Cycling Solution Mining Apparatus with Turbulent Flow Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solution mining methods face challenges in improving production rates and economic feasibility due to inefficiencies in permeating and diffusing solvents into ore deposits, particularly in terms of solubility and dissolution rates.

Innovation Solution

A cycling solution mining apparatus and method that includes an insertion rod with an injection pipe, collection pipe, and a driving unit with a blade to generate a turbulent flow, enhancing solvent diffusion and permeation into the ore deposit by applying a rotation force and pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a solvent is injected into an ore deposit using conventional solution mining methods, then the solvent can dissolve and extract useful ores, but the production rate and economic feasibility are limited due to inefficient permeation and diffusion of the solvent into the ore deposit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rateVSAvoideconomic feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a cycling process where the solvent injection and extraction operations are performed in periodic cycles. The injection pipe and extraction pipe alternately receive solvent and collect leachate in repeated cycles, which enhances the permeation and diffusion efficiency of the solvent into the ore deposit over time, thereby improving both production rate and economic feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vibration source that generates vibrations in the solvent during injection. These vibrations enhance the diffusion capability of the solvent molecules, allowing them to penetrate more effectively into the ore deposit and dissolve ores at higher rates, thus improving productivity without compromising economic feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Speed

If the solvent is injected at higher pressure to increase permeation rate, then the diffusion speed improves, but the solubility and dissolution rates of ores may be compromised due to loss of contact time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermeation rateVSAvoidsolubility and dissolution rates
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cycling process allows the solvent to be injected at high pressure for a brief period to achieve rapid permeation, then the system switches to extraction mode where the solvent can remain in contact with the ore deposit longer to ensure complete dissolution. This periodic alternation resolves the conflict between speed and quantity by separating these functions in time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of the injection and extraction processes, adjusting pressure and flow rates based on the cycling phase. During injection phase, high pressure is applied for rapid permeation; during extraction phase, pressure is reduced to allow thorough dissolution. This dynamic adjustment maintains both high permeation rate and effective dissolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus increases solubility and dissolution rates of ores, leading to improved productivity and economic feasibility by facilitating easier separation and collection of ores, with the turbulent flow enhancing solvent penetration and ore extraction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A cycling solution mining apparatus and method that includes an insertion rod with an injection pipe, collection pipe, and a driving unit with a blade to generate a turbulent flow, enhancing solvent diffusion and permeation into the ore deposit by applying a rotation force and pressure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulent flow: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

enhancing solvent diffusion and permeation into the ore deposit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a solvent is injected into an underground ore deposit containing concentrated useful resources to dissolve the useful resources, thereby collecting the dissolved useful resources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLeaching: Solvation

Implementation Method 4

enhancing solvent diffusion and permeation into the ore deposit by applying a rotation force and pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9376904B2Apparatus and method for solution mining using cycling process
Publication Date: 2016.06.28 KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES

AI summary

Provided are an apparatus and method for solution mining using cycling process in which a solvent is injected into underground useful ores to dissolve the useful ores and then collected again to obtain the useful ores. The cycling solution mining method includes a boring process for excavating the underground up to an ore deposit, a fracturing process to generate cracks in the ore deposit, an injection process for inserting a mining apparatus including an insertion rod having a pipe shape up to a lower portion of the well to inject a solvent that dissolves the useful ores into the ore deposit through the insertion rod, wherein a rotation force is applied to the solvent discharged from the insertion rod to increase a diffusion force of the solvent, and a production process for collecting the solvent, in which the useful ores are dissolved, again.