Abstract A method of mining in an unconsolidated structure is accomplished by forming a bore hole in the ground to at least the bottom of the structure to be mined, then casing the bore hole to a point at least five feet or less above the bottom of the bore hole. A sump is then formed between the bore hole and the bottom of the casing. A pump is positioned near the bottom of the sump, and a jet is positioned above the pump. Fluids are forced out of the jet against the formation while the jet is being moved vertically and axially in one direction about the axis of the bore hole to form an elongated slot in the formation. During the operation of the jet, the pump is removing dislodged formation material. After subsidence of the formation, the jet is continued in its rotation and vertical movement around the axis of the bore hole.
A method of mining in an unconsolidated structure comprising: a. forming a bore hole in the ground to at least the bottom of the structure to be mined; b. casing said bore hole to a point at not more than five feet about the bottom of said bore hole; c. forming a sump between the bottom of said bore hole and the bottom of said casing in consolidated material; d. positioning a pump near the bottom of said formed sump; e. positioning a jet above said pump; f. forcing fluids out of said jet against said formation while moving said jet vertically and axially in one direction about the axis of said bore hole to form an elongated slot in said formation; g. pumping out dislodged formation material after subsidence of said formation continuing to rotate said jetted fluid into said subsided formation; and h. pumping out said additionally dislodged formation material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of mining in an unconsolidated structure comprising: a. forming a bore hole in the ground to at least the bottom of the structure to be mined; b. casing said bore hole to a point at not more than five feet about the bottom of said bore hole; c. forming a sump between the bottom of said bore hole and the bottom of said casing in consolidated material; d. positioning a pump near the bottom of said formed sump; e. positioning a jet above said pump; f. forcing fluids out of said jet against said formation while moving said jet vertically and axially in one direction about the axis of said bore hole to form an elongated slot in said formation; g. pumping out dislodged formation material after subsidence of said formation continuing to rotate said jetted fluid into said subsided formation; and h. pumping out said additionally dislodged formation material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as described in claim 1 wherein said bore hole is formed in said ground to a depth below the formation to be mined about five feet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as described in claim 1 where the step of casing said bore hole comprises releasably anchoring a casing pipe to said bore hole.