Backflow diversion devices for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated systems and methods

A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the device comprising:

• an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive;
• an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to discharge the abrasive;
• a backflow diverter positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the abrasive outlet, wherein the backflow diverter is configured to receive at least a first portion of backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet and discharge the first portion of backflow, the backflow including abrasive, steam, and/or liquid;
• and
• at least one spillway positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the backflow diverter, wherein the at least one spillway is configured to discharge abrasive flowing from the abrasive inlet and/or at least a second portion of backflow flowing away from the backflow diverter.

A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the device comprising:

• an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive;
• an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to discharge the abrasive;
• a first passageway configured to convey the abrasive between the abrasive inlet and the abrasive outlet;
• and
• a second passageway having a fluid inlet configured to receive high-pressure fluid and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the high-pressure fluid into the first passageway to at least partially dislodge abrasive backflow from within at least a portion of the first passageway.

A method of diverting abrasive backflow from a cutting head in a liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising:

• flowing abrasive through a feed block toward the cutting head, wherein the feed block includes—
• a first backflow diverter, and
• a second backflow diverter positioned downstream from the first backflow diverter;
• discharging a first portion of backflow from the feed block via the second backflow diverter, wherein the first portion of backflow includes abrasive and/or liquid;
• and
• discharging a second portion of backflow from the feed block via the first backflow diverter, wherein the second portion of backflow includes steam.