Apparatus and process for formation of laterally directed fluid jets

摘要

A processing apparatus is provided to process a workpiece. The processing apparatus can have a low-profile nozzle system capable of navigating through spaces in order to process target regions with relatively small clearances. A fluid jet outputted from the nozzle system is used to cut, mill, or otherwise process the target region of the workpiece.

主权项

1. A nozzle system configured to generate a high-pressure abrasive media fluid jet, the nozzle system comprising:
a nozzle main body including a fluid feed conduit and a media feed conduit extending therethrough, the fluid feed conduit comprising a first section, a second section, and a flow redirector between the first section and the second section which is configured to receive a fluid flow traveling in a first direction through the first section and to direct the fluid flow in a second direction angled with respect to the first direction, and the media feed conduit being configured to deliver abrasives into a fluid jet so as to form a high-pressure abrasive media fluid jet; a nozzle orifice component positioned downstream of the flow redirector, the nozzle orifice component including an aperture that is configured to generate the fluid jet; a delivery conduit positioned downstream of the nozzle orifice component, the delivery conduit including an outlet through which the high-pressure abrasive media fluid jet exits the nozzle system; and an orifice mount positioned between the nozzle orifice component and the outlet, the orifice mount comprising a main body and a guide tube coupled to the main body, the main body being in contact with the nozzle orifice component and the guide tube defining at least a portion of a channel through which the fluid jet passes and comprising a material that is harder than a material of the main body.