Plasma Arc Torch for Mining Fluid Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering mining fluids from mining byproducts are inefficient, leading to valuable fluids being lost in tailings ponds or oceans, and existing technologies struggle to effectively treat Loss Circulation Material (LCM) and cement, resulting in environmental and economic concerns due to high crude oil prices and stringent regulations.
Innovation Solution
A plasma arc torch system that operates in multiple modes, coupled with a screw feed unit and high temperature vessel, uses steam plasma to melt mining byproducts and recover valuable fluids, reducing diesel emissions and producing clean water, while also cracking natural gas into hydrogen for use as a plasma gas, thereby enabling a closed-loop system for resource recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If current recovery methods are used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but mining fluids are lost in tailings ponds or oceans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses steam plasma to heat mining byproducts, causing phase transitions that separate mining fluids from solid materials. The high-temperature plasma converts water to steam, which then condenses to recover clean mining fluids, effectively resolving the fluid loss issue while providing a systematic recovery approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical separation methods with plasma-based thermal processing. Instead of using complex mechanical filtration or centrifugation systems, the patent employs steam plasma heating to achieve separation through phase change and temperature differential, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If existing treatment technologies are applied, then processing ease is maintained, but LCM and cement cannot be effectively treated
Solution Approach 1:
The steam plasma system serves multiple functions: it heats and separates mining fluids, combusts organic contaminants, melts LCM and cement, and produces inert vitrified products. This multi-functionality allows the same system to effectively treat diverse materials including LCM and cement that conventional methods cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes extreme temperature parameters of steam plasma (high heat) to fundamentally change the physical and chemical properties of resistant materials like LCM and cement. The high temperature enables melting and vitrification processes that transform these difficult-to-treat materials into stable, inert products, expanding the system's adaptability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional recovery processes are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but environmental and economic concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts harmful elements in mining byproducts into beneficial outcomes: organic contaminants are combusted to energy, mining fluids are recovered for reuse, and solid waste is transformed into inert vitrified products. This approach eliminates environmental harm while creating economic value through resource recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam plasma provides strong oxidizing conditions that rapidly combust organic contaminants and mineralize carbonaceous materials. This accelerated oxidation process efficiently eliminates harmful substances while recovering energy and transforming waste into stable products, simultaneously addressing environmental and productivity concerns.
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 system effectively recovers valuable mining fluids and produces clean water, reduces diesel emissions, and transforms mining byproducts into inert materials, addressing environmental and economic concerns by achieving zero or reduced emissions and enhancing resource recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma arc torch system that operates in multiple modes, coupled with a screw feed unit and high temperature vessel, uses steam plasma to melt mining byproducts
Implementation Method 2
A plasma arc torch system that operates in multiple modes
Implementation Method 3
uses steam plasma to melt mining byproducts and recover valuable fluids
Implementation Method 4
cracking natural gas into hydrogen for use as a plasma gas
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for recovering mining fluids from mining byproducts uses a plasma arc torch and a screw feed unit. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to a first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to a second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle is connected to the second end such that the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the hollow electrode nozzle is partially disposed within the cylindrical vessel and outside the cylindrical vessel. The screw feed unit has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet aligned with the centerline and proximate to the hollow electrode nozzle.