Abstract: A high pressure fluid jet nozzle apparatus having a mixing chamber for entraining abrasive granules within a high pressure fluid jet. A plunger valve and a method for preventing wetting and caking of abrasive granules within a high pressure fluid jet nozzle are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a check valve assembly for use in high pressure pumps having a high pressure plunger reciprocating in a pressure chamber or for use in other pressure chambers wherein both fluid inlet check valve means and fluid outlet check valve means are provided adjacent to the pressure chamber. The check valve assembly of the present invention is especially suitable for use in high pressure pumps operating to produce fluid pressures in excess of 10,000 psi, and significantly increases the operating life of the check valve assembly by reducing the incidences of material fatigue caused by cyclic stresses due to cycling high and low pressures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating high velocity particulate containing fluid jets is provided which is capable of cutting hard materials such as rock and concrete, and is especially useful for notching blast holes to control the pattern of explosion and material removal. A particulate passage valve is provided to open and close the particulate passage in response to changes in fluid pressure. The apparatus may be portable, durable and lightweight. The nozzle assembly may be inserted directly into the drill hole and is operable in any orientation to issue one or a plurality of particulate containing fluid jet streams.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating multiple spirally convergent/divergent fluid jet streams and an improved process and apparatus for generating particulate containing fluid jets wherein at least one discontinuity generator is provided to create fluid instabilities, enhancing entrainment and acceleration of particulates in the fluid jet stream and providing uniform distribution of accelerated particles over a large surface area.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable mobile abrasive entrained high pressure fluid jet apparatus having a mobile framework for moving one or multiple abrasive entrained high pressure fluid jet nozzles in both the horizonal and transverse directions and a swivel connection for rotating the one or multiple fluid jet nozzles to provide for scarifying large sections of pavement, removing large sections of pavement, or cutting a large circular perimeter of pavement to provide for removing manhole type portions of pavement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating particulate containing fluid jets wherein at least one discontinuity generator is provided to create fluid instabilities, enhancing entrainment and acceleration of particulates in the fluid jet stream and providing uniform distribution of accelerated particles over a large surface area.

Abstract: Process for introducing solid particles into fluid streams under accurate control. Several embodiments of nozzle apparatus are disclosed utilizing a central fluid orifice or orifices and peripheral solids orifices for mixing the solids into the fluid stream. When multiple fluid orifices are utilized, an area of lower pressure is formed in the central portion of the combined fluid stream thereby aiding in the mixture of the solids into the fluid stream. A flow shaping nozzle is provided at the exit of the apparatus to increase the mixing of the solids within the fluid jets stream. The flow shaping nozzle may have both axial and radial freedom of movement for forming the fluid-solids stream and self-alignment, respectively. The process of this invention, in one preferred embodiment, involves introduction of the solids in the form of a foam into the fluid jet stream.

Abstract: An abrasive-fluid jet apparatus and process for drilling holes in rock having a rotary drill bit with multiple abrasive-fluid jet nozzles in the face of the bit and a stationary drill head housing torque generation apparatus and a rotary mounting holding the rotary drill bit beneath and in rotatable relation to the drill head. Abrasive supply facilities and fluid supply facilities are located at ground level for separate supply of the abrasive and the fluid to the abrasive-fluid jet nozzles. It is preferred that the abrasive be supplied to the nozzles in the form of slurry or foam. The apparatus and process of this invention permits deep hole drilling at lower fluid pressures than and without surface structures required by current deep drilling apparatus and techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for introducing solid particles into fluid streams under accurate control. Several embodiments of nozzle apparatus are disclosed utilizing a central fluid orifice or orifices and peripheral solids orifices for mixing the solids into the fluid stream. When multiple fluid orifices are utilized, an area of lower pressure is formed in the central portion of the combined fluid stream thereby aiding in the mixture of the solids into the fluid stream. A flow shaping nozzle is provided at the exit of the apparatus to increase the mixing of the solids within the fluid jets stream. The flow shaping nozzle may have both axial and radial freedom of movement for forming the fluid-solids stream and self-alignment, respectively. The apparatus and process of this invention, in one preferred embodiment, involves introduction of the solids in the form of a foam into the fluid jet stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for restricting fluid flow in a pipeline. An improved inflatable sleeve flow restricting apparatus is disclosed which in one embodiment has restrictor arms extending from one or both ends of the flow restrictor cartridge for engagement with the pipeline side wall at their other ends restricting the inflation of the inflatable sleeve thereby allowing inflation to greater inflation fluid pressures providing pipeline fluid flow restriction in pipelines having pressures of up to about 125 psig. A combination boring-insertion tool is described which utilizes fluid pressure to provide force for the hole cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for restricting fluid flow in a pipeline by inflation of an expandable flexible sleeve which is attached to a plug having a through hole for the inflation fluid. Several embodiments of flow restrictor cartridges are disclosed including cartridges having retainer arms which pivot outwardly against the interior wall of the pipeline restricting the axial expansion of the flexible sleeve upon inflation, thereby providing higher pressurization of the flexible sleeve for use in pipelines of pressures up to about 100 psi. The flow restrictor cartridges may be used in combination with an insertion assembly and by placement of a boring tip on the flow restrictor cartridge may be used with a disclosed cartridge insertion tool providing reduced loss of pipeline contents upon boring a hole in the pipeline followed by insertion and inflation of the flexible sleeve for restricting fluid flow in the pipe.

Abstract: A thrust generator combining gas driving either directly or through a hydraulic fluid with gas or hydraulic fluid cocking in a compact, lightweight thrust generator suitable for repetitive operation. The thrust generator has control fluid triggering of the power stroke and a floating piston for separating hydraulic fluid and gas. The thrust generator of this invention is particularly suited for provision of an integrated thrust generator-high pressure pulsed water jet apparatus.

Abstract: A high pressure pulsed water jet apparatus and process operable in a vertical position especially suitable for automated pavement and rock fracture. The apparatus and process of this invention is used in combination with a thrust generator providing a substantially flat power stroke output thereby providing a pulsed water jet operating on the principle of pressure extrusion to generate repetitive water jet pulses of high velocity and at high repetitive frequency. The apparatus and process of this invention is especially suitable for providing an apparatus and process for fracturing pavement on a single self-contained vehicle which may be operated by a pre-programmed program means.