High Voltage Discharge Material Fragmentation with Conductivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high voltage discharge methods for fragmenting or weakening materials, such as rock or concrete, face inefficiencies and limitations, particularly in energy usage and suitability for hard and brittle materials, with a rapid transition from electrodynamic to electrohydraulic modes reducing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a process area with two electrodes where the material and process liquid are arranged to allow high voltage discharges, with controlled discharge and feeding of process liquid to maintain a flushing flow and prevent energy inefficiencies, using a process liquid with adjustable conductivity and circulation to enhance energy efficiency and prevent mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If electrodynamic acting mode is used to fragment hard materials, then fragmentation capability is improved, but energy efficiency decreases rapidly after transition to electrohydraulic mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the electrical conductivity of the process liquid through controlled addition of conductive substances. This maintains optimal discharge characteristics and prevents transition to electrohydraulic mode, thereby sustaining energy efficiency while preserving fragmentation capability for hard materials throughout the processing period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the electrical conductivity of the process liquid and adjusting the addition rate of conductive substances accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the system remains in the electrodynamic mode, preventing energy efficiency degradation while maintaining effective fragmentation of hard materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrohydraulic mode is used for material fragmentation, then equipment expenditure is reduced, but fragmentation effectiveness is insufficient for hard materials
Solution Approach 1:
By dynamically adjusting the electrical conductivity parameter of the process liquid, the patent enables maintenance of electrodynamic mode characteristics using simpler equipment compared to specialized hard material fragmentation systems, while achieving effective fragmentation results through optimized discharge behavior.
3Reliability
If process liquid conductivity increases during processing, then discharge path formation is improved, but mode transition to electrohydraulic acting occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control to monitor process liquid conductivity and regulate the addition of conductive substances. This prevents excessive conductivity increase that would cause mode transition, while maintaining sufficient conductivity for reliable discharge path formation, thereby preserving fragmentation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies precise parameter control by adjusting electrical conductivity within an optimal range through controlled addition of conductive substances. This maintains reliable discharge path formation while preventing transition to electrohydraulic mode, sustaining fragmentation effectiveness throughout processing.
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
This approach significantly improves energy efficiency and capability for fragmenting hard and brittle materials, preventing unwanted mode transitions and making the method suitable for materials previously unsuitable, while minimizing waste and equipment expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
the discharging path runs exclusively through the process liquid, so that shock waves are produced within the process liquid which act upon the material that is to be fragmented or weakened
Implementation Method 2
between two electrodes high voltage discharges are generated for fragmenting and/or weakening the material
Implementation Method 3
a high voltage electrode (3) dipping with its electrode tip (15) into the filling of pieces of rock (1) in such a way that between the front face of the electrode tip (15) of the high voltage electrode (3) and the front face of the bottom electrode (4) there remains an area (reaction zone) which is filled with pieces of rock (1) and process liquid (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fragmenting and/or weakening of material is provided that utilizes high voltage discharges. The material is together with a process liquid introduced into a process area, in which two electrodes face each other at a distance, and is arranged therein in such a manner that the area between the two electrodes is filled with the material and process liquid. Between the two electrodes high voltage discharges are generated for fragmenting or weakening of the material. During the fragmenting or weakening, respectively, of the material, process liquid is discharged from the process area and process liquid is fed into the process area. The process liquid which is fed has a lower electrical conductivity than the process liquid which is discharged.