Abstract:
A high pressure water jet mining machine for the longwall mining of coal is described. The machine is generally in the shape of a plowshare and is advanced in the direction in which the coal is cut. The machine has mounted thereon a plurality of nozzle modules each containing a high pressure water jet nozzle disposed to oscillate in a particular plane. The nozzle modules are oriented to cut in vertical and horizontal planes on the leading edge of the machine and the coal so cut is cleaved off by the wedge-shaped body.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for drilling horizontal holes in geological strata from a vertical position. The geological structures intended to be penetrated in this fashion are coal seams, as for in situ gasification or methane drainage, or in oil-bearing strata for increasing the flow rate from a pre-existing well. Other possible uses for this device might be for use in the leaching of uranium ore from underground deposits or for introducing horizontal channels for water and steam injections.
Abstract:
A high pressure fluid jet drilling system operable to produce the same drilling effect as a rotating nozzle, but without utilizing a high pressure rotary seal or coupling. The drilling effect is obtained by mounting a non-rotating drilling nozzle within a rotatable case eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the case.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to an internally tapered transition section to channel water or other cutting liquid from a supply pipe to a nozzle body having a plurality of orifices for liquid jet cutting. The transition section described herein is interposed between a supply pipe and a nozzle body and provides a smooth contour matching between the end of a supply pipe and a nozzle entrance whereby the water is conducted to the nozzle exits with a minimum generation of disturbance, mixing, and energy loss.