An Improved Method of, and Apparatus for Effecting the Rupture of Rocks, or other matter.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Aug., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 17th May, 1898-Accepted, 17th Aug., 1898
An Improved Method of, and Apparatus for Effecting the Rupture of
Rocks, or other matter.
I, PAULIN GAY, of 35, Rue de Villiers, Neuilly-sur-Seine, in the Republic of
France, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
For effecting the breaking down, displacement or rupture of rocks or other
compact masses, a suitable explosive is sometimes introduced into a cavity formed
for this purpose
and detonated.
The disadvantages resulting from the use of explosives are numerous, and
without enumerating all of them, I may mention the danger which there is in
employing these agents, such, more especially, as the ignition of fire-damp, and
the necessity of employing powerful machinery for ventilating the galleries in
order to expel the gases produced by the explosion.
I have devised a hydraulic process and apparatus whereby it is possible to ob-
viate all the disadvantages incidental to the use of explosives, whilst obtaining
the same result. In my improved process I am, moreover, able to graduate the
pressures so as to produce any desired effect, which result cannot be obtained
when explosives are employed. If desired, however, explosives can be employed
in combination with my improved process as hereinafter mentioned.
My invention consists in substituting for the explosive, the application of a
mechanical force transmitted to the rock through water or any liquid which is
incompressible like water.
In the accompanying drawings, I have shown, by way of example, several
arrangements of apparatus which can be employed for carrying my invention into
practice, and some of their applications.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus which I call a "hydrofracteur,"
and which is constructed as follows, viz. :-
A is an anvil or Turk's head for receiving the blow of a hammer or monkey.
B is a piston serving for forcing forward the water, the pressure of which effects
the rupture. K is a longitudinal opening or passage through the piston, this
passage permitting the introduction of water into the plain or enlarged or pocketed
bore holes.
D are spring bolts for resisting the escape of the piston in the event of an
excessive resistance of the body to be fractured and enabling the effects of succes-
sive blows to be stored or accumulated, which have preceded the desired rupture.
F is the body of the tool or apparatus in which is the hollow chamber or cylinder
required for the operation of the piston. G is the said chamber for receiving the
water to be compressed.
H is the tubular part of the water passage, which is of small diameter so

page_text: to obtain the maximum useful effect resulting from the difference between the
cross-sectional area of the piston B relatively to the surface of the chamber or
bore-hole L containing the water and which should be as large as possible.
I is the obturator-carrier which is screw-threaded in order to permit the easy
interchange of the water-tight joint or packing. J is the obturator which is made
of stuffed, oiled or greased leather, stamped or moulded to shape.
Figure 2. This figure shows my apparatus mounted on the working area of a
quarry perforated with deep bore-holes, in a very hard rock such as porphyry
or granite. By reason of the high resistance of these rocks, instead of employing
the muscular force of men, a monkey is employed operated by means of a pile-
driving engine. It is obvious that with an arrangement of this kind, rocks of
the greatest tenacity and of the largest volume can be dealt with.
Various means can be adopted for proportioning the force exerted, to the
resistance; for example, by increasing the weight of the monkey, or by raising it
higher, the object in view can always be attained by this arrangement, however
it may vary.
Figure 3, shows the apparatus arranged to be struck by hand by means of a
hammer or a heavy body.
The arrangement shown in Figure 4 is very similar to that in Figure 2, but
it differs therefrom by employing a number of monkeys mounted on a metal bar
operated by two pile-driving engines, the releasing mechanism of which operate
simultaneously, so that the five hydraulic pistons are struck at the same time, this
arrangement being employed for detaching large masses.
The
Figure shows several arrangements of apparatus, some operated by screws,
termed percussion screws, by the aid of the driving power exerted by a rope or
cable wound around a disc attached to a fly-wheel, the ends of this rope being each
wound around suitable pulleys (uot shown) on the shafts of the said screws.
said fly-wheel and disc traction device can also be utilized for operating the
arrangements shown in Figures 7 and 8. On one side, a kind of ball is shown
acting similarly to a pendulum.
Figure 6 shows an apparatus mounted on pontoons, for working on mines for
destroying or breaking up rocks either at sea or in water channels or ways.
Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 show a number of hammers, for use in connection with
my improved process. These hammers are adapted to turn or swing about fixed
centres and each comprise a telescopic or extensible post P carrying an adjustable
sleeve provided with a shaft or centre on which the hammer is mounted.
As may be seen from the figure, these hammers make an angular movement
when actuated by the tension of a rope attached to their other end; this rope may
be worked by one or more labourers, according to requirements, and operates to
give a sufficiently heavy blow to deal with compact rocks. I may add that this
tool may act in all directions corresponding to the radii of a sphere.
The frame of this tool can be provided with a jumper or boring bar M, and a
cutter for drilling and working the rocks to be dealt with for the purposes of my
said invention. For drilling small bore-holes, a borer o, Figure 7, termed a
pitching-borer, can be employed.
Figure 11. This shows a quarry worked in steps or ledges. Towards the centre
of the figure is shown an apparatus comprising a large compressing cylinder, which
is a kind of distributor, adapted to transmit the compressive action which it
receives, by means of pipes R radiating from its base and leading to the orifices
of the bore-holes S at the steps or levels.
This apparatus comprises a compresser such as that already described with
reference to Figure 1. The compression is effected by means of a monkey of
suitable weight falling from a suitable height, in such a manner that, a given
effect may be obtained by the aid of this combination, corresponding to the
resistance to be overcome, a result which cannot always be attained with explosives.
It may be stated that this combination readily lends itself to giving simultaneous
blows for detaching or freeing a block to be removed from its natural bed.

page_text: This arrangement constitutes a very desirable advantage which will be appre-
ciated by quarrymen.
Figure 12. This figure represents an arrangement permitting the simultaneous
use of pressure at several points by means of a main tube of steel from which
branch off other tubes jointed water-tight thereto by screw-threads such as are
used on gas or water pipes, or the like.
For securing my apparatus in position, I can employ various arrangements.
I can for example use a split tube covered with lead and emery which will be
forcibly held against the wall of the hole in the rock by the screw-threaded part
of the apparatus introduced therein, by turning the handle X, as in the modifica-
tion shown in Figure 13.
I reserve the right to combine my hydraulic process with the use of explosives
and other solid or liquid chemical products adapted to produce an explosive action.
In this case I can call my apparatus a pyro-hydrofracteur."
"
This title aptly sets forth the union of the two opposing elements: fire and
water, capable of producing the effects which are peculiar to each of them..
Combined one with the other, these two elements provide a tremendous force,
of which the water-pressure costs next to nothing and furnishes a valuable adjunct
to the explosive with which it is associated.
Under the action of the water-pressure, the rock is never pulverized but is
given clean fractures by cleavage allowing the material to be obtained in large
specimens which, in many cases, is very desirable. On the contrary, in the extrac-
tion of certain minerals, it is preferable to reduce the mineral to the finest possible
state in order to reduce the cost of pulverizing or stamping.
Although this result arises essentially from a detonating action of the explosive
it is none the less true that the action of the water-pressure gives it an increased
pressure, a valuable addition which costs nothing.
I may add that in many cases, explosive agents can be entirely dispensed with.
From the association of these two forces the following advantage will always
result that when these two elements act together, the quantities of gas pro-
duced for a given effect will be considerably less and consequently the ventilation
of the galleries of the mine will be less costly.
As a consequence, the removal of the rocks will cost considerably less by
reason of the reduced use of explosive powders which are replaced by water.
The powerful charge-chambers for blasting can be ignited from a distance, by
friction-tubes or the like operated by traction or by electricity.
The Figures 14, 15 and 16 are sufficiently expressive to dispense with the
enumeration of the details which are obvious at the first glance. However I
will say that the powerful explosive substances can be introduced in the cavities
in the rock by exercising some care; in this manner nitro-glycerine and other
powerful substances can be employed with success, more especially for military
purposes.
It is obvious that the column of water through which the impulses are trans-
mitted may be of considerable length.
Figure 14 represents a horizontal charge-chamber adapted to be fired from a
distance: for this purpose a small mortar Ŷ mounted on a trolley Z serves to throw
the striker I against the anvil 2 of the body of the pyro-hydrofracteur and strike
it violently.
The high pressure thus produced will be an important factor in the effect to be
obtained.
The column of water between the apparatus and the firing-pin carrier 3 will
thus have its pressure raised to a very high degree, this pressure, acting on the
above mentioned firing-pin carrier, will enable it to perforate the casing of
the box 4 containing the fulminating powder which is ignited by the friction of the
needle in traversing the cake of fulminating powder 5. Finally the fulminating
powder-box will fire the charge of powder contained in the charge-chamber and

page_text: from this will result a violent explosion which will raise and throw to a distance,
if desired, the mass of rock which it is desired to split up.
In military mines, this system will be very useful as well as in industrial works,
to break up abandoned piles or other purposes.
In public works this system will be no less valuable, when employed for dis-
placing large blocks such as are used on harbour and sea-wall works.
The arrangement shown in Figure 15 is similar to the proceeding and differs
only therefrom in the position of the cannon which, instead of being placed in a
horizontal position, is arranged vertically.
Figure 16 shows a shaft or chamber which is arranged to be exploded from a
distance by the introduction of a strong tube connected with the pyro-hydro-
fracteur by the aid of a double screw-threaded fastening, similarly to the unions
used for connecting hydraulic piping. The junctions are made by means of a
sphere 6 formed with orifices leading in different directions.
Dated the 17th day of August 1897
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 and 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
An Improved Method of, and Apparatus for Effecting the Rupture of
Rocks, or other matter.
I, PAULIN GAY, of 35, Rue de Villiers, Neuilly-sur-Seine, in the Republic of
France, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
-
For effecting the breaking down, displacement or rupture of rocks or other
compact masses, a suitable explosive is sometimes introduced into a cavity formed
for this purpose and detonated.
The disadvantages resulting from the use of explosives are numerous, and
without enumerating all of them, I may mention the danger which there is in
employing these agents, such, more especially, as the ignition of fire-damp, and
the necessity of employing powerful machinery for ventilating the galleries in
order to expel the gases produced by the explosion.
I have devised a hydraulic process and apparatus whereby it is possible to ob-
viate all the disadvantages incidental to the use of explosives, whilst obtaining
the same result. In my improved process I am, moreover, able to graduate the
pressures so as to produce any desired effect, which result cannot be obtained
when explosives are employed. If desired, however, explosives can be employed
in combination with my improved process as hereinafter mentioned.
My invention consists in substituting for the explosive, the application of a
mechanical force transmitted to the rock through water or any liquid which is
incompressible like water.
In the drawings filed with my Provisional Specification I have shown, by way
of example, several arrangements of apparatus which can be employed for carry-
ing my invention into practice, and some of their applications.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus which I call a "hydrofracteur,”
and which is constructed as follows, viz.:
-

page_text: A is an anvil or Turk's head for receiving the blow of a hammer or monkey.
B is a piston serving for forcing forward the water, the pressure of which effects
the rupture. K is a longitudinal opening or passage through the piston, this
passage permitting the introduction of water into the plain or enlarged or pocketed
bore holes.
D, D are spring bolts for resisting the escape of the piston in the event of an
excessive resistance of the body to be fractured and enabling the effects of succes-
sive blows to be stored or accumulated, which have preceded the desired rupture.
F is the body of the tool or apparatus in which is the hollow chamber or cylinder
required for the operation of the piston. G is the said chamber for receiving the
water to be compressed.
His the tubular part of the water passage, which is of small diameter so as
to obtain the maximum useful effect resulting from the difference between the
cross-sectional area of the piston B relatively to the surface of the chamber or
bore-hole L containing the water, and which should be as large as possible.
I is the obturator-carrier which is screw-threaded in order to permit the easy
interchange of the water-tight joint or packing. J is the obturator which is made
of stuffed, oiled or greased leather, stamped or moulded to shape.
To reduce the effects of the reaction of the water after the blow, I can employ
valves intercalated in the pipe or conduit through which the impact is trans-
mitted, these valves being adapted to open when the liquid moves from above
downwards, and to close when it moves from below upwards.
Figure 2. This figure shows my apparatus mounted on the working area of a
quarry perforated with deep bore-holes, in a very hard rock such as porphory
or granite. By reason of the high resistance of these rocks, instead of employing
the muscular force of men, a monkey is employed operated by means of a pile-
driving engine. It is obvious that with an arrangement of this kind, rocks of
the greatest tenacity and of the largest volume can be dealt with.
Various means can be adopted for proportioning the force exerted, to the
resistance; for example, by increasing the weight of the monkey, or by raising it
higher, the object in view can always be attained by this arrangement, however
it may vary.
Figure 3, shows the apparatus arranged to be struck by hand by means of a
hammer or a heavy body.
The arrangement shown in Figure 4 is very similar to that in Figure 2, but
it differs therefrom by employing a number of monkeys mounted on a metal bar
operated by two pile driving engines, the releasing mechanism of which operate
simultaneously, so that the five hydraulic pistons are struck at the same time, this
arrangement being employed for detaching large masses.
Figure 5 shows several arrangements of apparatus, some operated by screws,
by the aid of the driving power exerted by a rope or cable wound around a disc
attached to a fly-wheel, the ends of this rope being each wound around suitable
pulleys (not shown) on the shafts of the said screws. The said fly-wheel and dise
traction device can also be utilized for operating the arrangements shown in
Figures 7 and 8. On one side of Figure 5; a kind of ball is shown acting simi-
larly to a pendulum.
Figure 6 shows an apparatus mounted on pontoons, for working on mines for
destroying or breaking up rocks either at sea or in water channels or ways.
Figures 7 and 8, show a number of hammers, for use in connection with my
improved process. These hammers are adapted to turn or swing about fixed centres
and each comprise a telescopic or extensible post P carrying an adjustable sleeve
provided with a shaft or centre on which the hammer is mounted.
Figure 8 illustrates a radial hammer arranged in two ways, one shown in dotted
lines at the top, and another shown in full lines at the bottom. The axis of this
hammer can be secured in any desired position in a slot or groove in the post P.
The frame or post P can either receive a boring-bar, cutter or other tool for

page_text: drilling or working the hole or holes in the rock, or the hammer for applying the
blow or blows for tracturing the said rock as herein described.
As may be seen from Figures 7 and 8, these hammers make an angular move-
ment when actuated by the tension of a rope attached to their other end, this rope
may be worked by one or more labourers, according to requirements, and operates
to give a sufficiently heavy blow to deal with compact rocks. I may add that this
tool may act in all directions corresponding to the radii of a sphere.
Figure 11. This figure shows a quarry worked in steps or ledges. Towards the
centre of the figure is shown an apparatus comprising a large compressing cylinder,
which is a kind of distributor, adapted to transmit the compressive action which it
receives, by means of pipes R radiating from its base and leading to the orifices
of the bore-holes S at the steps or levels.
This apparatus comprises a compressor such as that already described with
reference to Figure 1. The compression is effected by means of a
monkey of
suitable weight falling from a suitable height, in such a manner that, a given
effect may be obtained by the aid of this combination, corresponding to the
resistance to be overcome, a result which cannot always be attained with explosives.
It may be stated that this combination readily lends itself to giving simultaneous
blows for detaching or freeing a block to be removed from its natural bed.
This arrangement constitutes a very desirable advantage which will be appre-
ciated by quarrymen.
Figure 12. This figure represents an arrangement permitting the simultaneous
use of pressure at several points by means of a main tube of steel from which
branch off other tubes jointed water-tight thereto by screw-threads such as are
used on gas or water pipes, or the like.
For securing my apparatus in position, I can employ various arrangements.
I can for example use a split tube covered with lead and emery which will be
forcibly held against the wall of the hole in the rock by the screw-threaded part
of the apparatus introduced therein, by turning the handle X, as in the modifica-
tion shown in Figure 13.
I can also combine my hydraulic process with the use of explosives and other
solid or liquid chemical products adapted to produce an explosive action. In
this case I can call my apparatus a "pyro-hydrofracteur."
This title aptly sets forth the union of the two opposing elements: fire and
water, capable of producing the effects which are peculiar to each of them.
Combined one with the other, these two elements provide a tremendous force,
of which the water-pressure costs next to nothing and furnishes a valuable adjunct
to the explosive with which it is associated.
Under the action of the water-pressure, the rock is never pulverised but is
given clean fractures by cleavage allowing the material to be obtained in large
specimens which, in many cases, is very desirable. On the contrary, in the extrac-
tion of certain minerals, it is preferable to reduce the mineral to the finest possible
state in order to reduce the cost of pulverizing or stamping.
Although this result arises essentially from a detonating action of the explosive
it is none the less true that the action of the water-pressure gives it an increased
pressure, a valuable addition which costs nothing.
I may add that in many cases, explosive agents can be entirely dispensed with.
From the association of these two forces the following advantage will always
result: that when these two elements act together, the quantities of gas pro-
duced for a given effect will be considerably less and consequently the ventilation
of the galleries of the mine will be less costly.
As a consequence, the removal of the rocks will cost considerably less by
reason of the reduced use of explosive powders which are replaced by water.
The Figures 14. 15 and 16 are sufficiently expressive to dispense with the
enumeration of the details which are obvious at the first glance. However I
will say that the powerful explosive substances can be introduced in the cavities
in the rock by exercising some care; in this manner nitro-glycerine and other

page_text: powerful substances can be employed with success, more especially
purposes.
It is obvious that the column of water through which the impulses arė trans-
mitted may be of suitable length.
Figure 14 represents a horizontal charge-chamber adapted to be fired from a
distance; for this purpose a small mortar mounted on a trolley Z serves to throw
the striker I against the anvil 2 of the body of the pyro-hydrotracteur and strike
it violently.
The high pressure thus produced will be an important factor in the effect to be
obtained.
The column of water between the apparatus and the firing-pin carrier 3 will
thus have its pressure raised to a very high degree, this pressure, acting on the
above mentioned firing-pin carrier, will enable it to perforate the casing of
the box 4 containing the fulminating powder which is ignited by the friction of the
needle in traversing the cake of fulminating powder 5. Finally the fulminating
powder-box will fire the charge of powder contained in the charge-chamber and
from this will result a violent explosion which will raise and throw to a distance,
if desired, the mass of rock which it is desired to split up.
If desired, other suitable means, such as friction-tubes or electricity, may be
employed for igniting the explosive charge simultaneously with the impact pro-
duced by the monkey or other device.
In military mines, this system will be very useful as well as in industrial works,
to break up abandoned piles or for other purposes.
In public works this system will be no less valuable, when employed for dis-
placing large blocks such as are used on harbour and sea-wall works."
The arrangement shown in Figure 15 is similar to the preceding and differs
only therefrom in the position of the cannon which instead of being placed in a
horizontal position, is arranged vertically.
Figure 16 shows a shaft or chamber which is arranged to be exploded from a
distance by the introduction of a strong tube connected with the pyro-hydro-
fracteur by the aid of a double screw-threaded fastening, similarly to the unions
used for connecting hydraulic piping.
The junctions are made by means of a sphere 6 formed with orifices leading in
different directions.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. A method of effecting the rupture of rocks and other materials, consisting
in the application of a mechanical force transmitted to the rock by means of
water or other liquid which is incompressible like water, this method being capable
of being employed alone or in combination with explosives, substantially as
described.
2. An apparatus for the purpose above specified, comprising a cylinder or tube
containing water and in which is a piston serving to drive forward this water,
the pressure of which determines the rupture, this apparatus being fixed in the
hole in the rock in any suitable manner, for example, by the clamping of a split
screw-threaded tube receiving the apparatus, substantially as described.
3. The combination, with a cylinder or tube open at its lower part, of a piston
fitting therein and provided at its upper end with an anvil and means for retaining
the said piston in any position to which it may be driven, substantially as, and
for the purposes, herein before described.
4. The modification of my apparatus wherein I provide for the driving forward
of the piston by means of explosive material, substantially as described with
reference to Figure 14 of the drawings.
5. The modification of my apparatus wherein I provide for the firing of an

page_text: explosive charge by the force of impact transmitted through the liquid, sub-
stantially as described with reference to Figures 15 and 10 of the drawings.
Dated the 17th day of May 1898.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 and 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.