Optimizing the Structure of the Straight Cone Nozzle and the Parameters of Borehole Hydraulic Mining for Huadian Oil Shale Based on Experimental Research

Chen Chen,Jiwei Wen

doi:10.3390/en10122021

Abstract

Oil shale is a kind of potential alternative energy source for petroleum and has attracted the attention of energy researchers all over the world. Borehole hydraulic mining has more prominent advantages than both conventional open-pit mining and underground mining. It is very important to attempt to use the borehole hydraulic mining method to exploit underground oil shale. The nozzle is the key component of borehole hydraulic mining and reasonable mining parameters are also crucial in exploiting underground oil shale efficiently. The straight cone nozzle and the oil shale of Huadian area will be taken as the research objects. The self-developed, multifunctional, experimental device can test both the jet’s performance as well as the breaking of oil shale by the high-pressure water jet using the straight cone nozzle and varying structural parameters. Comprehensive analysis of the results of an orthogonal experimental design, including range analysis and variance analysis, demonstrate the optimal structural parameters of a straight cone nozzle as follows: the outlet diameter is 4 mm, the length to diameter ratio is 2.5, and the contraction angle is 60°. In addition, in order to maximize the efficiency of borehole hydraulic mining for Huadian oil shale, the non-submerged jet should be placed parallel to the oil shale bedding. These results can provide scientific and valuable references for borehole hydraulic mining of oil shale.

Highlights

Energy has always played an important role in the survival of mankind, the development of societies and economies, and the strengthening of national security, among others [1]
Oil shale is mainly extracted via open cast mining and underground mining, both of which are classified
Open-cast mining requires a large amount of arable land and can greatly damage the environment, while underground mining in thin oil shale as excavation miningexpensive methods. [3,6,7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Energy has always played an important role in the survival of mankind, the development of societies and economies, and the strengthening of national security, among others [1]. Oil shale is mainly extracted via open cast mining and underground mining, both of which are classified. Open-cast mining requires a large amount of arable land and can greatly damage the environment, while underground mining in thin oil shale as excavation miningexpensive methods. Open-cast mining requires a large arablemethod, land andoil can greatly deposits is usually. With the emergence of theamount in-situ of mining shale can damage the environment, while underground mining in thin oil shale deposits is usually expensive [3,6,7,8]. Directly produce shale oil and gas underground, thereby reducing environmental pollution. The inWith emergence of is thebest in-situ mining method, oilhigh-grade shale can directly produce shale oil andofgas situ the mining method used for extracting oil shale deposits because its underground, thereby reducing environmental pollution. The in-situ mining method is best used for comprehensive benefits [9]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion