WO2023201113A1 - Procédés et appareils d'électroconcassage pour le perçage de tunnel - Google Patents

Procédés et appareils d'électroconcassage pour le perçage de tunnel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023201113A1
WO2023201113A1 PCT/US2023/018844 US2023018844W WO2023201113A1 WO 2023201113 A1 WO2023201113 A1 WO 2023201113A1 US 2023018844 W US2023018844 W US 2023018844W WO 2023201113 A1 WO2023201113 A1 WO 2023201113A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
end effectors
tunnel
rock
boring
vein
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/018844
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
William M. Moeny
Original Assignee
Sdg Llc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sdg Llc filed Critical Sdg Llc
Publication of WO2023201113A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023201113A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C19/00—Other disintegrating devices or methods
    • B02C19/18—Use of auxiliary physical effects, e.g. ultrasonics, irradiation, for disintegrating
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/14—Drilling by use of heat, e.g. flame drilling
    • E21B7/15—Drilling by use of heat, e.g. flame drilling of electrically generated heat
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C37/00—Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading
    • E21C37/18—Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading by electricity
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
    • E21D9/10—Making by using boring or cutting machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C19/00—Other disintegrating devices or methods
    • B02C19/18—Use of auxiliary physical effects, e.g. ultrasonics, irradiation, for disintegrating
    • B02C2019/183—Crushing by discharge of high electrical energy

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to electrocrushing mining apparatuses and methods, particularly the boring of large tunnels through hard rock, particularly for applications such as vehicle transportation and water transport.
  • Electrohydraulic drilling and mining is known.
  • an electrical arc is created in a fluid located near the rock.
  • the rock is failed in compression because of the high pressure shockwave compressing the surface of the rock and causing it to fracture.
  • This process is very inefficient, since rock is typically about twelve times stronger in compression than in tension. Thus, it can only be used for very soft rock. Because fluid is required to produce the shockwave, it is extremely difficult if not impossible to limit excavation to a vein of ore.
  • Electrocrushing for drilling is also known.
  • Tunnel boring machines perform a very important function in boring out tunnels for everything from water transport to automobile traffic.
  • the basic rock crushing process used in the tunnel boring machines has been unchanged for many decades. While advancements have been made in the supporting systems of the TBM, the TBM is basically limited to soft rock and soils for boring tunnels.
  • TBM tunnel boring machines
  • An embodiment of the present invention is a method for mining a vein, the method comprising assembling a plurality of end effectors into an assembly having a configuration which approximately matches a shape and size of the vein, each end effector comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrocrushing material in a vein; and mining the vein along a predetermined path using the assembly.
  • the method preferably comprises sensing a presence of the vein to minimize excavation of surrounding matrix material, preferably using a sensor technology selected from the group consisting of x-ray fluorescence, direct current (DC) resistance, radio frequency (RF) dielectric loss, magnetic-induced current, eddy current, acoustic, alternating current (AC) electric field, alternating current (AC) magnetic field, and combinations thereof.
  • Mining the vein preferably comprises pumping mining fluid to the end effectors and separating mine cuttings from used fluid.
  • the method optionally comprises driving an alternator with the pumped mining fluid to provide power to the end effectors, in which case communication with a controller is preferably accomplished by acoustic data transmission through the drilling fluid or RF technology.
  • Mining the vein preferably comprises comminuting mine cuttings to a size less than approximately 1 inch; transporting the comminuted mine cuttings out of the excavation area; and transporting the comminuted mine cuttings to the surface.
  • One or more end effectors are preferably included in each of a plurality of separate modules, each module comprising a pulsed power system, a mining fluid supply hose, and a mine cuttings transport hose, wherein the separate modules are assembled to form the assembly.
  • Mining the vein preferably comprises steering the assembly by using different pulse rates for at least two of the end effectors.
  • Mining the vein preferably comprises directing a path of the assembly using an inertial navigation system.
  • the position of the assembly is optionally determined using a plurality of seismometers.
  • Mining the vein preferably comprises propelling the assembly using one or more tractors, which preferably can be retracted into the assembly when the tractor is not in use.
  • the assembling step is preferably performed in an underground area preferably using simple fasteners and handheld tools.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mining a vein, the apparatus comprising a plurality of end effectors each comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrocrushing material in a vein; one or more electrocrushing pulsed power systems; one or more mining fluid supply hoses; one or more mine cuttings transport hoses; a controller; and a mining fluid pump; wherein the plurality of end effectors are assembled into an assembly having a configuration that approximately matches a shape and size of the vein.
  • the apparatus preferably further comprises one or more sensors for distinguishing the vein from surrounding matrix material, preferably wherein the sensors are selected from the group consisting of x-ray fluorescence sensors, direct current (DC) resistance sensors, radio frequency (RF) dielectric loss sensors, magnetic-induced current sensors, eddy current sensors, acoustic sensors, alternating current (AC) electric field sensors, alternating current (AC) magnetic field sensors, and combinations thereof.
  • the apparatus preferably further comprises an inertial navigation system and preferably comprises one or more tractors for propelling the apparatus, which are preferably retractable into the apparatus.
  • the assembly preferably comprises a plurality of modules, each module comprising one or more end effectors, an electrocrushing pulsed power system, a mining fluid supply hose, and a cuttings transport hose.
  • the apparatus of preferably further comprises a separator for separating mine cuttings from mining fluid.
  • Each electrocrushing pulsed power system optionally comprises an alternator for providing power to the end effectors, the alternator configured to be driven by mining fluid supplied to the end effectors, in which case communication with the controller is preferably accomplished by acoustic data transmission through the drilling fluid or RF technology.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for mining a vein, the method comprising assembling a plurality of end effectors into an assembly having a size less than a size of the vein, each end effector comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrocrushing material in a vein; mining a first slot the vein along a first predetermined path using the assembly; backing the assembly out of the first slot; offsetting a position the assembly from the first slot; and mining a second slot in the vein along a second predetermined path.
  • the first slot and the second slot are preferably separated by a rib of vein material, the rib sufficiently wide to prevent them from collapsing.
  • the width of the rib is optionally approximately two inches.
  • the method preferably comprises sensing a presence of the vein to minimize excavation of surrounding matrix material, preferably using a sensor technology selected from the group consisting of x-ray fluorescence, direct current (DC) resistance, radio frequency (RF) dielectric loss, magnetic-induced current, eddy current, acoustic, alternating current (AC) electric field, alternating current (AC) magnetic field, and combinations thereof.
  • the mining steps preferably comprise pumping mining fluid to the end effectors and separating mine cuttings from used fluid.
  • the method optionally comprises driving an alternator with the pumped mining fluid to provide power to the end effectors, in which case communication with a controller is preferably accomplished by acoustic data transmission through the drilling fluid or RF technology.
  • the mining steps preferably comprise comminuting mine cuttings to a size less than approximately 1 inch; transporting the comminuted mine cuttings out of the excavation area; and transporting the comminuted mine cuttings to the surface.
  • One or more end effectors are preferably included in each of a plurality of separate modules, each module comprising a pulsed power system, a mining fluid supply hose, and a mine cuttings transport hose; wherein the separate modules are assembled to form the assembly.
  • the mining steps preferably comprise steering the assembly by using different pulse rates for at least two the end effectors and preferably comprise directing a path of the assembly using an inertial navigation system.
  • the position of the assembly is optionally determined using a plurality of seismometers.
  • the mining and backing steps preferably comprise propelling the assembly using one or more tractors, and preferably further comprise retracting a tractor into the assembly when the tractor is not in use.
  • the assembling step is preferably performed in an underground area, preferably using simple fasteners and handheld tools.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for boring a funnel, the apparatus comprising one or more extendable electrocrushing end effectors.
  • the one or more end effectors preferably each comprise one or more electrocrushing electrodes.
  • the one or more end effectors are preferably extendable from the apparatus in a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel.
  • Each of the one or more end effectors is preferably sector shaped.
  • an excavation face comprising the one or more end effectors is preferably extendable from the apparatus.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises one or more sections selected from the group consisting of: a power conditioning section for providing high voltage electrical pulses to the one or more end effectors, fluid management for pumping a boring fluid to sweep out rock cuttings, a traction section for moving the apparatus, a rock separation section for separating rock cuttings from the boring fluid, and a waste rock disposal section.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of boring a tunnel, the method comprising extending one or more electrocrushing end effectors from a tunnel boring apparatus.
  • the method preferably comprises extending the one or more end effectors in a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel.
  • the method optionally further comprises each extending end effector excavating a section of the tunnel during the extending step, refracting the one or more extended end effectors, and moving the apparatus further into the tunnel.
  • This method preferably comprises leaving a rock ridge surrounding each extended end effector, using the rock ridge to immerse each extended end effector in a boring fluid and, removing the rock ridges after the retracting step.
  • the extending step optionally comprises extending two or more of the end effectors individually and sequentially.
  • the extending step alternatively comprises extending two or more of the end effectors simultaneously.
  • the extending step optionally comprises extending an excavation face from the apparatus, the excavation face comprising the plurality of end effectors, and preferably further comprises anchoring the apparatus to a wall of the tunnel before extending the excavation face, excavating a section of the funnel during the extending step, retracting the excavation face, releasing the apparatus from the wall of the tunnel, and moving the apparatus further into the tunnel.
  • This method also preferably further comprises using the tunnel wall to immerse the plurality of end effectors in a boring fluid.
  • the apparatus may alternatively comprise an excavation face comprising a single end effector, in which case the method preferably further comprises rotating the excavation face until the end effector is at a first excavation location prior to the extending step, excavating a section of the tunnel during the extending step, retracting the end effector, rotating the excavation face until the end effector is at a second excavation location, and moving the apparatus further into the tunnel.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for boring a tunnel, the apparatus comprising an excavation face, a rotating arm disposed on the excavation face, the rotating arm having an axis of rotation approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel such that the rotating arm rotates in a plane approximately parallel to the excavation face, and one or more electrocrushing end effectors attached to the rotating arm.
  • the one or more end effectors each preferably comprise one or more electrocrushing electrodes.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises one or more sections selected from the group consisting of: a power conditioning section for providing high voltage electrical pulses to the one or more end effectors, fluid management for pumping a boring fluid to sweep out rock cuttings, a traction section for moving the apparatus, a rock separation section for separating rock cuttings from the boring fluid, and a waste rock disposal section.
  • Hoses, connectors, and lines to the one or more sections are preferably located away from the one or more end effectors and excavation face.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for boring a tunnel, the method comprising disposing one or more electrocrushing end effectors on a rotating arm, rotating the rotating arm around an axis of rotation approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the funnel in a plane approximately parallel to an excavation face of a tunnel boring apparatus, excavating rook in a circumferential pass of the rotating arm, and moving the excavation face forward in an amount corresponding to a depth of rock excavated during the excavating step.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic of a single module of a vein mining machine of the present invention comprising one end effector.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic of a configuration of modules for a vein mining machine of the present invention showing a rectangular array of end effectors.
  • FIG. 2B is a schematic of a configuration of a vein mining machine of the present invention showing a circular array of end effectors.
  • FIG. 3 shows the configuration of FIG. 2A comprising slots for housing retractable tractors.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic of a configuration of a vein mining machine of the present invention comprising multiple end effectors sharing a single pulsed power system, mining fluid supply line, and cuttings removal line.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic of a configuration of a vein mining machine of the present invention comprising multiple end effectors and a drilling fluid supply line and cutting removal line corresponding to each end effector.
  • FIG. 6 shows an example of how the vein mining machine of the present invention can be deployed.
  • FIG. 7A shows an example of a room to room vein mining strategy achievable using the present invention.
  • FIG. 7B displays a view across section A-A of FIG. 7A, showing an example of a roof support strategy.
  • An embodiment of the present invention is an electrocrushing mining machine, called a vein miner or vein mining apparatus, which is preferably configurable to mine approximately just a vein of ore in a mine, leaving behind the surrounding rock, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of waste rock that must be transported to the surface.
  • a vein miner or vein mining apparatus Almost every mine is typically designed by a mine architect or principal mine engineer, who analyzes the configuration of the vein or veins of ore, analyzes the properties of the rock formation, and models the stress in the mine with different excavation configurations. The mine architect then determines the configuration of the tunnels and the excavation process to remove the greatest amount of precious metal at the least cost.
  • the vein miner apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises one or more discrete end effectors that can be custom configured to optimize the mining strategy selected by the mine architect.
  • FIG. 1 shows self-contained module 10 which can be used in one or more embodiments of the vein mining apparatus of the present invention.
  • Module 10 preferably comprises end effector 20, which preferably comprises one or more positive electrodes and one or more ground electrodes for producing an electrical arc in the ore vein; pulsed power system 30, which creates an electrical pulse and feeds it to the end effector; power and data cable 40 that provides electrical power and control signals to the pulsed power system and transmits data acquired by sensors to the control system and computer; fluid supply hose 50 that provides mining fluid with the required dielectric properties to the end effectors for the electrocrushing process and sweeps out the cuttings containing the ore; and cuttings hose 60 that transports the cuttings and fluid from the end effectors out of the mining slot, optionally to a processor in the launch room.
  • end effector 20 preferably comprises one or more positive electrodes and one or more ground electrodes for producing an electrical arc in the ore vein
  • pulsed power system 30 which creates an electrical pulse and feeds it to the end effector
  • power and data cable 40 that provides electrical power and control signals to the pulsed power system and transmits data acquired by sensors to the control system
  • the cuttings have preferably already undergone the first stage of comminution into particles less than approximately one inch in size, more preferably approximately 0.25 inches in size.
  • the end effector is preferably submerged in the mining fluid during operation.
  • a seal for containing the fluid can be placed across the vein mine slot to enable excavating in any orientation, even vertically.
  • the vein miner apparatus of the present invention is preferably modular, the configuration can be custom configured for each mining application.
  • a three dimensional model of the mineralization structure inside the mine is preferably developed by a mining engineer; this model describes how the veins of ore are oriented inside the ore body.
  • the vein mining apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises a controller can take that three-dimensional model information and control the direction of the apparatus to mine out that mineralization. Because the model defines where the mineralization occurs, the apparatus is then able to mine out the ore and minimize excavation of the waste rock.
  • the apparatus can be configured to cut the span of a slot to a width of a vein according to the design of the mine by the mine architect, who analyzes the stress fields in the mine and selects the desired slot configuration to support the structure of the mine.
  • the end effectors may be arranged in a rectangle, circle, or any other geometric shape to accommodate a cross-section vein of ore, as shown in FIGS.
  • each end effector cuts a section of rock that is 10” x 10".
  • the vein is about 15 inches thick and the mine architect wants to make a 20 inch cut and has decided that a cut 50 inches wide would be appropriate for the stress structure of the mine.
  • Ten vein miner modules would be assembled two modules high by five wide, as shown in FIG. 2A, to produce a vein miner configuration to mine out a 20” x 50” slot in the mine.
  • the control system of the apparatus can preferably vary the repetition rate of each end effector independently. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, if the 2 x 5 vein miner apparatus needs to turn to the right, then the computer control system will preferably decrease the pulse repetition rate of the end effectors on the right side and increase the pulse repetition rate of the end effectors on the left side, causing the vein miner to excavate more rock on the left than the right, thereby steering the apparatus to the right. To enable such directional control using variable pulse rates, it is preferable that the end effectors on the edges of the apparatus are controlled by separate pulsed power systems.
  • the computer control system preferably receives instrumentation data from sensors to determine in which direction the apparatus should steer fo follow the direction of the vein with minimal deviation.
  • the computer then preferably provides appropriate control signals to the array of end effectors to steer the vein miner appropriately in response to the information received from the instrumentation.
  • the sensors can preferably provide, for example, course deviation data, which can be obtained by measuring the ratio of productive ore to surrounding rock.
  • the apparatus may comprise an electromagnetic projector that projects an electromagnetic pulse ahead which is reflected from the mineralization in the vein and received by the sensors.
  • the apparatus may also, or alternatively, comprise an inertial navigation system, preterably using the same attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) gyroscope technology that inertial navigation systems in modern aircraft utilize.
  • AHRS attitude and heading reference system
  • the computer can direct the trajectory of the vein miner to follow a predetermined course following a vein through the mine, thus enabling autonomous control of the device.
  • X-ray fluorescence sensors are attractive because the x-rays needed to excite the fluorescence can be created by the electrocrushing pulsed power supply.
  • DC resistance sensors probes are pushed against the bore wall and the DC resistance between all adjacent probes, both longitudinally and circumferentially are preferably measured. Patterns and contrast, not absolute conductivity can be studied, and resistance changes may indicate presence of the vein.
  • RF dielectric loss probes the RF current depends on frequency and dielectric loss in the rock, so the currents between all adjacent pairs of probes at multiple frequencies are preferably measured. Capacitors will couple to the rock better than to the drilling mud or mining fluid (better than DC probes).
  • Magnetic-induced current (eddy current) probes do not need to be operated in pairs since each probe can measure local eddy current magnitude and phase.
  • the magnetic fields probe mostly rock and not drilling mud or mining fluid.
  • Quadrature detection is commonly used in most hand-held metal detectors to detect non-ferrous eddy currents, for example.
  • an acoustic pulse typically travels a few feet per millisecond.
  • An ultrasound acoustic pulse provides centimeter or better resolution, and can detect a vein if there is a significant acoustic contrast between the ore or mineral vein and the surrounding matrix. Usually that means a pronounced difference in the speed of sound, or, equivalently, mechanical stiffness or density.
  • An acoustic source can couple energy into the rock through a fluid interface, so direct contact with the rock may not be necessary.
  • Metallic gold, for example, would have different electrical properties than surrounding insulating quartz and crystalline granites. Numerous localized measurements are preferably made, and spatial trends are preferably analyzed.
  • the absolute position of the mining machine may be determined from the surface while mining.
  • One method to track the position of the vein mining apparatus is by receiving acoustic signals from each of the rock crushing drill pulses as they arrive at the surface of the ground. It will take at least three seismometers on the surface to triangulate the position by time difference of arrival. In practice, 4 to 6 seismometers may be used to increase accuracy, to calculate an error ellipse, and to compensate for different sound speeds through various layers of rock.
  • Ail signal processing is preferably performed at the surface. In this method the time between pulses is much shorter than the time it takes for the signals to travel to the surface. Many pulses will be in flight between the drill head and the surface detectors at any one time. This is a common problem in radar signal processing called range aliasing. Solutions to this problem preferably integrate over many pulses and also resolve the range ambiguity.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises one or more tractors that grip the walls of the minded slot to provide forward thrust to keep the end effectors pressed against the rock, to reverse and back out of the slot (for example to cut another slot), io mine a vein that has an upward slope, to back out of a collapsing roof situation , or to otherwise move the apparatus in the mined slot.
  • tractors 70 can preferably be retracted into a dedicated opening 80 and extended when used. Operation of the tractors is preferably controlled by a computer controller.
  • Alternative embodiments of the present invention comprise end effectors which are separate from the other components described above, instead of a plurality of self-contained modules.
  • any number of effectors can be driven by any number of pulsed power systems, and can be connected io any number of power and data cables, fluid supply hoses, and/or cuttings hoses.
  • One exemplary configuration, comprising three end effectors sharing a single pulsed power system, power and data cable fluid supply hose, and cuttings hose, is shown in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 5 shows another exemplary embodiment that comprises three end effectors linked together to a single pulsed power system attached to a single power and data cable; however, this embodiment comprises three fluid supply hoses and three cuttings hoses, one of each corresponding to each end effector.
  • the pulsed power system(s) for the end effectors may alternatively be powered by an alternator driven by the fluid flowing io the end effectors, which may be especially useful for deep mining operations or well boring or other shaft boring activities.
  • communication for controlling and steering the vein miner to and from a surface control computer may be accomplished by acoustic data transmission through the drilling fluid, or a similar non-cabie communication technology, including RF technology.
  • the vein miner apparatus of the present invention can be launched from a launch room or tunnel.
  • a launch fixture preferably orients the vein mining apparatus to intercept and track the vein at the appropriate dip angle.
  • Vein mining apparatus 100 then excavates through the rock, tracking the location of vein 105 through the vein tracking sensors and adjusting its direction to track the deviation of vein 105, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the slot being cut is preferably slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of apparatus 100 itself.
  • Support module 90 in the tunnel or launch room 95 preferably provides operational support and preferably comprises a power supply and a controller or control system computer.
  • Support module 90 is preferably connected to the mine power to provide primary electrical power for the apparatus, and preferably converts the mine power to the voltage and current needed to power the vein mining apparatus.
  • Support module 90 preferably comprises a pump that pumps the mining fluid to the vein miner through one or more fluid supply hoses 50 for distribution to each of the end effectors, and a separator assembly connected to cuttings hose 60 for separating the cuttings from the fluid.
  • the fluid is preferably returned to the apparatus via a circulation pump, and the cuttings are preferably transported to the surface.
  • One exemplary strategy is to create two rooms or tunnels in the mine, each intersecting vein 105 and separated by, for example, approximately 200-500 feet.
  • the configuration of the vein mining apparatus is preferably specified by the mine engineer, and that configuration is preferably assembled downhole in launch room 120 where support module 90 is located.
  • Individual modules are preferably fastened together with simple fasteners, such as bolts, and preferably can be assembled with handheld tools.
