US3967190A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method using induced polarization for ore discrimination in disseminated earth deposits
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-12-23
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Granted: 1976-06-29
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Expires: 1994-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A method for establishing data related to the complex resistivity of selected subsurface earth deposits whereby increased discrimination and identification of ore deposits is established. The method utilizes induced polarization in the earth with establishment of both time domain and frequency domain data and correlation of such data with an analog equivalent circuit of the earth section to derive a value closely approximating the complex resistivity of the selected earth substructure thereby to provide more discriminating data enabling determination of the percentages and types of sulphide ore deposits.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth L. Zonge
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V3/00; G01V3/02; G01V3/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for induced polarization at a selected earth site utilizing spaced current input electrodes in combination with spaced potential sensing electrodes in conductive contact therewith, comprising the steps of: energizing said current electrodes with a variable amplitude current input at predetermined time variable frequency over a selected duration; sensing said input current with said potential electrodes to derive a potential output signal; generating a Fourier transform of said current input signal over said duration; generating a Fourier transform of said sensed potential output signal over said duration; deconvolving the Fourier transform of said current input signal with the Fourier transform of said sensed potential signal to generate a deconvolution output over said duration, which deconvolution output indicates the complex resistivity in terms of potential magnitude and phase difference; and constructing an output plot of said deconvolution output signal to determine magnitude and phase at selected frequencies over said selected duration to generate a complex resistivity curve.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for induced polarization at a selected earth site utilizing spaced current input electrodes in combination with spaced potential sensing electrodes in conductive contact therewith, comprising the steps of: energizing said current electrodes with a variable amplitude current input at predetermined time variable frequency over a selected duration; sensing said input current with said potential electrodes to derive a potential output signal; generating a Fourier transform of said current input signal over said duration; generating a Fourier transform of said sensed potential output signal over said duration; deconvolving the Fourier transform of said current input signal with the Fourier transform of said sensed potential signal to generate a deconvolution output over said duration, which deconvolution output indicates the complex resistivity in terms of potential magnitude and phase difference; and constructing an output plot of said deconvolution output signal to determine magnitude and phase at selected frequencies over said selected duration to generate a complex resistivity curve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
94 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized by the steps of: generating said variable amplitude current input and sensing the potential thereof for a selected duration for each of a plurality of selected frequencies of amplitude variation; separating the Fourier transformed components of each of the selected frequency current inputs and sensed potentials for deconvolution to derive a separate deconvolution output for each of said selected frequencies; and providing output indication of the magnitude and phase angle difference parameters for the sensed potential at each of the selected frequencies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as set forth in claim 2 which is further characterized to include the step of: providing a polar coordinate output of the sensed potential magnitude and phase for each of said plurality of said selected frequencies to generate indication of the real and imaginary components which are indicative of the actual complex A-C resistivity.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for discriminatory induced polarization surveying of a selected earth site, comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of current inputs to the earth at each of selected different frequencies; sensing the potential within the earth at a spaced earth location for each respective differing frequency current input; Fourier transforming a replica signal for each of the plurality of current inputs and the sensed potential for each of the plural sensed potentials; deconvolving each transformed current input with the respective transformed sensed potential to derive output indication of the complex A-C resistivity of the earth site at each selected frequency; and comparing the complex A-C resistivity indication with established characteristic complex A-C resistivity signatures to determine type and relative quantities of mineralizations present at said earth site.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for discriminatory induced polarization surveying of a selected earth site, comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of current inputs to the earth at each of selected different frequencies; sensing the potential within the earth at a spaced earth location for each respective differing frequency current input; Fourier transforming a replica signal for each of the plurality of current inputs and the sensed potential for each of the plural sensed potentials; deconvolving each transformed current input with the respective transformed sensed potential to derive output indication of the complex A-C resistivity of the earth site at each selected frequency; and comparing the complex A-C resistivity indication with established characteristic complex A-C resistivity signatures to determine type and relative quantities of mineralizations present at said earth site.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said current generating and potential sensing steps are conducted along an earth borehole.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said current generating and potential sensing steps are conducted at spaced locations along the earth surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said characteristic complex A-C resistivity signatures comprise prior established complex resistivity data derived over selected frequency range and input duration which were empirically proven to establish specific mineralization.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 which is further characterized in that: said steps of Fourier transforming, deconvolving and outputting complex A-C resistivity indications are effected by a specifically programmed digital computer.
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) | 1979-06-29 | 1979-12-29 | 1980-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-29 | 1983-12-29 | 1984-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-29 | 1987-12-29 | 1988-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |