AU781762B2

AU781762B2 - Systems for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, inflatable containers including borehole plugs containing such systems and methods of use

Info

Publication number: AU781762B2
Application number: AU54104/01A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Geoffrey Ronald Robbins
Original assignee: MINTECH Pty Ltd
Current assignee: MINTECH Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-06-28
Filing date: 2001-06-28
Publication date: 2005-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-28
Also published as: AU5410401A

Description

S&FRef: 562213

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Mintech Pty Ltd 3E, 1-7 Unwins Bridge Road St Peters New South Wales 2044 Australia Geoffrey Ronald Robbins Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower,Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Systems for Slowing the Production and Release of an Inflating Substance, Inflatable Containers Including Borehole Plugs Containing Such Systems and Methods of Use ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION DETAILS [33] Country [31] Applic. No(s) [32] Application Date AU PQ8427 28 Jun 2000 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- IP Australia Documents received on: 4

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DB tch No: 5815c SYSTEMS FOR SLOWING THE PRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF AN INFLATING SUBSTANCE, INFLATABLE CONTAINERS INCLUDING BOREHOLE PLUGS CONTAINING SUCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE Technical Field This invention relates to systems for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, sealed, gas tight inflatable containers including borehole plugs containing such systems, a method of locating an inflatable borehole plug in a borehole and a method of inflating a sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

Background Art There is a need for systems for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance which are non pressurised to start with.

Objects of the Invention Objects of this invention include providing systems for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, sealed, gas tight inflatable containers including borehole plugs containing 15 such systems, a method of locating an inflatable borehole plug in a borehole and a method of inflating a sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

Disclosure of Invention S According to one embodiment of this invention there is provided a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, the system comprising: •••eo S 20 a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber and a reaction chamber the separation means having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber into the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber comprising at least one second co-reagent which on contact with the first co-reagent produces the inflating substance, the reaction chamber having means to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber and being arranged to receive, at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber after opening the separation means.

The inflating substance is typically a gas. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise at least one aperture and the first co-reagent typically comprises a liquid. The means to release at a [R:\LIBXX]borechcml .doc:SaF slowed rate may comprise a plurality of apertures.The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise one aperture. The first co-reagent may comprise water and the second co-reagent may comprise a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent may comprise an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent cmay omprise an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali. The first co-reagent chamber may comprise a flexible material, and the reaction chamber may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise polyethylene or polypropylene, for example. The separation means may comprise a peelable weld. The first co-reagent may comprise a liquid and the first co-reagent chamber, openable separation means and the means to release at a slowed rate may comprise an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container. The first co-reagent may comprise water and the second co-reagent may comprise a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent may comprise an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent may comprise an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said 20 aqueous solution of said alkali.

The means to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber may be a vent. The vent may be at least one aperture.

o:oo° The first co-reagent may comprise a liquid and the first co-reagent chamber, openable separation means and the means to release at a slowed rate may comprise an aerosol container having an 25 actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container and wherein the aerosol container is contained within the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber may comprise a flexible material.

According to another embodiment there is provided a sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance as described above said container having an internal surface and wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

[R:\LIBXX]borechem .doc:SaF The first co-reagent chamber may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening said separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first coreagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. Alternatively, the reaction chamber may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. As a further alternative the system may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. Advantageously, in one particular embodiment, the first co-reagent chamber is attached to the upper internal surface of the inflatable container such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface whereby the first co-reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate under the force of gravity.

The reaction chamber may also be attached to the upper internal surface of the inflatable container such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface and contains the second co-reagent at a position below the first co-reagent chamber such that in operation the first coreagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate whereby it contacts the second co-reagent.

20 The inflatable container may be a borehole plug.

According to another embodiment there is provided a sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating as described above, said inflatable container having an internal surface and wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts 25 substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

The aerosol container may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that on actuation of the actuator the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the aerosol container into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent.

Advantageously, the inflatable container is a borehole plug or other plug.

According to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, the system comprising: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc: SaF a slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent into a reaction chamber, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber from the slow release chamber, the reaction chamber comprising at least one second co-reagent which on contact with the first co-reagent produces the inflating substance, the reaction chamber having means to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber and being arranged to receive, at a rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the slow release chamber after opening the separation means.

The inflating substance may be a gas. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise at least one aperture and the first co-reagent may comprise a liquid. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise a plurality of apertures. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise one aperture. The first co-reagent may comprise water and the second co-reagent may comprise a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent may comprise an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second coreagent may comprise an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali. The first co-reagent chamber may comprise a flexible material, 20 and the reaction chamber may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise S polyethylene or polypropylene. The separation means may comprise a peelable weld.

The first co-reagent may comprise a liquid and the first co-reagent chamber, openable separation 25 means and the means to release at a slowed rate may comprise an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container and wherein the aerosol container is contained within the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber may comprise a flexible material.

According to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance as described above for the immediately preceding system said inflatable container having an internal surface and wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

The first co-reagent chamber may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening said separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first coreagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. Alternatively, the reaction chamber may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. As a further alternative, the system is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. Advantageously, in one particular embodiment, the first co-reagent chamber is attached to the upper internal surface of the inflatable container such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface whereby the first co-reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber into the slow release chamber and then out of the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate under the force of gravity. The reaction chamber may also be attached to the upper intrmal iurfnac nf the inflatable container such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface and contains the second co-reagent at a position below the slow release chamber such that in operation the first co- 20 reagent is released from the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate whereby it contacts the second co-reagent.

Advantageously, the inflatable container may be a borehole plug. Thus there is provided an S" inflatable borehole plug comprising a sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with the invention.

25 In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided a sealed, gas tight inflatable container, the container having an internal surface and containing: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, o.

an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber from at least one second co-reagent the separation means having means to release at a slowed rate the first coreagent from the first co-reagent chamber, at least one second co-reagent disposed with respect to the separation means so as to be contacted by the first co-reagent on release of the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber which contact produces an inflating substance at a rate determined by the means to [R:\LIBXX]borecheml.doc:SaF release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber after opening the separation means.

The second co-reagent may be located in the internal volume defined by the inflatable container.

The inflating substance is typically a gas. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise at least one aperture and the first co-reagent may comprise a liquid. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise a plurality of apertures. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise one aperture. The first co-reagent may comprise water and the second co-reagent may comprise a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent may comprise an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second coreagent may comprise an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali. The first co-reagent chamber may comprise a flexible material, and the reaction chamber may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise polyethylene or polypropylene. The separation means may comprise a peelable weld.

The first co-reagent may comprise a liquid and the first co-reagent chamber, openable separation means and the means to release at a slowed rate may comprise an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container.

20 The first co-reagent may comprise water and the second co-reagent may comprise a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent may comprise an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent may comprise an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

The first co-reagent chamber may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that in operation the first co-reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber into the slow release chamber and then out of the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate under the force of gravity.

The second co-reagent may be located in a reaction chamber, said reaction chamber having a vent to release said inflating substance into said inflatable container.

[R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF The first and second co-reagents may be present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

Advantageously, in one particular embodiment, the first co-reagent chamber is attached to the upper internal surface of the inflatable container such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface whereby the first co-reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber under the force of gravity.

Typically the sealed, gas tight inflatable container is a borehole plug or other plug.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a sealed, gas tight inflatable container, the container having an internal surface and containing: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, a slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber from the slow release chamber, at least one second co-reagent disposed with respect to the slow release chamber so as to be ooo* contacted by the first co-reagent on release of the first co-reagent from the slow release chamber S which contact produces an inflating substance at a rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the slow release chamber after opening the separation means.

The inflating substance may be a gas. The first co-reagent chamber may be attached to the internal surface at a location such that in operation it hangs from the internal surface whereby when the first co-reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber it passes into the slow release chamber and then out of the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate under the force of gravity. The inflating substance may be a gas and the second co-reagent may be located in a reaction chamber, said reaction chamber having a vent to release said .o inflating substance into said inflatable container.

The reaction chamber may be attached to the internal surface of the inflatable container at a location such that in operation it hangs from the internal surface and contains the second coreagent disposed at a position with respect to the slow release chamber whereby when the first co-reagent is released from the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate it contacts the second co-reagent in the reaction chamber.

[R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 8 The second co-reagent may be located in the internal volume defined by the inflatable container.

The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise at least one aperture and the first co-reagent may comprise a liquid. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise a plurality of apertures. The means to release at a slowed rate may comprise one aperture. The first co-reagent may comprise water and the second co-reagent may comprise a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent may comprise an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid. The first co-reagent may comprise an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent may comprise an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

The first co-reagent chamber may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise polyethylene or polypropylene. separation means may comprise a peelable weld.

Advantageously, in one particular embodiment, the first co-reagent chamber is attached to the upper internal surface of the inflatable container such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface whereby the first co-reagent is released from the slow release chamber under the S force of gravity.

20 Typically the sealed, gas tight inflatable container is a borehole plug or other plug.

In one particular form of the invention, the first co-reagent chamber is a flexible container such as a flexible plastic container, and, if present, the second co-reagent chamber (alternatively referred to as the reaction chamber) is a flexible container such as a flexible plastic container.

Usually the plastic material is chosen such that it is substantially unreactive with the first co- 25 reagent, the second co-reagent and the product(s) of reaction between the first co-reagent and the second co-reagent.

In another particular form of the invention, the first co-reagent chamber is a flexible openable or flexible rupturable container (which may be in the form of a bag) such as a flexible plastic container, which is located inside a slow release chamber comprising a flexible container (which may be in the form of a bag) having an aperture, and, if present, the second co-reagent chamber (alternatively referred to as the reaction chamber) is a flexible container such as a flexible plastic container (which may be in the form of a bag) which includes the second co-reagent and which contains the first co-reagent chamber and the slow release chamber. Usually the plastic material [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 9 is chosen such that it is substantially unreactive with the first co-reagent, the second co-reagent and the product(s) of reaction between the first co-reagent and the second co-reagent.

In another particular form of the invention, the first co-reagent chamber is an aerosol can or other type of aerosol dispenser. The aerosol can/dispenser contains the first co-reagent and usually has a substantially complete release actuator (such as a flea-bomb type actuator) which upon actuation by a user stays open to substantially completely release at a slowed rate the first coreagent (usually in liquid form) from the can or dispenser at a slowed rate. In this instance, one or more of the nature of the propellant in the can/dispenser, the pressure of the propellant in the aerosol can, the diameter of the conduit of the dispenser and size/diameter of the exit orifice of the can/dispenser and any other appropriate parameter may be chosen/adjusted to provide the appropriate slowed rate of release of the first co-reagent from the can/dispenser. The aerosol can/dispenser is normally made from materials that are substantially unreactive with and/or inert to the first co-reagent. Usually the propellant is immiscible with or substantially insoluble in the liquid first co-reagent. Thus for example where the first co-reagent is an aqueous based solution the propellant would typically be a propellant that is substantially insoluble in the aqueous base solution a hydrocarbon based propellant such as butane or propane, nitrogen or other suitable substantially insoluble propellant).

OO In another particular form of the invention, the first co-reagent chamber is an aerosol can or other type of aerosol dispenser which unlike a normal aerosol can or dispenser it does not include a 20 conduit which extends to near the bottom of the can/dispenser.. The aerosol can/dispenser contains the first co-reagent and usually has a substantially complete release actuator (such as a flea-bomb type actuator) which upon actuation by a user stays open to substantially completely release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent (usually in liquid form) from the can or dispenser at a slowed rate. In this instance the aerosol can/dispenser is mounted upside-down or in an at least 25 partly inverted configuration in the container into which it is intended to release the first cosee* reagent. It The aerosol can or dispenser can is mounted in an inverted or upside-down position by taping it to the inside of the container. In this instance, one or more of the nature of the propellant in the can/dispenser, the pressure of the propellant in the aerosol can, the diameter of the conduit of the dispenser and size/diameter of the exit orifice of the can/dispenser and any other appropriate parameter may be chosen/adjusted to provide the appropriate slowed rate of release of the first co-reagent from the can/dispenser. The aerosol can/dispenser is normally made from materials that are substantially unreactive with and/or inert to the first co-reagent.

Usually the propellant is immiscible with or substantially insoluble in the liquid first co-reagent.

Thus for example where the first co-reagent is an aqueous based solution the propellant would [R:\LIBXX]borechem Il.doc:SaF typically be a propellant that is substantially insoluble in the aqueous base solution a hydrocarbon based propellant such as butane or propane, nitrogen or other suitable substantially insoluble propellant).

In a further particular form of the invention, the first co-reagent chamber is an aerosol can or other type of aerosol dispenser. The aerosol can/dispenser contains the first co-reagent and usually has a substantially complete release actuator (such as a flea-bomb type actuator) which upon actuation by a user stays open to substantially completely release the first co-reagent from the can or dispenser. In this instance, the aerosol can or dispenser is usually contained within a slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent. After actuation the aerosol can or aerosol dispenser substantially completely releases the first coreagent (usually in liquid form) into the slow release chamber with a small volume of propellant to provide a slightly positive pressure as compared to atmospheric pressure 1.03 1.3 atm or to 2-6 psi above atmospheric pressure) but providing insufficient propellant pressure and insufficient volume of propellant and first co-reagent within the slow release chamber to cause the slow release chamber to rupture. Typically, the slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent is a flexible container a plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene) having an aperture of appropriate size which releases the first coreagent from the flexible container at a slowed rate which is substantially dependent on the size of the aperture. The aerosol can/dispenser and the slow release chamber are normally made from 20 materials that are substantially unreactive with and/or inert to the first co-reagent. Usually the propellant is immiscible with or substantially insoluble in the liquid first co-reagent. Thus for S example where the first co-reagent is an aqueous based solution the propellant would typically be a propellant that is substantially insoluble in the aqueous base solution a hydrocarbon based propellant such as butane or propane, nitrogen or other suitable substantially insoluble propellant).

In a further particular form of the invention, the first co-reagent chamber is an aerosol can or other type of aerosol dispenser which unlike a normal aerosol can or dispenser it does not include a conduit which extends to near the bottom of the can/dispenser. The aerosol can/dispenser contains the first co-reagent and usually has a substantially complete release actuator (such as a flea-bomb type actuator) which upon actuation by a user stays open to substantially completely release the first co-reagent from the can or dispenser. In this instance, the aerosol can or dispenser is usually contained within a slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent. In this instance the aerosol can/dispenser is mounted upside-down or in an at least partly inverted configuration in the slow release chamber or in the [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF container into which it is intended to release the first co-reagent. It The aerosol can or dispenser can is mounted in an inverted or upside-down position by taping it to the inside of the slow release chamber or container. After actuation the aerosol can or aerosol dispenser substantially completely releases the first co-reagent (usually in liquid form) into the slow release chamber with a small volume of propellant to provide a slightly positive pressure as compared to atmospheric pressure 1.02 1.3 atm or two to five psi atmospheric) but providing insufficient propellant pressure and insufficient volume of propellant and first co-reagent within the slow release chamber to cause the slow release chamber to rupture. Typically, the slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent is a flexible container a plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene) having an aperture of appropriate size which releases the first co-reagent from the flexible container at a slowed rate which is substantially dependent on the size of the aperture. The aerosol can/dispenser and the slow release chamber are normally made from materials that are substantially unreactive with and/or inert to the first co-reagent. Usually the propellant is immiscible with or substantially insoluble in the liquid first co-reagent. Thus for example where the first co-reagent is an aqueous based solution the propellant would typically be a propellant that is substantially insoluble in the aqueous base solution a hydrocarbon based propellant such as butane or propane, nitrogen or other suitable substantially insoluble propellant).

Advantageously, the inflating substance is a gas and the reaction chamber has a vent. Typically, 20 the vent comprises one or more apertures in the reaction chamber. The size of the vent is usually such as to release the gas into the rest of container at a controlled rate. Advantageously there are 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 apertures in the reaction chamber that act as vents.

The inflatable borehole plug is dimensioned such that it can be lowered down a borehole in a substantially uninflated or partially inflated state. However, once the substantially uninflated or partially inflated borehole plug is located at the required position in the borehole and is in a substantially fully inflated state it is dimensioned such as to completely span the borehole and thereby form a borehole plug. It will be appreciated that different diameter boreholes may require appropriately dimensioned borehole plugs.

The co-reagents when combined generally result in the contacting together of at least two components in such a way that they will chemically react with one another to form an expansion gas. The first co-reagent is usually in the form of a liquid. The second co-reagent may be in the form of a solid or a liquid. For example, the first co-reagent may be a solvent water) and the second co-reagent may be a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, Na carbonate, [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 12 Na bicarbonate or any other suitable carbonate or bicarbonate) together with an acid in solid form citric acid, Na bisulphite, tartaric acid); the first co-reagent may be an aqueous solution of an acid an aqueous solution of HCI, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid (which may be in the form of vinegar), citric acid, succinic acid, or any mixture thereof e.g. between 0.5% vol/vol-50% vol/vol, typically 2%vol/vol-9.9%vol/vol, more typically 3%vol/vol-9.9%vol/vol, usually the acid is a used at a nonhazardous concentration) and the second co-reagent may be a solid alkali which on reaction with an acid is capable of liberating a gas such as carbon dioxide, such as a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate or an aqueous solution of an appropriate alkali an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate, an aqueous solution of an aqueous solution of ammonium carbonate, an aqueous solution of ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, an aqueous solution of Na bicarbonate, or an aqueous solution of Na carbonate or any mixture thereof or an aqueous solution of another suitable carbonate or bicarbonate or percarbonate, usually the alkali is used at a nonhazardous concentration); the first co-reagent may be an aqueous solution of an appropriate alkali (e.g.

an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate, an aqueous solution of potassium percarbonate, an aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate, an aqueous solution of Na bicarbonate, an aqueous solution of Na percarbonate, or an aqueous solution of Na carbonate or any mixture thereof or an aqueous solution of another suitable carbonate or bicarbonate) and the second co-reagent may be a solid acid such as solid citric acid or an aqueous solution of an acid. Typically, where acid and 20 base are used as the components, stoichiometric amounts of acid and base are used although if required excess base may be used or alternatively, excess acid may be used. The components include those that are known to react together to form gases such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, hydrocarbon gases, halocarbon gases or other gases. Where the system, container or borehole plug is required to be used in a situation where it should be non flammable then usually non flammable first and second co-reagents are chosen such that a non flammable expansion gas C0 2 is produced when they react with one another.

The inflatable container may comprise a flexible container. Alternatively, the inflatable container may comprise flexible inner and outer containers. Advantageously, the inflatable container comprises a flexible plastic bag such as polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber or other elastomerics. More typically the inflatable container comprises a multi-layer plastic bag.

Examples of suitable multi-layer bag materials include polyethylene/nylon/polyethylene coextrusions, and nylon/surlyn coextrusions. Where nylon is included in the coextrusion it should be extrudable. Generally, the inflatable container is suitably strong and durable. Usually the inflatable container is able to withstand an internal pressure of 16 to 30psi, more typically 18 [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 13 to 26 psi internal pressure and are capable of maintaining that pressure for typically one to six weeks more typically two to four weeks.

The first co-reagent chamber may comprise a flexible container. Alternatively, first co-reagent chamber may comprise flexible inner and outer containers. Advantageously, first co-reagent chamber comprises a flexible plastic bag such as polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber or other elastomerics. More typically the first co-reagent chamber comprises a multi-layer plastic bag or container. Usually the plastic from which the plastic bag or container is made is chosen such that it has a high degree of reliability against holes formed either during fabrication or in use, is easily sealed (for example by heat welding), and it is compatible is not degraded or destroyed during the intended lifetime) with the first co-reagent. Advantageously the first coreagent chamber comprises a polyethylene coextrusion which is typically fabricated from flat polyethylene coextrusion sheets. The multi layer plastic bag is typically welded on all sides (three sides being heat welded and the side separating the first co-reagent chamber from the slow release chamber being a peel weld) to substantially prevent leakage from the first co-reagent chamber or substantially reduce the possibility of leakage from the first co-reagent chamber prior to the peel weld being opened. Examples of suitable multi-layer bag materials include polyethylene/nylon/polyethylene coextrusions, and nylon/surlyn coextrusions. Where nylon is included in the coextrusion it should be extrudable.

The inflatable borehole plug may include a means to delay inflation of the borehole plug such as 20 a burstable outer bag disposed about the inflatable container. In this particular form inflation of the borehole plug is constrained by the burstable outer bag until the gas pressure inside the borehole plug reaches a level that is sufficient to burst the burstable outer bag.

Usually the separation means is capable of being opened on application of manual pressure to the first co-reagent chamber. Where the first co-reagent chamber is an aerosol can or an aerosol 25 dispenser the separation means is that usually in a total release actuator (typically of the flea bomb type).

The gas pressure above the first co-reagent in the first co-reagent chamber is usually at atmospheric about 1 atm) and this has been found to be adequate to enable the first coreagent to be substantially released via the means to release at a slowed rate. Alternatively, the gas pressure above the first co-reagent in the first co-reagent chamber may be optionally at a slightly positive pressure slightly greater than 1 atm, say 1.05 1.3 atm) to assist the first co-reagent to be substantially released via the means to release at a slowed rate. For example, this may be achieved by filling the first co-reagent chamber (typically initially in an evacuated state) via a filling valve with the first co-reagent followed by, or accompanied by, an appropriate [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 14 volume of gas (such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc) to provide a slightly positive gas pressure in the first cable-reagent chamber.

Alternatively, the first co-reagent chamber may include means to equalise the pressure such as a one way valve) between the first co-reagent chamber and the second co-reagent chamber or other volume into which the first co-reagent is released.

The separation means may be a peel weld, one or more apertures having openable closure means a peel weld or other suitable burstable material).

Usually the means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent comprises one or more apertures whereby the size of the aperture or the combined size of the apertures is such so as to release the first co-reagent at the required slowed rate. The size(s) of the aperture(s) required to provide release of the first co-reagent at a slowed rate and thereby slow production of the inflating substance, usually a gas, for a time sufficient to allow an inflatable borehole plug containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with the invention to be located at a required location in the borehole, may be readily ascertained by trial and error for a given combination of co-reagents. Thus, where the size of the aperture is a very small aperture such as the dimension of the diameter of a pinhole 0.2- 0.Siin) the release of the first co-reagent will be much slower and consequently the production of the inflating substance will be much lower than when the aperture is larger such as a diameter in the range of 2-10mm. Typically, the diameter of the aperture is in the range of 0.1-12mm, 0.2-10mm, 0.3-8mm, 0.3-5mm, 0.3-3mm, 0.3-2mm, 0.3-1.5mm, 0.3-1.2mm, 0.3-1.1mm, 0.3- Imm, 0.3-0.9mm, 0.3-0.8mm, 0.3-0.7mm, 0.3-0.6mm, 0.3-0.5mm, 0.1-0.6mm, 0.1-0.5mm, 0.1- Imm, 0.1-2mm, 0.1-3mm, 0.1-4mm, 0.1-5mm, 0.5-3mm, 0.8-3mm, 1-6mm, 1-5mm, 1-4mm, 1- 3mm, 1-2mm, 1-1.5mm, 0.5-2mm or 1-3mm. Typically, the diameter of the aperture is chosen such that the required slowed rate is achieved. Thus depending on the dimensions of the 25 inflatable container and the required slowed rate the aperture may be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or The required slowed rate is usually chosen (depending on the required use) by choosing an appropriate means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent such that it takes a time in the range 30 seconds to 4 hours to substantially completely release the first co-reagent. Typically, it takes a time in the range 3 seconds 4 hours, 5 seconds-3 hours, 5 seconds-2 hours, 5 secondsone hour, 5 seconds-45 minutes, 5 seconds-30 minutes, 5 seconds-20 minutes, 5 minutes, 5 seconds-10 minutes, 5 seconds-five minutes, 5 seconds-four minutes, 5 seconds-three [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF minutes, 5 seconds-two minutes, 5 seconds-one minute, 5 seconds-45 seconds, 5 seconds, 5 seconds-25 seconds, 5 seconds-20 seconds, 5 seconds-15 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds-3 hours, 10 seconds-2 hours, 10 seconds-one hour, 10 seconds-45 minutes, seconds-30 minutes, 10 seconds-20 minutes, 10 seconds-15 minutes, 10 seconds-10 minutes, 10 seconds-five minutes, 10 seconds-four minutes, 10 seconds-three minutes, 10 seconds-two minutes, 10 seconds-one minute, 10 seconds-45 seconds, 10 seconds-30 seconds, 10 seconds, 10 seconds-20 seconds, 10 seconds-15 seconds, 6 seconds-10 seconds, 15 seconds-three minutes, 15 seconds-two minutes, 15 seconds-one minute, 15 seconds-45 seconds, 30 secondsthree minutes, 30 seconds-two minutes, 30 seconds-one minute, 30 seconds-45 seconds, seconds-three minutes, 45 seconds-two minutes, 45 seconds-one minute, 45 seconds-55 seconds, 1 minute 3 hours, 1 minute 2 hours, 1, minute 1 hour, 1 minute 45 minutes, 1 minute minutes, 1 minute 20 minutes, 1 minute 15 minutes, 1 minute 12 minutes, 1 minute minutes, 1 minute 8 minutes, 1 minute 7 minutes, 1 minute 6 minutes, 1 minute minutes, 1 minute 4 minutes, 1 minute 3 minutes, or 1 minute 2 minutes to substantially completely release the first co-reagent. Typically, it takes a time five seconds, six seconds, seven seconds, eight seconds, nine seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 39 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, 50 seconds, 55 seconds, 1 minute, 20 minutes, two minutes, 2.5 minutes, three minutes, 3.5 minutes, four minutes, 4.5 minutes, five minutes, 5.5 minutes, six minutes, 6.5 minutes, seven minutes, 7.5 minutes, eight minutes, minutes, nine minutes, 9.5 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 40 minutes, minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, 180 minutes, 210 minutes, 240 minutes, 270 minutes, 300 minutes, 330 minutes, or 360 minutes to substantially completely release the first co-reagent.

According to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a method of locating an inflatable borehole plug according to the invention in a borehole, comprising: opening the separation means whereby the first co-reagent contacts the second co-reagent at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, and locating the inflatable borehole plug in the borehole at a required location prior to complete inflation of the borehole plug, whereby the means to release at a slowed rate slows production of the inflating substance for a time sufficient to allow the inflatable borehole plug to be located at a required location in the borehole, wherein the total quantity of the inflating [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF substance produced is such as to inflate the gas tight container to form a borehole plug at the required location in the borehole.

A method of inflating a sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with the invention, comprising: opening the separation means whereby the first co-reagent contacts the second co-reagent at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, whereby the means to release at a slowed rate slows production of the inflating substance for a time required by a user, wherein the total quantity of the inflating substance produced is such as to inflate the gas tight container to the required pressure.

A method of inflating a sealed, gas tight inflatable container in accordance with the invention, comprising: opening the separation means whereby the first co-reagent contacts the second co-reagent at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, whereby the means to release at a slowed rate slows productionof the inflating substance for a time required by a user, wherein the total quantity of the inflating substance produced is such as to inflate the gas tight container to the required pressure.

An advantage of the systems of the present invention is that the slowed rate at which the first coreagent is released may be readily determined by having one or more apertures of appropriate S dimension (the appropriate dimension of the aperture being initially readily determined by 20 simple trial. In manufacture it is relatively easy to make reproducibly an aperture(s) of similar dimension(s). Consequently, it is a relatively straightforward task to reproduce the slowed rate of first co-reagent release, and thus reproduce the rate of production of expansion gas in a straightforward manner and thereby reproduce the rate of expansion of an inflatable container/borehole plug of the invention. Similarly, it is a relatively straightforward task to vary ,e 25 the size of the aperture(s) and thereby vary the slowed rate of first co-reagent release and the resultant rate of production of expansion gas and thereby vary the rate of expansion of an inflatable container/borehole plug of the invention..

S"Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a cross sectional side view of an inflatable borehole plug; Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of an alternative inflatable borehole plug; Figure 3 is a cross sectional side view of a further alternative inflatable borehole plug; and Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view of a further alternative inflatable borehole plug.

