Title: Apparatus for cryothermal fracturing of rock formations

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Abstract: Apparatus and method for cryogenic flash freezing of confined water in a rock formation with concomitant fracturing of the rock formation utilizes an anchoring device comprising gripping means actuatable responsive to release of pressurized gas effected by opening a valve responsive to the firing of an explosive charge in combination with an elongated container for a cryogenic liquid so that the anchoring device may be positioned with said container depending therefrom in a hole in the rock formation and so that cryogenic liquid so held in position may be forcefully discharged from the container upon opening a valve responsive to the firing of an explosive charge for injection into water confined in the hole or in a cavity or crevice in the surrounding rock formation, the location of water to be flash frozen, if desired, being accomplished by a plug adapted to be fixed in place at different positions and to retain water thereon when fixed in place.


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