US3630573A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sulfur mining with steam
Assignee: BP America Production Co
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Filing: 1969-12-19
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Granted: 1971-12-28
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Expires: 1989-12-19
Abstract
Abstract This is an improvement and modification of the Frasch-type underground sulfur-mining process. The primary source of heat is steam with temperature up to 600*-800* F. which is injected into the sulfur deposit. Hot water at a temperature above 240* but not over 320* F. is injected below the steam. The steam zone is surrounded by an advancing zone of hot condensate within which melting of the sulfur occurs in a temperature range of 240*-320* F. The molten sulfur flows by gravity towards the central production tubing intake and is insulated from the hot injected steam by a blanket of hot water. Reduced water requirement per ton of sulfur and higher thermal efficiency are effected by this process.
Inventors
- 👤 Clifton S Goddin Jr
- 👤 Karol L Hujsak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 15:07
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
27 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which said hot water is injected down a channel surrounding the channel through which the molten sulfur is produced.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for producing sulfur from an underground deposit which comprises: a first casing set in a well drilled into said sulfur deposit, said casing terminating in the lower part of said deposit, there being steam injection perforations in the lower end of said casing; a water injection tubing set inside said casing and the lower end portion extending below thE said steam injection perforations, there being hot water injection perforations in the lower end portion of said hot water injection tubing to establish fluid communication between the hot water injection tubing and the said underground deposit of sulfur; a sulfur-producing string suspended within said hot water injection tubing and extending below said hot water injection perforations; a steam injection string of tubing inside said casing and exterior said hot water injection tubing, the lower end of said steam injection tubing terminating adjacent said steam injection perforations; means to seal the lower interior end of said casing exterior of said hot water injection tubing above said hot water perforations; means to close the interior of said casing exterior of said hot water injection tubing and said steam injection string just above said steam injection perforations; means to close the lower end of said hot water injection tubing exterior of said sulfur-producing string just below said hot water perforations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus or system as defined in claim 3 including means insulating said steam injection tubing string.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as defined in claim 3 including means to inject steam into said steam injection tubing string and means to inject hot water in the range of 250*-300* F. into said hot water injection tubing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which the steam is injected in the temperature range of from about 600* to 800* F.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which said steam is injected at a pressure over about 75 p.s.i.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-27 | 1975-06-28 | 1975-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-27 | 1979-06-28 | 1979-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-27 | 1983-06-28 | 1983-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |