Generalized equation for calculating rock cutting efficiency by pulsed water jets

• Main Authors: Andrey Polyakov, Aleksandr Zhabin, Eugene Averin, Aleksey Polyakov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2019-08-01
• Series: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674775518302786

One of the promising methods for rock cutting technology is the use of high-speed water jets. In order to improve the cutting capacity of water jets without increasing the hydraulic power of equipment, pulsed water jets are basically used to increase the rock cutting efficiency. However, there are no mature recommendations for selection of rational parameters, and the relationship between indicators of rock cutting efficiency and parameters of pulsed water jet is still not established. In this context, we aimed at developing a generalized equation for calculating rock cutting efficiency, in which all the major parameters in consideration of rock cutting process are included. Then, a calibration of the rational parameters of rock cutting by pulsed water jets was conducted. The results are likely helpful for increasing productivity and reducing energy consumption. Keywords: Pulsed water jets, Rock cutting, Water jet technology, Generalized equation, Depth of cut