Donald R Simpson

US Patent:

60862890, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Aug 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/132649

Inventors:

Michael W. Baum - Price UT
Gary L. Barker - Price UT
William H. Hensley - Memphis TN
Donald Simpson - Tucson AZ
Kenneth Henderson - Joseph UT

Assignee:

Mueller Industries, Inc. - Memphis TN

International Classification:

E02D 312

US Classification:

405263

Abstract:

The present invention relates to an apparatus and in-situ method for immobilizing mine drainage from spent mine works. This apparatus and preferred method are readily adapted for use in any mine, but particularly well-suited for mines which are located on steep hills or mountain sides having limited infrastructure to permit access for utilities and construction equipment. The present invention utilizes known technology for erecting a bulkhead in the portal of a mine drift, providing a distribution system for controlling drainage of mine water collected behind the bulkhead, mixing the mine water with a constituent to form a slurry, and introducing the slurry into the sealed mine. The present invention has the advantage of neutralizing the mine water to make discharges, if any, acceptable; precipitating dissolved metal out of the mine water within the sealed mine; and further sealing fissures that create seepage from the sealed mine.