Apparatus and method for electrocrushing rock
US8186454B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21C37/18
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides for pulsed power breaking and drilling apparatuses and methods. The present invention comprises two pulsed power systems coordinated to fire one right after the other. The first pulsed power system, comprising a spiker, may create a high voltage pulse that breaks down the insulative properties of the substrate and may create an arc channel in the substrate. It is designed for high voltage but low energy, at high impedance. The second pulsed power system, comprising a sustainer, is designed to provide high current into the arc, but at low voltage, thus better matching the impedance of the arc and achieving much more efficient energy transfer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.