Patent US3703208A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3703208A
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Reduction of radioactive gas contamination of nuclear detonations in geological formations
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1971-01-22
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Granted: 1972-11-21
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Expires: 1991-01-22
Abstract
Abstract Oxidizing agents are disposed circumjacent to a nuclear explosive device detonated in a geological formation, generally a carbonaceous or petroliferous formation, to provide a more oxidizing environment thereabout. Upon detonation of the device reductants present in the formation as well as in emplacement components are oxidized. Consequently tritium produced by the detonation together with any hydrogen gas present tends to be oxidized to form a tritiated water product. The water combines with inorganic materials in the vicinity of the detonation and is immobilized or falls to the bottom of the detonation produced cavity so as to minimize the tritium content of organic materials evolved by the formation.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A Heckman
- 👤 John O Cowles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 04:05
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/263; E21B43/2635
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A process for decreasing radioactive contamination of the atmosphere in a cavity and chimney formed by detonation of a nuclear explosive in a subterranean formation whiCh contains an excess of chemical reductant materials therein comprising: a. providing passageway means from the surface extending to said formation, said passageway terminating in an emplacement cavity within said formation; b. emplacing a fission-fusion nuclear explosive device within said cavity; c. disposing a quantity of oxidant circumjacent said nuclear explosive device sufficient to oxidize the chemical reductant materials as well as reduced state radioactive contaminants formed in the detonation; d. stemming said passageway; and e. detonating said nuclear explosive device so that said oxidant provides an oxidizing environment in the vicinity of the detonated device adequate to oxidize volatile radioactive compounds and precursors of radioactive compounds including tritium created by the detonation to form nonvolatile or condensible products therewith to minimize radioactive content of the atmosphere in the cavity and rubble chamber produced by the detonation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A process for decreasing radioactive contamination of the atmosphere in a cavity and chimney formed by detonation of a nuclear explosive in a subterranean formation whiCh contains an excess of chemical reductant materials therein comprising: a. providing passageway means from the surface extending to said formation, said passageway terminating in an emplacement cavity within said formation; b. emplacing a fission-fusion nuclear explosive device within said cavity; c. disposing a quantity of oxidant circumjacent said nuclear explosive device sufficient to oxidize the chemical reductant materials as well as reduced state radioactive contaminants formed in the detonation; d. stemming said passageway; and e. detonating said nuclear explosive device so that said oxidant provides an oxidizing environment in the vicinity of the detonated device adequate to oxidize volatile radioactive compounds and precursors of radioactive compounds including tritium created by the detonation to form nonvolatile or condensible products therewith to minimize radioactive content of the atmosphere in the cavity and rubble chamber produced by the detonation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A process as defined in claim 1 wherein said subterranean formation is a hydrocarbon formation also in which said materials include materials selected from the group consisting of carbon, hydrogen deficient carbon compounds, metallic sulfides and metallic iron.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as defined in claim 2 wherein said oxidant is a material selected from the group consisting of oxygen, manganese dioxide, alkali and alkaline earth metal chlorates, perchlorates and nitrates, sulfates, sodium perborate and sodium peroxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A process as defined in claim 3 wherein components having reductant properties are used in emplacing said nuclear explosive device and wherein sufficient additional oxidant is emplaced in the vicinity thereof to oxidatively react therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A process as defined in claim 3 wherein said subterranean formation is a natural gas bearing formation, wherein said natural gas enters the rubble chamber formed by said detonation, said gas having a decreased content of tritium and tritiated gaseous hy drocarbon compounds due to oxidation of the tritium by said oxidant, and wherein natural gas hydrocarbon is withdrawn from said rubble chamber to the surface for use and distribution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
A process as defined in claim 5 wherein the emplacement cavity in said formation is disposed in a formation stratum in close proximity to gaseous hydrocarbon bearing strata from which production is desired, said stratum having a low content of reductants therein wherefor the amount of oxidant required is decreased, and wherein the rubble chamber produced by the detonation interconnects as by means of formation fractures with the hydrocarbon bearing formation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3608636A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-11-21 | 1976-05-22 | 1976-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-11-21 | 1980-05-22 | 1980-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-11-21 | 1984-05-22 | 1984-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |