Sliced Elliptical Plasma Probe for Directional Rock Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma blasting methods for hard rock excavation and fracking are inefficient due to lack of control over the direction of the plasma spark, leading to uncontrolled shock waves and high costs, as well as environmental concerns from chemical explosives and excessive liquid use in fracking.
Innovation Solution
A plasma blasting system with a high voltage electrode, dielectric material, and ground casing tube, where the high voltage electrode is exposed through a controlled opening in the ground casing tube, allowing for adjustable electrode gaps and multiple blasts, enabling precise control over plasma blasts and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plasma blasting probes are used, then plasma blasts can be generated, but the direction of the plasma spark cannot be controlled, leading to uncontrolled shock waves
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple electrodes arranged in a circular pattern around a central axis, with each electrode capable of being independently controlled. This segmentation allows the plasma spark direction to be controlled by selectively activating specific electrode pairs, thereby controlling the direction and focus of the plasma blast and resulting shock waves.
2Productivity
If chemical explosives are used for hard rock excavation, then excavation can be performed, but safety, vibration, and pollution concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical explosives with an electrically-powered plasma blasting system. A capacitor bank stores electrical energy and releases it in a high-current pulse through the probe electrodes, generating plasma that fractures rock through thermal and mechanical effects. This substitution eliminates chemical hazards, reduces vibration, and avoids pollution while maintaining excavation capability.
3Reliability
If traditional plasma blasting methods are used, then rock fracturing can be achieved, but the process is expensive due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The probe allows dynamic control of plasma blast direction and focus through independent electrode activation. By adjusting which electrodes are activated and their timing, the system can concentrate plasma energy precisely where needed, improving fracturing efficiency and reducing energy waste, thereby lowering operational costs.
4Productivity
If single chemical explosive blast is used for fracking, then cracks can be created, but only single dimension crack propagation occurs and significant liquid is required
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma blasting system can deliver multiple sequential blasts by repeatedly charging and discharging the capacitor bank through the probe electrodes. This periodic action creates multiple crack propagation events in different dimensions, eliminating the need for large volumes of liquid propellant while achieving comprehensive fracture stimulation.
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 fracture control, reducing liquid usage and environmental contamination, while increasing fracture volume and efficiency, allowing for repetitive blasts with lower energy consumption compared to traditional 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
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
The 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 separated by a dielectric separator except for an evacuated area where the plasma blast occurs, wherein the opening in the ground casing and the dielectric separator constitute a sliced and elliptical probe shape. The sliced and elliptical shape of the opening focuses a plasma blast in a specific direction and contours, 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 sliced and elliptical blast probe permit directional aiming of the blast.