Adjustable Plasma Blasting Probe for Rock Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma blasting methods are inefficient and lack reusability due to poor control over the direction of the plasma spark, leading to inefficient excavation of hard rocks and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A reusable plasma blasting system with an adjustable probe tip, where electrodes are separated by a dielectric separator and enclosed in a cage, allowing for precise control over the electrode gap and power deposition, using a capacitor bank to create a focused plasma explosion within a borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drilling and blasting with chemical explosives is used, then hard rock excavation efficiency is acceptable, but safety concerns arise due to vibration, pollution, and prohibited use in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical explosive systems with an electrical plasma-based system. A capacitor bank stores electrical energy and discharges it through electrodes immersed in water, creating a plasma explosion that fractures rock. This substitution eliminates chemical explosives, vibration, and pollution while maintaining rock fragmentation capability through controlled electrical energy release
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water as the medium for plasma generation, creating an inert and safe environment compared to chemical explosives. The water-filled borehole contains the plasma explosion, preventing harmful emissions and reducing vibration. This inert environment allows the system to operate in locations where chemical explosives are prohibited
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plasma blasting is used to avoid chemical explosives, then safety concerns are reduced, but the method becomes expensive due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plasma blasting process into controlled stages: capacitor charging at low current over a longer period, followed by rapid discharge at high current through the electrodes. This segmentation allows efficient energy transfer and controlled plasma formation, improving overall system efficiency and reducing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes plasma blasting efficiency by changing key parameters: using water as the dielectric medium, controlling capacitor charge/discharge rates, adjusting electrode configuration and spacing, and regulating plasma energy release. These parameter optimizations reduce energy waste and improve excavation efficiency
3Device complexity
If plasma blasting probes are used without directional control, then the apparatus can be simple, but reusability is prevented and shock waves cannot be aimed in desired directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reusable probe design with adjustable components that allow directional control of the plasma spark and shock waves. The probe can be repositioned and reconfigured for different blasting directions, transforming a static, single-use device into a dynamic, multi-purpose tool that adapts to various excavation needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal plasma blasting probe that can be reused for multiple blasting operations in different directions and locations. The probe incorporates adjustable electrodes and positioning mechanisms that enable it to perform various functions: creating controlled fractures, directing shock waves, and adapting to different borehole configurations, replacing the need for multiple single-use probes
4Device complexity
If the electrode gap is not precisely controlled, then the apparatus construction is simpler, but power deposition cannot be precisely controlled leading to inefficient fracturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric separator as an intermediary component between the electrodes. This separator precisely defines and maintains the electrode gap distance, ensuring consistent power deposition. The dielectric material allows electrical insulation while enabling precise control of the plasma formation gap, improving fracturing efficiency without significantly complicating the electrode assembly
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves efficient fracturing of solids with improved control over the blasting process, reducing costs and environmental impact by using inert materials, and is safer than traditional explosive methods.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor bank is charged over a relatively long period of time at a low current, and then discharged in a very short pulse at a very high current into a blasting probe comprised of two or more electrodes immersed in a fluid media. These plasma blasting methods
Implementation Method 2
at least two of the plurality of electrodes are separated by a dielectric separator
Implementation Method 3
The present invention, eliminates the issues articulated above as well as other issues with the currently known products
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast.