Material removal systems and methods utilizing foam

A system for removing material, the system comprising:

• a cutting element;
• an actuator configured to actuate the cutting element;
• a shaft coupled to the actuator and the cutting element;
• a foam generation system configured to generate foam and direct the foam through the shaft towards a cutting interface between the cutting element and a workpiece;
• a vacuum system comprising:
• a collar extending around the shaft and enclosing the cutting interface,
• a plurality of radial suction ports in the collar and proximal to the cutting interface;
• a plurality of axial suction ports in the collar and proximal to the cutting interface;
• and
• a vacuum source connected to the plurality of radial suction ports and the plurality of axial suction ports,
• wherein the foam generation system and the vacuum system are configured to create a stream of foam flowing through the shaft and proximal to the cutting element to flush particles created during operation of the system from the cutting interface out of the collar through the plurality of radial and axial suction ports;
• and
• a foam-to-liquid transforming device configured to reduce the foam, wherein the foam-to-liquid transforming device comprises a plurality of conduits configured to convert the foam to liquid as the foam passes through the plurality of conduits.