SlideShare una empresa de Scribd logo
1 de 10
Descargar para leer sin conexión
United States Patent

us]
3,693,731
[451 Sept. 26, 1972

Armstrong et al.
[54]

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
TUNNELING BY MELTING
[72] Inventors: Dale E. Armstrong, Santa Fe;
Berthus B. Mclnteer; Robert L.
Mills; Robert M. Potter; Eugene S.

Robinson; John C. Rowley; Morton
C. Smith, all of Los Alamos, N.
Mex.

[73] Assignee: The United States of America as

[221 Filed:

represented by the United States
Atomic Energy Commission
.Ian.8, 1911

[211 Appl.No.: 104,872

3,1 17,634

1/1964

Persson ..................... .. 175/94

1,993,641

3/1935

Aarts et al...................175/13

1,898,926
3,115,194
3,225,843

2/1933
12/1963
12/1965

Aarts et al. ................ ..l7$/16
Adams ....................... ..i75/ll
Ortloi’f ................... ..175/94 X

3,357,505

12/ 1967

Armstrong et a1 ......... ..175/16

Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion
Assistant Examiner-Richard E. Favreau

Anomey—Roland A. Anderson

[ 5 7]

ABSTRACT

A machine and method for drilling bore holes and tun

nels by melting in which a housing is provided for sup
porting a heat source and a heated end portion and in

which the necessary melting heat is delivered to the
[52]
[5 1]

US. Cl. ....................... ..l75/ll, 175/16, 175/19
Int. Cl ............................................. ..E2lc 21/00

[58]

Field of Search ................................. ..175/ll-l6

walls of the end portion at a rate suft'lcient to melt

rock and during operation of which the molten materi
al may be disposed adjacent the boring zone in cracks
in the rock and as a vitreous wail lining of the tunnel

[56]

References Cited
UNITED STATES PATENTS

3,396,806

8/1968

Benson ................ ..-..175/16 X

so formed. The heat source can be electrical or

nuclear but for deep drilling is preferably a nuclear
reactor.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures
PATENTEBSEP‘ZB m2

3.693.731
sum 1 0r 4

Fig. 2

INVENTOR.

00/9 5 Armstrong, Bert/ms B. Mclnfeer,
Robert L.Mi/ls, Robert M Patter,
Eugene 5‘. Robinson,Marion 6‘. Sm! If
John 6‘. Raw/5y

WW
Method and Apparatus for Tunneling by Melting (Patent US 3693731 A)
PMENTEDSEPZB m

3.593.731

SHEET 3 OF 4

E
 

/ / 7/

' 

_








I/
/

7/
I

’

I











34
J

65


i



45)

WA



x



7//










‘

//////////////,



56

Fig. 4

32

142451.14

INVENTOR.

Dale E Armsfran _, Ber fl;
Robert L.

//ls,/?0

B.Mc1nf

Eugene $.Robinsan, Jab

. For

,

.Row/ey,

Morton C. Smith
BY
Method and Apparatus for Tunneling by Melting (Patent US 3693731 A)
1

3,693,731

2

The construction and operation of heat pipes is dis
closed in Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Reports
No. LA-422l-MS (1969) and No. LA-358$—MS
(I966) and in IEEE Trans, [ED-l6, 717 (1969). Essen
tially, a heat pipe is an elongated gas-tight cavity which
contains a suitable liquid and its vapor. The heat-pipe

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TUNNELING BY
MELTING
The invention described herein was made in the
course of, or under, a contract with the U. S. ATOMIC

ENERGY COMMISSION. It relates generally to a

method and apparatus for drilling, tunneling and shaft
sinking in rock with particular advantage at hitherto in

cavity is lined with a capillary structure which trans

ports the working liquid continuously from the cool

accessible depths.
This invention'provides a rapid versatile economical

end to the heat source end. At the heat source end or

method of deep-earth excavation, tunneling and shaft
sinking which offers solutions to ecological problems,
acquiring natural resources presently inaccessible and

evaporator the liquid is continuously evaporated so
that the interior space of the heat pipe is kept ?lled
with vapor di?'using toward the slightly cooler con
denser end. At the condenser end it deposits its heat of

access to an enormous reservoir of natural heat energy.
These valuable subterranean sources include natural

vaporization and remrns by the wick to continue the

cycle.

minerals and hydrocarbons, fresh water and clean

The heat pipe has the ability to convey heat energy of

geothermal heat energy.

remarkably large amounts with only small temperature

The accessibility of these resources at the present
time is limited by the technical and economic difficul

differences between the hot and cool (relatively) ends.
This is in contrast with the heat transfer capabilities of
the earth's crust and mantle. The available tools and 20 solid or liquid thermal conductors which require hun

ties of producing large long holes in the hard rocks of

techniques for relatively shallow drilling, boring, shaft
sinking, tunneling and mining in rock are highly
developed and in the environments in which they have

dreds of degrees of temperature gradient per centime

their application is extended to greater depths, harder
rocks, and higher rock temperatures and pressures.

away, the heat pipe is the practical heat energy transfer
mechanism.
It was found in the utilization of the rock melting tool
of U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,505 that the rock being bored
usually cracked due to thermal stresses. The present in’

ter of length to transfer heat at equivalent rates.
In the case of the rock melting drill of the present in
vention in which the penetrator face must be main
evolved they are adequately effective and et?cient.
However, their efficiencies and feasibility of use 25 tained at about l,500°K ( I ,227°C) for extended opera
tional periods and the heat source is many centimeters
decrease rapidly and their ‘costs rise in proportion, as

Among presently available tools for penetrating rock,
only the rotary drill appears to be capable of penetrat
ing the earth to depths greater than four to ?ve kilome
ters at an economically useful rate and at such depths it
is limited to producing holes no larger than about one

vention makes use of such cracks and in fact enhances

half meter in diameter. It is unlikely that existing

sure in order that the material being melted can be
disposed of in the cracks and on the tunnel or bore hole

their production by the addition of mechanical pres

methods can be used to explore or excavate the earth
to depths greater than about 12 to 15 kilometers.
The present invention uses the basic apparatus and
method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,505 and in Los

walls.

-

It is a prime objective of the present invention to pro
vide an apparatus and method for drilling tunnels or
bore holes in rock of a size and/or depth which exceeds
Alamos Scienti?c Laboratory of the University of
California Report No. LA-3243 (1965) entitled “Rock 40 prior art methods.

Melting as a Drilling Technique." The rock-melting

Another objective is to provide drilling apparatus

drill so disclosed is effective in penetrating basalt and
other igneous rocks at usefully high rates and with

which is capable of boring holes and tunnels in rock
and which disposes of the excavated material adjacent

moderate power consumption. For example, igneous
rocks melt at about I,200°C and in being heated from
ambient temperature such as 20°C to just above their

45

the drilling position as a bore hole lining.
Still another objective is to provide an apparatus and
method for tunneling in rock in which a rock melting
technique is utilized and in which the source of heat is

melting ranges require about 4,300 joules of energy per
provided at the drilling position.
cubic centimeter compared with the energy require
ment of 2,000 to 3,000 joules per cubic centimeter for 50 Another objective is to provide an apparatus and
method for the drilling of rock at great depths or
rotary drilling in igneous rocks.
distances by remote control.
In the existing rock melting devices of the prior art, a
Still another object is to provide a rock drilling
major difficulty which limited perfonnance was that of
method which applies heat and pressure to the earth's
delivering a sufficiently large heat flux to the melting
face of the drill or penetrator. The development of the 55 rock formation to hydrostatically fracture and melt the
rock and dispose of the excavated material by lateral
heat pipe alleviates this problem in that the use of heat
extrusion.
pipes enables the transfer of heat energy from a com
Another objective is to provide an apparatus and
pact heat source to the extended melting surface of the
method for producing a vitreous lining on the wall of a
penetrator at rates high enough to maintain the surface
hole in rock or in other earth materials such as sand.
above the melting temperature of the rock.
60
The above and other objects and advantages of the
The extrapolation of a mechanism useful for forming
invention will become apparent from the following
large holes in the earth in accordance with the present
description of a preferred and certain alternate em~
invention uses the combination of a refractory rock
bodiments thereof, and from the drawings in which:
melting tool, an in situ heat source preferably a small
FIG. I is an isometric view partly in section using a
nuclear reactor and an exceedingly efficient heat 65
transfer mechanism such as a system of heat pipes to
convey heat from the source to the walls of the drilling
tool.

nuclear reactor for power.
FIG. 2 is a vertical fragmentary detail of the rock

drill housing and rock penetrator.
3,693,731

3

4

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a nuclear reactor suitable

square centimeter of vapor passage can supply heat to
for use in the rock melting drill.
at least 30 square centimeters of penetrator surface.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross section of a nuclear
The heat source for the rock-melting drill to the
reactor heat generator adapted for remote control.
present invention can be electrical or nuclear. The
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of an electrical heat 5 nuclear reactor as the prime source of energy is
source.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a ?eld drilling facility.
FIG. 7 is a rock drill adapted to extraordinary deep
drilling.

'

Referring to FIG. I, an embodiment is shown of a

rock melting drill designated generally by numeral II.
The drill comprises a hollow housing 13 comprising a
uniform cross section portion 15 and a nose portion 17

which may have any shape but is preferably tapered to
a point and which hereinafter is termed “penetrator," a
pair of thruster mechanisms l9-—l9', a control and

guidance component 21 and utility supply lines 23. The

preferred for very deep or very fast tunneling. Nuclear
reactors of appropriate size and capability are available
for the purpose. Reactors whose core contains about
40 volume percent heat pipes with a heat generating
capacity of from I00 kW to 10 MW thermal power out

put have a core size ranging from 18 cm diameter and
25 cm long to 1 meter diameter and 1 meter length.
A cross section of a suitable nuclear reactor is shown

in FIG. 3 and it is similar to those developed for space
nuclear and propulsion purposes. The core 30 com
prises fuel elements 41 each of which has a hollow cavi
ty 43 to accommodate a heat pipe evaporator end.

prime energy source 26 may be the nuclear reactor 25
or an electrical heating mechanism such as shown in

Control rods 45 provide adjustability of heat energy

Referring to FIG. 2, the manner in which the conden
sers 29 of heat pipes 27 are coupled to the penetrator is
shown. Each heat pipe so coupled is terminated in ?at

blanket and nuclear shield 49 which in turn is protected
by a heavy metal shield 51 and exterior armor 53. The

FIG. 5. Connected in heat transferring relation to the 20 generated to equal heat energy consumed in the
penetrator and energy demand of accessory equip
heat source are heat pipes 27 .
ment. The reactor core is surrounded with thermal

enlarged condenser section 29. The condenser sections 25 core 30 and elements 49, SI and 53 constitute one
practical assembly for the component 33 shown in FIG.
are in tight thermal coupling with the interior of wall 31
2
of penetrator 17 as by clamping or welding.
The combination of the nuclear reactor with the heat
Nuclear reactor 25 comprises essentially a core 30
pipes, remote control devices and coolant is explained
shown in FIG. 3 and an insulation shield and armor 30
with reference to FIG. 4. The nuclear reactor has a
covering 33. A heat coupling element 34 containing a
diametric cross section as shown in FIG. 3 except that
liquid metal such as molten tin is supported in the reac
in part the heavy metal shield 51 and armor 53 are
tor and is thermally coupled to the evaporator ends of
combined into a water-cooled solid tungsten casing 55.
the heat pipes 27.
The heat pipe 27 is shown as composed of end-to 35 Massive metal cage 56 provides for support of the reac
tor core 29 and shielding and support for devices which
end coupled heat pipe sections. The reason for this
are connected thereto. As shown in FIG. 6, the rock
becomes apparent from further consideration of the
drill may be connected by drill stem 66 which encloses
heat pipe characteristics. For an operating temperature
and extends the cables, pipes and electrical conductors
in the range of from l,400° to l,800°l( (1,127" to
to above-ground control and supply facilities 61 and
1,527°C) the heat-pipe container is a gas-tight refracto
63. The cooling water is admitted to pipe ducts in con
ry metal tube or shell. The preferable appropriate
tact with or in the armor to cool the reactor as needed.
working ?uid is lithium. Lithium heat pipes made of
The position of the control rod is remotely controlled
niobium-lpercent zirconium alloys have been operated
by control drive motor 63. The reactor is provided with
at temperatures up to l,600°l( (1,327’C) for several
thousand hours. Other materials such as alloys like tan 45 usual fail safe control system such as spring 64 conven
tional reactor control type. In this embodiment the
as high a temperature as 2,100°K (l,827°C).
inlet and exhaust water pipes, the electrical supply ca
The heat pipe as an individual working element has
bles and the main suspension cable form the main
limited lift of the working ?uid by capillary action. In
cabling or umbilical cord between the control truck
the rock melting drill the heat source may be supported 50 and the drill.
several meters above the penetrator 17. The lithium
An electrical heat source instead of a nuclear reactor
heat pipe cannot effectively transport the working fluid
is shown in FIG. 5. The electrical resistance 28 is in

talum-l0 percent tungsten are capable of operation to

vertically against the force of gravity a distance much
in excess of one meter. However, as many heat pipe

tight thermal contact with heat pipe 27 and is energized
by electrical cables 32 leading to the earth's surface.

sections (each a complete heat pipe unit) can be con 55 Otherwise the penetrator is similar to the nuclear ener
gized embodiment.
nected in series as the total distance requires and, as
shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of heat pipe sections or
With respect to any technique for drilling holes in the
units constitute each heat transfer heat pipe from the
earth the material removed to make the hole must be
heat coupler 34 to the penetrator wall 31.
disposed of. In small holes such as shallow water wells
A tunneling speed of I00 meters per day is well 60 in porous soils it has long been the technique to simply
within the heat transfer capabilities of the heat pipe.
drive the material radially outward into the surround

This speed of tunneling requires approximately $00

ing earth. In drilling larger holes or tunnels the problem

watts per square centimeter of penetrator worlt sur
of disposal grows rapidly, at least with the square power
face. At l,400°K a lithium heat pipe can readily trans~
65 of the diameter of the hole. With respect to large holes
port l0 kilowatts per square centimeter of vapor
such as one meter or larger, the technique of sideways
passage cross-sectional area and at 1,800°K the capaci
disposal of solid debris is not feasible even in porous
ty is increased by a factor of more than ?ve. Thus, each
soils. ln solid rock this technique has hitherto not been
5

3,693,731
6

feasible for holes of any diameter. ln accordance with
the present invention the debris may be disposed of as

For the thermal wave to migrate 10 hole radii would

take about 40 days. These results indicate that the ther
mal perturbation in the earth caused by passage of a

melted rock both as a lining for the hole and as a

dispersal in cracks produced in the surrounding rock.

rock-melting penetrator is extremely local in nature.
The thermal insulating properties of rock are favora
ble characteristics for limiting the energy consumed in
boring and in creating stresses in the rock for creating

The rock-melting drill is of a shape and is propelled
under suf?cient pressure to produce and extend cracks
in solid rock radially around the bore by means of

hydrostatic pressure developed in the molten rock

cracks. Since the thermal perturbations are restricted
to very thin layers adjacent to rock surfaces, the ther

ahead of the advancing rock drill penetrator. All melt
not used in glass-lining the bore is forced into the
cracks where it freezes and remains.
The ability of the rock melting drill to provide a
vitreous lining for the bore hole in rock or in other

mal stresses generated in the zone of perturbation are

easily estimated. The magnitude of the thermal stress
can be derived from the relation

earth material such as sand, whether consolidated or

mtg-(Tag; (T.,— T.)

unconsolidated in the original condition is a meritore
ous advance in the art. Such a lining eliminates, in most

where

cases, the expensive and cumbersome problem of
debris elimination and at the same time achieves the
advantage of a casing type of bore hole liner. Such a 20
molded in situ casing serves a number of functions such
as preventing escape of material from within the hole,

preventing ingress of unwanted materials from without
the hole, reducing resistance to passage of materials or

objects through the hole, and providing wall support

25

against forces developed within or without the hole.

The feasibility of cracking subterranean rock by
pressure has been established, particularly in oil?eld

a“, = thermal stress, kglcm'
E = mean coe?'icient of thermal expansion, "C"I
E = elastic modulus, kg/cm'
v = Poisson ‘s ratio

T, = ambient temperature of undisturbed rock mass,

T,= ambient temperature of the rock surface, "C

By substituting typical rock properties of
6 = 8 X 10-‘ °C"; E= l06 kg/cm' and v = 0.2, the

above relation becomes

experience by hydrofracturing. The forces involved

Um a

T.) =1

and methods of fracturing by water pressure are 30
Since the tensile strengths of rocks are between 40 and
discussed in publications, for example, E. Harrison et
100 kg/cm’, a temperature decrease of 4° to 10°C in the
al., “The Mechanics of Fracture lnduction and Extru
zone adjacent the hole creates sufficient thermal stress
sion," Pet. Trans. AlME, 201, 252 (1954) and M. K.
to cause tensile cracking.
Hubbert et al., “Mechanics of Hydraulic Fracturing,“
Pet. Trans. AIME 2l0, 133 (1957). However the use of 35 The operation of the rock-melting penetrator may be
facilitated by the fact that the cracks started by thermal
melted rock as the ?uid through which pressure is
transmitted is novel with this invention.
stress can be extended by lithofracture through the
The rock-melting drill of the present invention pro
mechanism of high interface pressures produced by the
vides advantages over rock fracturing by pressure alone
thrust of a spear-shaped penetrator. Numerous data are
in that the heat induced in surrounding rock provides 40 in the public domain pertinent to the basic facts of frac
an effective cracking force. Most rocks are good ther~
turing, for example, the M. K. Hubbert et al. and the E.
mal insulators. The effect of an abrupt change in sur
Harrison et al. publications in the AIME Transactions
face temperature or of a heat ?ux suddenly applied to a
above identi?ed. Treatment of the crack extension
rock surface will in general penetrate slowly. For exam 45 behavior of rocks pressurized hydraulically has been
ple, the heat properties of the material surrounding a
made by R. J. Sun, "Theoretical Size of Hydraulically
cylindrical hole 2 meters in diameter in granite have
Induced Fractures and Corresponding Uplift in an
been discussed in the literature by L. F. lngersoll et al.,
idealized Medium,“ Journal of Geophysics Research,
“Heat Conduction—With Engineering, Geological,
74, 5995 ( I969). Speci?cally, it was demonstrated that

and Other Applications," I954 University of Wisconsin 50 the cracks formed from a hole 10 cm in diameter ex
Press. In brief, the pertinent data are: thermal conduc

tivity = A = 0.0065 cal/cm-sec-°C; speci?c heat = c, =

0.19 callg-°C; density = p = 2.7 g/cm’; and thermal dif
fusivity = D =0.0l27 cm'lsec.

The surface temperature of the hole, T, is rapidly
raised from l00°C to about l,l00°C which is approxi

mately the melting temperature of granite. To deter
mine the temperature of the surrounding rock as a
function of time and of dimensionless radial distance
r/a from the hole, the parameter of interest is the non 60
dimensional Fourier number F0 = (D/a')r. The speci?c
origin of this mathematical approach is D. J. Schneider,

“Temperature Response Charts," John Wiley & Sons,
New York 1963.
For the rock properties above given, F, = L26 X l0" 65
1 where t is in seconds. In one hour the thermal wave

has migrated about one hole radius from the hole wall.

tended outward to distances of 50 to 60 meters, i.e.,
crack depths were 500 to 600 times the hole diameter.
The volume of cracks of several different geometries,

formed in granite, are shown in the following table:

CALCULATED DIMENSIONS AND VOLUMES OF
CRACKS FORMED lN GRANITE
Crack

Radius,

Crack

Crack

Net pressure, AP

Width, Volume,

Ln in

en

U, m‘

kg/cm'

S
l0
20
50
I00

0.2
0.5
L0
I0
20

0.1 l
L05
8.0
52.0
420.0

165
200
200
80
80

(lblin.')
(2,300)
(2,800)
(2,800)
(l.l50)
(l,l50)
3,693,731
7

8

The data given show that lower pressures are required
to form very long thin cracks than to form short, wide
ones and that the long thin cracks have unexpectedly
large volumes. For comparison: a l-meter length of a
hole 2 meters in diameter has a volume of only 3. l4 m‘.
As seen from the foregoing, the device of the present
invention works best when sufficient penetrator pres

rock-drill body and is connected via pump 77 to porous
metal wall 79. The fluid which exudes from the porous

sure is used to force the melted excavated material into

provided by M. Dolukhanov, “Underground Propaga

the adjacent rock. Under the requisite pressure, the hot
spear-shaped penetrator is forced against the rock and

tion of Radio Waves," Radio (Moscow) I970. (English
translation by Joint Publications Research Service.
Publication No. JPRS 49894 (1970).

wall chills and strengthens the glass lining of the shaft
and thermally protects the rock drill.
It is intended that at depths feasible to the operation,
the FIG. I rock-melting drill will be guided by remote
control. The feasibility of deep-hole radio control is

a thin film of glass-like melt forms over its hot surface.
This ?uid serves as a viscous pressure-transmitting

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments

medium to convert the axial thrust of the penetrator

deals with nuclear reactor prime mover devices. It is
within the contemplation of this invention that any
other adequate heat generator may be used such as one

into uniformly distributed hydrostatic pressure on the
wall of the hole. Stresses in the rock are very high at the

tip of the penetrator and initiate cracking of the rock.

which is electrical in nature. Accordingly, it will be ap
parent that numerous departures from the details
shown may be made within the spirit and scope of this
some distance from the penetrator and serves to prop 20 invention and it is, therefore, understood that the in
the crack open. If the ?ow of molten rock is premature
vention is limited only by the scope of the following
ly stopped by the plugging of the cracks due to freezing,
claims.
the walls of the bore hole are again subjected to large
What we claim is:
lateral hydrostatic forces and either the old cracks are
1. Earth drilling apparatus for drilling bore holes and
enlarged or new cracks form to accept the molten rock. 25 tunnels in rock by melting a path for itself comprising
The rate of advance of the rock-melting penetrator is
an elongated hollow drill housing having a ?rst hollow
governed by the rate at which the rock is melted, and
portion and a second hollow portion, a heat source sup
this is controlled by the power delivered to the penetra
ported in said first hollow portion having a temperature
tor surface. Cracking of the solid rock and rate of out
of not less than about l,l00°C, heat pipe chains for
?ow of the melted rock depend upon the thrust applied
thermally coupling the heat source to the interior sur
to the penetrator.
face of the walls of the said second hollow portion,
The pressure may either be obtained by a pusher
each of said heat pipes comprising a plurality of ther
pipe or rod 66 made up of connected drill pipe seg
mally coupled heat pipe sections, each of the heat pipe

The melted rock is forced into the cracks wherein heat
is given up to the crack surfaces and freezes as a glass at

ments and extending to the surface as shown in FIG. 6
or it can be a bore hole lock-on type of a type well

sections having an evaporator end and a condenser

end, and being coupled with the condenser end of a

known in the prior art such as schematically shown in

preceding heat pipe being adjacent the evaporator end

FIG. I. The double compression lock-on device in

of the next succeeding heat pipe, the initial evaporator
of each of the heat pipe chains is supported in close

general comprises two cylindrical thrusters l9 and 19'

each being driven radially by hydraulic cylinders.
Pusher hydraulic cylinders 20 with their hydraulic rams
provide the prime mover force between the rock drill
body and the lock-on thrusters 19. The thrust force

40 thermal contact with the heat source and the terminal

condenser of each heat pipe chain is affixed in tight
thermal conductive relation to the interior wall of the

said second hollow portion, and propulsion means sup

needed for boring a two_meter diameter hole or tunnel

is in the neighborhood of IS million pounds or roughly
eight thousand tons. Six l4~inch hydraulic cylinders

pressurized at 20,000 psi provide 18 million pounds of
available controllable thrust which is more than

45

ported by the said ?rst hollow portion for translating
the drilling apparatus in the direction of elongation.
2. The apparatus of claim I in which the propulsion
means is a double thruster bore hole lock-on

adequate. The self-contained rock melter of FIG. 1
lends itself to remote-control operation.
The rock-melting penetrator of this invention is par

mechanism and means for operating the double
thruster comprising a source of hydraulic ?uid under
pressure and hydraulic rams supported in the drill

ticularly applicable to drilling at depths totally inac
cessible with previously available drilling techniques.
Such deep drilling is exceedingly useful not only in the

housing ?rst portion.
3. The apparatus of claim I in which the walls of the

depth the normal geothermal gradient of 20°C/km

hole plus one additional pipe segment or a portion
thereof, said drill pipe stern being connected at one end
to the rearward end of the drill housing first section and
extending out of the bore hole at its other end, whereby
said drill stem is adapted to forcefully urge the rock
drill forward by its own weight and by force applied to
said other end.

housing second portion converge toward the forward
55 end whereby molten rock is distributed laterally against
obtainment of data from beneath the earth's crust but
the bore hole walls to in situ form a vitreous casing
also to tap essentially limitless geothermal energy. For
thereon.
example, beneath the Colorado plateau, the
4. The apparatus of claim I in which the propulsion
Mohorovicic discontinuity is at the anomalously shal
means is a drill pipe stem made up of standard drill pipe
low depth of about 30,000 meters which is well within
60 segments and having a length coextensive with the bore
reach of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. At this
results in a rock temperature of about 600"C and the

overburden pressure is about 145,000 psi. The rock
drill of the type shown in FIG. 7 wherein drill stem con
nects the rock drill to the surface is applicable because
a coolant ?uid circulation system is provided through
the drill stem. Coolant passage 71 is provided in the
9

3,693,731

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the walls of the

necting the electrical generating means to the electrical

heat source and drill ?rst section are water cooled,

power transmitting conductors, coupling means for
coupling the signaling means to the rock drill, and
hoses connected between the coolant pumping and

water transmission means, hydraulic pressure hoses

and electrical power transmitting conductors being
housed and supported in the drill stem.

5 storage means and the rock drill water transmission

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in combination with a

surface facility, said surface facility comprising electri

means for circulating water through the heat source
armor and drill body ?rst section for cooling the same

cal generating means, electrical signaling means, water
coolant storage and pumping means and vertical force
generating means, electrical conducting means con

facility.

and conveying the heat thereby obtained to the surface
I‘

IS

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

$5

60

65

i

i

i

i

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

JUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT
JUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKATJUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT
JUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKATJaringan Kerja Pemetaan Partisipatif
 
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN  KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN  KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...bramantiyo marjuki
 
PENENTUAN PRODUK UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdf
PENENTUAN PRODUK  UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdfPENENTUAN PRODUK  UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdf
PENENTUAN PRODUK UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdfSugeng Budiharsono
 
Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014
Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014
Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014Joy Irman
 
Pembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptx
Pembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptxPembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptx
Pembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptxHQMultiverse
 
Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.
Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.
Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.Penataan Ruang
 
Latihan soal ilmu ukur tambang
Latihan soal ilmu ukur tambangLatihan soal ilmu ukur tambang
Latihan soal ilmu ukur tambangyulika usman
 
Keterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKP
Keterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKPKeterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKP
Keterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKPDadang Solihin
 
Materi listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensus
Materi listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensusMateri listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensus
Materi listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensusNikolas Anova
 
Pemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan Kinerja
Pemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan KinerjaPemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan Kinerja
Pemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan KinerjaDeady Rizky Yunanto
 
Peraturan Penataan Ruang RDTR
Peraturan Penataan Ruang  RDTRPeraturan Penataan Ruang  RDTR
Peraturan Penataan Ruang RDTRhenny ferniza
 
Pedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) Kabupaten
Pedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) KabupatenPedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) Kabupaten
Pedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) KabupatenPenataan Ruang
 
Undang-Undang Nomor 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang
Undang-Undang Nomor  26 Tahun  2007 tentang Penataan RuangUndang-Undang Nomor  26 Tahun  2007 tentang Penataan Ruang
Undang-Undang Nomor 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan RuangOswar Mungkasa
 
Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni
Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni
Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni Bagus ardian
 
Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)
Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)
Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)Ahmad Abdul Haq
 
Konsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah
Konsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan DaerahKonsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah
Konsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan DaerahDadang Solihin
 
Kebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi Nawacita
Kebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi NawacitaKebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi Nawacita
Kebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi NawacitaDadang Solihin
 
Audit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan Ruang
Audit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan RuangAudit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan Ruang
Audit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan Ruangushfia
 

La actualidad más candente (20)

JUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT
JUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKATJUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT
JUKNIS PENDAFTARAN TANAH SISTEMATIK LENGKAP BERBASIS PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT
 
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN  KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN  KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PEROLEHAN DATA TUTUPAN KANOPI (CANOPY COVER) MENGGUNAKAN PE...
 
PENENTUAN PRODUK UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdf
PENENTUAN PRODUK  UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdfPENENTUAN PRODUK  UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdf
PENENTUAN PRODUK UNGGULAN 29-30 MARET 2022.pdf
 
Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014
Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014
Rencana Strategis Direktorat Jenderal Cipta Karya 2010-2014
 
Pedoman RTRW Segala Aspek
Pedoman RTRW Segala AspekPedoman RTRW Segala Aspek
Pedoman RTRW Segala Aspek
 
Pembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptx
Pembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptxPembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptx
Pembinaan PIPK 2023 materi v2 230515 21.44_Edit Fakhri AW.pptx
 
Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.
Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.
Undang-undang No. 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang.
 
Latihan soal ilmu ukur tambang
Latihan soal ilmu ukur tambangLatihan soal ilmu ukur tambang
Latihan soal ilmu ukur tambang
 
Audit kinerja
Audit kinerjaAudit kinerja
Audit kinerja
 
Keterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKP
Keterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKPKeterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKP
Keterkaitan RPJMN, Renstra K/L dan RKP
 
Materi listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensus
Materi listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensusMateri listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensus
Materi listing penyisiran wilayah dan penentuan bangunan fisik, bangunan sensus
 
Pemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan Kinerja
Pemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan KinerjaPemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan Kinerja
Pemeriksaan Keuangan Negara - Perencanaan Pemeriksaan Kinerja
 
Peraturan Penataan Ruang RDTR
Peraturan Penataan Ruang  RDTRPeraturan Penataan Ruang  RDTR
Peraturan Penataan Ruang RDTR
 
Pedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) Kabupaten
Pedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) KabupatenPedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) Kabupaten
Pedoman Penyusunan Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) Kabupaten
 
Undang-Undang Nomor 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang
Undang-Undang Nomor  26 Tahun  2007 tentang Penataan RuangUndang-Undang Nomor  26 Tahun  2007 tentang Penataan Ruang
Undang-Undang Nomor 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang
 
Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni
Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni
Penyediaan Rumah Layak Huni
 
Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)
Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)
Mpim 5. evaluasi implementasi kecukupan rancangan (eikr)
 
Konsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah
Konsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan DaerahKonsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah
Konsep dan Paradigma Baru dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah
 
Kebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi Nawacita
Kebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi NawacitaKebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi Nawacita
Kebijakan Pembangunan Daerah dalam Konstruksi Nawacita
 
Audit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan Ruang
Audit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan RuangAudit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan Ruang
Audit, Pengawasan dan Pengendalian Pemanfaatan Ruang
 

Destacado

Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...
Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...
Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...Agence Double Numérique
 
SemWeb install-fest presentation
SemWeb install-fest presentationSemWeb install-fest presentation
SemWeb install-fest presentationAndraz Tori
 
Augmenting Content
Augmenting ContentAugmenting Content
Augmenting ContentAndraz Tori
 
Ljubljana je Zakon 2013
Ljubljana je Zakon 2013Ljubljana je Zakon 2013
Ljubljana je Zakon 2013Andraz Tori
 
Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...
Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...
Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...swilsonmc
 
UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENTUNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENTswilsonmc
 
5 unique social sw capabilities
5 unique social sw capabilities5 unique social sw capabilities
5 unique social sw capabilitiesLidia Vikulova
 
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Illusion
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting IllusionSandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Illusion
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Illusionswilsonmc
 

Destacado (10)

Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...
Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...
Commande de Champagne Gaston Revolte au Carre Parisien les 12 et 20 decembre ...
 
SemWeb install-fest presentation
SemWeb install-fest presentationSemWeb install-fest presentation
SemWeb install-fest presentation
 
Augmenting Content
Augmenting ContentAugmenting Content
Augmenting Content
 
Activites du reseau OPUS IN FIDE
Activites du reseau OPUS IN FIDEActivites du reseau OPUS IN FIDE
Activites du reseau OPUS IN FIDE
 
Perpus Digital
Perpus DigitalPerpus Digital
Perpus Digital
 
Ljubljana je Zakon 2013
Ljubljana je Zakon 2013Ljubljana je Zakon 2013
Ljubljana je Zakon 2013
 
Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...
Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...
Rock Melting: A Specialty Drilling System for Improved Hole Stability in Geot...
 
UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENTUNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY SMALL ARMS CONTROL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
 
5 unique social sw capabilities
5 unique social sw capabilities5 unique social sw capabilities
5 unique social sw capabilities
 
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Illusion
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting IllusionSandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Illusion
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Illusion
 

Similar a Method and Apparatus for Tunneling by Melting (Patent US 3693731 A)

Project on Geothermal Drilling
Project on Geothermal Drilling Project on Geothermal Drilling
Project on Geothermal Drilling Thanos Paraschos
 
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)ijceronline
 
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2Stephen Leslie
 
Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)
Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)
Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)Badhri Dhanekar
 
De chaudhary
De chaudharyDe chaudhary
De chaudharykaran3349
 
Military Geophysics Program
Military Geophysics ProgramMilitary Geophysics Program
Military Geophysics ProgramAli Osman Öncel
 
1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main
1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main
1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-mainakbarali_
 
Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...
Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...
Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...ijtsrd
 
SURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat Transfer
SURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat TransferSURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat Transfer
SURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat TransferJacob Marlow
 
1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main
1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main
1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-mainSanskar Panse
 
Geothermal Energy Piles
Geothermal Energy PilesGeothermal Energy Piles
Geothermal Energy Pilesberberae
 
Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...
Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...
Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...IJERA Editor
 
15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of
15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of
15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics ofNEERAJKUMAR1898
 
Experimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitator
Experimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitatorExperimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitator
Experimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitatorIAEME Publication
 
Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...
Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...
Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...IRJET Journal
 

Similar a Method and Apparatus for Tunneling by Melting (Patent US 3693731 A) (20)

Project on Geothermal Drilling
Project on Geothermal Drilling Project on Geothermal Drilling
Project on Geothermal Drilling
 
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research(IJCER)
 
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2
 
Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)
Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)
Design of drilling robot for geothermal energy production final(1)
 
De chaudhary
De chaudharyDe chaudhary
De chaudhary
 
K046055662
K046055662K046055662
K046055662
 
20320140503022 2
20320140503022 220320140503022 2
20320140503022 2
 
Poster EGU 2010
Poster EGU 2010Poster EGU 2010
Poster EGU 2010
 
112CH0390
112CH0390112CH0390
112CH0390
 
Military Geophysics Program
Military Geophysics ProgramMilitary Geophysics Program
Military Geophysics Program
 
1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main
1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main
1 s2.0-s2213290216300396-main
 
Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...
Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...
Numerical Investigation of Solar Air Heater Duct using Broken‘S’ Shaped Ribs ...
 
SURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat Transfer
SURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat TransferSURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat Transfer
SURE Report - Effect of Fractal Plates on Heat Transfer
 
1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main
1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main
1-s2.0-S0017931016319998-main
 
Geothermal Energy Piles
Geothermal Energy PilesGeothermal Energy Piles
Geothermal Energy Piles
 
H48076265
H48076265H48076265
H48076265
 
Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...
Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...
Heat Transfer Analysis to Optimize The Water Cooling Scheme For Combustion De...
 
15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of
15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of
15. experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics of
 
Experimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitator
Experimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitatorExperimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitator
Experimental analysis of solar water heater using porous medium and agitator
 
Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...
Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...
Performance Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Water Collector using Different Shap...
 

Más de swilsonmc

Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)
Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)
Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)swilsonmc
 
Laser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well Drilling
Laser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well DrillingLaser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well Drilling
Laser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well Drillingswilsonmc
 
Top Secret: GCHQ: The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...
Top Secret:  GCHQ:  The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...Top Secret:  GCHQ:  The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...
Top Secret: GCHQ: The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...swilsonmc
 
UNCLASSIFIED: A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...
UNCLASSIFIED:  A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...UNCLASSIFIED:  A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...
UNCLASSIFIED: A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...swilsonmc
 
Sirius Disclosure: Dr. Lachman Examination Letter
Sirius Disclosure:  Dr. Lachman Examination LetterSirius Disclosure:  Dr. Lachman Examination Letter
Sirius Disclosure: Dr. Lachman Examination Letterswilsonmc
 
Disaster Preparedness Month Proclamation
Disaster Preparedness Month ProclamationDisaster Preparedness Month Proclamation
Disaster Preparedness Month Proclamationswilsonmc
 
White House Beer Recipes
White House Beer RecipesWhite House Beer Recipes
White House Beer Recipesswilsonmc
 
Key To The Extraterrestrial Messages
Key To The Extraterrestrial MessagesKey To The Extraterrestrial Messages
Key To The Extraterrestrial Messagesswilsonmc
 
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth CertificateBarack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificateswilsonmc
 
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long Form
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long FormBarack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long Form
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long Formswilsonmc
 
FDA: Food Additive Approval Process Followed for Aspartame
FDA:  Food Additive Approval Process Followed for AspartameFDA:  Food Additive Approval Process Followed for Aspartame
FDA: Food Additive Approval Process Followed for Aspartameswilsonmc
 
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?swilsonmc
 
Modern Money Mechanics
Modern Money MechanicsModern Money Mechanics
Modern Money Mechanicsswilsonmc
 
World Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William Walsh
World Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William WalshWorld Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William Walsh
World Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William Walshswilsonmc
 
Boston Bombing: FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. Genck
Boston Bombing:  FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. GenckBoston Bombing:  FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. Genck
Boston Bombing: FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. Genckswilsonmc
 
Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)
Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)
Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)swilsonmc
 
US Army Internment and Resettlement Operations Manual
US Army Internment and Resettlement Operations ManualUS Army Internment and Resettlement Operations Manual
US Army Internment and Resettlement Operations Manualswilsonmc
 
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step  Forward in Small Arms Control?The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step  Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?swilsonmc
 

Más de swilsonmc (18)

Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)
Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)
Sandy Hook Script (sandyhookjustice.com)
 
Laser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well Drilling
Laser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well DrillingLaser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well Drilling
Laser Spallation of Rocks for Oil Well Drilling
 
Top Secret: GCHQ: The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...
Top Secret:  GCHQ:  The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...Top Secret:  GCHQ:  The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...
Top Secret: GCHQ: The Art of Deception. Training for a New Generation of On...
 
UNCLASSIFIED: A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...
UNCLASSIFIED:  A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...UNCLASSIFIED:  A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...
UNCLASSIFIED: A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and ...
 
Sirius Disclosure: Dr. Lachman Examination Letter
Sirius Disclosure:  Dr. Lachman Examination LetterSirius Disclosure:  Dr. Lachman Examination Letter
Sirius Disclosure: Dr. Lachman Examination Letter
 
Disaster Preparedness Month Proclamation
Disaster Preparedness Month ProclamationDisaster Preparedness Month Proclamation
Disaster Preparedness Month Proclamation
 
White House Beer Recipes
White House Beer RecipesWhite House Beer Recipes
White House Beer Recipes
 
Key To The Extraterrestrial Messages
Key To The Extraterrestrial MessagesKey To The Extraterrestrial Messages
Key To The Extraterrestrial Messages
 
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth CertificateBarack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate
 
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long Form
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long FormBarack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long Form
Barack Hussein Obama, II, Birth Certificate Long Form
 
FDA: Food Additive Approval Process Followed for Aspartame
FDA:  Food Additive Approval Process Followed for AspartameFDA:  Food Additive Approval Process Followed for Aspartame
FDA: Food Additive Approval Process Followed for Aspartame
 
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
 
Modern Money Mechanics
Modern Money MechanicsModern Money Mechanics
Modern Money Mechanics
 
World Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William Walsh
World Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William WalshWorld Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William Walsh
World Trade Center Task Force Interview Lieutenant William Walsh
 
Boston Bombing: FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. Genck
Boston Bombing:  FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. GenckBoston Bombing:  FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. Genck
Boston Bombing: FBI Affidavit of Special Agent Daniel R. Genck
 
Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)
Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)
Open Letter to Obama (Utah Sheriff's Association)
 
US Army Internment and Resettlement Operations Manual
US Army Internment and Resettlement Operations ManualUS Army Internment and Resettlement Operations Manual
US Army Internment and Resettlement Operations Manual
 
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step  Forward in Small Arms Control?The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step  Forward in Small Arms Control?
The Arms Trade Treaty: A Step Forward in Small Arms Control?
 

Último

IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019IES VE
 
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfVideogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfinfogdgmi
 
UiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation Developers
UiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation DevelopersUiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation Developers
UiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation DevelopersUiPathCommunity
 
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesLinked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesDavid Newbury
 
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just MinutesAI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just MinutesMd Hossain Ali
 
20230202 - Introduction to tis-py
20230202 - Introduction to tis-py20230202 - Introduction to tis-py
20230202 - Introduction to tis-pyJamie (Taka) Wang
 
Introduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptx
Introduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptxIntroduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptx
Introduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptxMatsuo Lab
 
Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™
Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™
Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™Adtran
 
COMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a Website
COMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a WebsiteCOMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a Website
COMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a Websitedgelyza
 
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystemBird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystemAsko Soukka
 
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration WorkflowsIgniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration WorkflowsSafe Software
 
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...Aggregage
 
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCostKubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCostMatt Ray
 
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding TeamAdam Moalla
 
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1DianaGray10
 
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...UbiTrack UK
 
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxBuilding AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxUdaiappa Ramachandran
 
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdfIaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdfDaniel Santiago Silva Capera
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8DianaGray10
 

Último (20)

IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
 
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfVideogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
 
UiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation Developers
UiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation DevelopersUiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation Developers
UiPath Community: AI for UiPath Automation Developers
 
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesLinked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
 
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just MinutesAI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
 
20230202 - Introduction to tis-py
20230202 - Introduction to tis-py20230202 - Introduction to tis-py
20230202 - Introduction to tis-py
 
Introduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptx
Introduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptxIntroduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptx
Introduction to Matsuo Laboratory (ENG).pptx
 
Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™
Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™
Meet the new FSP 3000 M-Flex800™
 
COMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a Website
COMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a WebsiteCOMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a Website
COMPUTER 10 Lesson 8 - Building a Website
 
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystemBird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
 
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration WorkflowsIgniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
 
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
 
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCostKubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
 
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
 
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
 
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
 
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxBuilding AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
 
201610817 - edge part1
201610817 - edge part1201610817 - edge part1
201610817 - edge part1
 
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdfIaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 8
 

Method and Apparatus for Tunneling by Melting (Patent US 3693731 A)

  • 1. United States Patent us] 3,693,731 [451 Sept. 26, 1972 Armstrong et al. [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TUNNELING BY MELTING [72] Inventors: Dale E. Armstrong, Santa Fe; Berthus B. Mclnteer; Robert L. Mills; Robert M. Potter; Eugene S. Robinson; John C. Rowley; Morton C. Smith, all of Los Alamos, N. Mex. [73] Assignee: The United States of America as [221 Filed: represented by the United States Atomic Energy Commission .Ian.8, 1911 [211 Appl.No.: 104,872 3,1 17,634 1/1964 Persson ..................... .. 175/94 1,993,641 3/1935 Aarts et al...................175/13 1,898,926 3,115,194 3,225,843 2/1933 12/1963 12/1965 Aarts et al. ................ ..l7$/16 Adams ....................... ..i75/ll Ortloi’f ................... ..175/94 X 3,357,505 12/ 1967 Armstrong et a1 ......... ..175/16 Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant Examiner-Richard E. Favreau Anomey—Roland A. Anderson [ 5 7] ABSTRACT A machine and method for drilling bore holes and tun nels by melting in which a housing is provided for sup porting a heat source and a heated end portion and in which the necessary melting heat is delivered to the [52] [5 1] US. Cl. ....................... ..l75/ll, 175/16, 175/19 Int. Cl ............................................. ..E2lc 21/00 [58] Field of Search ................................. ..175/ll-l6 walls of the end portion at a rate suft'lcient to melt rock and during operation of which the molten materi al may be disposed adjacent the boring zone in cracks in the rock and as a vitreous wail lining of the tunnel [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,396,806 8/1968 Benson ................ ..-..175/16 X so formed. The heat source can be electrical or nuclear but for deep drilling is preferably a nuclear reactor. 6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures
  • 2. PATENTEBSEP‘ZB m2 3.693.731 sum 1 0r 4 Fig. 2 INVENTOR. 00/9 5 Armstrong, Bert/ms B. Mclnfeer, Robert L.Mi/ls, Robert M Patter, Eugene 5‘. Robinson,Marion 6‘. Sm! If John 6‘. Raw/5y WW
  • 4. PMENTEDSEPZB m 3.593.731 SHEET 3 OF 4 E / / 7/ ' _ I/ / 7/ I ’ I 34 J 65 i 45) WA x 7// ‘ //////////////, 56 Fig. 4 32 142451.14 INVENTOR. Dale E Armsfran _, Ber fl; Robert L. //ls,/?0 B.Mc1nf Eugene $.Robinsan, Jab . For , .Row/ey, Morton C. Smith BY
  • 6. 1 3,693,731 2 The construction and operation of heat pipes is dis closed in Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Reports No. LA-422l-MS (1969) and No. LA-358$—MS (I966) and in IEEE Trans, [ED-l6, 717 (1969). Essen tially, a heat pipe is an elongated gas-tight cavity which contains a suitable liquid and its vapor. The heat-pipe METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TUNNELING BY MELTING The invention described herein was made in the course of, or under, a contract with the U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. It relates generally to a method and apparatus for drilling, tunneling and shaft sinking in rock with particular advantage at hitherto in cavity is lined with a capillary structure which trans ports the working liquid continuously from the cool accessible depths. This invention'provides a rapid versatile economical end to the heat source end. At the heat source end or method of deep-earth excavation, tunneling and shaft sinking which offers solutions to ecological problems, acquiring natural resources presently inaccessible and evaporator the liquid is continuously evaporated so that the interior space of the heat pipe is kept ?lled with vapor di?'using toward the slightly cooler con denser end. At the condenser end it deposits its heat of access to an enormous reservoir of natural heat energy. These valuable subterranean sources include natural vaporization and remrns by the wick to continue the cycle. minerals and hydrocarbons, fresh water and clean The heat pipe has the ability to convey heat energy of geothermal heat energy. remarkably large amounts with only small temperature The accessibility of these resources at the present time is limited by the technical and economic difficul differences between the hot and cool (relatively) ends. This is in contrast with the heat transfer capabilities of the earth's crust and mantle. The available tools and 20 solid or liquid thermal conductors which require hun ties of producing large long holes in the hard rocks of techniques for relatively shallow drilling, boring, shaft sinking, tunneling and mining in rock are highly developed and in the environments in which they have dreds of degrees of temperature gradient per centime their application is extended to greater depths, harder rocks, and higher rock temperatures and pressures. away, the heat pipe is the practical heat energy transfer mechanism. It was found in the utilization of the rock melting tool of U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,505 that the rock being bored usually cracked due to thermal stresses. The present in’ ter of length to transfer heat at equivalent rates. In the case of the rock melting drill of the present in vention in which the penetrator face must be main evolved they are adequately effective and et?cient. However, their efficiencies and feasibility of use 25 tained at about l,500°K ( I ,227°C) for extended opera tional periods and the heat source is many centimeters decrease rapidly and their ‘costs rise in proportion, as Among presently available tools for penetrating rock, only the rotary drill appears to be capable of penetrat ing the earth to depths greater than four to ?ve kilome ters at an economically useful rate and at such depths it is limited to producing holes no larger than about one vention makes use of such cracks and in fact enhances half meter in diameter. It is unlikely that existing sure in order that the material being melted can be disposed of in the cracks and on the tunnel or bore hole their production by the addition of mechanical pres methods can be used to explore or excavate the earth to depths greater than about 12 to 15 kilometers. The present invention uses the basic apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,505 and in Los walls. - It is a prime objective of the present invention to pro vide an apparatus and method for drilling tunnels or bore holes in rock of a size and/or depth which exceeds Alamos Scienti?c Laboratory of the University of California Report No. LA-3243 (1965) entitled “Rock 40 prior art methods. Melting as a Drilling Technique." The rock-melting Another objective is to provide drilling apparatus drill so disclosed is effective in penetrating basalt and other igneous rocks at usefully high rates and with which is capable of boring holes and tunnels in rock and which disposes of the excavated material adjacent moderate power consumption. For example, igneous rocks melt at about I,200°C and in being heated from ambient temperature such as 20°C to just above their 45 the drilling position as a bore hole lining. Still another objective is to provide an apparatus and method for tunneling in rock in which a rock melting technique is utilized and in which the source of heat is melting ranges require about 4,300 joules of energy per provided at the drilling position. cubic centimeter compared with the energy require ment of 2,000 to 3,000 joules per cubic centimeter for 50 Another objective is to provide an apparatus and method for the drilling of rock at great depths or rotary drilling in igneous rocks. distances by remote control. In the existing rock melting devices of the prior art, a Still another object is to provide a rock drilling major difficulty which limited perfonnance was that of method which applies heat and pressure to the earth's delivering a sufficiently large heat flux to the melting face of the drill or penetrator. The development of the 55 rock formation to hydrostatically fracture and melt the rock and dispose of the excavated material by lateral heat pipe alleviates this problem in that the use of heat extrusion. pipes enables the transfer of heat energy from a com Another objective is to provide an apparatus and pact heat source to the extended melting surface of the method for producing a vitreous lining on the wall of a penetrator at rates high enough to maintain the surface hole in rock or in other earth materials such as sand. above the melting temperature of the rock. 60 The above and other objects and advantages of the The extrapolation of a mechanism useful for forming invention will become apparent from the following large holes in the earth in accordance with the present description of a preferred and certain alternate em~ invention uses the combination of a refractory rock bodiments thereof, and from the drawings in which: melting tool, an in situ heat source preferably a small FIG. I is an isometric view partly in section using a nuclear reactor and an exceedingly efficient heat 65 transfer mechanism such as a system of heat pipes to convey heat from the source to the walls of the drilling tool. nuclear reactor for power. FIG. 2 is a vertical fragmentary detail of the rock drill housing and rock penetrator.
  • 7. 3,693,731 3 4 FIG. 3 is a cross section of a nuclear reactor suitable square centimeter of vapor passage can supply heat to for use in the rock melting drill. at least 30 square centimeters of penetrator surface. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross section of a nuclear The heat source for the rock-melting drill to the reactor heat generator adapted for remote control. present invention can be electrical or nuclear. The FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of an electrical heat 5 nuclear reactor as the prime source of energy is source. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a ?eld drilling facility. FIG. 7 is a rock drill adapted to extraordinary deep drilling. ' Referring to FIG. I, an embodiment is shown of a rock melting drill designated generally by numeral II. The drill comprises a hollow housing 13 comprising a uniform cross section portion 15 and a nose portion 17 which may have any shape but is preferably tapered to a point and which hereinafter is termed “penetrator," a pair of thruster mechanisms l9-—l9', a control and guidance component 21 and utility supply lines 23. The preferred for very deep or very fast tunneling. Nuclear reactors of appropriate size and capability are available for the purpose. Reactors whose core contains about 40 volume percent heat pipes with a heat generating capacity of from I00 kW to 10 MW thermal power out put have a core size ranging from 18 cm diameter and 25 cm long to 1 meter diameter and 1 meter length. A cross section of a suitable nuclear reactor is shown in FIG. 3 and it is similar to those developed for space nuclear and propulsion purposes. The core 30 com prises fuel elements 41 each of which has a hollow cavi ty 43 to accommodate a heat pipe evaporator end. prime energy source 26 may be the nuclear reactor 25 or an electrical heating mechanism such as shown in Control rods 45 provide adjustability of heat energy Referring to FIG. 2, the manner in which the conden sers 29 of heat pipes 27 are coupled to the penetrator is shown. Each heat pipe so coupled is terminated in ?at blanket and nuclear shield 49 which in turn is protected by a heavy metal shield 51 and exterior armor 53. The FIG. 5. Connected in heat transferring relation to the 20 generated to equal heat energy consumed in the penetrator and energy demand of accessory equip heat source are heat pipes 27 . ment. The reactor core is surrounded with thermal enlarged condenser section 29. The condenser sections 25 core 30 and elements 49, SI and 53 constitute one practical assembly for the component 33 shown in FIG. are in tight thermal coupling with the interior of wall 31 2 of penetrator 17 as by clamping or welding. The combination of the nuclear reactor with the heat Nuclear reactor 25 comprises essentially a core 30 pipes, remote control devices and coolant is explained shown in FIG. 3 and an insulation shield and armor 30 with reference to FIG. 4. The nuclear reactor has a covering 33. A heat coupling element 34 containing a diametric cross section as shown in FIG. 3 except that liquid metal such as molten tin is supported in the reac in part the heavy metal shield 51 and armor 53 are tor and is thermally coupled to the evaporator ends of combined into a water-cooled solid tungsten casing 55. the heat pipes 27. The heat pipe 27 is shown as composed of end-to 35 Massive metal cage 56 provides for support of the reac tor core 29 and shielding and support for devices which end coupled heat pipe sections. The reason for this are connected thereto. As shown in FIG. 6, the rock becomes apparent from further consideration of the drill may be connected by drill stem 66 which encloses heat pipe characteristics. For an operating temperature and extends the cables, pipes and electrical conductors in the range of from l,400° to l,800°l( (1,127" to to above-ground control and supply facilities 61 and 1,527°C) the heat-pipe container is a gas-tight refracto 63. The cooling water is admitted to pipe ducts in con ry metal tube or shell. The preferable appropriate tact with or in the armor to cool the reactor as needed. working ?uid is lithium. Lithium heat pipes made of The position of the control rod is remotely controlled niobium-lpercent zirconium alloys have been operated by control drive motor 63. The reactor is provided with at temperatures up to l,600°l( (1,327’C) for several thousand hours. Other materials such as alloys like tan 45 usual fail safe control system such as spring 64 conven tional reactor control type. In this embodiment the as high a temperature as 2,100°K (l,827°C). inlet and exhaust water pipes, the electrical supply ca The heat pipe as an individual working element has bles and the main suspension cable form the main limited lift of the working ?uid by capillary action. In cabling or umbilical cord between the control truck the rock melting drill the heat source may be supported 50 and the drill. several meters above the penetrator 17. The lithium An electrical heat source instead of a nuclear reactor heat pipe cannot effectively transport the working fluid is shown in FIG. 5. The electrical resistance 28 is in talum-l0 percent tungsten are capable of operation to vertically against the force of gravity a distance much in excess of one meter. However, as many heat pipe tight thermal contact with heat pipe 27 and is energized by electrical cables 32 leading to the earth's surface. sections (each a complete heat pipe unit) can be con 55 Otherwise the penetrator is similar to the nuclear ener gized embodiment. nected in series as the total distance requires and, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of heat pipe sections or With respect to any technique for drilling holes in the units constitute each heat transfer heat pipe from the earth the material removed to make the hole must be heat coupler 34 to the penetrator wall 31. disposed of. In small holes such as shallow water wells A tunneling speed of I00 meters per day is well 60 in porous soils it has long been the technique to simply within the heat transfer capabilities of the heat pipe. drive the material radially outward into the surround This speed of tunneling requires approximately $00 ing earth. In drilling larger holes or tunnels the problem watts per square centimeter of penetrator worlt sur of disposal grows rapidly, at least with the square power face. At l,400°K a lithium heat pipe can readily trans~ 65 of the diameter of the hole. With respect to large holes port l0 kilowatts per square centimeter of vapor such as one meter or larger, the technique of sideways passage cross-sectional area and at 1,800°K the capaci disposal of solid debris is not feasible even in porous ty is increased by a factor of more than ?ve. Thus, each soils. ln solid rock this technique has hitherto not been
  • 8. 5 3,693,731 6 feasible for holes of any diameter. ln accordance with the present invention the debris may be disposed of as For the thermal wave to migrate 10 hole radii would take about 40 days. These results indicate that the ther mal perturbation in the earth caused by passage of a melted rock both as a lining for the hole and as a dispersal in cracks produced in the surrounding rock. rock-melting penetrator is extremely local in nature. The thermal insulating properties of rock are favora ble characteristics for limiting the energy consumed in boring and in creating stresses in the rock for creating The rock-melting drill is of a shape and is propelled under suf?cient pressure to produce and extend cracks in solid rock radially around the bore by means of hydrostatic pressure developed in the molten rock cracks. Since the thermal perturbations are restricted to very thin layers adjacent to rock surfaces, the ther ahead of the advancing rock drill penetrator. All melt not used in glass-lining the bore is forced into the cracks where it freezes and remains. The ability of the rock melting drill to provide a vitreous lining for the bore hole in rock or in other mal stresses generated in the zone of perturbation are easily estimated. The magnitude of the thermal stress can be derived from the relation earth material such as sand, whether consolidated or mtg-(Tag; (T.,— T.) unconsolidated in the original condition is a meritore ous advance in the art. Such a lining eliminates, in most where cases, the expensive and cumbersome problem of debris elimination and at the same time achieves the advantage of a casing type of bore hole liner. Such a 20 molded in situ casing serves a number of functions such as preventing escape of material from within the hole, preventing ingress of unwanted materials from without the hole, reducing resistance to passage of materials or objects through the hole, and providing wall support 25 against forces developed within or without the hole. The feasibility of cracking subterranean rock by pressure has been established, particularly in oil?eld a“, = thermal stress, kglcm' E = mean coe?'icient of thermal expansion, "C"I E = elastic modulus, kg/cm' v = Poisson ‘s ratio T, = ambient temperature of undisturbed rock mass, T,= ambient temperature of the rock surface, "C By substituting typical rock properties of 6 = 8 X 10-‘ °C"; E= l06 kg/cm' and v = 0.2, the above relation becomes experience by hydrofracturing. The forces involved Um a T.) =1 and methods of fracturing by water pressure are 30 Since the tensile strengths of rocks are between 40 and discussed in publications, for example, E. Harrison et 100 kg/cm’, a temperature decrease of 4° to 10°C in the al., “The Mechanics of Fracture lnduction and Extru zone adjacent the hole creates sufficient thermal stress sion," Pet. Trans. AlME, 201, 252 (1954) and M. K. to cause tensile cracking. Hubbert et al., “Mechanics of Hydraulic Fracturing,“ Pet. Trans. AIME 2l0, 133 (1957). However the use of 35 The operation of the rock-melting penetrator may be facilitated by the fact that the cracks started by thermal melted rock as the ?uid through which pressure is transmitted is novel with this invention. stress can be extended by lithofracture through the The rock-melting drill of the present invention pro mechanism of high interface pressures produced by the vides advantages over rock fracturing by pressure alone thrust of a spear-shaped penetrator. Numerous data are in that the heat induced in surrounding rock provides 40 in the public domain pertinent to the basic facts of frac an effective cracking force. Most rocks are good ther~ turing, for example, the M. K. Hubbert et al. and the E. mal insulators. The effect of an abrupt change in sur Harrison et al. publications in the AIME Transactions face temperature or of a heat ?ux suddenly applied to a above identi?ed. Treatment of the crack extension rock surface will in general penetrate slowly. For exam 45 behavior of rocks pressurized hydraulically has been ple, the heat properties of the material surrounding a made by R. J. Sun, "Theoretical Size of Hydraulically cylindrical hole 2 meters in diameter in granite have Induced Fractures and Corresponding Uplift in an been discussed in the literature by L. F. lngersoll et al., idealized Medium,“ Journal of Geophysics Research, “Heat Conduction—With Engineering, Geological, 74, 5995 ( I969). Speci?cally, it was demonstrated that and Other Applications," I954 University of Wisconsin 50 the cracks formed from a hole 10 cm in diameter ex Press. In brief, the pertinent data are: thermal conduc tivity = A = 0.0065 cal/cm-sec-°C; speci?c heat = c, = 0.19 callg-°C; density = p = 2.7 g/cm’; and thermal dif fusivity = D =0.0l27 cm'lsec. The surface temperature of the hole, T, is rapidly raised from l00°C to about l,l00°C which is approxi mately the melting temperature of granite. To deter mine the temperature of the surrounding rock as a function of time and of dimensionless radial distance r/a from the hole, the parameter of interest is the non 60 dimensional Fourier number F0 = (D/a')r. The speci?c origin of this mathematical approach is D. J. Schneider, “Temperature Response Charts," John Wiley & Sons, New York 1963. For the rock properties above given, F, = L26 X l0" 65 1 where t is in seconds. In one hour the thermal wave has migrated about one hole radius from the hole wall. tended outward to distances of 50 to 60 meters, i.e., crack depths were 500 to 600 times the hole diameter. The volume of cracks of several different geometries, formed in granite, are shown in the following table: CALCULATED DIMENSIONS AND VOLUMES OF CRACKS FORMED lN GRANITE Crack Radius, Crack Crack Net pressure, AP Width, Volume, Ln in en U, m‘ kg/cm' S l0 20 50 I00 0.2 0.5 L0 I0 20 0.1 l L05 8.0 52.0 420.0 165 200 200 80 80 (lblin.') (2,300) (2,800) (2,800) (l.l50) (l,l50)
  • 9. 3,693,731 7 8 The data given show that lower pressures are required to form very long thin cracks than to form short, wide ones and that the long thin cracks have unexpectedly large volumes. For comparison: a l-meter length of a hole 2 meters in diameter has a volume of only 3. l4 m‘. As seen from the foregoing, the device of the present invention works best when sufficient penetrator pres rock-drill body and is connected via pump 77 to porous metal wall 79. The fluid which exudes from the porous sure is used to force the melted excavated material into provided by M. Dolukhanov, “Underground Propaga the adjacent rock. Under the requisite pressure, the hot spear-shaped penetrator is forced against the rock and tion of Radio Waves," Radio (Moscow) I970. (English translation by Joint Publications Research Service. Publication No. JPRS 49894 (1970). wall chills and strengthens the glass lining of the shaft and thermally protects the rock drill. It is intended that at depths feasible to the operation, the FIG. I rock-melting drill will be guided by remote control. The feasibility of deep-hole radio control is a thin film of glass-like melt forms over its hot surface. This ?uid serves as a viscous pressure-transmitting The foregoing description of preferred embodiments medium to convert the axial thrust of the penetrator deals with nuclear reactor prime mover devices. It is within the contemplation of this invention that any other adequate heat generator may be used such as one into uniformly distributed hydrostatic pressure on the wall of the hole. Stresses in the rock are very high at the tip of the penetrator and initiate cracking of the rock. which is electrical in nature. Accordingly, it will be ap parent that numerous departures from the details shown may be made within the spirit and scope of this some distance from the penetrator and serves to prop 20 invention and it is, therefore, understood that the in the crack open. If the ?ow of molten rock is premature vention is limited only by the scope of the following ly stopped by the plugging of the cracks due to freezing, claims. the walls of the bore hole are again subjected to large What we claim is: lateral hydrostatic forces and either the old cracks are 1. Earth drilling apparatus for drilling bore holes and enlarged or new cracks form to accept the molten rock. 25 tunnels in rock by melting a path for itself comprising The rate of advance of the rock-melting penetrator is an elongated hollow drill housing having a ?rst hollow governed by the rate at which the rock is melted, and portion and a second hollow portion, a heat source sup this is controlled by the power delivered to the penetra ported in said first hollow portion having a temperature tor surface. Cracking of the solid rock and rate of out of not less than about l,l00°C, heat pipe chains for ?ow of the melted rock depend upon the thrust applied thermally coupling the heat source to the interior sur to the penetrator. face of the walls of the said second hollow portion, The pressure may either be obtained by a pusher each of said heat pipes comprising a plurality of ther pipe or rod 66 made up of connected drill pipe seg mally coupled heat pipe sections, each of the heat pipe The melted rock is forced into the cracks wherein heat is given up to the crack surfaces and freezes as a glass at ments and extending to the surface as shown in FIG. 6 or it can be a bore hole lock-on type of a type well sections having an evaporator end and a condenser end, and being coupled with the condenser end of a known in the prior art such as schematically shown in preceding heat pipe being adjacent the evaporator end FIG. I. The double compression lock-on device in of the next succeeding heat pipe, the initial evaporator of each of the heat pipe chains is supported in close general comprises two cylindrical thrusters l9 and 19' each being driven radially by hydraulic cylinders. Pusher hydraulic cylinders 20 with their hydraulic rams provide the prime mover force between the rock drill body and the lock-on thrusters 19. The thrust force 40 thermal contact with the heat source and the terminal condenser of each heat pipe chain is affixed in tight thermal conductive relation to the interior wall of the said second hollow portion, and propulsion means sup needed for boring a two_meter diameter hole or tunnel is in the neighborhood of IS million pounds or roughly eight thousand tons. Six l4~inch hydraulic cylinders pressurized at 20,000 psi provide 18 million pounds of available controllable thrust which is more than 45 ported by the said ?rst hollow portion for translating the drilling apparatus in the direction of elongation. 2. The apparatus of claim I in which the propulsion means is a double thruster bore hole lock-on adequate. The self-contained rock melter of FIG. 1 lends itself to remote-control operation. The rock-melting penetrator of this invention is par mechanism and means for operating the double thruster comprising a source of hydraulic ?uid under pressure and hydraulic rams supported in the drill ticularly applicable to drilling at depths totally inac cessible with previously available drilling techniques. Such deep drilling is exceedingly useful not only in the housing ?rst portion. 3. The apparatus of claim I in which the walls of the depth the normal geothermal gradient of 20°C/km hole plus one additional pipe segment or a portion thereof, said drill pipe stern being connected at one end to the rearward end of the drill housing first section and extending out of the bore hole at its other end, whereby said drill stem is adapted to forcefully urge the rock drill forward by its own weight and by force applied to said other end. housing second portion converge toward the forward 55 end whereby molten rock is distributed laterally against obtainment of data from beneath the earth's crust but the bore hole walls to in situ form a vitreous casing also to tap essentially limitless geothermal energy. For thereon. example, beneath the Colorado plateau, the 4. The apparatus of claim I in which the propulsion Mohorovicic discontinuity is at the anomalously shal means is a drill pipe stem made up of standard drill pipe low depth of about 30,000 meters which is well within 60 segments and having a length coextensive with the bore reach of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. At this results in a rock temperature of about 600"C and the overburden pressure is about 145,000 psi. The rock drill of the type shown in FIG. 7 wherein drill stem con nects the rock drill to the surface is applicable because a coolant ?uid circulation system is provided through the drill stem. Coolant passage 71 is provided in the
  • 10. 9 3,693,731 5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the walls of the necting the electrical generating means to the electrical heat source and drill ?rst section are water cooled, power transmitting conductors, coupling means for coupling the signaling means to the rock drill, and hoses connected between the coolant pumping and water transmission means, hydraulic pressure hoses and electrical power transmitting conductors being housed and supported in the drill stem. 5 storage means and the rock drill water transmission 6. The apparatus of claim 5 in combination with a surface facility, said surface facility comprising electri means for circulating water through the heat source armor and drill body ?rst section for cooling the same cal generating means, electrical signaling means, water coolant storage and pumping means and vertical force generating means, electrical conducting means con facility. and conveying the heat thereby obtained to the surface I‘ IS 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 $5 60 65 i i i i