Ram accelerator system with baffles
US10697242B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42D3/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator includes one or more baffles that are downhole. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. The endcap may be maintained in place within the hole at least in part by the one or more baffles. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.