along the length of the shaft during backfilling.

[0008] In one embodiment, the earth cavity is a borehole. A borehole of the type discussed here can be up to 100 m deep or even deeper, and / or have a diameter of, for example, 10 cm to 170 cm, in particular 50 cm to 150 cm, in particular 30 cm to 100 cm.

[0009] In one embodiment, a suspension of water and a filler is used as the filler material. The filler can be selected from a group consisting of lignite filter ash, a filler binder—particularly a cement-like one—and a combination of the aforementioned fillers.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fill material is introduced into the earth cavity intermittently, particularly at predetermined intervals. This advantageously takes into account the fact that the filler settles while the water seeps away. These processes require a certain amount of time, particularly depending on the soil material, which may vary with the depth of the borehole. In particular, this time can advantageously be used to mix a new portion of the fill material, with the fill material then being introduced into the earth cavity in portions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the working pressure when introducing the fill material into the earth cavity is limited to a predetermined maximum pressure. The working pressure is understood to be the pressure prevailing at the hose end facing away from the hose reel and there in particular at an outlet opening through which the fill material exits, which is determined on the one hand by the hydrostatic hose pressure of the fill material in the hose, i.e. the pressure of the fill material determined by the rise, i.e. the vertical length of the hose released into the earth cavity, and on the other hand by the delivery pressure generated by the delivery device, wherein the working pressure results in particular from the sum of the hydrostatic hose pressure and the delivery pressure. In this case, the delivery pressure is preferably set, in particular controlled or regulated, by means of the delivery device in such a way that the working pressure does not exceed the predetermined maximum pressure.In one embodiment, the working pressure is regulated to the predetermined maximum pressure. In one embodiment, the predetermined maximum pressure is 20 bar, in particular to sufficiently compact the filled material while still avoiding excessive compaction of the soil around the earth cavity.

[0012] The hose material is preferably selected so that the hose is, on the one hand, stable enough to be operated at the working pressure, but, on the other hand, flexible enough to be wound onto the hose reel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hose is preheated before the fill material is introduced into the earth cavity through the hose—particularly at low outside temperatures, especially at outside temperatures below 5°C or below 0°C. Alternatively or additionally, the hose is heated during the filling of the fill material into the earth cavity.

[0014] The hose reel can be installed stationary next to an access to the earth cavity, in particular next to the earth borehole, or can be arranged mobile on a means of transport, in particular a trailer or truck.

[0015] In one embodiment, after filling the earth cavity, the hose is flushed with a flushing medium, preferably with water, in order to avoid residues of the filling material in the hose.

[0016] In one embodiment, during the filling of the earth cavity, at least one process parameter is recorded, which is selected from a group consisting of a hose inlet pressure, the working pressure, a hose length unwound from the hose reel, and a combination of at least two of the said process parameters.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the hose is wound onto the hose reel during the introduction of the fill material into an earth cavity formed as a borehole in such a way that the hose end, in particular the outlet opening of the hose end, is kept below the fill material level in the borehole. This advantageously ensures controlled introduction of the fill material under constant conditions, in particular at a constant working pressure, and further prevents the fill material from separating in free fall. In particular, the hose is wound onto the hose reel in such a way that the outlet opening is always kept below the fill material level, i.e., at all times during the backfilling process.

[0018] In one embodiment, the hose is continuously wound onto the hose reel, with the hose end also being continuously, in particular slowly, pulled upwards - towards a surface mouth of the earth cavity.

[0019] In the context of the present technical teaching, "below" is understood in particular to mean "geodetically below," "below" is understood to mean "geodetically below," and "above" is understood to mean "geodetically above." Thus, the outlet opening is preferably kept covered by fill material. Newly introduced fill material is introduced into the volume of the previously filled fill material.

[0020] In particular, the backfilling of the earth cavity is carried out using the contractor method.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the hose is deflected between the hose reel and the surface opening into the underground cavity, counter to the curvature it assumed on the hose reel. This advantageously prevents the hose from becoming jammed or stuck in the underground cavity due to the curvature imposed by the winding on the hose reel. The curvature imposed on the hose material by the winding is thus at least partially reversed or reduced, in particular by the deflection counter to this curvature.

[0022] In particular, the hose wound onto the hose reel has a first curvature, also referred to as the winding curvature. It is deflected between the hose reel and the surface opening of the underground cavity in such a way that, at least in the area of its entry into the underground cavity, particularly in the area of the surface opening, it has a second curvature opposite to the first curvature, also referred to as the deflection curvature.

[0023] According to a further development of the invention, at least one filling parameter is recorded during the introduction of the filling material into the earth cavity. This advantageously enables monitoring, control, and / or regulation of the filling process based on the at least one recorded filling parameter.

[0024] In one embodiment, the displacement, in particular upward displacement, of the hose end is controlled or regulated as a function of the at least one filling parameter, in particular in such a way that the outlet opening always remains below the filling material level of the filling material.

