Reformability evaluation of blasting-enhanced permeability in in situ leaching mining of low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and technology Vol. 55; no. 8; pp. 2773 - 2784
• Main Authors: Wei Wang, Xuanyu Liang, Qinghe Niu, Qizhi Wang, Jinyi Zhuo, Xuebin Su, Genmao Zhou, Lixin Zhao, Wei Yuan, Jiangfang Chang, Yongxiang Zheng, Jienan Pan, Zhenzhi Wang, Zhongmin Ji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Split Hopkinson pressure bar; Pore structure; Analytic hierarchy process-entropy method; Mechanical property; Mineral composition; Fuzzy mathematics method
• ISSN: 1738-5733; 2234-358X

It is essential to evaluate the blasting-enhanced permeability (BEP) feasibility of a low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit. In this work, the mineral composition, reservoir physical properties and rock mechanical properties of samples from sandstone-type uranium deposits were first measured. Then, the reformability evaluation method was established by the analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EWM) and the fuzzy mathematics method. Finally, evaluation results were verified by the split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experiment and permeability test. Results show that medium sandstone, argillaceous sandstone and siltstone exhibit excellent reformability, followed by coarse sandstone and fine sandstone, while the reformability of sandy mudstone is poor and is not able to accept BEP reservoir stimulation. The permeability improvement and the distribution of damage fractures before and after the SHPB experiment confirm the correctness of evaluation results. This research provides a reformability evaluation method for the BEP of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit, which contributes to the selection of the appropriate regional and stratigraphic horizon of the BEP and the enhanced ISL of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit.