PARTICLE DELIVERY APPARATUSES INCLUDING CONTROL JUNCTIONS FOR USE IN ABRASIVE-JET SYSTEMS AND RELATED APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

摘要

Particle delivery apparatuses for use in abrasive jet systems and associated apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. A particle delivery apparatus configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cutting head, a gas inlet, and a control junction. An abrasive delivery path extends from a particle hopper toward the cutting head. A gas flow path extends from the gas inlet toward the cutting head. The control junction is configured to collect abrasive particles in a pile that blocks a flow of abrasive particles along the abrasive delivery path. The pile forms when a gas flow rate through a free space around the pile and a pressure differential between the hopper and the abrasive delivery path downstream from the control junction are insufficient to partially or entirely displace the pile.

主权项

1. A particle delivery apparatus, comprising:
a cutting head; an abrasive delivery path extending from a hopper toward the cutting head; a gas flow path extending from a gas inlet toward the cutting head; and a control junction joining the abrasive delivery path to the gas flow path, the control junction configured to collect abrasive particles in a pile that blocks a flow of abrasive particles along the abrasive delivery path when (a) a gas flow rate at a portion of the gas flow path extending through a free space around the pile is less than a flow rate sufficient to partially or entirely displace the pile and (b) a pressure differential between the hopper and the abrasive delivery path downstream from the control junction is less than a pressure differential sufficient to partially or entirely displace the pile.