[0025] According to a further development of the invention, the at least one filling parameter is selected from a group consisting of: the working pressure, a hose end pressure, an earth cavity pressure measured in the earth cavity—in particular at at least one predetermined or known depth—a time-dependent pressure profile, in particular of the hose end pressure and / or the earth cavity pressure, an unwound hose length, and at least one flow variable, in particular selected from a mass flow and a volume flow, of the filling material through the hose. These parameters have proven particularly advantageous for monitoring, controlling, and / or regulating the backfilling.

[0026] In the context of the present teaching, a hose end pressure is understood to mean, in particular, a hydrostatic cavity pressure prevailing in the area of the hose end facing away from the hose reel, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of filling material and / or water, in particular groundwater, which is arranged in the earth cavity outside the hose above a parameter sensor provided for measuring the hose end pressure.

[0027] In the context of the present technical teaching, the unwound hose length is understood to mean, in particular, the length of a hose section extending from the hose reel to the hose end facing away from the hose reel. The unwound hose length is thus, in particular, the total length of the hose minus the length of the hose section wound onto the hose reel.

[0028] According to a further development of the invention, at least one first parameter sensor configured to detect the at least one filling parameter is displaced together with the hose end. Advantageously, the position of the at least one first parameter sensor relative to the hose end is thus known, so that the at least one filling parameter can be measured in a constant position relative to the hose end, and the at least one first parameter sensor can be pulled out of the earth cavity together with the hose end and thus recovered. The at least one first parameter sensor is preferably arranged, in particular fastened, on the hose, in particular on the hose end facing away from the hose reel.

[0029] In one embodiment, a first parameter sensor of the at least one first parameter sensor, designed as a working pressure sensor for detecting the working pressure, is arranged in the region of the outlet opening.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, a first parameter sensor of the at least one first parameter sensor, designed as a hose-end pressure sensor for detecting the hose-end pressure, is arranged at the hose end in such a way that the hose-end pressure can be detected without being distorted by the working pressure. For this purpose, the hose-end pressure sensor is arranged at the hose end, in particular, at a sufficient distance from the outlet opening.

[0031] In one embodiment, two first parameter sensors are arranged at the hose end: the working pressure sensor in the area of the outlet opening and, at a distance therefrom, the hose end pressure sensor.

[0032] According to a further development of the invention, at least one second parameter sensor configured to detect the at least one filling parameter is introduced into the earth cavity independently of the hose. Advantageously, the at least one second parameter sensor makes it possible to detect values for the at least one filling parameter independently of the current position of the hose end, in particular also at other depths within the earth cavity. The at least one second parameter sensor can be lowered into the earth cavity using a lowering device such as a rod, a linkage, a rope, a line, or equivalently a cable.

[0033] In one embodiment, a plurality of second parameter sensors are arranged in the earth cavity at a distance from one another in the depth direction, in particular lowered into the earth cavity. The second parameter sensors can be arranged at a distance from one another—in particular at constant intervals—on the discharge device. Using the plurality of second parameter sensors, it is advantageously possible to simultaneously record values for the at least one filling parameter at different depths of the earth cavity.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one second parameter sensor is left in the earth cavity—in particular as a so-called lost sensor. This advantageously allows for the temporal progression of the compaction or solidification of the filling material in the earth cavity to be recorded.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least one second parameter sensor is a pressure sensor, in particular an earth cavity pressure sensor designed to detect the earth cavity pressure. The earth cavity pressure is also preferably a hydrostatic cavity pressure, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of fill material and / or water, in particular groundwater, which is arranged in the earth cavity above a second parameter sensor provided for measuring the earth cavity pressure.

[0036] At least one parameter sensor, selected from the first parameter sensor and the second parameter sensor, can be operatively connected to a measuring device in a wired or wireless manner such that measured values of the parameter sensor can be recorded by the measuring device. The measuring device itself can be relocated together with the sensor into the earth cavity and / or within the earth cavity. In particular, the measuring device can be arranged, preferably fastened, at the hose end facing away from the hose reel. However, the measuring device can also be stationary outside the earth cavity, in particular on the earth's surface, or even remotely from the earth cavity. In particular, the measuring device can be part of a control device for carrying out the method, or it can be operatively connected to the control device for carrying out the method.Measurement values recorded by the measuring device can be read out in real time or after the measuring device has been removed from the earth cavity.

[0037] If the at least one parameter sensor is connected to the measuring device via a cable, the cable can run independently of the hose, or be arranged or attached to the hose, or be integrated into the hose.

[0038] If a groundwater level in the area of the earth cavity is sufficiently low, in particular lower than a base area of the earth cavity, a fill level of the fill material can be easily determined as a further fill parameter in the earth cavity directly via pressure measurements by means of the at least one first parameter sensor - in particular by means of the hose end pressure sensor - and / or by means of the second parameter sensor.

[0039] In the context of the present technical teaching, the base area of the earth cavity is understood to mean, in particular, a floor or base of the earth cavity, with the geodetically lowest point of the earth cavity preferably being used as the depth of the base area. Alternatively, a depth averaged over the base area can also be used as the depth of the base area.

