Abstract: The present invention provides for an assembly for creating a pressure pulse in a liquid-filled cavity within a fracturable material such as a boulder wherein the primary energy storage element is disposed in a transducer at the boulder to improve the coupling of energy between the energy storage unit and the fluid in the boulder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pulsed power breaking and drilling apparatuses and methods. The present invention comprises two pulsed power systems coordinated to fire one right after the other. The first pulsed power system, comprising a spiker, may create a high voltage pulse that breaks down the insulative properties of the substrate and may create an arc channel in the substrate. It is designed for high voltage but low energy, at high impedance. The second pulsed power system, comprising a sustainer, is designed to provide high current into the arc, but at low voltage, thus better matching the impedance of the arc and achieving much more efficient energy transfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pulsed powered drilling apparatuses and methods. A drilling apparatus is provided comprising a bit having one or more sets of electrodes through which a pulsed voltage is passed through a mineral substrate to create a crushing or drilling action. The electrocrushing drilling process may have, but does not require, rotation of the bit. The electrocrushing drilling process is capable of excavating the hole out beyond the edges of the bit with or without the need of mechanical teeth.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an assembly for creating a pressure pulse in a liquid-filled cavity within a fracturable material such as a boulder wherein the primary energy storage element is disposed in a transducer at the boulder to improve the coupling of energy between the energy storage unit and the fluid in the boulder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for breaking mineral particles comprising suspending the particles in a liquid flowing in a conduction path, the liquid comprising a dielectric constant higher than the particles and wherein an electric voltage pulse is sent to electrodes to pass an electric field in the mineral particles with sufficient stress to fracture the mineral particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for breaking mineral particles comprising suspending the particles in a liquid flowing in a conduction path, the liquid comprising a dielectric constant higher than the particles and wherein an electric voltage pulse is sent to electrodes to pass an electric field in the mineral particles with sufficient stress to fracture the mineral particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pulsed power breaking and drilling apparatuses and methods. The present invention comprises two pulsed power systems coordinated to fire one right after the other. The first pulsed power system, comprising a spiker, may create a high voltage pulse that breaks down the insulative properties of the substrate and may create an arc channel in the substrate. It is designed for high voltage but low energy, at high impedance. The second pulsed power system, comprising a sustainer, is designed to provide high current into the arc, but at low voltage, thus better matching the impedance of the arc and achieving much more efficient energy transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, directional electrocrushing drilling apparatus and method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pulsed powered drilling apparatuses and methods. A drilling apparatus is provided comprising a bit having one or more sets of electrodes through which a pulsed voltage is passed through a mineral substrate to create a crushing or drilling action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, electrocrushing drilling apparatus and method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pulsed powered drilling apparatuses and methods. A drilling apparatus is provided comprising a bit having one or more sets of electrodes through which a pulsed voltage is passed through a mineral substrate to create a crushing or drilling action. The electrocrushing drilling process may have, but does not require, rotation of the bit. The electrocrushing drilling process is capable of excavating the hole out beyond the edges of the bit with or without the need of mechanical teeth.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for breaking mineral particles comprising suspending the particles in a liquid flowing in a conduction path, the liquid comprising a dielectric constant higher than the particles and wherein an electric voltage pulse is sent to electrodes to pass an electric field in the mineral particles with sufficient stress to fracture the mineral particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pulsed powered drilling apparatuses and methods. A drilling apparatus is provided comprising a bit having one or more sets of electrodes through which a pulsed voltage is passed through a mineral substrate to create a crushing or drilling action.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for breaking mineral particles comprising suspending the particles in a liquid flowing in a column, the liquid comprising a dielectric constant higher than the particles and wherein an electric voltage pulse is sent to electrodes to pass an electric field in the mineral particles with sufficient stress to fracture the mineral particles.

Abstract: A plasma-hydraulic excavation system suitable for use in connection with mining operations is provided. According to the system, one or more groups of plasma-hydraulic projectors that include a reflector and a pair of electrodes are used to break an area of rock. The projectors include a connection box within which high voltage connections between the electrodes of the projector and a power supply cable may be made. Groups of projectors and supporting componentry may be housed within a common frame, to form an excavation module. Electrode insulators interconnected to the projector reflector in compression are also disclosed. A trigger circuit providing a voltage transformer for each projector in a group of projectors is utilized in connection with a series connected current source circuit to provide for the ignition of the projectors. According to an embodiment of the invention, multiple groups of projectors may be operated using a single current control switch.

Abstract: A plasma-hydraulic excavation system suitable for use in connection with mining operations is provided. According to the system, one or more groups of plasma-hydraulic projectors that include a reflector and a pair of electrodes are used to break an area of rock. The projectors include a connection box within which high voltage connections between the electrodes of the projector and a power supply cable may be made. Groups of projectors and supporting componentry may be housed within a common frame, to form an excavation module. Electrode insulators interconnected to the projector reflector in compression are also disclosed. A trigger circuit providing a voltage transformer for each projector in a group of projectors is utilized in connection with a series connected current source circuit to provide for the ignition of the projectors. According to an embodiment of the invention, multiple groups of projectors may be operated using a single current control switch.

Abstract: A projector (10) for creating electrohydraulic acoustic and pressure waves comprising an energy source (21) (such as a capacitor) within approximately one meter of an electrode array (23). Larger projectors may be formed by arraying the projectors, and still larger projectors by arraying them.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic drilling system for drilling holes in material such as rock utilizing a drill stem connected to a flexible cable. The electrical spark or plasma that creates the electrohydraulic pressure wave is powered by an electrical pulse propagated down the cable from a pulse generator to the drill stem. An advance mechanism on a jackleg support is utilized to move the drill into the rock during the drilling process. The drill stem and cable combination enable holes to be drilled in the roof of tunnels where the floor to roof height is less than the depth of the hole to be drilled. The electrohydraulic process provides higher drilling efficiencies than conventional systems.

Abstract: A spark discharge focused drill provided with one pulse forming line or a number of pulse forming lines. The pulse forming line is connected to an array of electrodes which would form a spark array. One of the electrodes of each of the array is connected to the high voltage side of the pulse forming line and the other electrodes are at ground potential. When discharged in a liquid, these electrodes produce intense focused shock waves that can pulverize or fracture rock. By delaying the firing of each group of electrodes, the drill can be steered within the earth. Power can be fed to the pulse forming line either downhole or from the surface area. A high voltage source, such as a Marx generator, is suitable for pulse charging the lines.