US 4,555,872 A · High velocity particulate containing fluid jet process

Abstract

Process for introducing solid particles into fluid streams under accurate control. Several embodiments of nozzle apparatus are disclosed utilizing a central fluid orifice or orifices and peripheral solids orifices for mixing the solids into the fluid stream. When multiple fluid orifices are utilized, an area of lower pressure is formed in the central portion of the combined fluid stream thereby aiding in the mixture of the solids into the fluid stream. A flow shaping nozzle is provided at the exit of the apparatus to increase the mixing of the solids within the fluid jets stream. The flow shaping nozzle may have both axial and radial freedom of movement for forming the fluid-solids stream and self-alignment, respectively. The process of this invention, in one preferred embodiment, involves introduction of the solids in the form of a foam into the fluid jet stream. The process of this invention is particularly well suited for abrasive uses of cutting hard materials such as reinforced concrete and steel, as well as utilization with a peripheral air shroud for underwater purposes.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A process for producing a fluid jet stream having a pressure greater than 10,000 psi comprising solid particulates, said process comprising:

forming a foam comprising said solid particulates, forming at least one fluid jet stream of sufficient velocity to produce said pressure, mixing said foam comprising said solid particulates with said fluid jet stream, and passing said mixed solid particulate-fluid jet stream through a converging flow shaping nozzle, the throat of said flow shaping nozzle confining the output of said mixed solid particulate-fluid jet stream.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High velocity particulate containing fluid jet process

Life of this patent

High velocity particulate containing fluid jet process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32