[0040] According to a further development of the invention, a water level in the earth cavity is determined. This advantageously allows for a more precise determination of the backfilling and / or the infiltration rate of the water content of the filling material, even at higher groundwater levels.

[0041] In one embodiment, the water level is determined as the cavity water level above the base area of the earth cavity. The cavity water level is thus the height of the water surface above the base area of the earth cavity.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, a sensor water level above a parameter sensor selected from the at least one first parameter sensor and the at least one second parameter sensor is determined as the water level. Preferably, the sensor water level above the hose end pressure sensor is determined as the water level. The sensor water level is then the height of the water surface above the position of the hose end pressure sensor.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, an initial water level is determined as the water level before the earth cavity is backfilled. The initial water level is, in particular, the water level before, and especially immediately before, backfilling begins, in particular the groundwater level. The initial water level can be determined as the cavity water level or the sensor water level. It is also possible to determine the cavity water level as the first initial water level and the sensor water level as the second initial water level.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the water level is determined as the instantaneous water level during the backfilling of the earth cavity. The instantaneous water level is therefore always a current water level or at least the most recently recorded water level value. The cavity water level or the sensor water level can be determined as the instantaneous water level. It is also possible for the cavity water level to be determined as a first instantaneous water level and the sensor water level as a second instantaneous water level. The water level and thus the instantaneous water level in the earth cavity rises during backfilling and falls again as the water portion of the fill material continues to seep away. The instantaneous water level is at any given time composed of a height of a fill material column, i.e. the fill level, and a height of a pure water column above the fill material column, i.e. above the fill level.

[0045] According to a further development of the invention, the water level is determined by means of the at least one first parameter sensor, in particular by means of the hose end pressure sensor, and / or by means of the at least one second parameter sensor. This advantageously represents a simple and reliable method for determining the water level.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the water level is determined using a water level sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor, arranged outside the earth cavity. This advantageously represents a particularly accurate method for determining the water level. The water level sensor is arranged, in particular, above the surface opening of the earth cavity, in particular centrally to the surface opening. In particular, the water level sensor is oriented into the earth cavity, i.e., in particular in the direction of the depth of the earth cavity, in particular the borehole.

[0047] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that—particularly at higher groundwater levels—the fill level of the filling material in the earth cavity is determined as a further filling parameter from the water level and at least one of the at least one filling parameter. Advantageously, the backfilling can thus be monitored, controlled, and / or regulated particularly precisely. In particular, knowledge of the water level allows the fill level to be determined from a measured pressure recorded as a filling parameter, in particular the hose end pressure or the earth cavity pressure.

[0048] In one embodiment, the displacement, in particular the upward displacement, of the hose end is controlled or regulated depending on the fill level. This advantageously ensures that the outlet opening is always maintained in a constant position relative to the fill material level in the earth cavity, which rises with increasing backfilling.

[0049] In one embodiment, the fill level is determined as the cavity fill level above the base of the earth cavity. The fill level is thus the height of the fill material level above the base of the earth cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity fill level is determined using an earth cavity pressure sensor arranged at the base of the earth cavity.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the fill level is determined as a sensor fill level via a parameter sensor selected from the at least one first parameter sensor and the at least one second parameter sensor. In one embodiment, the fill level is determined as a sensor fill level via the hose end pressure sensor. The sensor fill level is then, in particular, the height of the fill material level above the position of the hose end pressure sensor.

[0051] In one embodiment, the filling level f is determined from the current water level h and the measured pressure p gem determined according to the following equations: f=x⋅h, with x=pgem−pWpFM−pW, pW=h⋅g⋅ρW, pFM=h⋅g⋅ρFM, where ρ W the known density of the groundwater, ρ FM is the known density of the filling material and g is the acceleration due to gravity. p Wis a hypothetical pressure of a pure water column with the height of the current water level h, and p FM is a hypothetical pressure of a pure filter material column with the height of the water level h; x is the proportion of the filling level f to the current water level h, which in turn is the sum of the filling level f and an imaginary water column height h W a pure water column above the filling material level results in: x=fh, h=f+hW=f+(1−x)⋅h.

[0052] The current water level h is the water level above the parameter sensor by means of which the measured pressure p gem is measured, so the level f is the level above this parameter sensor. Therefore, the measured pressure p gemmeasuring parameter sensor arranged in any position above the base of the earth cavity, the current water level h is the sensor water level and the level f is the sensor level; is the measured pressure p gem If the measuring parameter sensor is located on the base of the earth cavity, the current water level h is the cavity water level and the filling level f is the cavity filling level. Furthermore, ρ W < ρ FM In one embodiment, ρ FM = 1.6.

[0053] In particular, the current water level h can be determined by means of the water level sensor arranged outside the earth cavity. The water level sensor, which is designed in particular as an ultrasonic sensor, is used to determine the position of the water level, and the measured pressure p is calculated from the difference to the known position of the water level sensor. gemThe current water level h can be calculated using the parameter sensor being measured. The position of the parameter sensor is particularly known because it is lowered into the earth cavity either with the hose, particularly with the hose end, or separately at the drainage device, so that its position can be determined.

[0054] According to a further development of the invention, a hole cross-section of an earth cavity formed as a borehole is determined based on at least two—in particular, mutually different—filling parameters of the at least one filling parameter. Boreholes of the type relevant here are not necessarily cylindrical across their entire depth, but may have constrictions or bulges, so that the hole cross-section is not necessarily constant along the depth direction of the borehole. In the manner described here, advantageous insights into the hole cross-section can be obtained.

[0055] In particular, if it is determined that the hole cross-section is significantly larger than expected, at least in some areas, it can be concluded that the area around the borehole is partially hollowed out, resulting in an increased risk of collapse when walking on the site. This can be advantageously addressed by using a different fill material, such as fill binder instead of lignite filter ash, for further backfilling, i.e., changing the fill material if necessary. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the fill material is selected depending on the determined hole cross-section.

[0056] In one embodiment, the hole cross-section is determined based on the at least two filling parameters at the level of the at least one first parameter sensor, in particular the hose end pressure sensor. It is thus advantageously possible to create a cross-sectional profile of the borehole as a function of its depth due to the displacement of the hose end pressure sensor with the hose end.

[0057] In one embodiment, the hole cross-section is determined based on, on the one hand, the at least one flow variable as a first filling parameter and, on the other hand, the fill level or the time-dependent pressure curve as a second filling parameter. To determine the hole cross-section, the fill level is preferably also evaluated as a function of time. From the flow variable on the one hand and the fill level or the time-dependent pressure curve on the other hand, it is possible to draw conclusions about the fill material filled per unit of time, the development of the fill level, and the hole cross-section of the borehole, which in turn can be used to determine the infiltration rate of the water content of the fill material.

[0058] According to a further development of the invention, a time-dependent water level profile is determined, with the infiltration rate being determined from the time-dependent water level profile. As already explained above, the current water level, in particular, rises with the filling material and falls again due to the infiltration of the water portion, so that the infiltration rate can be determined based on the time-dependent water level profile.

[0059] In one embodiment, the infiltration rate is used to determine a soil property of the earth cavity. The infiltration rate itself depends on the nature of the soil, so that the soil property, in particular the density and / or soil material of the soil, can be advantageously determined based on the infiltration rate.

[0060] In one embodiment, a soil property profile of the earth cavity is determined along its depth direction based on the temporal development of the infiltration rate during backfilling. This is based on the idea that with increasing compaction of the lower fill material layers and rising hose end, thus rising backfill location, the at least essentially decisive location of infiltration also increases during backfilling. The observed change in the infiltration rate then correlates with the changing soil properties in the earth cavity along the depth direction, allowing a corresponding soil property profile to be created.

[0061] According to a further development of the invention, the infiltration rate is determined as a function of an overflow over an upper edge associated with the earth cavity. Particularly at high initial water levels or toward the end of backfilling, water may overflow over the upper edge associated with the earth cavity. This effect is then advantageously taken into account in order to determine the infiltration rate with the smallest possible error.

[0062] In one embodiment, a drainage recess is arranged at a geodetically upper end of a pipe arranged in the area of the surface opening of an earth cavity formed as a borehole, for example a support pipe, which has at least substantially the inner diameter of the borehole in the area of the surface opening. Water can flow out through this recess in a defined manner. Particularly if the drainage recess is triangular, the volume flow Q of the water overflowing through the drainage recess can be determined according to one of the following equations: Q=23⋅μ⋅b⋅2⋅g⋅hu¨32 (complete raid) Q≈1.35⋅hu¨2.48(Thomson raid),with the formal coefficient µ, the mean width b and the height h üthe triangular drain recess, as well as the acceleration due to gravity g. Preferably, a water level of a water surface in the pipe having the drain recess, determined in particular by means of the water level sensor, is taken into account, whereby the accuracy can be increased.

[0063] The conveying device for conveying the filling material through the hose is preferably controlled in such a way that water only drains through the drain recess and, in particular, does not overflow in an undefined manner over the upper edge of the pipe.

[0064] In one embodiment, the hole cross-section is determined based on the fill level, preferably determined by means of pressure measurement, and the at least one flow variable selected from the volume flow and the mass flow of the fill material, wherein alternatively or additionally the infiltration rate from the overflow over the upper edge associated with the borehole is determined, in particular taking into account the determined hole cross-section and the at least one flow variable.

[0065] The object is also achieved by providing a filling device for filling an earth cavity, which has a hose reel on which a hose designed to convey a filling material for filling the earth cavity is wound, at least in part. The filling device also has a conveying device for conveying the filling material through the hose into the earth cavity. In connection with the filling device, the advantages already explained in connection with the method arise in particular.

[0066] The filling device is particularly configured to carry out a method according to the invention or a method according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In this respect, features of the filling device that were previously described explicitly or implicitly in connection with the method are also features of the filling device described here.

[0067] In one embodiment, the conveying device is designed as a pump.

[0068] In one embodiment, the filling device has a storage container in which the filling material can be stored or temporarily stored. In one configuration, the hose reel is fluidly connected to the storage container - in particular via the conveying device - in such a way that the filling material can be conveyed from the storage container into the hose. It is possible for the filling material to be mixed in portions in the storage container; in particular, for this purpose, the filling device can have a mixing device arranged in the storage container or connectable to the storage container. Alternatively, the filling device can have a mixing device arranged separately from the storage container, in which the filling material can be mixed, wherein it is then arranged in the storage container.Furthermore, in one embodiment, the filling device can have a water tank which is or can be fluidly connected to the storage container and / or to the mixing device in order to mix the filler with water from the water tank.

[0069] The hose reel has in particular an axial connection for feeding the filling material into the hose.

[0070] In one embodiment, the filling device comprises a heating device arranged and configured to heat the hose, in particular to preheat the hose. The heating device can be configured, in particular, as a resistive heating device, as a liquid heating device, or in another suitable manner.

[0071] According to a further development of the invention, the filling device comprises a reel drive configured to drive the hose reel—in particular, automatically, in a controlled, or regulated manner. In one embodiment, the reel drive is designed as an electric motor, optionally with a gearbox.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the hose reel can have a freewheel.

[0073] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filling device has at least one parameter sensor for detecting at least one filling parameter when filling the earth cavity.

[0074] In one embodiment, the at least one parameter sensor is arranged on the hose and is thus in particular a first parameter sensor according to the explanations given above.

[0075] In one embodiment, the at least one parameter sensor is arranged at the hose end facing away from the hose reel. In particular, the at least one parameter sensor is selected from the working pressure sensor and the hose end pressure sensor. In one configuration, the filling device comprises both the working pressure sensor and the hose end pressure sensor.

[0076] In another embodiment, the at least one parameter sensor is arranged separately from the hose, preferably on the discharge device. In this case, the parameter sensor is in particular a second parameter sensor according to the explanations above. In one embodiment, the filling device has a plurality of second parameter sensors, which are preferably arranged at a distance from one another, in particular at constant intervals, on the discharge device. The at least one second parameter sensor is preferably an earth cavity pressure sensor.

[0077] Of course, it is possible for the filling device to have both at least one first parameter sensor - in particular the working pressure sensor and the hose end pressure sensor - and at least one second parameter sensor - preferably designed as an earth cavity pressure sensor - in particular a plurality of second parameter sensors.

[0078] According to a further development of the invention, the filling device has a water level sensor.

[0079] In one embodiment, the water level sensor is configured and arranged to be held outside the earth cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the water level sensor is designed as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0080] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filling device has a control device which is operatively connected to the reel drive for controlling it.

[0081] In one embodiment, the control device is operatively connected to the at least one parameter sensor and configured to control the reel drive depending on at least one filling parameter detected by the at least one parameter sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is operatively connected to the water level sensor.

[0082] In particular, in one embodiment, the control device is configured to carry out a method according to the invention or a method according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In this respect, features of the control device that were described above explicitly or implicitly in connection with the method are also preferred features of the control device described here.

[0083] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filling device has a deflection device which is designed to deflect the hose between the hose reel and a surface opening of the earth cavity into the earth cavity against its curvature on the hose reel.

[0084] According to a further development of the invention, a rigid outlet pipe is arranged at a hose end facing away from an axis of the hose reel, which rigid outlet pipe is fluidly connected to the hose end in such a way that the filling material can exit through the outlet pipe into the earth cavity. The rigid outlet pipe can advantageously prevent the hose from being damaged during insertion and / or drainage into the earth cavity. In addition, the rigid outlet pipe advantageously serves as a weight that tightens the hose and, in particular, reduces the curvature of the hose in the earth cavity, so that it hangs essentially vertically - and preferably under a certain tension - in the earth cavity. The outlet pipe can have a length of 2 m to 3 m, in particular 2.5 m. The outlet pipe preferably has a slightly conical tip at the outlet end.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, an additional weight or mass is arranged at the end of the hose facing away from the hose reel. In this case, the additional weight or mass advantageously ensures that the hose is taut and, in particular, that the curvature of the hose in the underground cavity is reduced, so that the hose hangs essentially vertically – and preferably under a certain amount of tension – in the underground cavity.

[0086] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an open-cast mine with an earth cavity designed as a borehole; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling device for filling the earth borehole; Fig. 3 a first detailed view of the embodiment of the filling device, and Fig. 4 a second detailed view of the embodiment of the filling device.

[0087] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an open-cast mine 100 with an earth cavity 4 formed as a borehole 3. Alternatively, a mining shaft or another cavity in the ground can be filled as the earth cavity 4. The invention is explained below using the example of the borehole 3.

[0088] The open-cast mine 100 shown in cross-section has a ground surface 101 and a natural groundwater level 103, which is lowered to an artificially created groundwater level 107 during active operation of the open-cast mine 100 by means of a plurality of filter wells 105—one of which is shown schematically here. The borehole 3 is part of the filter well 105. Such boreholes 3 are drilled into the ground surface 101 at the edge of the open-cast mine 100 to provide the filter wells 105.

[0089] If the opencast mine 100 is taken out of operation and, for example, renaturalised or put to other uses, the boreholes 3 must be filled in order to create a safe, accessible area.

[0090] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling device 1 for filling the earth borehole 3.

[0091] Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0092] The filling device 1 has a hose reel 5, on which a hose 7 designed to convey a filling material FM for filling the borehole 3 is wound at least partially. The filling device 1 also has a conveying device 9 for conveying the filling material FM through the hose 7 into the borehole 3. The hose 7 is inserted into the borehole 3 with a hose end 11 facing away from an axis A of the hose reel 5.

[0093] The filling device 1 preferably also has a storage container 13 in which the filling material FM can be stored or temporarily stored. The hose reel 5 is fluidly connected to the storage container 13 via the conveying device 9 such that the filling material FM can be conveyed from the storage container 13 into the hose 7. The filling material FM is preferably mixed in portions in the storage container 13; for this purpose, the filling device 1 can have a mixing device 15 arranged in the storage container 13 or connectable thereto. Alternatively, the mixing device 15 can also be provided separately from the storage container 13. In addition, a separate water tank (not shown) can be provided to mix the filling material with water from the water tank and a filler.

[0094] The filling device 1 may have a heating device, not shown here, which is arranged and configured to heat the hose 7, in particular to preheat it at cold temperatures.

[0095] Furthermore, the filling device 1 preferably has a reel drive 17, preferably designed as an electric motor, optionally with a gear, which is designed to drive the hose reel 5 - in particular automatically, in a controlled or regulated manner.

[0096] The filling device 1 preferably further comprises a first parameter sensor 19 for detecting at least one filling parameter during the filling of the borehole 3, which is arranged at the hose end 11. The first parameter sensor 19, shown schematically here, is preferably a hose end pressure sensor for detecting a hydrostatic cavity pressure, the hose end pressure. A working pressure sensor (not shown here) can also be arranged at the hose end 11 as a further first parameter sensor 19 for detecting a working pressure.

[0097] In addition, the filling device 1 preferably has at least one second parameter sensor 21 for detecting the at least one filling parameter, which is arranged separately from the hose 7 on a discharge device 23, which is designed in particular as a rod or line. The second parameter sensor 21, shown schematically here, is preferably an earth cavity pressure sensor for detecting a hydrostatic earth cavity pressure. The filling device 1 can have a plurality of such second parameter sensors, which are preferably arranged at a distance from one another, in particular at constant intervals, on the discharge device 23. It is possible for the at least one second parameter sensor 21 to be left in the borehole 3—in particular as a lost sensor.

[0098] In addition, the filling device 1 preferably has a water level sensor 25, which is designed in particular as an ultrasonic sensor and is held outside the borehole 3.

[0099] The filling device 1 preferably also has a control device 27, which is operatively connected to the reel drive 17 for controlling it and also—wired or wirelessly—to the first parameter sensor 19, the at least one second parameter sensor 21, and the water level sensor 25. The control device 27 is preferably configured to control the reel drive 17 depending on the at least one filling parameter.

[0100] The at least one filling parameter is selected from a group consisting of: the working pressure, the hose end pressure, the earth cavity pressure, a time-dependent pressure profile, in particular of the hose end pressure and / or the earth cavity pressure, an unwound hose length, and at least one flow variable, in particular selected from a mass flow and a volume flow, of the filling material FM through the hose 7.

[0101] In particular, the control device 27 is configured to carry out a method described in more detail below.

[0102] The filling device 1 preferably also has a deflection device 29 which is designed to deflect the hose 7 between the hose reel 5 and a surface opening 31 of the borehole 3 into the earth borehole 3 against a winding curvature of the hose 7 on the hose reel 5 and to impart to the latter a deflection curvature by means of which - without wishing to be bound by theory - the winding curvature is at least partially cancelled out, so that the hose 7 then hangs at least substantially straight into the earth borehole 3.

[0103] During the method for backfilling the borehole 3, the hose 7 is unwound from the hose reel 5, and the hose end 11 is lowered into the borehole 3. The backfill material FM is introduced into the borehole 3 through the hose 7 and the hose end 11, and the hose 7 is wound onto the hose reel 5 while the backfill material FM is introduced into the borehole 3, with the hose end 11 being displaced upwards in the borehole 3.

[0104] Preferably, the filling material FM is introduced into the earth borehole 3 intermittently, in particular at predetermined intervals.

[0105] The hose 7 is preferably wound onto the hose reel 5 during the introduction of the fill material FM into the borehole 3 such that the hose end 11 is held below a fill material level 33—i.e., a fill front 34—of the fill material FM in the borehole 3. In particular, the backfilling of the borehole 3 is carried out using the contractor method.

