Mining in northern latitudes - near the Arctic circle represents a challenge because the ground in many places is permanently frozen.
Mining in permafrost represents a unique problem. There are, fortunately, relatively simple, low cost solutions.
In all cases, the process of converting water from a solid to a liquid involves energy in the form of heat. Traditionally, steam has been used as a source of heat to melt permafrost. The most immediate choice for creating steam is a steam "boiler".
A simple, low cost Boiler;
A boiler in the most simple form is a container that is heated to a desired temperature. The container could be as simple as a steel 50 gallon drum. The nice thing about 50 gallon drums is that they include pipe fittings. The drum can be oriented vertically or horizontally with the smaller fitting at the bottom. Water can be filled into the drum through the larger fitting (bung) at the top. To avoid pressure building up, the drum should always be OPEN to atmospheric pressure.
How to boil water;
With the 50 gallon drum mounted securely on a frame, several feet above the ground, a burner or burners can be positioned underneath.
Propane heat;
Propane burners used for frying turkeys are found at many outdoor cooking supply stores.
Other options;
Diesel heaters and/or furnaces can be fitted to this application. Wood can be used in areas where it is available. Timber can be salvaged from forest fire burns. There may be permitting and fees associated.
Avoiding heat loss;
The boiler should be contained in a relatively small outdoor building that contains heat and excludes outside cold air. External piping and hoses should be wrapped in an insulating foam or fiberglass insulation to avoid heat loss.
Conventional heat tape wrapping can be used to avoid freezing during winter. A Generator would be needed in this case to power the heat tape.
The 50 gallon drum can be enclosed in a heat jacket to contain heat.
Recycle system;
Mine water drains into a "rat hole" - that's the lowest point in the mine.
Water that is produced in the mine/mine shaft can be re-cycled using a sump pump back to the boiler. Filtration or settling of solids can be done in a closed loop water recycling system. GOLD may be recovered in the SOLIDS setting pond.
Pressure sprayer;
Conventional pressure sprayers can be used to add FORCE to the process. An in-line pressure pump can be used to bring the water pressure up to 40 psi to give a 1000 plus psi pressure sprayer the desired inlet pressure.
Controls to adjust flow and pressure can be added as needed for the operation.
Don't go away!
- Geowizard
