Control valves for waterjet systems and related devices, systems, and methods

摘要

Waterjet systems including control valves and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid source, a jet outlet, and a fluid conveyance extending from the fluid source to the jet outlet. The system further includes a control valve positioned along the fluid conveyance downstream from the fluid source and upstream from the jet outlet. The fluid conveyance has a first portion upstream from the control valve and a second portion downstream from the control valve. The control valve is configured to controllably reduce a pressure of fluid within the second portion of the fluid conveyance relative to a pressure of fluid within the first portion of the fluid conveyance. The first portion of the fluid conveyance is configured to accommodate movement of the jet outlet relative to the fluid source.

主权项

1. A method for operating a waterjet system, comprising:
pressurizing a fluid at a hydraulic intensifier; conveying the fluid within a first fluid conveyance of a waterjet system, the first fluid conveyance defining a first flowpath extending from the intensifier to a control valve of the waterjet system and containing a first portion of the fluid at a given time; conveying the fluid within a second fluid conveyance of the waterjet system, the second fluid conveyance defining a second flowpath extending from the control valve to a jet outlet of the waterjet system and containing a second portion of the fluid at the given time, the second flowpath being shorter than the first flowpath; moving a pin of the control valve automatically by an actuator relative to a seat of the control valve, the seat relative to the pin, or both to selectively throttle the fluid between the seat and the pin and thereby controllably reduce the pressure of the second portion of the fluid relative to the pressure of the first portion of the fluid; directing a jet including fluid from the second portion of the fluid toward a workpiece to erode a portion of the workpiece; and automatically operating the intensifier in concert with the control valve to automatically regulate the pressure of the first portion of the fluid.