[0106] Preferably, a water level in the borehole 3 is determined, in particular as a cavity water level of a water level 35 above a base area 37 of the borehole 3 or as a sensor water level of the water level 35 above the first parameter sensor 19. Furthermore, an initial water level prior to backfilling the borehole and / or a current water level h of the water level 35 - here as a cavity water level above the base area 37 - during backfilling of the borehole 3 can be determined as the water level. The current water level h results at any time as the sum of a fill level f - here specifically a cavity fill level of the fill material level 33 above the base area 37 - and a height h W a pure water column above the filling material level 33, see equation (6) above.

[0107] The current water level h is preferably determined using a signal from the water level sensor 25 and the known position of a pressure p measured as a filling parameter gem measuring parameter sensor, selected from the first parameter sensor 19 and the second parameter sensor 21, is determined, in particular from the difference between the height of a current water level 35 determined by the water level sensor 25 and the known height of the measured pressure p gem measuring parameter sensor. The water level sensor 25 is preferably arranged in a known position above a terrain edge and thus above the surface opening 31 of the borehole 3, in particular centrally to the surface opening 31. In particular, the water level sensor 25 is aligned into the borehole 3, i.e., in the direction of the depth of the borehole 3. The position of the second parameter sensor 21 relative to the terrain edge is also known.

[0108] From the current water level h and the measured pressure p gem Preferably, the fill level f is determined as a further filling parameter. In particular, the upward displacement of the hose end 11 is controlled or regulated depending on the fill level f.

[0109] The measured pressure p is preferably used to determine the fill level f gem as the earth cavity pressure with the second parameter sensor 21 arranged on the base surface 37 as an earth cavity pressure sensor, and the filling level f is determined as the cavity filling level above the base surface 37.

[0110] In particular, the filling level f is determined from the current water level h and the measured pressure p gem determined according to equations (1) to (4) above.

[0111] Preferably, a hole cross-section of the earth borehole 3 is determined on the basis of at least two - in particular different - filling parameters of the at least one filling parameter, in particular at the level of the first parameter sensor.

[0112] Preferably, the hole cross-section is determined based on the at least one flow variable as a first filling parameter and on the other hand the fill level f or the time-dependent pressure curve as a second filling parameter. Preferably, the fill level f(t) is also evaluated as a function of time t to determine the hole cross-section. From the flow variable on the one hand and the particularly time-dependent fill level f(t) or the time-dependent pressure curve on the other hand, it is possible to draw conclusions about the fill material FM filled per unit of time, the development of the fill level f(t) and the hole cross-section of the borehole 3, from which in turn the infiltration rate of the water portion of the fill material FM can be deduced.

[0113] Preferably, a time-dependent water level curve is also determined, whereby the infiltration rate is determined from the time-dependent water level curve.

[0114] Furthermore, a soil property of the borehole 3 is preferably determined based on the infiltration rate. In particular, a soil property profile of the borehole 3 is determined along its depth direction based on a temporal development of the infiltration rate during backfilling.

[0115] Fig. 3 shows a first detailed view of the embodiment of the filling device 1.

[0116] A rigid outlet pipe 39 is preferably arranged at the hose end 11 and is fluidly connected to the hose end 11 in such a way that the filling material FM can exit from the hose end 11 through the outlet pipe 39 into the borehole 3. The rigid outlet pipe 39 advantageously prevents the hose 7 from being damaged during insertion and / or drainage into the borehole 3. In addition, the rigid outlet pipe 39 advantageously serves as a weight that tightens the hose 7 and, in particular, reduces the curvature of the hose 7 in the borehole 3, so that it hangs essentially vertically - and preferably under a certain tension - in the borehole 3. In the region of an outlet opening 40, the outlet pipe 39 is slightly conical.

[0117] Fig. 4 shows a second detailed view of the embodiment of the filling device 1.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the infiltration rate is preferably determined based on an overflow over an upper edge 41 associated with the borehole. For this purpose, a drain recess 47 through which water can flow out in a defined manner is preferably arranged at a geodetically upper end 43 of a pipe 45 arranged in the region of the surface opening 31 of the borehole 3, preferably serving as a support pipe, which has at least substantially the inner diameter of the borehole 3 in the region of the surface opening 31. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the drain recess 47 is triangular in shape, wherein the volume flow Q of the water overflowing through the drain recess 47 can be determined according to one of the above equations (7) or (8).

[0119] The conveying device 9 is preferably controlled in such a way that the water only drains through the drain recess 47.

Claims

[1] Method for filling an earth cavity (4), wherein - a hose (7) is unwound from a hose reel (5) and a hose end (11) of the hose (7) facing away from an axis (A) of the hose reel (5) is lowered into the earth cavity (4) to be filled, whereby - a filling material (FM) is introduced through the hose (7) and the hose end (11) into the earth cavity (4), and wherein - the hose (7) is wound onto the hose reel (5) during the introduction of the filling material (FM) into the earth cavity (4), the hose end (11) being displaced in the earth cavity (4) with a filling front (34) of the filling material (FM). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the hose (7) is wound onto the hose reel (5) during the introduction of the filling material (FM) into an earth cavity (4) formed as an earth borehole (3) in such a way that the hose end (11) is held below a filling material level (33) of the filling material (FM) in the earth borehole (3). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose (7) is deflected between the hose reel (5) and a surface opening (31) of the earth cavity (4) against its curvature on the hose reel (5) into the earth cavity (4). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one filling parameter is detected during the introduction of the filling material (FM) into the earth cavity (4), wherein in particular the displacement, in particular upward displacement, of the hose end (11) is controlled as a function of the at least one filling parameter. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one filling parameter is selected from a group consisting of a working pressure, a hose end pressure, an earth cavity pressure measured in the earth cavity (4), in particular at at least one predetermined or known depth, a time-dependent pressure profile, in particular of the hose end pressure and / or the earth cavity pressure, an unwound hose length, and at least one flow variable of the filling material (FM) through the hose (7), in particular selected from a mass flow and a volume flow. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first parameter sensor (19) configured to detect the at least one filling parameter is displaced together with the hose end (11). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second parameter sensor (21) configured to detect the at least one filling parameter is introduced into the earth cavity (4) independently of the hose (7) and is preferably left in the earth cavity (4). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a water level in the earth cavity (4) is determined, wherein optionally - as the water level, a cavity water level above a base area (37) of the earth cavity (4) is determined, and / or - as the water level, a sensor water level above a parameter sensor (19, 21) selected from the at least one first parameter sensor (19) and the at least one second parameter sensor (21) is determined, and / or - the water level is determined as an initial water level before filling the earth cavity (4), and / or - as the water level, an instantaneous water level (h) is determined during the filling of the earth cavity (4). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein - the water level is determined by means of the at least one first parameter sensor (19) and / or by means of the at least one second parameter sensor (21), and / or wherein - the water level is determined by means of a water level sensor (25), in particular an ultrasonic sensor, arranged outside the earth cavity (4). [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a filling level (f) of the filling material (FM) in the earth cavity (4) is determined as a further filling parameter from the water level and at least one filling parameter of the at least one filling parameter, in particular as a cavity filling level above the base area (37) of the earth cavity (4) or as a sensor filling level above a parameter sensor (19, 21) selected from the at least one first parameter sensor (19) and the at least one second parameter sensor (21), wherein optionally the displacement, in particular upward displacement, of the hose end (11) is controlled as a function of the filling level (f). [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hole cross-section of the earth cavity (4) is determined on the basis of at least two filling parameters of the at least one filling parameter, in particular on the basis of the at least one current variable as a first filling parameter and on the other hand the filling level (f) or the time-dependent pressure curve as a second filling parameter. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a time-dependent water level profile is determined, wherein a seepage rate is determined from the time-dependent water level profile, wherein a soil property of the earth cavity (4) is optionally inferred on the basis of the seepage rate, wherein further optionally a soil property profile of the earth cavity (4) along its depth direction is determined on the basis of a temporal development of the seepage rate during the filling. [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an infiltration rate is determined as a function of an overflow over an upper edge (41) associated with the earth cavity (4). [14] Filling device (1) for filling an earth cavity (4), with a hose reel (5) on which a hose (7) designed to conduct a filling material (FM) for filling the earth cavity (4) is wound at least in some areas, and with a conveying device (9) for conveying the filling material (FM) through the hose (7) into the earth cavity (4). [15] Filling device (1) according to claim 14, with a reel drive (17) for driving the hose reel (5). [16] Filling device (1) according to one of claims 14 or 15, with at least one parameter sensor (19, 21) for detecting at least one filling parameter when filling the earth cavity (4), wherein the at least one parameter sensor (19, 21) is arranged on the hose (7), in particular on a hose end (11) of the hose (7) facing away from an axis (A) of the hose reel (5), or separately from the hose (7). [17] Filling device (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, comprising a water level sensor (25), wherein the water level sensor (25) is optionally arranged and arranged to be held outside the earth cavity (4), wherein the water level sensor (25) is alternatively or additionally designed as an ultrasonic sensor. [18] Filling device (1) according to one of claims 14 to 17, with a control device (27) which is operatively connected to the reel drive (17) for controlling it, wherein the control device (27) is optionally operatively connected to the at least one parameter sensor (19, 21) and is designed to control the reel drive (17) as a function of at least one filling parameter detected by the at least one parameter sensor (19, 21), wherein the control device (27) is in particular designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 13. [19] Filling device (1) according to one of claims 14 to 18, with a deflection device (29) which is arranged to deflect the hose (7) between the hose reel (5) and a surface opening (31) of the earth cavity (4) against its curvature on the hose reel (5) into the earth cavity (4). [20] Filling device (1) according to one of claims 14 to 19, wherein a rigid outlet pipe (39) is arranged on a hose end (11) of the hose (7) facing away from an axis (A) of the hose reel (5), which rigid outlet pipe is fluidically connected to the hose end (11) in such a way that the filling material (FM) can exit from the hose end (11) through the outlet pipe (39) into the earth cavity (4).

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