Grout head and method for suppresssing leaks at rock faces, in mines, mining and in circumstances requiring sealing of cracks as required to suppress leaking

Abstract

The apparatus is a Grout Head and the method claimed is the use of the Grout Head apparatus for the suppression of ground water leaks in rock faces, mines and mining and in other instances where leaks are encountered.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A Grout Head Forming a Leak Suppression Apparatus ( 100 ) and the Method of Use comprising a grout head having a base plate including a circular flange ( 110 ) having a top side  111  and a bottom side ( 113 ) and;
 the top side ( 111 ) having a top outer edge ( 112 ) and the bottom side ( 113 ) having a bottom outer edge ( 114 ) and; 
 the flange ( 110 ) having a flange thickness ( 116 ) and; 
 the circular flange ( 110 ) having a center ( 122 ) and a flange aperture ( 117 ) concentrically positioned in the flange ( 110 ); the flange aperture ( 117 ) having a flange aperture diameter ( 118 ), and the flange having a flange outer diameter ( 120 ); and 
 a pipe ( 130 ) having a pipe outer surface ( 132 ) and a pipe inner surface ( 134 ); and the pipe ( 130 ) having a pipe wall ( 131 ); the pipe wall ( 131 ) having a pipe wall thickness ( 133 ); and 
 the pipe ( 130 ) has a pipe inner diameter ( 136 ), a pipe outer diameter ( 138 ), a pipe outer circumference ( 134 ) and a pipe inner circumference ( 135 ), a pipe first end ( 137 ) and a pipe second end ( 139 ); the pipe ( 130 ) concentrically contacts the flange ( 110 ) at the flange bottom side ( 113 ); and 
 the pipe inner diameter ( 136 ) and the pipe outer diameter ( 138 ) are larger than the flange aperture diameter ( 118 ) and are smaller than the flange outer diameter ( 120 ); the flange ( 110 ) and the pipe ( 130 ) are interconnected by permanent affixing means between the flange bottom side ( 113 ) and the pipe first end ( 137 ) at either or both the pipe outer circumference ( 134 ) or pipe inner circumference ( 135 ); and the flange ( 110 ) and the pipe ( 130 ) are composed of a rigid material including metals and plastics; and 
 the pipe ( 130 ) having a length ( 129 ) and, the pipe ( 130 ), distal from the flange bottom side ( 113 ), having pipe connection means ( 140 ); and the flange ( 110 ) and flange aperture ( 117 ) and the pipe ( 130 ) are sized to receive a rock bolt known in the mining industry. 
 
     
     
         2 . A Grout Head depending from  claim 1  and further comprising: the permanent interconnection affixing means between the flange ( 110 ) and the pipe ( 130 ) is spot or continuous metal or plastic welding at either or both the pipe outer circumference ( 134 ) or the pipe inner circumference ( 135 ) comprising a flange outer welding bead ( 124 ) and or a flange inner welding bead ( 126 ); the welding at the pipe inner circumference ( 134 ) does not extend into the flange aperture ( 117 );
 the flange ( 110 ) and the pipe ( 130 ) are composed of a rigid material including metals and plastics; and the flange outer welding bead ( 124 ) and the flange inner welding bead ( 126 ) comprise rigid affixing means, including metal and plastic welding, milling and other metal and or plastic affixing means rigidly affixing the flange ( 100 ) to the pipe ( 130 ); and 
 the pipe ( 130 ) having a length ( 129 ) and, the pipe ( 130 ), distal from the flange bottom side ( 113 ), having pipe connection means ( 140 ) including threads, quick connect disconnect, clamps and other common connection methods for connection of the pipe ( 130 ) with a hose or pipe for delivery of a fluid. 
 
     
     
         3 . A Method For Suppressing Leaks Using the Apparatus of  claim 1  and further comprising: an elongated hollow slotted or perforated rock bolt ( 200 ) having a penetration tip ( 214 ) and a drive collar ( 210 ) is inserted into the pipe ( 130 ) most distal to the flange ( 100 ) and;
 the rock bolt ( 200 ) has a diameter, between the penetration tip ( 214 ) and the drive collar ( 210 ) less than the flange aperture diameter ( 118 ); and 
 the drive collar ( 210 ) is integral to or is rigidly affixed to the rock bolt ( 200 ) by rigid affixing means including welding, milling and other affixing means; and the drive collar ( 210 ) has a diameter greater than the flange aperture diameter ( 118 ); and the rock bolt ( 200 ) is driven into a mine rock or soft face by use of a jackleg, or larger drilling equipment such as a jumbo or rock bolter asserting driving force against the rock bolt ( 200 ) at a drive end ( 215 ) which is distal from the drive collar ( 210 ) and the drive collar ( 210 ) being distal from the penetrating tip ( 214 ) where the drive collar ( 210 ) asserts driving force against the flange bottom side ( 113 ) and: 
 said driving force urging the flange ( 110 ) top side ( 111 ) to be forced against the rock or soft face thereby creating a seal through surface contact with both the rock bolt ( 200 ) and the formation rock or soft face and inserting a soft seal means, including a gasket or O-ring or other soft seal device, around the rock bolt at the top side ( 111 ) and or at the bottom side ( 113 ) and in the alternative to form a seal by welding the flange ( 110 ) at the top side ( 111 ) and or at the bottom side ( 113 ) to the rock bolt ( 200 ); and