[R:LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 17 Best Mode And Other Modes For Carrying Out The Invention Figure 1 depicts a cross sectional side view of an inflatable borehole plug 100 which includes a sealed, gas tight inflatable container 101 containing a system 102 for slowing the production and release of an expansion gas within borehole plug 100. Borehole plug 100 includes an outer flexible container 109 disposed about container 101. System 102 includes a first co-reagent chamber 103 comprising at least one first co-reagent 104 in liquid form an aqueous solution of citric acid) where the gas in the first co-reagent chamber 103 (typically air) is at atmospheric pressure (about 1 atm), a slow release chamber 105 having an aperture 106 to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent 104 into the reaction chamber 107, and an openable peel weld 108 separating the first co-reagent chamber 103 from the slow release chamber 105. Chamber 103 is advantageously fabricated from a multi layer plastic coextrusion with sides 113, 114 and 115 which are heat welded to provide a leak resistant chamber 103. Reaction chamber 107 has at least one second co-reagent 110 sodium bicarbonate) which on contact with the first coreagent 104 produces the expansion gas, the reaction chamber 107 having a vent 111 to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber 107 and being arranged to receive, at a slowed rate determined by the size of aperture 106, the first co-reagent 104 from the slow release chamber 105 after opening the peel weld 108. The size of vent 111 is usually such as to release the gas into the rest of container 101 at a controlled rate. Thus during release of the gas out of vent 111 reaction chamber 107 is typically in an inflated balloon like state. Typically the length 20 of reactor chamber 107 is about the same as the internal width of container 101. System 102 is ooo attached by double sided sticky tape or adhesive or other suitable attachment means to container 101 at 112 such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface of container 101 whereby the first co-reagent 104 is released from the first co-reagent chamber 103 into the slow release chamber 105 and then out of the slow release chamber 105 via aperture 106 under the force of gravity. The quantities of first co-reagent 104 and second co-reagent 110 are sufficient to produce sufficient expansion gas C0 2 when they react with one another to inflate borehole plug 100 to the extent required for the intended use. Thus where borehole plug is required to plug a borehole the quantities of first co-reagent 104 and second co-reagent 110 are S usually sufficient to produce sufficient expansion gas when they react with one another to substantially completely inflate borehole plug 100.

In use, a user applies sufficient manual pressure to chamber 103 by pressing the outer surface of container 109 at the appropriate location(s) which may be appropriately marked, to open peel weld 108. First co-reagent 104 then passes into slow release chamber 105 and then out of aperture 106 at a slowed rate determined by the dimensions of aperture 106 into reaction [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 18 chamberl07 where it contacts second co-reagent 110 thereby causing an expansion gas to be produced. The expansion gas gradually inflates borehole plug 100 as it passes out of vent 111.

After opening peel weld 108 a user lowers borehole plug 100 in an uninflated or partially inflated state down a borehole until it reaches a required location in the borehole. Borehole plug 100 is then maintained by the user at the required location until it inflates sufficiently to form a fully inflated borehole plug 100 which is supported in the borehole by the force of the expanded borehole plug 100 against the walls of the borehole. If required, the user can then place an explosive and detonator on top of plug 100, close the borehole with appropriate material such as tailings and thereafter detonate the explosive.

Figure 2 depicts a cross sectional side view of an alternative inflatable borehole plug 200 which is the same as that described with reference to Figure 1 (as will be seen from the identical reference numbers on Figure 2 except for reference number 106a) except slow release chamber 105 has a plurality of apertures 106a instead of having a single aperture 106 as depicted in Figure 1. In using borehole plug 200 a user applies sufficient manual pressure to chamber 103 by pressing the outer surface of container 109 at the appropriate location(s) which may be appropriately marked, to open peel weld 108. First co-reagent 104 then passes into slow release chamber 105 and then out of apertures 106a at a slowed rate determined by the sum of the dimensions of apertures 106a into reaction chamberl07 where it contacts second co-reagent 110 thereby causing an expansion gas to be produced. The borehole plug 200 is then lowered down a 20 borehole and located in a required position in the borehole by a user following the procedure described with reference to Figure 1.

Figure 3 depicts a cross sectional side view of an alternative inflatable borehole plug 300 which is the same as that described with reference to Figure 1 (as will be seen from the identical reference numbers on Figure 2 except for reference number 108a and missing reference numerals 105 and 106) except there is no slow release chamber 105 having an aperture 106 as depicted in Figure 1 instead there is a smaller peel weld 108a that covers aperture 106b. In using borehole plug 300, a user applies sufficient manual pressure to chamber 103 by pressing the outer surface of container 109 at the appropriate location(s) which may be appropriately marked, to open peel S.i weld 108a. First co-reagent 104 then passes out of aperture 106b at a slowed rate determined by the dimensions of aperture 106b into reaction chamberl07 where it contacts second co-reagent 110 thereby causing an expansion gas to be produced. The expansion gas gradually inflates borehole plug 300 as it passes out of vent 111. After opening peel weld 108a a user lowers borehole plug 300 in an uninflated or partially inflated state down a borehole until it reaches a required location in the borehole. Borehole plug 300 is then maintained by the user at the [R:\LIBXX]borechem .doc:SaF 19 required location until it inflates sufficiently to form a fully inflated borehole plug 300 which is supported in the borehole by the force of the expanded borehole plug 300 against the walls of the borehole. If required, the user can then place an explosive and detonator on top of plug 300, close the borehole with appropriate material such as tailings and thereafter detonate the explosive.

Figure 4 depicts a cross sectional side view of a further alternative inflatable borehole plug 400 which includes a sealed, gas tight inflatable container. Borehole plug 400 includes an outer flexible container 409 disposed about container 401. A first co-reagent chamber 403 comprising at least one first co-reagent 404 in liquid form water) where the gas in the first co-reagent chamber 403 (typically air) is at atmospheric or alternatively at a slightly positive pressure compared to atmospheric pressure 1.05-1.3 atm), a slow release chamber 405 having an aperture 406 to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent 404 into the internal volume defined by container 401 and onto an at least one second co-reagent 410 contained within container 401 a solid mixture of stoichiometric amounts of sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate), and an openable peel weld 408 separating the first co-reagent chamber 403 from the slow release chamber 405. Chamber 403 is advantageously fabricated from a multi layer plastic coextrusion with sides 412, 413 and 414 which are heat welded to provide a leak resistant chamber 403: When the at least one second co-reagent 410 a solid mixture of stoichiometric amounts of sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate) contacts the first co-reagent 404 an expansion gas is 20 produced within container 401. Chamber 403 is attached to container 401 at 411 with double sided sticky tape or adhesive or other suitable attachment means such that in operation it hangs from the upper internal surface of container 401 whereby the first co-reagent 404 is released from the first co-reagent chamber 403 into the slow release chamber 405 and thern out of the slow o release chamber 405 via aperture 406 under the force of gravity. The quantities of first coreagent 404 and second co-reagent 410 are sufficient to produce sufficient expansion gas (e.g.

CO

2 when they react with one another to inflate borehole plug 400 to the extent required for the intended use. Thus where borehole plug is required to plug a borehole the quantities of first co- S* reagent 404 and second co-reagent 410 are usually sufficient to produce sufficient expansion gas °when they react with one another to substantially completely inflate borehole plug 400.

In use, a user applies sufficient manual pressure to chamber 403 by pressing the outer surface of container 409 at the appropriate location(s) which may be appropriately marked, to open peel weld 408. First co-reagent 404 then passes into slow release chamber 405 and then out of aperture 406 at a slowed rate determined by the dimensions of aperture 406 into reaction chamber 407 where it contacts second co-reagent 410 thereby causing an expansion gas to be [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF produced. The expansion gas gradually inflates borehole plug 400. After opening peel weld 408 a user lowers borehole plug 400 in an uninflated or partially inflated state down a borehole until it reaches a required location in the borehole. Borehole plug 400 is then maintained by the user at the required location until it inflates sufficiently to form a fully inflated borehole plug 400 which is supported in the borehole by the force of the expanded borehole plug 400 against the walls of the borehole. If required, the user can then place an explosive and detonator on top of plug 400, close the borehole with appropriate material such as tailings and thereafter detonate the explosive.

ea..

S.

[R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF

Claims

1. A system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, the system comprising: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber and a reaction chamber the separation means having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber into the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber comprising at least one second co-reagent which on contact with the first co-reagent produces the inflating substance, the reaction chamber having means to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber and being arranged to receive, at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber after opening the separation means.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the inflating substance is a gas.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises at least one aperture and the first co-reagent comprises a liquid.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises a plurality o of apertures. S 5. The system of claim 3 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises one aperture.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first co-reagent comprises water and the second co-reagent comprises a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent comprises an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid.

8. The system any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent comprises an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the first co-reagent chamber comprises a flexible material, and the reaction chamber comprises a flexible material. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF The system of claim 9 wherein the flexible material comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the separation means comprises a peelable weld.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the first co-reagent comprises a liquid and the first co- reagent chamber, openable separation means and the means to release at a slowed rate comprises an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the first co-reagent comprises water and the second co- reagent comprises a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent comprises an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent comprises an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

16. A sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with any one of claims 1-11 said container 20 having an internal surface and wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely .inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

17. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 16 wherein the first co-reagent 25 chamber is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening said separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent.

18. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 16 wherein the reaction chamber is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF

19. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 16 wherein the system is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent.

20. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the inflatable container is a borehole plug.

21. A sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with any one of claims 12-15 said inflatable container having an internal surface and wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

22. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 21 wherein the aerosol container is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on actuation of the actuator the first co- reagent is released at a slowed rate from the aerosol container into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent.

23. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 21 or 22 wherein the inflatable container is a borehole plug.

24. A system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance, the system 20 comprising: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, ooooo a slow release chamber having means to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent into a reaction chamber, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber from the slow release chamber, the reaction chamber comprising at least one second co-reagent which on contact with the S•first co-reagent produces the inflating substance, the reaction chamber having means to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber and being arranged to receive, at a rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the slow release chamber after opening the separation means. The system of claim 24 wherein the inflating substance is a gas. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF

26. The system of claim 24 or 25 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises at least one aperture and the first co-reagent comprises a liquid.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises a plurality of apertures.

28. The system of claim 26 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises one aperture.

29. The system of any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein the first co-reagent comprises water and the second co-reagent comprises a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

30. The system of any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent comprises an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid.

31. The system any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent comprises an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

32. The system of any one of claims 24 to 31 wherein the first co-reagent chamber comprises a flexible material, and the reaction chamber comprises a flexible material. S33. The system of claim 32 wherein the flexible material comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

34. The system of any one of claims 24 to 33 wherein the separation means comprises a peelable weld. A sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with any one of claims 24-34 said inflatable container having an internal surface and wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container.

36. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 35 wherein the first co-reagent chamber is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening said separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF

37. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 35 wherein the reaction chamber is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent.

38. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 35 wherein the system is attached to the internal surface at a location such that on opening the separation means the first co-reagent is released at a slowed rate from the first co-reagent chamber via the means to release into the reaction chamber thereby contacting the second co-reagent.

39. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 35 to 38 wherein the inflatable container is a borehole plug. A sealed, gas tight inflatable container, the container having an internal surface and containing: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber from at least one second co-reagent the separation means having means to release at a slowed rate the first co- rao nen l tlc et rc rn ,vonr t ,r~l,on.-l~o LAA 'A J -A-gAnt l bAt.*, at least one second co-reagent disposed with respect to the separation means so as to be contacted by the first co-reagent on release of the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber which contact produces an inflating substance at a rate determined by the means to 20 release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the first co-reagent chamber after opening the separation means.

41. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 40 wherein the second co- reagent is located in the internal volume defined by the inflatable container.

42. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 40 or 41 wherein the inflating substance is a gas.

43. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 40 to 42 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises at least one aperture and the first co-reagent comprises a liquid.

44. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 43 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises a plurality of apertures. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 43 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises one aperture. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 26

46. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 40 to 45 wherein the first co-reagent comprises water and the second co-reagent comprises a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

47. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 40 to 45 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent comprises an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid.

48. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 40 to 45 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent comprises an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

49. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 40 to 48 wherein the first co-reagent chamber comprises a flexible material, and the reaction chamber comprises a flexible material. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 49 wherein the flexible material comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

51. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 40 to 50 wherein the separation means comprises a peelable weld o 52. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 40 wherein the first co-reagent comprises a liquid and the first co-reagent chamber, openable separation means and the means to release at a slowed rate comprises an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation 20 releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container.

53. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 52 wherein the first co-reagent comprises water and the second co-reagent comprises a mixture of a solid carbonate and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form.

54. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 52 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent comprises an alkali capable S.of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid.

55. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 52 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent comprises an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali.

56. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 51 wherein the first co- reagent chamber is attached to the internal surface at a location such that in operation the first co- [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber into the slow release chamber and then out of the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate under the force of gravity.

57. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 40 wherein the second co- reagent is located in a reaction chamber, said reaction chamber having a vent to release said inflating substance into said inflatable container.

58. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to any one of claims 40 to 57 wherein the container is a borehole plug.

59. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to any one of claims 40 to 58 wherein said first and second co-reagents are present in amounts whereby when substantially all of said first co-reagent contacts substantially all of said second co-reagent the inflating substance is produced in an amount which substantially completely inflates said sealed, gas tight inflatable container. A sealed, gas tight inflatable container, the container having an internal surface and containing: a first co-reagent chamber comprising at least one first co-reagent, a slo, r-elese chamber having mcans to release at a slowed rate the first co-reagent, an openable separation means separating the first co-reagent chamber from the slow release chamber, at least one second co-reagent disposed with respect to the slow release chamber so as to be contacted by the first co-reagent on release of the first co-reagent from the slow release chamber which contact produces an inflating substance at a rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, the first co-reagent from the slow release chamber after opening the separation means.

61. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 59 wherein the first co- reagent chamber is attached to the internal surface at a location such that in operation it hangs from the internal surface whereby when the first co-reagent is released from the first co-reagent chamber it passes into the slow release chamber and then out of the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate under the force of gravity.

62. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 59 wherein the inflating substance is a gas and the second co-reagent is located in a reaction chamber, said reaction chamber having a vent to release said inflating substance into said inflatable container. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF 28

63. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 61 wherein the reaction chamber is attached to the internal surface of the inflatable container at a location such that in operation it hangs from the internal surface and contains the second co-reagent disposed at a position with respect to the slow release chamber whereby when the first co-reagent is released from the slow release chamber via the means to release at a slowed rate it contacts the second co- reagent in the reaction chamber.

64. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 59 wherein the second co- reagent is located in the internal volume defined by the inflatable container. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 59 to 64 wherein the inflating substance is a gas.

66. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 59 to 65 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises at least one aperture and the first co-reagent comprises a liquid.

67. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 66 wherein the means to release at a slowed rate comprises a plurality of apertures.

68. The sealed. gas tight inflatahle container of claim 66 wherein the mens to release at a slowed rate comprises one aperture.

69. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 59 to 68 wherein the first co-reagent comprises water and the second co-reagent comprises a mixture of a solid carbonate 20 and/or bicarbonate together with an acid in solid form. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 59 to 68 wherein the first co-reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an acid and the second co-reagent comprises an alkali capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said acid.

71. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container any one of claims 59 to 68 wherein the first co- reagent comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali and the second co-reagent comprises an acid capable of liberating carbon dioxide on reaction with said aqueous solution of said alkali. S" 72. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 59 to 71 wherein the first co-reagent chamber comprises a flexible material.

73. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of claim 72 wherein the flexible material comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

74. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container of any one of claims 59 to 73 wherein the separation means comprises a peelable weld. [R:\LIBXX]borechem I.doc:SaF The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to claim 50 wherein the second co- reagent is located in a reaction chamber, said reaction chamber having a vent to release said inflating substance into said inflatable container.

76. The sealed, gas tight inflatable container according to any one of claims 59 to 75 wherein the container is a borehole plug.

77. The system of any one of claims 1 to 39 wherein the means to release the inflating substance from the reaction chamber is a vent.

78. The system of claim 77 wherein the vent is at least one aperture.

79. The system of claim 1 wherein the first co-reagent comprises a liquid and the first co- reagent chamber, openable separation means and the means to release at a slowed rate comprises an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container and wherein the aerosol container is contained within the reaction chamber. The system of claim 79 wherein the reaction chamber comprises a flexible material.

81. The system of claim 24 wherein the first co-reagent comprises a liquid and the first co- ,C,C,t uvCiabie e aatiii ii ieans and the means to release at a slowed rate comprises an aerosol container having an actuator which on actuation releases said first co-reagent at a slowed rate from said aerosol container and wherein the aerosol container is contained within the reaction chamber.

82. The system of claim 81 wherein the reaction chamber comprises a flexible material.

83. A method of locating an inflatable borehole plug according to any one of claims 20, 23, 39, 58 or 76 in a borehole, comprising: opening the separation means whereby the first co-reagent contacts the second co-reagent S at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, and locating the inflatable borehole plug in the borehole at a required location prior to complete inflation of the borehole plug, whereby the means to release at a slowed rate slows production of the inflating substance for a time sufficient to allow the inflatable borehole plug to be located at a required location in the borehole, wherein the total quantity of the inflating substance produced is such as to inflate the gas tight container to form a borehole plug at the required location in the borehole. [R:\LIBXX]borecheml .doc:SaF

84. A method of inflating a sealed, gas tight inflatable container containing a system for slowing the production and release of an inflating substance in accordance with any one of claims 1-15, 24-34, comprising: opening the separation means whereby the first co-reagent contacts the second co-reagent at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, whereby the means to release at a slowed rate slows production of the inflating substance for a time required by a user, wherein the total quantity of the inflating substance produced is such as to inflate the gas tight container to the required pressure. A method of inflating a sealed, gas tight inflatable container in accordance with any one of claims 16-22, 35-38, 40-76, comprising: opening the separation means whereby the first co-reagent contacts the second co-reagent at a slowed rate determined by the means to release at a slowed rate, whereby the means to release at a slowed rate slows production of the inflating substance for a time required by a user, wherein the total quantity of the inflating substance produced is such as to inflate the gas tight container to the required pressure. Dated 28 June, 2001 Mintech Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON e [R:\LlBXXjborechcml