US3953073A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for the solution mining of subterranean sodium bicarbonate bearing ore bodies
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-05-17
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Granted: 1976-04-27
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Expires: 1994-05-17
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to the solution mining of subterranean trona deposits which comprises treating the ore "in situ" with an aqueous solvent containing sodium hydroxide at a concentration of not less than approximately 1% and no greater than that which will leave the brine thus produced with no less than approximately 1.5 parts of sodium bicarbonate per hundred parts of sodium carbonate when saturated.
Inventors
- 👤 Wolfram H. Kube
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:32
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
In a process for the solution mining of subterranean trona deposits wherein a portion of said deposit is dissolved in an aqueous solution containing a sufficient concentration of sodium hydroxide to prevent the sodium bicarbonate concentration in the brine from reaching a saturated condition when nahcolite alone is in the stable solid phase, the improvement which comprises limiting the maximum sodium hydroxide concentration to less than 3%.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
In a process for the solution mining of subterranean trona deposits wherein a portion of said deposit is dissolved in an aqueous solution containing a sufficient concentration of sodium hydroxide to prevent the sodium bicarbonate concentration in the brine from reaching a saturated condition when nahcolite alone is in the stable solid phase, the improvement which comprises limiting the maximum sodium hydroxide concentration to less than 3%.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 in which the sodium hydroxide concentration in the solvent is not less than approximately 1%.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the maximum sodium hydroxide concentration in the solvent is selected so as to maintain the sodium bicarbonate concentration in the saturated solution at between approximately 0.5 and 2%.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2625384A
Cited
US3184287A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-04-27 | 1979-10-27 | 1980-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-27 | 1983-10-27 | 1984-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-27 | 1987-10-27 | 1988-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |