US3718366A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for creating permeability in sulfur deposits
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Co
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Filing: 1970-10-07
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Granted: 1973-02-27
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Expires: 1990-10-07
Abstract
Abstract Permeability of a subterranean sulfur containing formation is increased and production of sulfur by underground fusion mining of sulfur (wherein hot water is injected into the sulfur containing formation, molten sulfur is produced from a lower level, and excess water is removed through an outlying bleed well) is improved according to the method of this invention by fracturing between a production well and a water bleed well, injecting a fluid explosive into the fracture, and detonating the explosive.
Inventors
- 👤 W Hill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:37
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/263; E21B43/285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fracturing in (a) is by hydraulic means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fracturing in (a) is by detonation of explosives.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fracturing in (a) is by injection of an aqueous fluid at high pressure and the fluid explosive injected in (b) is an amine sensitized nitromethane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the subterranean sulfur containing formation is propped with a propping agent subsequent to injection of the high pressure aqueous fluid and prior to injection of the fluid explosive.
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) | 1976-02-27 | 1976-08-28 | 1977-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-27 | 1980-08-28 | 1981-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-27 | 1984-08-28 | 1985-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |