US3713699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for eroding solids with a cavitating fluid jet
Assignee: T-HYDRONAUTICS Inc A CORP OF TX
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Filing: 1971-08-26
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Granted: 1973-01-30
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Expires: 1991-08-26
Abstract
Abstract An improved system for advantageously utilizing the destructive forces of cavitation for the erosion of solids which comprises forming a fluid jet by directing a fluid through a restricted orifice at a speed sufficient to form vapor cavities in the fluid jet, surrounding the fluid jet with a liquid medium, and impinging the fluid jet against the solid at a distance from the orifice where the vapor cavities collapse.
Inventors
- 👤 V Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 11:29
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/04; E02F3/88; E02F3/90; E02F3/92; E02F3/9206; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/18; E21B7/185
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for eroding a solid surface with a pressurized fluid comprising the stePs of forming a fluid jet by directing a fluid through a restricted orifice to restrict the flow of the fluid jet and increase its velocity and decrease its pressure below the vapor pressure of the fluid to thereby form vapor cavities of the fluid in the jet; surrounding the fluid jet with a liquid medium and impinging the jet against the solid at a distance from the orifice where the pressure of the fluid jet increases above the vapor pressure of the fluid and the vapor cavities collapse.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for eroding a solid surface with a pressurized fluid comprising the stePs of forming a fluid jet by directing a fluid through a restricted orifice to restrict the flow of the fluid jet and increase its velocity and decrease its pressure below the vapor pressure of the fluid to thereby form vapor cavities of the fluid in the jet; surrounding the fluid jet with a liquid medium and impinging the jet against the solid at a distance from the orifice where the pressure of the fluid jet increases above the vapor pressure of the fluid and the vapor cavities collapse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the liquid medium surrounding the jet is relatively stationary compared to the velocity of the jet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the liquid medium surround the jet is the same fluid as the fluid jet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 3, wherein the fluids are water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the fluid jet is formed underwater.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the liquid medium surrounding the fluid jet is spent from the fluid jet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the liquid medium surrounding the fluid is an annular stream of fluid flowing alongside and at a lower velocity than the fluid jet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1, which includes the step of pulsing the jet issuing from the orifice.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the flow of the fluid jet is restricted by passing the jet through an annular orifice to form an evacuated core area beyond the orifice which further reduces the pressure of the fluid and increases the formation of the vapor cavities within the jet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1, in which the jet is traversed in a fixed geometric pattern with respect to said surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 10, wherein a plurality of jets is traversed in the same geometric pattern.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3572839A
Cited
US3603410A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-30 | 1976-07-31 | 1977-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-30 | 1980-07-31 | 1981-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-30 | 1984-07-31 | 1985-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |