Method for boring with plasma
US11598209B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21C37/18
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Systems to bore or tunnel through various geologies in an autonomous or substantially autonomous manner can include one or more non-contact boring elements that direct energy at the bore face to remove material from the bore face through fracture, spallation, and removal of the material. The systems can automatically execute methods to control a set of boring parameters that affect the flux of energy directed at the bore face. Systems can further automatically execute the methods to trigger an optical sensor to capture images at the bore face, generate temperature profiles, identify spall fragments and hot zones and/or adjust a set of boring controls. For example, the system can execute methods to adjust a standoff distance between the system and the bore face, and adjust power and/or gas supply to the non-contact boring element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.