Tunneling apparatus including vacuum and method of use
US8439450B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/002
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a tunneling apparatus including a pipe string having a distal end and a proximal end. The pipe string includes a plurality of pipe-sections connected end-to end. The pipe string also includes a cutting head coupled to a distal-most one of the pipe-sections. The pipe string defines a vacuum passage that extends through the pipe string from the proximal end to the distal end of the pipe string. A source of vacuum is in fluid communication with the vacuum passage for drawing cuttings through the vacuum passage. A blockage sensor can be used for sensing whether a precursor blockage condition exists within the vacuum passage. A source of air pressure can be used to force air distally through the pipe string to assist in moving cuttings proximally through the vacuum passage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.