Patent ID: 9546542
Date: 2017-01-17
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. A method for exploiting potassium salts from an underground deposit, comprising: injecting into a cavity generated in the underground deposit, an aqueous solvent of potassium salt and a water-immiscible fluid through a first pipe into a well in communication with the cavity; removing a brine comprising dissolved potassium salt through a second pipe in a well in communication with the cavity, wherein the solvent and the water-immiscible fluid allows for side expansion of the cavity to form a cavern and wherein the water-immiscible fluid forms an insulating interface between the aqueous solvent and a ceiling of the cavern; and gradually elevating an injection point of the aqueous solvent and of the water-immiscible fluid to allow for vertical expansion of the cavern in a controlled manner, the side expansion being repeated periodically with vertical elevation of the cavern; wherein, after a final elevation of the injection point and side expansion of the cavern: