US3743355A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of withdrawing hazardous gases from subterranean formations
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1971-10-12
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Granted: 1973-07-03
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Expires: 1991-10-12
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed herein is a method for withdrawing hazardous gases from a water saturated subterranean formation containing a minable mineral deposit. In the method, wells are drilled through the subterranean formation and water is withdrawn from the subterranean formation to establish permeability to gas within the subterranean formation. Gas is then withdrawn from the formation by means of the wells. This method has particular applicability in reducing the influx of radon into a mine contained in a mineral deposit.
Inventors
- 👤 G Ortloff
- 👤 R Blackwell
- 👤 A Hagedorn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:22
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21F; E21F7/00; E21C; E21C45/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
28 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which air is introduced into said subterranean formation by means of said wells while water is withdrawn from said formation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
A methoD as defined by claim 1 wherein water is withdrawn from said subterranean formation while said hazardous gas is being withdrawn from said subterranean formation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising opening a mine working within said mineral deposit subsequent to establishing permeability to gas within said subterranean formation and introducing air into said mine working at a pressure greater than the pressure existing at said wells to cause the flow of air and hazardous gases from the mine to said wells.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of ventilating a mine in a mineral deposit contained in a water saturated subterranean formation comprising drilling a plurality of wells into said subterranean formation in locations which are offset from said mine, said wells being in pressure communication with said mine by means of said subterranean formation, withdrawing water from said subterranean formation by means of said wells to establish permeability to gas within said subterranean formation between said mine and said wells, introducing air into said formation, withdrawing hazardous gas from said formation by means of said wells, and introducing air into said mine working at a pressure greater than the pressure existing at said wells to cause the flow of air and hazardous gases from the mine to the wells.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of reducing the influx of radon into a water saturated mineral deposit within a subterranean formation which comprises drilling a plurality of wells into said subterranean formation at locations which are spaced from a mine location within the mineral deposit, said wells being drilled to a depth below the subterranean formation and having a casing string, a tubing string extending below the bottom of the subterranean formation, an annular space defined by the tubing strings and casing strings which is in fluid communication with the subterranean formation, and pumping means disposed within the tubing string, withdrawing water from the formation by means of the pumping means and tubing, introducing air into the formation until permeability to gas is established within the water saturated mineral deposit, withdrawing gas containing radon from the formation by applying a vacuum to the annular space, and continuing to withdraw water from the formation through the tubing to maintain a pumping fluid level within the annular space which is below the top of the formation.
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) | 1976-07-02 | 1977-01-01 | 1977-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-02 | 1981-01-01 | 1981-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-02 | 1985-01-01 | 1985-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |