Patent ID: 6837775
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
1. An abrasive, fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising: a chamber having an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid jet, a port for receiving a flow of abrasive particles which are entrained into said fluid jet, and an exit through which said fluid jet and entrained abrasives exit said chamber, a mixing tube having an entry port for receiving said fluid jet and entrained abrasives, an inner wall for directing the flow of said fluid jet and entrained abrasives, and an outlet port through which said fluid jet and entrained abrasives exit said tube, wherein said tube entry port is proximate said chamber exit, a lubricating fluid reservoir that surrounds at least a portion of the outer wall of said mixing tube, wherein at least a portion of said mixing tube wall being porous, wherein said lubricating fluid passes from said lubricating reservoir and through said porous wall to lubricate at least a portion of the surface of said mixing tube wall so as to resist erosion of said tube wall while the fluid jet and entrained abrasives flow through said mixing tube, and wherein said lubricating fluid having a kinematic viscosity whose ratio kinematic viscosity of said jet's carrier fluid is in the range of 100/1-40,000/1.