Ejectors for removing sand plugs during the construction of in-situ leaching (ISL) wells
https://doi.org/10.32454/0016-7762-2025-67-4-110-119
Abstract
Background. One common problem in in-situ leaching (ISL) involves the formation of sand plugs in the filter zone and wellbore of production wells, which significantly reduces their productivity. Existing methods of plug removal, such as bailing or flushing, as well as the use of submersible centrifugal pumps and airlifts, have significant drawbacks, including low efficiency, abrasive wear, or limitations of well depth and diameter.
Aim. To increase the efficiency of ISL wells by removing sand plugs using an ejector (hydraulic elevator).
Materials and methods. The study is based on hydraulic calculations of jet devices in a pipe-in-pipe system. The well depth, pressure losses and geometric parameters of the hydraulic elevator are taken into account.
Results. The most effective hydraulic elevators have a small value of the geometric parameter (m=2–3). The optimal configuration with a 76 mm outer column and a 50 mm inner column reduces pressure losses and pump pressure at a depth of 400 m to 20 m H2O and 11.0 MPa, respectively.
Conclusion. The use of ejectors is an optimal method for removing sand plugs.
About the Authors
V. P. Drobadenko
Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Valery P. Drobandenko — Dr. Sci. (Tech.), Honoured Scientist of the Russian Federation, Professor in the Department of Geotechnological Me thods and Physical Processes of Mining Production
23, Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997
Competing Interests:
the authors declare no conflict of interest
D. A. Stadnik
Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Denis A. Stadnik — Dr. Sci. (Tech.), Head of the Department of mining
23, Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997
Competing Interests:
the authors declare no conflict of interest
I. N. Salakhov
Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Ilmir N. Salakhov — Cand. Sci. (Tech.), Associate Professor in the Department of Geotechnological Methods and Physical Processes of Mining
23, Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997
Competing Interests:
the authors declare no conflict of interest
B. F. Tukhvatullin
Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Bulat F. Tukhvatullin — Tutor of the Department of Geotechnological Methods and Physical Processes of Mining Production
23, Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997
Competing Interests:
the authors declare no conflict of interest
G. N. Malukhin
Siberian Mine LLC
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Gregory N. Malukhin — Cand. Sci. (Tech.), Vice Director
4, Davydov lane, Krasnogorsk settlement 652560
Competing Interests:
the authors declare no conflict of interest
Y. A. Borovkov
Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Yuriy A. Borovkov — Dr. Sci. (Tech.), Prof., Department of Geotechnological Methods and Physical Processes of Mining, Faculty of Engineering, Prospecting and Mining
23, Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997
Competing Interests:
the authors declare no conflict of interest
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Review
For citations:
Drobadenko V.P., Stadnik D.A., Salakhov I.N., Tukhvatullin B.F., Malukhin G.N., Borovkov Y.A. Ejectors for removing sand plugs during the construction of in-situ leaching (ISL) wells. Proceedings of higher educational establishments. Geology and Exploration. 2025;67(4):110-119. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32454/0016-7762-2025-67-4-110-119
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