Patent ID: 7086930

Claim:
A method for delivering a coherent jet of grinding coolant to a grinding wheel being rotated at a selected peripheral wheel speed in a grinding operation, said method comprising: a) determining a desired flowrate of coolant for the grinding operation; b) determining coolant pressure required to generate a coolant jet speed approximately equal to the peripheral wheel speed at the coolant flowrate; c) determining a nozzle discharge area capable of achieving the coolant jet speed; and d) providing a nozzle assembly for delivery of a coherent jet of a grinding coolant at the coolant jet speed, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a plenum means and at least one nozzle, the nozzle comprising an axis, a proximal end having a maximum dimension D, and a distal end portion containing the nozzle discharge area having a longitudinal cross-section of dimension d; the distal portion having a surface disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the axis; and the nozzle characterized by a D:d ratio of at least about 2:1.