Method and apparatus for mixing gaseous oxidant and lixiviant in an in situ leach operation

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure, Method and apparatus for mixing a gaseous oxidant (e.g. oxygen) and a lixiviant (e.g. an aqueous carbonate solution) at a downhole location in a well before the oxygensaturated lixiviant is injected into a formation to be leached. The invention involves establishing a mixing zone in the well by positioning an orifice plate in the well at the downhole location. Lixiviant as it is flowed down the well passes through a restrictive opening in the plate causing a substantial increase in the flow velocity of the lixiviant. At the same time, gaseous oxidant is supplied to a point adjacent the opening in the plate and due to the increased velocity of the lixiviant …