  • the apparatus is then launched to mine vein 105 to second room 130.
  • the apparatus could mine a vein to a particular distance from the launch room, and then a second room would be cut into the mine to intersect the mined-out vein. Then after the vein was completely mined out starting from the original launch room, it and the support module can be moved to the second room and launched from there to mine out another segment of the vein.
  • the mine architect may want to leave rib 150, for example about 2 inches wide, between subsequent mined out slots 160 to provide support to the mine and so that the slot will not cave in, as shown in FIG. 7B, which is a view across section (A-A) of the vein being mined in FIG. 7A.
  • the vein mining apparatus is launched with a 2 inch offset from the prior slot, and sensor instrumentation as described above is preferably used to maintain the rib width. Maintaining the correct rib width is important to provide adequate structural support to the mine.
  • the instrumentation data also preferably provides a record of the rib width at the completion of the excavation of that segment of the vein of ore for the mine architect to analyze.
  • the slot is backfilled after it is mined to provide additional roof support.
  • vein 105 of gold ore in FIG. 7A is about 20 cm (8 inches) in thickness with a lateral extent of tens of meters.
  • the vein has a dip angle of about 20°.
  • Two vertical tunnels are constructed in the mine, spaced about 200 feet apart, each tunnel intersecting the vein of ore, and a room is constructed at the base of each tunnel.
  • the mine architect has decided that supporting ribs 2 inches wide should be placed every 40 inches.
  • the vein miner is preferably configured with five 8 inch effectors horizontally and two 8 inch effectors in the vertical direction. Although using one 8 inch effector in the vertical direction would provide a higher efficiency (as calculated below), two effector rows are required to steer up or down to track path deviations of the vein.
  • the vein miner is then launched from the upper room and excavates the vein until it reaches the lower room.
  • the vein miner then reverses up the slot to the upper room, where it is relaunched with a 2 inch offset in order to provide the 2 inch wide supporting rib.
  • the vein miner then tracks the width of the rib and is steered by the computer control system to maintain the 2 inch rib width.
  • the vein miner continues tracking the vein down to the lower room, where it then reverses and returns to the upper room to be relaunched for the next cut.
  • the control system preferably provides the architect with a report showing the actual width of the ribs created by the vein miner.
  • the dilution of the ore would be 7.5 times, since the stope is 7.5 times the S inch height of the vein.
  • the vein miner of the present invention cutting a 16 inch high slot to retrieve an 8 inch high vein, the dilution is only 2 times. This represents a reduction of almost 4 times in the amount of rock that needs to be transported to the surface to extract the gold.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are tunnel boring machines that use the eiectrocrushing process, which enables very high propagation rates through hard rock without drilling and blasting, about 5-10 times faster than conventional mechanical rock crushing or drilling processes. High propagation rates can be maintained through formations that are a mixture of soft rock with hard rock sections.
  • the module that is the basis for the tunnel boring machine is all electrical and does not depend upon high mechanical forces to excavate the rook. There are no moving mechanical parts in the rook excavation process. In the electrocrushing process, an electrical arc is created inside the rock, causing the rock to fail in tension and fracture into small pieces.
  • a general schematic of an embodiment of the boring machine of the present invention preferably comprises excavation section 210, preferably comprising one or more eiectrocrushing end effectors (each of which comprises one or more eiectrocrushing electrodes) at excavation face 215, behind which is preferably power conditioning and fluid management section 220, which preferably (i) provides the high voltage electrical pulses to the end effectors for eiectrocrushing the rock, and (ii) pumps a continuous flow of boring fluid to the excavation section to sweep out the cuttings and receives and transmits the waste fluid to the rock separation section, followed by traction section 230 which grips the walls of the tunnel to move the machine forward or backward, followed by rock separation section 240 in which the cuttings are removed from the boring fluid and the fluid is recycled back to the fluid management section, and finally followed by waste rock disposal system section 250, with which waste rock 255 is transported, for example to trucks or a train, to be removed from the tunnel.
  • eiectrocrushing end effectors each
  • the sections can be combined or in a different order, or some sections may be omitted or be external to the machine.
  • the power conditioning and fluid management functions can be separated into different sections.
  • the excavation does not require high pressures at the boring face, preferably just enough pressure to maintain contact with the rock.
  • the machine may optionally be configured to bore different size tunnels, from as small as 8 inches to over 100 feet in diameter, by using a plurality of end effectors and/or configurable modules, as more fully described for a vein mining apparatus in Internationa! Application No. PCT/US2021/059768, incorporated herein by reference.
  • the following are non-limiting examples of alternative configurations for the excavation section of the present invention.
  • the entire excavation face 215 is used to excavating tunnel 205 in rock 200, as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the boring machine is preferably anchored to the wall while excavation face 215 is preferably extended into the wall to a desired depth or distance, for example about ten feet, as the rock is removed. After reaching the extent of the stroke, excavation face 215 is preferably retracted back, and the entire boring machine then moves forward in preparation for the next excavation action.
  • the pulsed power system and fluid system are preferably configured to accommodate preferably ail of the end effectors being used simultaneously.
  • the fluid management may actually be easier to implement than that for the sector excavator embodiment below, because the outer wail of tunnel 205 could serve as the sealing area to ensure the electrodes stay immersed in the excavating fluid.
  • each end effector 260 is shaped like a sector or pie slice and is a portion of a disk at the front of the boring machine.
  • excavation face 215 comprises a plurality of sector-shaped end effectors 260.
  • One or more, or all, of the effectors are then extended from the stationary excavation face 215 and activated, whereby they excavate the rock, preferably penetrating into the rock face for a desired distance, for example about ten feet.
  • FIG. SA shows an example of one sector-shaped end effector 270 extended for use. Any combination of end effectors 260 may be extended and used simultaneously, and retracted after use to alternate with one or more other end effectors.
  • FIG. 9B there is only one sector-shaped end effector 280; excavation face 215 is rotated to a desired position, and then end effector 280 is extended to commence excavation. After it reaches a desired excavation depth, end effector 280 would then retract to be flush with excavation face 215, which can then be rotated to a new position to continue excavation to the desired depth. By consecutive rotations of excavation face 215, the entire tunnel can be mined out.
  • different shapes other than sectors may be used, for example rectangular or trapezoidal end effectors, preferably comprising a curved boundary that fit within the circular boundary of the tunnel walk
  • a small ridge of rock between the excavated sections it may be helpful to leave a small ridge of rock between the excavated sections to facilitate managing the fluid flow.
  • the fluid would preferably be constrained within the volume by a seal. Fluid is preferably withdrawn from the excavation volume at the same rate as it is being pumped in.
  • the ridges can subsequently be cut out by, for example, teeth mounted in the rotating face.
  • a wall structure can be extended from excavation face 215 into the segment along with and surrounding each extended end effector to provide fluid control.
  • the excavating section comprises a structure such as arm 300 that rotates circumferentially about the axis of symmetry of the machine and supports one or more end effectors 290.
  • the front of the boring machine rotates, like a record player, continually excavating rook in a spiral fashion as the machine proceeds further into the bored tunnel.
  • the supporting structure, cables, pulse power system, and fluid lines for electrocrushing end effectors 290 extend away from the end effectors in supporting arm 300 and the excavation face, thus keeping this equipment clear from the actual rock and excavating environment.
  • the depth of each cut is preferably optimized for a given application.
  • the boring machine preferably continually moves the excavating section forward, keeping it synchronized to the depth of the cuts. When the machine reaches the boring limit of a circumferential pass, it is preferably retracted, and the entire boring machine is moved forward that amount.
  • One or more sensors can be used to relocate the excavation where it was interrupted to move the machine forward. The excavation process would then resume.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés et des appareils pour percer un tunnel à l'aide d'effecteurs terminaux d'électroconcassage. Les effecteurs terminaux peuvent être étendus depuis l'appareil jusqu'à la roche pour excaver le tunnel, soit individuellement, séquentiellement, ou simultanément. Les effecteurs terminaux peuvent s'étendre à partir de la face d'excavation de l'appareil, ou bien toute la face peut être étendue à partir du reste de l'appareil. Les effecteurs terminaux étendus peuvent ensuite être rétractés et l'appareil déplacé vers l'avant pour continuer l'excavation. Les effecteurs terminaux peuvent, en variante, être disposés sur un bras rotatif qui excave de manière circonférentielle la roche à l'avant de la face d'excavation de l'appareil.
