US4108722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for the restoration of an underground reservoir
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1976-12-10
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Granted: 1978-08-22
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Expires: 1996-12-10
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a method for the restoring of an underground reservoir subsequent to the solution mining of a mineral from a subterranean formation. More specifically, the invention relates to the introduction of a sulfate reducing bacteria into a subterranean formation to decrease the total dissolved solids level of the reservoir present therein.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis E. Stover
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:51
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12P; C12P3/00; B; B09; B09C; B09C1/00; B09C1/10; C22; C22B; C22B3/00; C22B3/18; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/20; Y10; Y10S; Y10S423/00; Y10S423/01; Y10S423/09; Y10S423/17; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/8215; Y10S435/822
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
33 words
A method for the restoration of an underground reservoir subsequent to solution mining of a mineral from a subterranean formation containing said mineral which comprises introducing a sulfate reducing bacteria into said reservoir.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
33 words
A method for the restoration of an underground reservoir subsequent to solution mining of a mineral from a subterranean formation containing said mineral which comprises introducing a sulfate reducing bacteria into said reservoir.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said sulfate reducing bacteria is of the genus Desulforvibrio.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said sulfate reducing bacteria is of the genus Vibrio.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said reservoir has been leached with an alkaline leach solution.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said reservoir has been leached with an acidic leach solution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said mineral is selected from the group comprising uranium, copper, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, silver, rhenium and selenium.
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) | 1981-08-21 | 1982-02-20 | 1982-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-08-21 | 1986-02-20 | 1986-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-08-21 | 1990-02-20 | 1990-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |