Sealing plug for the inside of wells in mining

Abstract

The invention relates to an optimisation accessory for mining wells, formed by an upper attachment element, a suspension cable and a polypropylene accessory. The sealing plug is designed to operate in wells both with water and dry, generating water or air chambers, as appropriate, which improves retention capacity, distribution and the potential growth of energy during blasting. The plug has a rigid base comprising four holes that allow the cable of an electronic detonator to be fastened, protecting same from friction during descent. The flexible design of the accessory enables a more efficient descent, ensures effective sealing and promotes uniform, loose rock fragmentation, thereby optimising the collection process.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

[0002] "Sealing plug for the interior of mining wells"

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention is framed in the mining sector, specifically in the development of senators for use inside drill holes. These plugs, also known as blasting optimization accessories, are designed to generate air or water chambers that significantly improve the energy performance of the blasting process. This invention allows for an exponential increase in the energy retention capacity within the hole, thus optimizing the confinement of the gases generated by the detonation. The result is a more efficient and controlled distribution of energy toward the rock mass walls, which not only improves fragmentation but also enhances the increase in the effective energy applied.Furthermore, this system contributes to a substantial reduction in explosive consumption, allowing explosive charge segments to be replaced with air or water, with the resulting economic and technical benefits for the mining operation.

[0005] PRIOR STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In the mining sector, there are various products designed to create air chambers inside shafts, known as blasting optimization accessories. These accessories, commonly made of polypropylene, are used in a variety of ways depending on the requirements of mining companies. In operational terms, polypropylene accessories share a common structure, composed of three elements: 1. An upper grip; 2. A suspension cable; and 3. A polypropylene accessory body. The upper grip is positioned diametrically at the wellhead, serving as an anchor point for the suspension cable. This cable is progressively adjusted as the polypropylene accessory is submerged until it reaches the desired position to seal the shaft.

[0007] The products currently available on the market vary in design, each with its own specific lowering system. Upon reaching the final position, a tension surge applied to the suspension cable induces the accessory to rotate, thus achieving complete sealing of the well bore.

[0008] A common disadvantage of these fittings is their structural rigidity and lack of flexible external elements, which can lead to improper lateral well entry. Additionally, in wells with uneven walls or protruding rocks that reduce the effective diameter, these fittings tend to twist or jam, preventing proper placement.

[0009] Likewise, internal well enlargements, known as "boquerones," with diameters larger than the average, make it difficult to secure existing accessories on the market, allowing free rotation that complicates the sealing process.

[0010] Another common drawback of conventional fittings is their incompatibility with wells containing water. Contact with the liquid alters the behavior of the lowering system, predisposing it to premature rotation in the event of any irregularity, resulting in an improperly positioned seal.

[0011] Additionally, the accessories currently in use do not include specific mechanisms for the safe integration of electronic detonators. In this context, our invention incorporates four strategically placed holes in the rigid base of the accessory that allow the electronic detonator cable to be tied and firmly secured to the interior of the base. This arrangement ensures that, by housing the detonator within the body of the accessory, it is protected from rubbing, friction, or impacts that may occur during its descent into the well.

[0012] These identified problems constitute the main motivation for our invention, which aims to solve the aforementioned deficiencies both in terms of structural design and operational functionality.

[0013] EXPOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Currently, commercially available senators have significant limitations when it comes to operating efficiently in water-filled wells, which directly affects the performance of the blasting process. In response to this problem, the main objective of this invention is to improve the distribution of the energy generated by the blast, exponentially increase the energy retention capacity within the well, and achieve an effective sealing effect by forming water chambers that optimize working conditions and the energy performance of the process. Furthermore, this invention offers remarkable operational versatility, as it can be used equally efficiently in dry wells by generating air chambers. This dual functionality considerably expands the device's application spectrum, allowing its use in various geotechnical and operational scenarios.

[0015] The plug's design allows for proper positioning and operation within the wellbore. Thanks to the addition of wavy lateral fins or vanes, the device is securely anchored to the wellbore walls at the end of the installation process, just before detonation. This ensures a firm seal, preventing unwanted movement.

[0016] The proposal is based on a polypropylene accessory with a structure that strategically combines flexibility and rigidity. Its side faces are flexible thanks to the corrugated blades, allowing it to adapt to the well's irregularities, while its lower base is rigid, circular, and resistant, ensuring structural stability. This flexibility not only facilitates adjustment to variations in the well's internal diameter but also significantly improves the accessory's descent capacity, enabling faster and smoother progress to the desired depth. The rigid base incorporates openings specifically designed to allow controlled water filtration, promoting the formation of the water chamber without compromising descent.

[0017] A notable technical feature of this invention is the presence of four holes in the rigid base of the accessory, designed to secure the electronic detonator cable and securely fix it to the inside of the plug. This configuration protects the detonator from rubbing, friction, or impacts during its descent into the well, ensuring its integrity until the moment of detonation.

[0018] Additionally, the rigid base incorporates an external circular cylinder that acts as a centering point for the suspension cable, improving the device's balance during descent and allowing, if necessary, the incorporation of a restraint system in the opposite direction.

[0019] All these features allow the invention not only to overcome the limitations of current devices but also to offer an exponential increase in the energy retention capacity within the borehole, improved energy distribution to the rock mass walls, and, consequently, a potential increase in the overall energy efficiency of the blasting process. This translates into more homogeneous and spongy rock fragmentation, which facilitates its collection by machinery and also contributes to a reduction in the use of explosives, generating a considerable economic and operational benefit.

[0020] These advantages, together with other complementary features, are illustrated in more detail in the attached figures and in the specific description of the invention presented below.

[0021] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig 1. Shows a perspective view of the polypropylene accessory according to the invention.

[0023] Fig. 2. Shows a side view of the accessory according to the invention. Fig. 3. Is a sectional view of the device in Fig. 2.

[0024] Fig 3.1 and 3.2 are views of the sequence of descent of the accessory of the invention into the well.

[0025] Fig 4. It is a perspective view of the invention, the diameters of the base (1) and the final part of the flexible blades (2), as well as the details of the blades, such as widening (4), spacing (5) and the final "V" part (6).

[0026] Fig 5. It is a perspective view of the accessory according to the invention showing the external part of the base, where the holes (7) and the hollow cylinder (8) are shown.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention is configured from three main components, illustrated in Figure 1: an upper fastener (A), a suspension cable (B) and a polypropylene accessory (C). Together, these elements form a technical device designed to effectively seal the interior of blast holes, both in dry conditions and in the presence of water.

[0029] The main function of the upper fastener (A) is to provide support to the suspension cable (B), allowing the connection between the latter and the polypropylene accessory (C). This accessory (C) constitutes the submersible component of the invention, which descends to the desired point within the well to execute the sealing and the formation of water or air chambers, as the case may be. The configuration of the invention has been designed with the purpose of minimizing unwanted displacement of the device during its descent, ensuring positional stability even in wells with irregularities or with the presence of water. To meet this objective, each of the functional elements that comprise the invention has been carefully structured.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the top anchor (A) can be of various shapes, types, and materials, provided it meets two essential requirements: a length greater than the wellhead diameter and sufficient rigidity to withstand the total weight of the suspended system. This anchor is installed transversely across the top of the well, directly supporting the load transferred from the sealing fitting by the suspension cable (B).

[0031] The suspension cable (B), also shown in Figure 1, must be able to withstand the full load of the polypropylene fitting without deformation or loss of mechanical properties. It is especially important that the cable material maintain its structural integrity when in contact with water, thus ensuring its reliability in wet conditions.

[0032] The rigid base (1) of the accessory, as shown in Figure 4, has a smaller diameter than the well, allowing it to descend without direct friction against the wall. From this base, flexible lateral blades (3) are projected, arranged perpendicularly and with a geometry widened towards their ends, which generate a larger diameter than the base. These blades, with a wavy shape at their tips (2), allow the accessory to adhere firmly to the walls of the well when it reaches its final position, providing a stable sealing effect.

[0033] During descent, the flexible vanes maintain contact with the inner wall of the wellbore, acting as a dynamic centering system and promoting continuous flow even in wells with irregularities or internal roughness. This structural flexibility not only improves adaptation to different wellbore geometric profiles but also speeds up the descent process, allowing for smoother, block-free travel.

[0034] Additionally, an opening (5) is incorporated between the blades that facilitates the controlled passage of water, allowing the accessory to act as a water chamber without obstructions, and in turn contains debris, contributing to maintaining the viscosity of the explosive.

[0035] The termination of the paddles includes an inverted "V" configuration (6), whose technical purpose is to protect the starter cable, avoiding damage due to pressure or friction during installation or descent.

[0036] As can be seen in Figure 5, the rigid base includes concentric holes (7) that serve a dual purpose: to allow the electronic detonator cable to be secured to the interior of the accessory and to facilitate the passage of water in a controlled manner. It also has a hollow cylinder (8) on its outer part, which adds mass and helps to centralize the accessory during descent.

[0037] This cylinder is also designed to allow the anchoring of an additional support system, such as a rod perpendicular to the base. The increased thickness of the base is designed to support the weight transmitted by the suspension cable, providing greater balance and structural strength.

[0038] Finally, once the attachment reaches its final position, the device's dead weight allows for symmetrical load distribution, allowing the flexible blades to exert radial pressure against the borehole wall. This action activates the anchoring and sealing mechanism, generating an effective seal that improves the blast's energy efficiency.

Claims

Sealing plug for the interior of mining wells CLAIMS 1. Sealing plug for the interior of mining wells, CHARACTERIZED BY being made up of three fundamental elements: an upper fastener (A), a suspension cable (B), and a polypropylene accessory (C). The interaction of these elements allows for precise sealing in a predetermined position, both in wells with water and in dry ground conditions, favoring optimal distribution and retention of energy inside the well, with the aim of achieving an efficient sealing effect.

2. Sealing plug according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN that the upper fastener (A) is configured to transversally secure the suspension cable (B) at the top of the well. This fastener can take different shapes, types and materials, provided that its length exceeds the diameter of the wellhead and has the necessary rigidity to support the weight exerted by the suspension cable (B).

3. Sealing plug according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the suspension cable (B) connects the upper fastener (A) with the polypropylene accessory (C) and is designed to support the total load of the device. This cable maintains its mechanical properties in contact with water, without degrading, which guarantees a safe and controlled descent of the accessory into the well.

4. Sealing plug according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the polypropylene accessory (C) has a flexible design on its side faces by means of wavy blades or fins that widen towards their end, generating a larger diameter that facilitates sealing against the walls of the well. These blades do not intervene during the descent, but act upon reaching the final position, ensuring anchoring without causing damage to the detonator cables.

5. Sealing plug according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the base of the polypropylene accessory (C) has a smaller diameter (1) than that of the well, which allows a smooth descent without being obstructed by internal irregularities. This configuration enables its use in different ranges of well diameters, without the need for redesign for each specific case.

6. Sealing plug according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the flexible blades of the polypropylene accessory (C) have a larger diameter (2) that guides the descent of the accessory and reduces the possibility of turns or deviations, even in wells with irregular walls or presence of water, contributing to the directional stability of the system.

7. Sealing cap according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN that the polypropylene accessory (C) incorporates a hollow cylinder arranged concentrically in the outer base, which contributes to centering the axis of gravity of the device during descent. This The cylinder also acts as an attachment point for the suspension cable and also allows for the placement of an additional support at the bottom of the accessory when support is required at the bottom of the well.

8. Sealing plug according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the rigid base of the polypropylene accessory (C) includes four symmetrically arranged holes, which allow the electronic detonator cable to be tied and secured to the interior of the accessory. This arrangement protects the detonator from rubbing or friction during descent, improving the safety and functionality of the system.

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