Evaluation of CAVIJET Cavitating Jets for Cutting Coal-Associated Rocks. Final Technical Report

摘要

From the laboratory rock cutting tests conducted during this program, the feasibility of using the CAVIJET cavitating fluid jet method to cut coal-associated rocks has been demonstrated. The pressures required for cutting the sedimentary rocks which would typically be found adjacent to the coal seam, namely shales, limestones, and sandstones, are well below the 68.9 MPa (10,000 psi) of conventional portable water jet pump equipment. Thus, the concept of providing an assist to existing mechanical heading machines by the use of cavitating jets has been shown to be a practical possibility. However, because of the possibly very large differences that may exist between the erosivity of in situ versus laboratory rocks, further validation, as recommended below, should be considered. (ERA citation 06:034256)