Gordon D Gillham

Title: Gordon D. Gillham: Innovator in In Situ Recovery of Mineral Values

Introduction

Gordon D. Gillham is a notable inventor based in Littleton, Colorado, recognized for his contributions to the field of mineral recovery. He holds a patent that focuses on the innovative method of recovering mineral values, particularly uranium, from subsurface earth formations.

Latest Patents

Gordon D. Gillham's patent, titled "Slug-type in situ recovery of mineral values," outlines a method for recovering mineral values from heterogeneous subsurface formations. This method involves injecting separate slugs of leach solution into injection wells that communicate with various zones of the formation. The process includes injecting a gas that is essentially insoluble in the leach solution between successive volumes of leach solution. The pregnant leach solution, which contains the mineral values, is then withdrawn from production wells. The method can be enhanced by using a mobility modifier to decrease the mobility of the leach solution at the leading or trailing ends of the gas slug. This innovative approach significantly improves the efficiency of mineral recovery.

Career Highlights

Gordon D. Gillham has made significant strides in his career, particularly through his work at Phillips Petroleum Company. His expertise in mineral recovery has positioned him as a key figure in the industry, contributing to advancements in extraction techniques.

Collaborations

Gordon has collaborated with fellow inventor Donald R. Wier, further enhancing the development of innovative solutions in mineral recovery.

Conclusion

Gordon D. Gillham's work in the field of mineral recovery, particularly through his patented method, showcases his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing extraction technologies. His contributions continue to impact the industry positively.