Abrasive Suspension Jet Cutting Nozzle Mixing Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-abrasive suspension jet cutting systems face delays in starting and stopping the cutting process due to the inability to quickly switch on and off the abrasive supply, which limits precision in cutting operations, especially for larger cutting dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a secondary flow path that opens into the main flow path close to the cutting nozzle, with a mixing point located directly adjacent to or integrated into the nozzle, and utilizes a counter-pressure mechanism to prevent abrasive flow from entering the main flow path when the abrasive supply is stopped, allowing for rapid shutdown and minimizing residual abrasive in the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the abrasive supply is switched off by closing a shut-off valve in the secondary flow path, then the abrasive supply is stopped, but the abrasive agent still in the main flow path is discharged by the continuing main flow, causing delay in ending the cutting process
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (residual abrasive in the main flow path) is extracted by shortening the main flow path to minimize the volume where abrasive can remain. The mixing point is positioned directly at the nozzle, eliminating the need for a separate mixing chamber and reducing the main flow path to the absolute minimum length required for suspension formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing of water and abrasive is performed preliminarily at the nozzle entrance rather than in a separate chamber upstream. This preliminary mixing action at the exact location where suspension is needed eliminates the transport distance for abrasive-laden water, ensuring that when abrasive supply stops, there is minimal residual abrasive to discharge.
2Loss of time
If the mixing point is located far from the cutting nozzle, then the suspension can be formed properly, but the amount of abrasive remaining in the main flow path increases, delaying the shutdown process
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is localized precisely at the nozzle entrance rather than being distributed over a long flow path. This local mixing approach ensures that suspension formation occurs exactly where needed, with no unnecessary transport distance for the abrasive-laden water, thereby minimizing residual abrasive and follow-up time while maintaining cutting precision.
3Loss of time
If a long main flow path is used to convey the suspension, then the system is easier to operate, but the amount of abrasive remaining in the main flow path is larger, extending the shutdown delay
Solution Approach 1:
The unnecessary portion of the main flow path is extracted/eliminated by positioning the mixing point directly at the nozzle. This removes the segment of the flow path that would otherwise carry residual abrasive from the mixing chamber to the nozzle, thereby eliminating the source of shutdown delay while maintaining system operability.
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 configuration enables quicker start-up and shutdown of the abrasive supply, reducing delays and allowing for more precise control over the cutting process, enhancing cutting performance by minimizing the amount of abrasive remaining in the system when the supply is switched off.
Implementation Method 1
the water emerging from the nozzle enters a mixing chamber in which the abrasive is sucked into the liquid jet by the injector effect
Implementation Method 2
Water jet cutting typically uses a high pressure water jet with added abrasive to cut materials such as metal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a water abrasive suspension jet cutting system, comprising a high-pressure pump, a cutting nozzle, a main flow path that connects the high-pressure pump to the cutting nozzle, and a first secondary flow path, which branches off from the main flow path and which leads through an abrasive-substance pressure vessel, wherein the first secondary flow path opens into the main flow path at a mixing point, which is located in a line section adjacent to the cutting nozzle.