US3714832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Geothermal exploration
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1970-08-24
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Granted: 1973-02-06
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Expires: 1990-08-24
Abstract
Abstract A uranium prospecting system based on the determination of temperature anomalies in the earth''s crust. The earth heat flux is measured at preselected points in shallow boreholes in order to detect heat given off as a result of radioactive decay. Localized anomalies are indicative of concentrations of radioactive materials.
Inventors
- 👤 E Howell
- 👤 J Hardison
- 👤 W Campbell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:31
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V9/00; G01V9/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of prospecting for uranium comprising a. drilling a plurality of boreholes in an area of interest, b. measuring the temperature at at least two vertically spaced sample points in each borehole, c. determining the heat flux between the sample points in each borehole, and d. comparing the heat flux values thus obtained to determine the presence of anomalous heat sources.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of prospecting for uranium comprising a. drilling a plurality of boreholes in an area of interest, b. measuring the temperature at at least two vertically spaced sample points in each borehole, c. determining the heat flux between the sample points in each borehole, and d. comparing the heat flux values thus obtained to determine the presence of anomalous heat sources.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of prospecting for uranium comprising a. drilling a plurality of boreholes in an area of interest, b. measuring the temperature at at least two vertically spaced sample points in each borehole, c. determining the heat flux between the sample points in each borehole, and d. comparing the heat flux values thus obtained to determine the presence of anomalous heat sources.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of prospecting for uranium comprising a. drilling a plurality of boreholes in an area of interest, b. measuring the temperature at at least two vertically spaced sample points in each borehole, c. determining the heat flux between the sample points in each borehole, and d. comparing the heat flux values thus obtained to determine the presence of anomalous heat sources.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of prospecting for uranium comprising a. drilling a plurality of shallow boreholes in an area of interest, b. inserting temperature measuring apparatus in each borehole so that contact is made with said apparatus at at least two sample points, c. after thermal equilibrium is established, measuring the temperature of the sample points by resistivity measurements, d. determining the heat flux between pairs of the sample points, and e. comparing the resulting heat flux values to determine any heat anomalies.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of prospecting for uranium comprising a. drilling a plurality of shallow boreholes in an area of interest, b. inserting temperature measuring apparatus in each borehole so that contact is made with said apparatus at at least two sample points, c. after thermal equilibrium is established, measuring the temperature of the sample points by resistivity measurements, d. determining the heat flux between pairs of the sample points, and e. comparing the resulting heat flux values to determine any heat anomalies.
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) | 1976-02-06 | 1976-08-07 | 1977-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-06 | 1980-08-07 | 1981-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-06 | 1984-08-07 | 1985-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |