Apparatus for rapidly generating pressure pulses for demolition of rock having reduced pressure head loss and component wear

Apparatus for producing a very high fluid pressure pulse comprising:

• (a) a fluid pressure pulse generator having a fluid inlet chamber in communication with an accumulator via flow restrictive fluid conduit means for providing a substantial pressure drop extending from said accumulator toward said inlet chamber, an outlet chamber coupled to a poppet seat means for preventing communication between said outlet chamber and accumulator when a sealed poppet assumes a first position against said poppet seat means, and for permitting said outlet chamber to communicate with said accumulator when said sealed poppet is separated from said poppet seat means when said poppet assumes a second position, said sealed poppet contacting sealing means for preventing fluid flow around said poppet regardless of its position;
• (b) means for introducing fluid within said fluid inlet chamber for permitting said fluid to flow from said inlet chamber into said accumulator until fluid pressure therein is very high and for also causing said poppet to assume said first position against said poppet seat means;
• and
• (c) means for thereafter reducing fluid pressure within said inlet chamber for permitting high fluid pressure within said accumulator to rapidly unseat said poppet from said poppet seat means to in turn cause high impulse ejection of fluid from said accumulator into said outlet chamber.

Apparatus for producing a very high fluid pressure pulse comprising:

• (a) a fluid pressure pulse generator having a fluid inlet chamber in communication with an accumulator via a flow restrictive fluid means for providing a substantial pressure drop extending from said accumulator toward said inlet chamber, an outlet chamber coupled to a poppet seat means for preventing communication between said outlet chamber and said accumulator when a sealed poppet assumes a first position against said poppet seat means, and for permitting said outlet chamber to communicate with said accumulator when said sealed poppet is separated from said poppet seat means when said poppet assumes a second position, said sealed poppet contacting sealing means for preventing fluid flow around said poppet regardless of its position;
• (b) means for introducing fluid within said fluid inlet chamber for permitting said fluid to flow from said inlet chamber into said accumulator until fluid pressure therein is very high and for also causing said poppet to assume said first position against said poppet seat means;
• and
• (c) means for thereafter reducing fluid pressure within said inlet chamber for causing high fluid pressure within said accumlator to unseat said poppet from said poppet seat means to in turn cause high impulse ejection of fluid from said accumulator into said outlet chamber;
• and wherein said poppet comprises a unitary mechanically unbiased cylinder having an end portion communication with said accumulator and extending beyond said poppet seat means, permitting fluid under high pressure within said accumulator to press against said end portion to rapidly separate said poppet from said valve seat means by virtue of said end portion upon the reduction of pressure within said inlet chamber.