CO2-Based In Situ Leaching and Processing Method for Fluid Mining

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a method for extracting resources from underground rock using a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2)-water mixture. This process involves fracturing the rock with high-pressure supercritical CO2, creating slits to enable deeper penetration, carbonizing and reducing the volume of the rock, and then alternately injecting CO2 and water to further break down and dissolve the target minerals in situ for easier extraction.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Extraction of minerals or hydrocarbons from underground rocks without conventional mining
• Enhanced oil and gas recovery through in-situ leaching
• Environmentally friendlier resource extraction in mining industries
• Utilization in geothermal energy projects to increase permeability of rocks

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Minimizes surface disruption compared to traditional mining methods
• Reduces environmental impact by using CO2 as a working fluid
• Enables access to previously hard-to-reach or low-yield resources
• Improves efficiency of extraction processes through better rock permeability
• Potential for reduced water usage and chemical additives in mining operations

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method involves decomposing a rock with a supercritical carbon dioxide-water mixture. The rock is fracked in a working step with a supercritical carbon dioxide and high pressures. Slits are opened at weak points in the rock. Penetration of the supercritical carbon dioxide is allowed by the slits. The rock is carbonized by the high pressures such that volume reduction is achieved. Water is injected with the high pressures in another step. The rock is pulse wise subjected with the carbon dioxide and the water in an alternating sequence.