PCT/US2023/018844 2022-04-15 2023-04-17 Procédés et appareils d'électroconcassage pour le perçage de tunnel WO2023201113A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263331458P 2022-04-15 2022-04-15
US63/331,458 2022-04-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023201113A1 true WO2023201113A1 (fr) 2023-10-19

Family

ID=88330247

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2023/018844 WO2023201113A1 (fr) 2022-04-15 2023-04-17 Procédés et appareils d'électroconcassage pour le perçage de tunnel

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2023201113A1 (fr)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2822148A (en) * 1954-02-23 1958-02-04 Robert W Murray Electric boring apparatus
WO1998007960A1 (fr) * 1996-08-22 1998-02-26 Komatsu Ltd. Machine souterraine a tariere pour concassage electrique, excavatrice et procede d'excavation
US20080205983A1 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Diamond Surface, Inc. Slot cutting apparatus
US20130032406A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Systems and Methods for Drilling Boreholes with Noncircular or Variable Cross-Sections
US20160017663A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2016-01-21 Sdg, Llc Repetitive Pulsed Electric Discharge Apparatuses and Methods of Use
US20160326806A1 (en) * 2014-01-13 2016-11-10 Sintef Tto As A method for energy efficient and fast rotary drilling in inhomogeneous and/or hard rock formations
US20190040685A1 (en) * 2017-01-17 2019-02-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Drill bit for downhole electrocrushing drilling
US20210062639A1 (en) * 2019-09-03 2021-03-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Pulsed power sculpting methods

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2822148A (en) * 1954-02-23 1958-02-04 Robert W Murray Electric boring apparatus
WO1998007960A1 (fr) * 1996-08-22 1998-02-26 Komatsu Ltd. Machine souterraine a tariere pour concassage electrique, excavatrice et procede d'excavation
US20160017663A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2016-01-21 Sdg, Llc Repetitive Pulsed Electric Discharge Apparatuses and Methods of Use
US20080205983A1 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Diamond Surface, Inc. Slot cutting apparatus
US20130032406A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Systems and Methods for Drilling Boreholes with Noncircular or Variable Cross-Sections
US20160326806A1 (en) * 2014-01-13 2016-11-10 Sintef Tto As A method for energy efficient and fast rotary drilling in inhomogeneous and/or hard rock formations
US20190040685A1 (en) * 2017-01-17 2019-02-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Drill bit for downhole electrocrushing drilling
US20210062639A1 (en) * 2019-09-03 2021-03-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Pulsed power sculpting methods

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN108798690B (zh) 实现地质探测的组合式tbm及地质探测掘进方法
US6857706B2 (en) Mining method for steeply dipping ore bodies
US6833795B1 (en) Underground utility detection system and method employing ground penetrating radar
CA3005253C (fr) Procedes de forage de puits paralleles multiples avec telemetrie magnetique passive
CN109763857B (zh) 水射流密集梳状钻孔式待掘巷煤层瓦斯消突预抽治理方法
EP3109400B1 (fr) Procédé et système de détection de perceuse
EP2935754A1 (fr) Appareils à décharges électriques pulsatoires répétitives et méthodes d'utilisation
WO2001048353A1 (fr) Foreur omnidirectionnel autonome
CN113338921B (zh) 一种页岩油水平井井眼轨迹控制方法
WO2023201113A1 (fr) Procédés et appareils d'électroconcassage pour le perçage de tunnel
US20130106166A1 (en) Horizontal Borehole Mining System and Method
AU2021381956A1 (en) Configurable electrocrushing mining apparatus
US10901108B2 (en) Method and apparatus for placing receiver electrodes for EM telemetry transmissions
CN111577300A (zh) 盾构穿越孤石、漂石地层中密打孔的施工方法
AU731454B2 (en) System for cutting materials in wellbores
JP6608272B2 (ja) トンネル掘進方法及びシールド掘進機
JP2945289B2 (ja) トンネル掘削機
CN214463870U (zh) 多功能钻孔装置及采空区施工装置
JP2793670B2 (ja) 地中掘進機前方の地中探査方法及び装置
CN114737976B (zh) 一种超前自成像自辨识的悬臂式掘进采矿机器人
JP2002194992A (ja) 管体の推進工法
CN114382501A (zh) 一种维持隧道掌子面稳定的开挖支护一体化施工方法
CN115877476A (zh) 一种地下隧道定向物探方法
CN113748257A (zh) 用于采矿的方法和系统
CN117536635A (zh) 盾构机内对溶洞的超前探测装置及方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23789050

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1