Method and device for excavating submerged stratum
US7802384B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21C45/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An excavation technique for a stratum capable of excavating a submerged stratum such as a layer containing an underground resource by using laser irradiation in liquid is provided. In this technique, a laser beam transmitted through laser transmission means 20 is irradiated in liquid 90 in form of a laser beam having a wavelength with high absorptance of the liquid 90 by laser-induced bubble generation means 35, generating a bubble flow 36, thus excavation of a submerged stratum may be carried out by using a laser-induced destruction effect. Moreover, a laser beam 41 having low absorptance of the liquid 90 is irradiated by laser irradiation means 39 and passed through the bubble flow 36, thereby applying a thermal effect to a stratum to destroy rock and excavate the stratum. The destruction effect and the thermal effect also may be cooperatively worked.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.