| 摘要 |
<p>The excavating device (1) includes a pressurised cutting fluid source (2) communicating with an outlet (3) adapted to spray cutting fluid (not shown) so as to excavate material (4) adjacent the outlet. The device (1) also includes suction means (5) disposed so as to suck detritus (not shown) resulting from excavated material away from the outlet (3). In one preferred embodiment the cutting fluid is, or includes, water and in another preferred embodiment the cutting fluid is, or includes, air. The pressure at which the cutting fluid is sprayed from the outlet (3) will vary depending upon the strength of the material being excavated. For example, when excavating concrete, bitumen or rock, the required pressure will usually be greater than that for sand or soil. If the cutting fluid is water, the preferred embodiment typically utilises pressures in excess of 2000 psi. A more preferable pressure range is between 3000 psi and 40,000 psi, and a still more preferable pressure range is between 4000 psi and 20,000 psi. The preferred method for excavating according to the present invention includes the following steps: (a) providing a pressurised cutting fluid source (2) communicating with an outlet (3) adapted to spray cutting fluid (not illustrated); (b) spraying cutting fluid from said outlet (3) so as to excavate material adjacent said outlet (3); and (c) using suction means disposed proximate said outlet to suck detritus resulting from excavated material away from the outlet (3).</p> |
