JANUARY—DECEMBER 1963
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of shock-induced permeability changes in rock formations. Data
from this experiment will be used by the Bureau in a study on the
feasibility of using nuclear explosives in petroleum and natural gas
production.
Dribble
The Plowshare program expects to obtain information from the
Vela program Project Dribble decoupling experiments in Mississippi.
Dribble is planned as three underground nuclear detonations (Salmon,
Sand, and Tar events) in the Tatum Salt Dome 20 miles southwest
of Hattiesburg. (See Military Applications Section of Part Two.)
The Plowshare program will also sponsor a structures response
study as an adjunct to the Salmon event (proposed 5 kiloton explosion
at a depth of 2,700 feet). Prior to detonation, several small frame
and concrete block buildings will be constructed and instrumented
near the Salmonsite.
Future Experiments
The next logical step in developing industrial applications for
contained nuclear explosions would be a demonstration or prototype
project. In such a project, additional experience would be sought
as well as confirmation of existing theory. It would not be expected
that the first project necessarily would have practical commercial
value.
Therefore, a mineral property would be sought in which
actual production and economic data could be obtained. The possibilities for feasibility studies include:
(1) Block caving mining of the rubble-produced chimney;
(2) In-situ leaching of minerals in a chimney rubble column;
(3) Enhancing petroleum or natural gas production by increasing
reservoir diameter or interconnections and through increasing
the porosity and permeability of the producing area;
(4) Producing aggregate (broken rock for construction purposes)
from chimneys which are allowed to progress to the surface; and
(5) Creating a chimney for disposal of industrial or other wastes.
NwuciLesR Expiosive DEVELOPMENT
Development of nuclear explosives for peaceful purposes continues
along two separate lines. First, nuclear explosives are needed which
have special effects, such as high neutron fluxes for scientific expert-
ments; second, nuclear explosives which obtain less energy from fission
are highly desirable for excavation experiments. Beginning with