Machining systems utilizing high temperature supercritical fluids
AssigneeFusion Coolant Systems, Inc.
InventorsSteven J. Skerlos, Scott Jones
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improvements in machining systems that utilize machining fluids including a supercritical fluid are described. Specifically, systems and methods related to the use of supercritical machining fluids heated to temperatures above their critical temperature are described.
Claims27
A machining system utilizing a supercritical machining fluid, the machining system comprising:
- a machine tool;
- a first machining fluid supply constructed and arranged to deliver a first supercritical machining fluid to a cutting interface of the machine tool;
- and
- a heater configured to heat the first supercritical machining fluid to a predetermined temperature at least 20° C. greater than a critical temperature of the supercritical machining fluid.
A method of machining a workpiece using a machining system utilizing a supercritical machining fluid, the method comprising:
- supplying a first supercritical machining fluid to a machining system;
- heating the first supercritical machining fluid to a predetermined temperature at least 20° C. greater than a critical temperature of the first supercritical machining fluid;
- and
- delivering the first supercritical machining fluid to a cutting interface between a machining tool and a workpiece.
A system for providing a supercritical machining fluid, the system comprising:
- a first low temperature reservoir configured to contain a first supercritical machining fluid at a first temperature;
- a second high temperature reservoir configured to contain a second supercritical machining fluid at a second temperature greater than the first temperature;
- an outlet of the system;
- a first flow control device configured to control a first flow of the first supercritical machining fluid to the outlet;
- and
- a second flow control device configured to control a second flow of the second supercritical machining fluid to the outlet.
25-31. (canceled)
A method of machining a workpiece using a machining system utilizing a supercritical machining fluid, the method comprising
- mixing a first flow of a first supercritical machining fluid at a first temperature with a second flow of a second supercritical machining fluid at a second temperature different from the first temperature to provide a combined flow of supercritical machining fluid at a third temperature between the first and second temperatures;
- and
- applying the combined flow of supercritical machining fluid to a cutting interface.
32-38. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.