GB382792A - Method of and means for making bore holes - Google Patents

Abstract

382,792. Boring earth by heating. MEKEL, J. A. A., 126, Oude Delft, Delft, Holland, and BAARS, W. F. C., 73, Schiedamsche Singel, Rotterdam, Holland. (Assignee of Aarts, C. ; 30, Laan van Leeuwensteijn, Voorburg, Holland.) Dec. 7, 1931, No. 33908. Convention date, Feb. 2. [Classes 68 (i) and 85.] Bore holes or wells are formed in the ground by applying heat to melt the material or render it plastic, and displacing the molten or plastic material downwards and sidewise by pressure to form the bore hole walls, or removing it upwardly, or both. In Fig. 1, an electrode 3 is employed to form an arc, current being supplied by tubes 4 which also carry a cooling liquid ; the hole may be closed by a plug 5 which allows gaseous pressure to be applied under control. In another form, two electrodes are used, the arc between them being displaced downwardly by a magnetic field, or the arc may pass between the electrodes and a slag at the bottom of the hole. Alternatively, the heat may be applied by an electric resistance of tungsten &c., by the use of cooled coils to produce a high frequency alternating electromagnetic field to generate Foucault currents in the ground, or by a gas flame &c. and a current of gas may be forced against the bottom of the hole to displace the material. The heating device may carry a gauge collar, the diameter of which corresponds to the minimum diameter required in the borehole. Water or oxidizing or reducing substances may be admitted to the bore hole, or with electrical methods, scrapiron, mercury or other substance may be introduced. The material may be removed from the hole by evaporation, assisted by a current of air or gas or by use of an evacuated tube 13, Fig. 4, with a ball valve 16 and a fusible plug 15 which is dipped into the molten material. The bottom of a bore hole may be enlarged by use of the heating means.