Flexible conduit for effecting lateral channelling in coal or oil shale beds

摘要

There is provided in accordance with the invention apparatus and a method for boring holes through carbonaceous deposits.P P The method involves the step of introducing combustion-supporting gases such as air under pressure through the apparatus installed in a well hole opposite the area to be bored. The apparatus comprises inner and outer flexible tubes with flexible, jointed armour and a directional nozzle which permits it to be bent and change attitude as necessary. The adjacent carbonaceous interface after being ignited is maintained in this condition by the combustion-supporting gas which is supplied under pressure. As the combustion proceeds, the pressure expels the combustion products and the gas injector is advanced along the channel it has previously formed.