Patent ID: 6299510
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B24C,B26F,Y02P

Abstract:
An abrasive particle removal device for use with a fluid-jet cutting machine having a nozzle, a high-pressure fluid source and an abrasive particle source coupled to the nozzle to generate a fluid-jet having a fluid and a plurality of abrasive particles, and a carrier assembly attached to the nozzle to move the nozzle along a cutting path, the particle removal device comprising:a tank including at least one compartment configured to receive the fluid and the abrasive particles of the fluid-jet along at least a portion of the cutting path and further configured to control fluid flow out of the one compartment, the controlled fluid flow of the one compartment and the fluid-jet concentrating turbulence generated by the fluid jet in the one compartment to maintain at least a substantial portion of the abrasive particles in suspension in the fluid in the one compartment without additional agitation;a fluid transport mechanism including a conduit, the conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the one compartment and a second end outside of the one compartment with the first end of the conduit positioned in a lower portion of the one compartment;a settling container separate from the one compartment, the second end of the conduit being in fluid communication with the settling container, a portion of the fluid with suspended abrasive particles in the one compartment being transported through the conduit from the one compartment into the settling container, and the abrasive particles from the transported portion of fluid settling to a lower portion of the settling container while a clarified fluid is removed from the settling container through an outlet of the settling container; anda fluid drive system comprising a pressurized gas source attached to the conduit at a location below a fluid level in the one compartment, a gas from the pressurized gas source being injected into the conduit and the gas rising through at least a portion of the conduit, the rising gas drawing fluid and abrasive particles suspended in the fluid through the conduit from the one compartment to the settling container.