Robust Plasma Blast Probe for Directional Rock Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma blasting methods for hard rock excavation and fracking are inefficient and lack control over the direction of the plasma spark, leading to high costs and single-dimensional crack propagation, with environmental concerns due to liquid use and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A plasma blasting system with a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode, dielectric material, and ground casing tube, submerged in a fluid medium, allowing for adjustable electrode gaps and multiple blasts, enhancing control over plasma direction and fracture volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plasma blasting probes are used, then plasma blasting can be performed, but the direction of the plasma spark cannot be controlled and reusability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a swivel mechanism that allows the electrode assembly to rotate and adjust its orientation dynamically. This enables control over the direction of the plasma spark while maintaining the structural integrity and reusability of the probe through the adjustable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is divided into separable components including the electrode assembly, swivel mechanism, and housing. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance, replacement, and optimization of individual parts while maintaining overall system reliability and reusability.
2Productivity
If conventional plasma blasting methods are used, then rock excavation can be achieved, but the process is inefficient and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for adjustable electrode gaps and plasma parameters, enabling optimization of energy delivery to achieve more efficient rock excavation. By controlling parameters such as electrode spacing and plasma duration, the system reduces energy waste while improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fracking methods are used, then crack propagation can be achieved, but only single-dimensional cracks are produced and environmental impact is high
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma blasting system creates cracks in multiple dimensions by adjusting the orientation and direction of plasma discharge. This multi-dimensional crack propagation replaces single-dimensional conventional methods, improving adaptability while reducing the need for large volumes of fracturing fluid and minimizing environmental contamination.
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 multi-dimensional crack propagation, reduces liquid use, and decreases environmental impact by providing efficient, reusable plasma blasting with improved control over fracture volume and direction.
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
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
discharged in a very short pulse at a very high current into a blasting probe
Implementation Method 4
This lack of control also prevented the aiming of the shock waves from the blast into a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole, with a novel blast probe, the probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground casing tube with a ground and/or electrode deflector. The ground and/or electrode deflector focuses a plasma blast through openings in the probe, directing the blast force away from the ends of the probe, 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 alone or in combination with other materials. The robust blast probe permits the aiming of the blast outside of the probe.