AU2012244355B1 - An Inflatable Borehole Plug - Google Patents
An Inflatable Borehole Plug Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2012244355B1 AU2012244355B1 AU2012244355A AU2012244355A AU2012244355B1 AU 2012244355 B1 AU2012244355 B1 AU 2012244355B1 AU 2012244355 A AU2012244355 A AU 2012244355A AU 2012244355 A AU2012244355 A AU 2012244355A AU 2012244355 B1 AU2012244355 B1 AU 2012244355B1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- inflatable
- borehole
- bags
- plug assembly
- assembly according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 48
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 22
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000003995 emulsifying agent Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 21
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- 229920002125 Sokalan® Polymers 0.000 description 12
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 12
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acrylic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 229960001631 carbomer Drugs 0.000 description 10
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 10
- FSYKKLYZXJSNPZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N sarcosine Chemical compound C[NH2+]CC([O-])=O FSYKKLYZXJSNPZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 235000013162 Cocos nucifera Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 244000060011 Cocos nucifera Species 0.000 description 8
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003673 groundwater Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000001273 butane Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-butane Chemical compound CCCC IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-pentane Natural products CCCCC OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 4
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000008240 homogeneous mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetone Chemical compound CC(C)=O CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003915 liquefied petroleum gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005422 blasting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002170 ethers Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000005826 halohydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004941 influx Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005923 long-lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- DVEKCXOJTLDBFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-dodecyl-n,n-dimethylglycinate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)CC([O-])=O DVEKCXOJTLDBFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42D—BLASTING
- F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
- F42D1/08—Tamping methods; Methods for loading boreholes with explosives; Apparatus therefor
- F42D1/18—Plugs for boreholes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
- E21B33/127—Packers; Plugs with inflatable sleeve
Abstract
An inflatable borehole plug assembly comprising two or more inflatable bags operatively associated with one another, wherein inflation of the inflatable bags results in the formation of the plug.
Description
AN INFLATABLE BOREHOLE PLUG TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable borehole plug. In particular, the present invention relates to an inflatable borehole plug comprising two or more inflatable bags. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Bore holes are drilled so that explosive charges may be placed in the borehole at a particular position. Sometimes, the borehole is entirely filled with explosive, but other times an explosive charge must be placed somewhere along the borehole length. For this type of use, a plug is lowered down the borehole to the desired area to form a support platform for the explosive. In a typical arrangement, an explosive charge (or base charge) is located at the bottom of a borehole, while a mid-level explosive charge is supported by the plug. [0003] Inflatable borehole plug assemblies are well known. The assemblies comprise an inflatable bag which can be inflated to form the borehole plug. Inside the bag is a pressurised can which contains the inflating substance. The can is provided with a valve which can be opened to expel the inflating substance into the bag to inflate the bag. The pressurised can has a one-way valve which can be locked into the open position to expel the inflating substance (typically hydrocarbons). The plug assembly is attached to a measured length of rope and is lowered down the hole to be supported by the rope until the plug inflates to be jammed against the wall of the borehole. [0004] In some geographic locations, excessive groundwater levels (caused by, for instance, a high water table or high precipitation levels) create a need to dewater boreholes, typically by pumping water out of the boreholes. However, if excessive groundwater enters a borehole, the pressure of the water may exceed that of a typical inflatable bag, causing it to shrink. In this situation, the explosive charge being supported by the gas bag may fall to the bottom of the borehole with the base charge, and the inflatable bag will rise in the borehole until the pressure of the water in the borehole equalises. [0005] As the base charge and the mid-level charge are now both located at the bottom of the borehole, the firing of the charges can cause large amounts of damage to the base of the wall in which the borehole is located, leading to geological ground damage. When the blasted material is removed, the wall may begin to collapse, creating a significant risk of equipment damage and injury (or even death) to workers.
[00061 To prevent the wall from collapsing, actions such as re-drilling and blasting the failing wall are required. These actions increase costs, as well as reducing the productivity of the mine. [00071 Some attempts have been made to overcome these problems. For instance, some efforts have been made to increase the pressure within an inflatable bag in order to resist the pressures to which they are subjected by the influx of groundwater into a borehole. However, these inflatable bags have the serious drawback that the increased pressure increases the risk of the bags exploding. This can cause damage to equipment or injury to workers handling the bags. [00081 In light of the foregoing, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide an inflatable borehole plug that could be used in areas with high groundwater but that did not present a safety risk to workers handling the plugs. [0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatable borehole plug that overcomes at least one of the advantages of the prior art, or that provides a useful or commercial choice. [0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an inflatable borehole plug assembly comprising two or more inflatable bags operatively associated with one another, wherein inflation of the inflatable bags results in the formation of the plug. [0012] In some embodiments of the invention, each of the two or more inflatable bags includes a pressurised can located therein. Preferably, the pressurised can contains an inflating substance to inflate the inflatable bag. [00131 Preferably, each pressurised can comprises a valve that can be actuated to release the inflating substance to inflate the inflatable bag. [0014] Inflatable bags are already known in the art and it is envisaged that the inflatable bag of the invention can be similar to bags already known. Typically, the inflatable bag comprises multi-layer plastic bags which are gas tight. These bags can be formed from suitable material -Y such as plastics, such as, but not limited to, high density polythethylene (HDPE). As mentioned above, such bags are known in the art. The size and volume of the bag can also vary depending on the borehole size, the weight of explosives to be supported by the plug and the like, and it is considered that this information is already public knowledge. [0015] The pressurised can may be of a type already known in the art and already known to inflate borehole plug bags. The valve is typically such that once opened, the valve stays open which means that the contents of the can will be totally released without interruption until the pressure in the can and the pressure in the bag equalises. [00161 The inflating substance can vary to suit. The inflating substance is typically in the form of a volatile liquid which will expand and volatise once in the inflatable bag. Alternatively, the pressurised can may contain compressed gas, although a volatisable liquid is preferred as it will allow greater expansion of the bags. [00171 Typical inflating substances may include, but need not be limited to hydrocarbons such as propane and butane, halohydrocarbons, low boiling point ethers; compressed gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, mixtures thereof. [00181 In some embodiments of the invention, the inflating substance may comprise a hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend, a carrier and an emulsifier. [0019] Any suitable hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend may be used. For instance, the hydrocarbon gas may comprise butane or propane. In some embodiments of the invention, a blend of butane and propane (such as Liquid Petroleum Gas or LPG) may be used. A skilled addressee will understand that the relative proportions of butane and propane in the hydrocarbon gas blend are not critical and may vary as necessary. [0020] The carrier may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier is suitable for the hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon blend to be dissolved or dispersed in the carrier. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier comprises water or a suitable dilute aqueous solution. [0021] Any suitable type of emulsifier may be used in the inflating substance of the present invention. The precise nature of the emulsifier used in the inflating substance is not critical provided at the emulsifier assists in ensuring the inflating substance is a substantially homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, the emulsifier may have surfactant properties. Alternatively, it is envisaged that, if required, a surfactant may also be added to the inflating _r substance. A skilled addressee will understand that any suitable surfactant may be used. [0022] The inflating substance may comprise any suitable ratio of components. For instance, the hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend and carrier may together comprise up to about 99.9% of the inflating substance, while it is envisaged that the emulsifier may be present in quantities of up to about 10% of the inflating substance. [0023] The ratio of hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend to carrier in the inflating substance is not critical and may vary depending on the type of hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend and carrier used in the inflating substance. However, it will be understood that the inflating substance must comprise a sufficient quantity of each component in order for the inflating substance to form a substantially homogeneous mixture. [0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inflating substance may further comprise alcohol. Alcohol may be present in the inflating substance for a number of reasons, including reducing pressure in the container in which the inflating substance is stored and transported. Any suitable alcohol (or blend of alcohols) may be present. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alcohol may be ethanol. [0025] In embodiments of the invention in which alcohol is present, the alcohol may assist in dissolving the hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend in the carrier. In addition, the presence of alcohol in the inflating substance may assist in the creation of a foam when the inflating substance is dispensed from a dispenser. Still further, the addition of alcohol may assist in reducing the flammability of the inflating substance. [00261 When present, it is preferred that the alcohol comprises no more than about 10% of the inflating substance. [00271 In some embodiments of the invention, alternative substances to alcohol may be used. For instance, in one embodiment, acetone may be used instead of alcohol. [00281 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inflating substance is substantially non-flammable. [0029] In embodiments of the invention in which the carrier is a dilute aqueous solution, the dilute aqueous solution may contain any suitable material. For instance, the aqueous solution my contain one or more compounds or the like. For instance, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aqueous solution may one or more carbomers. Any suitable carbomer may be used. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the carbomer may include a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer such as Ultrez 10 manufactured by the Lubrizol Corporation. [0030] The carbomer may be present in any suitable quantity in the aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the carbomer may be present in an amount of no more than 10%. More preferably, the carbomer may be present in an amount of no more than 5%. Still more preferably, the carbomer may be present in an amount of no more than 1%. In one particular embodiment, the carbomer is present in an amount of about 0.5% of the aqueous solution. [0031] In some embodiments of the invention, the aqueous solution may include further compounds in addition to, or instead of, the carbomer. Such compounds may include coco betaine (such as that manufactured under the trade name Empigen BB) or coconut diethanolamide (such as that manufactured under the trade name Empilan FD). In some embodiments of the invention, the coco betaine or coconut diethanolamide is present in an amount of less than 50% of the aqueous solution. More preferably, the coco betaine or coconut diethanolamide is present in an amount of less than 25% of the aqueous solution. Most preferably, the coco betaine or coconut diethanolamide is present in an amount of about 10% of the aqueous solution. [0032] In one embodiment, the aqueous solution may include about 0.5% carbomer and about 10% coconut diethanolamide. The advantages of this combination of components includes the production of a relatively long-lasting foam and a significant reduction in flammability. Specifically, the use of these components produces a slow burning inflating substance, but one which does not burn explosively. [00331 It is envisaged that the use of these components will result in a inflating substance that requires mechanical agitation. For instance, the container or vessel in which the inflating substance is provided may require agitation (such as by shaking the container) after the container is gassed and/or prior to dispensing the contents of the container. [0034] Although it has been stated that either coco betaine or coconut diethanolamide could be used in the inflating substance, it is preferred that coconut diethanolamide is used in preference to coco betaine. This is because it has been found that inflating substances using coco betaine produce a relatively short-lasting foam and a fast burning (but not explosive) foam. On the other hand, the inflating substance using coco betaine does not require any mechanical agitation.
V [00351 While some specific emulsifiers have been described above (carbomer, coconut diethanolamide and coco betaine), it is envisaged that any suitable type of emulsifier may be used in the inflating substance of the present invention. The precise nature of the emulsifier used in the inflating substance is not critical provided at the emulsifier assists in ensuring the inflating substance is a substantially homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, the emulsifier may have surfactant properties. Alternatively, it is envisaged that, if required, a surfactant may also be added to the inflating substance. A skilled addressee will understand that any suitable surfactant may be used. [00361 The inflating substance may comprise any suitable ratio of components. For instance, the hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend and carrier may together comprise up to about 99.9% of the inflating substance, while it is envisaged that the emulsifier may be present in quantities of up to about 25% of the inflating substance, and preferably up to about 10.5% of the inflating substance. [00371 The pressure in the can is typically between 150 to 100kPa and is usually within the range of about 150 to 500kPa. [0038] The two or more inflatable bags may be operatively associated with one another using any suitable technique. For instance, the two or more inflatable bags may be operatively associated such that the inflation of the inflatable bags actuates at the same time. [0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two or more inflatable bags may be physically associated with one another. For instance, the two or more inflatable bags may be retained in proximity to one another by retaining means. In this way, it may be ensured that the two or more inflatable bags are positioned and retained at the same position within the borehole. In addition, there is no requirement to overinflate each of the inflatable bags (as the combination of the pressure in the two or more inflatable bags is sufficient to maintain the position of the assembly at the desired position in the borehole), and the integrity of each bag may be maintained if the water level in the borehole rises above the location of the inflatable bags. [0040] Furthermore, as each of the inflatable bags is not overinflated or overpressurised, if the inflatable bags leak or are actuated prior to being inserted into a borehole, the likelihood of equipment damage or injury to workers is minimised. [0041] The retaining means may be of any suitable form. In some embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may permanently connect the two or more inflatable bags to one another. Alternatively, the retaining means may temporarily connect the two or more inflatable bags to one another. In some embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may include rubber bands, adhesive tape, string, rope, sleeves, pouches, tubes or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. [0042] Preferably, at least one of the two or more inflatable bags may be provided with attachment means adapted to facilitate the lowering of the assembly into a borehole. The attachment means may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the attachment means will be adapted to allow the attachment of a lowering device (such as a elongate member including rope, strong, chain, a pole, a rod or the like, or a combination thereof) that allows a user to lower the assembly a suitable distance into the borehole. The attachment means may be of any suitable form, such as a tag, hook, loop, eyelet, Velcro patch, or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment means may comprise a tag having an aperture (such as an eye) therein allowing the lowering device to be temporarily attached thereto to lower the assembly into the borehole. In some embodiments, each of the two or inflatable bags may be provided with attachment means. [00431 Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0044] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0045] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [00461 Figure 1 illustrates an inflatable borehole plug assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00471 Figure 2 illustrates an inflatable borehole plug assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00481 Figure 3 illustrates an inflatable borehole plug assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0049] Figure 4 illustrates an inflatable borehole plug assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0050] Figure 1 illustrates an inflatable borehole plug assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 10 comprises a pair of inflatable bags 11, each of which contains a pressurised can (obscured) containing an inflating substance. [0051] The bags 11 are operatively associated with one another in that they are adapted to be retained at the same desired depth in the borehole as one another. Furthermore, the bags 11 are operatively associated with one another in that they are adapted to be inflated at the same time. [0052] To ensure that the bags 11 are maintained at the same desired depth in the borehole as one another, the assembly 10 further comprises retaining means in the form of rubber bands 12 that retain the bags 11 in close proximity to one another. [00531 At least one of the bags (although in the embodiment illustrated in the Figure, each of the bags) 11 is provided with attachment means in the form of a tag 13. The tags 13 are provided with an aperture 14 therein that allow an elongate member (such as a rope, string, chain etc) to be attached thereto to enable the bags 11 (or the assembly 10) to be lowered into a borehole. [0054] In Figure 2, the assembly 10 of Figure 1 is shown. The assembly 10 has been partially inserted into a metal tube 15 that is of a similar diameter to a typical borehole. In this way, the metal tube 15 is used to simulate the positioning of the assembly 10 in a borehole. [0055] In this Figure, it may be seen that the assembly 10 will be lowered into a borehole (represented by metal tube 15). While this can be performed manually, it is more typical (given the depth of boreholes) that a length of rope or line will be attached to the tag 13 to allow the assembly 10 to be lowered to the desired depth in a borehole. [00561 In Figure 3, the assembly 10 shown in Figure 2 is shown. In this Figure, the assembly's position in the metal tube 15 simulates the lowering of the assembly to the desired depth in a borehole. Once the assembly 10 has been lowered to the desired position within the borehole, the inflation of the bags 11 may be actuated.
[00571 In Figure 4, the assembly 10 of Figure 3 is shown after inflation of the bags 11 has been actuated. It may be seen that the bags have expanded to substantially fill the cross-sectional area of the metal tube 15 simulating a borehole. In this way, the mid-level charge (not shown) that the assembly is adapted to support will not be able to fall to the bottom of the borehole. [00581 In addition, if the water level in the borehole rises, the presence of two bags 11 in the assembly 10 will resist the pressure of the water and the assembly 10 will maintain its integrity. If only one bag was in use, the pressure of rising groundwater in the borehole would be likely to be higher than that in the bag, meaning that the bag would shrink and the explosive charge supported by the bag would fall to the bottom of the borehole. Further, the presence of two bags 11 means that neither bag 11 needs to be overpressurised. This minimises the risk of the bags 11 bursting or leaking either in situ or prior to insertion into the borehole. [0059] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [00601 Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00611 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
Claims (11)
1. An inflatable borehole plug assembly comprising two or more inflatable bags operatively associated with one another, each of the two or more inflatable bags including a pressurized can located therein, wherein the pressurized can contains an inflating substance to inflate the inflatable bag, and wherein inflation of the inflatable bags results in the formation of the plug.
2. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein each pressurized can includes a valve that is actuated to release the inflating substance.
3. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inflating substance is a volatisable liquid.
4. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the inflating substance comprises a hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend, a carrier and an emulsifier.
5. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the pressure in the pressurized can is between 150 and 10OOkPa.
6. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more inflatable bags are operatively associated with one another such that the inflation of the inflatable bags actuates at the same time.
7. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more inflatable bags are operatively associated with one another such that the two or more inflatable bags are retained at the same depth in a borehole as one another
8. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more inflatable bags are retained in physical proximity to one another by retaining means.
9. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to claim 8 wherein the retaining means includes rubber bands, adhesive taps, string, rope, sleeves, pouches, tubes or a combination thereof. I I
10. An inflatable borehole plug assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the two or more inflatable bags is provided with attachment means adapted to facilitate the lowering of the assembly into a borehole.
11. An inflatable borehole plug assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012244355A AU2012244355B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 | 2012-11-06 | An Inflatable Borehole Plug |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012902121 | 2012-05-23 | ||
| AU2012902121A AU2012902121A0 (en) | 2012-05-23 | An Inflatable Borehole Plug | |
| AU2012244355A AU2012244355B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 | 2012-11-06 | An Inflatable Borehole Plug |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2012244355B1 true AU2012244355B1 (en) | 2013-06-13 |
Family
ID=48606977
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012244355A Ceased AU2012244355B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 | 2012-11-06 | An Inflatable Borehole Plug |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20130312953A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2012244355B1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA201303718B (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20120234553A1 (en) * | 2011-03-17 | 2012-09-20 | Murphy Kent D | Mechanism for plugging subsea leaks |
| US10689939B1 (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2020-06-23 | Mitchell L. White | Downhole plug |
| BR112021007398A2 (en) * | 2018-10-19 | 2021-08-03 | Mti Group Pty Ltd | inflatable bag for hole below with release of reagent for inflation |
| CN111322918A (en) * | 2020-03-20 | 2020-06-23 | 威海埃姆提爱矿山设备有限公司 | Gas of gas spacer |
| CN114264207B (en) * | 2021-08-16 | 2024-01-09 | 北方工业大学 | Automatic stemming blocking device for blasthole and stemming blocking method |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5273110A (en) * | 1992-07-22 | 1993-12-28 | Fitzgibbon Jr Daniel F | Inflatable devices for suspending explosives and stemming materials in boreholes |
| WO2004048749A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2004-06-10 | Terrance Peter Clarke | Borehole plug |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2086161C (en) * | 1991-12-24 | 2004-05-18 | Geoffrey Robbins | Inflatable borehole plug assemblies |
| US9499729B2 (en) * | 2006-06-26 | 2016-11-22 | Honeywell International Inc. | Compositions and methods containing fluorine substituted olefins |
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2012
- 2012-11-06 AU AU2012244355A patent/AU2012244355B1/en not_active Ceased
-
2013
- 2013-05-22 ZA ZA2013/03718A patent/ZA201303718B/en unknown
- 2013-05-22 US US13/899,729 patent/US20130312953A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5273110A (en) * | 1992-07-22 | 1993-12-28 | Fitzgibbon Jr Daniel F | Inflatable devices for suspending explosives and stemming materials in boreholes |
| WO2004048749A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2004-06-10 | Terrance Peter Clarke | Borehole plug |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20130312953A1 (en) | 2013-11-28 |
| ZA201303718B (en) | 2014-03-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |