Abstract: Abrasive fluid, which includes abrasive material and a carrier fluid, is transported through a conduit with minimum wear by directing the abrasive material along the center of the flow channel within the conduit, accelerating the carrier fluid and entraining the abrasive material within the accelerated carrier fluid. A conduit for performing this method includes a flow channel, means (9) adjacent its upstream section (1) for directing abrasive material along the center of the flow channel, a section (2) of reduced cross-section for accelerating carrier fluid in the flow channel and a down-stream section (3) for accelerating the abrasive material at the center of the flow channel due to entrainment with the accelerated carrier fluid.

Abstract: A high pressure jetting apparatus has an abrasive cutting nozzle, a hopper supplying abrasive material, a container for mixing abrasive and a carrier liquid at a point remote from the nozzle, and a closeable conduit for conducting the mixture at high pressure from the container to the nozzle. When the closeable conduit is closed an endless circulating path is formed between the container and the hopper to charge the container with abrasive from the hopper and carrier mixture. The mixture is conveyed under pressure from the container to the nozzle when the inlet and outlet conduits from the hopper to the container are disconnected and the closeable conduit is open.

Abstract: A fluid flow device is disclosed wherein fluid flows from an outer conduit to an inner co-axial conduit through a communicating chamber at one end of the conduits. To prevent turbulence in the fluid flow due to the change of axial direction, vanes are provided, some of which extend into the communicating chamber. Some of the vanes may extend continuously from the outer conduit through the communicating chamber to the inner conduit. A flow straightener may also be provided downstream of the vanes in the inner conduit.

Abstract: Impeller means (4 and 5) is provided in a container (2) for agitating fluid. The impeller means is movable to effect fluid flow. The impeller means includes an impeller (4) which is separate from a wall portion of the container to a point of which the impeller (4) is connected by supporting means (5). Movement of the impeller means relative to the wall portion is achieved by making the impeller means flexible. A vibrator (6) may be provided to cause movement of the impeller means. The characteristics of the components can be chosen so that when the vibrator is activated the impeller vibrates with a greater amplitude than the wall portion (3). This can be achieved by vibrating the wall portion at a frequency approximately equal to a resonant frequency of the impeller means.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes two compartments which are interconnected by conduits of two different types. The conduit or conduits together of the first type present a lower resistance of flow from one compartment to the other than do the conduit or conduits together of the second type. The conduit or conduits together of the second type present a lower resistance to flow from the other compartment to the one compartment than the conduit or conduits of the first type. Fluid is caused to flow between the compartments through the noted conduits. A method includes providing apparatus as above-described and causing fluid to flow between compartments.

Abstract: A system for supplying a slurry includes a hopper having a lower portion tapering to an outlet at its lower end. A liquid is supplied to the hopper interior along a wall of the lower portion in a direction having a horizontal component. Particulate material feeding from a main portion of the hopper into the lower portion becomes entrained in the liquid, thus forming the slurry.

Abstract: A fire monitor formed by an outer tube that communicates with a water inlet and a coaxial inner tube connected to an outlet nozzle. Water flows from the inlet into the outer tube, and then around a semitoroidal bend formed by a baffle plate and a fairing into the inner tube for discharge through the outlet nozzle. The fairing is provided on the inner surface of the inner tube and the baffle plate has a curved periphery with an inner, continuous flat surface. The semi-toroidal bend minimizes turbulence in the water flow. Swivels are provided to permit horizontal and vertical adjustment of the direction of discharged water.

Abstract: A pressurizing station (1) for a pipeline conveyor (2) includes a transfer conduit (5) for the passage of load-carrying capsules (3) between upstream and downstream portions (4 and 6) of the pipeline (4, 5 and 6) and a reverse, by-pass conduit (20) extending between outlet and inlet conduits (9 and 10) respectively connected to upstream and downstream ends (7 and 8) of the transfer conduit (5). A fan (36) is provided between the outlet and inlet conduits (9 and 10). A valve member (17) is mounted on an axis extending transversely of the transfer conduit (5) and is movable, in response to fluid flow through the pressurizing station (1), between a closed position, in which first and second opposite ends (21 and 22) of the valve member (17) respectively extend across the transfer conduit (5) and across the reverse, by-pass conduit (20), and an open position in which the first end (21) of the valve member (17) is clear of the path of capsules (3) travelling through the transfer conduit (5).

Abstract: A high velocity liquid jet cutting nozzle in which a nozzle member is supported in communicative connection with the outlet end of a high pressure liquid pipe by means of a mounting which is seated in a cup-shaped holder which is connected to the outlet end of the pipe.To provide a coherent, stable jet at liquid pressures of the order of 60,000 psi, the nozzle member is formed from a piece of artificial sapphire, such as a watch or instrument jewel, having a circular aperture diameter of between 0.05mm. and 0.40mm. This aperture is formed with a convergent inlet portion which is a surface of revolution, about the axis of the aperture, of a smooth curved arc, a uniform diameter portion extending tangentially from the inlet portion, and a divergently bevelled outlet portion.

Abstract: A slotted worktable for a cutting machine for a high pressure fluid jet cutting device has a first frame mounted on a second frame for relative movement therewith, there being a support surface formed by two portions of a flexible support material which are trained round spaced apart horizontal rollers defining a slot. As the frames move relative to one another, the slot moves and a cutting head on a guide over the slot moves therewith so that it is always aligned with the slot.

Abstract: A slotted worktable for a cutting machine for a high pressure fluid jet cutting device has a first frame mounted on a second frame for relative movement therewith, there being a support surface formed by two portions of a flexible support material which are trained round spaced apart horizontal rollers defining a slot. As the frames moves relative to one another, the slot moves and a cutting head on a guide over the slots moves therewith so that it is always aligned therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for desorbing gas from a liquid comprises a deflector for imparting a helical movement to the liquid, a nozzle forming the outlet of the deflector, a stepped desorption tube extending upwardly from the nozzle and a receptacle enclosing the outlet end of the desorption tube. A vacuum pump is connected to the receptacle to reduce pressure within the receptacle and feed and extraction pumps are respectively connected to the deflector and the receptacle to pass the liquid through the desorption tube and to remove de-gassed liquid from the receptacle. The desorption tube has an inlet end with a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet of the nozzle and a cross-section which increases stepwise along the length of the desorption tube.