US3690106A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of treating permeable formations
Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp
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Filing: 1970-02-24
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Granted: 1972-09-12
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Expires: 1990-02-24
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for grouting zones of permeable geologic formations to prevent the flow of fluid through the grouted zone. In this method the formation is penetrated by a borehole. A blasting agent is disposed in the borehole contiguous to the zone to be grouted. The blasting agent is detonated to provide fractures in the zone of the formation which extend radially away from the borehole. The fractures are grouted to prevent the flow of fluid through the grouted zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Rhoderio Tregembo
- 👤 Wayne R Dolezal
- 👤 Lowell D Boughton
- 👤 John D Stewart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:55
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D3/00; E02D3/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of penetrating a permeable formation at a predetermined location with an opening of a predetermined size which comprises: a. penetrating said formation with at least one treatment borehole which has a diameter substantially smaller than the size of the opening; b. disposing an explosive within said treatment borehole contiguous to the formation, said explosive having sufficient power and brisance and being provided in an amount sufficient to produce multiple fractures extending radially away from the treatment borehole in said formation upon detonation thereof to produce a fractured zone which is larger than the size of the opening; c. detonating the explosive to produce said fractured zone; d. grouting the fractures a sufficient distance to provide a grouted zone larger than the size of said opening; and e. penetrating the grouted zone with said opening.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of penetrating a permeable formation at a predetermined location with an opening of a predetermined size which comprises: a. penetrating said formation with at least one treatment borehole which has a diameter substantially smaller than the size of the opening; b. disposing an explosive within said treatment borehole contiguous to the formation, said explosive having sufficient power and brisance and being provided in an amount sufficient to produce multiple fractures extending radially away from the treatment borehole in said formation upon detonation thereof to produce a fractured zone which is larger than the size of the opening; c. detonating the explosive to produce said fractured zone; d. grouting the fractures a sufficient distance to provide a grouted zone larger than the size of said opening; and e. penetrating the grouted zone with said opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the rubble formed in the formation upon the detonation of the explosive is substantially completely removed therefrom prior to grouting fractured zone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the opening is a shaft connecting the surface of the ground with an underground passageway.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the opening is non-vertical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said permeable formation is an aquifer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the explosive is tamped prior to being detonated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the opening is substantially vertical.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of creating an opening having a predetermined size in a subterranean permeable formation which comprises: a. penetrating the formation with a plurality of treatment boreholes, each borehole having a diamEter substantially smaller than the size of said opening; b. disposing an explosive charge in each borehole contiguous to said formation, said explosive having sufficient power and brisance and being provided in a sufficient amount such that upon detonation of each explosive charge fractures are produced in the formation around each borehole which extend a sufficient distance to intersect and overlap with fractures produced around at least one other treatment borehole, said treatment boreholes being provided in a pattern such that a continuous fractured zone is produced upon detonation of the explosive charges, the size of said zone being larger than the size of said opening; c. detonating the explosive charges to provide said continuous fractured zone in said formation; d. grouting the fractured zone; and e. creating the opening within the grouted zone.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of creating an opening having a predetermined size in a subterranean permeable formation which comprises: a. penetrating the formation with a plurality of treatment boreholes, each borehole having a diamEter substantially smaller than the size of said opening; b. disposing an explosive charge in each borehole contiguous to said formation, said explosive having sufficient power and brisance and being provided in a sufficient amount such that upon detonation of each explosive charge fractures are produced in the formation around each borehole which extend a sufficient distance to intersect and overlap with fractures produced around at least one other treatment borehole, said treatment boreholes being provided in a pattern such that a continuous fractured zone is produced upon detonation of the explosive charges, the size of said zone being larger than the size of said opening; c. detonating the explosive charges to provide said continuous fractured zone in said formation; d. grouting the fractured zone; and e. creating the opening within the grouted zone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein rubble produced upon the detonation of each explosive charge is substantially completely removed from the treatment boreholes prior to grouting the fractured zone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein said explosive charges are tamped prior to being detonated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein said grouting material is cementitious.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein said opening is a shaft extending from the surface of the earth.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein the permeable formation is an aquifer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein the opening is a shaft to be connected with an underground passageway and each permeable formation located between the surface of the earth and the underground passageway through which the shaft extends is treated as defined by steps (a) through (d) of claim 8, prior to preparing the opening through each permeable formation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 14 wherein the permeable formation is an aquifer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method as defined in claim 8 wherein the opening is non-vertical.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-12 | 1976-03-13 | 1976-09-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-12 | 1980-03-13 | 1980-09-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-12 | 1984-03-13 | 1984-09-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |