Simple approach for evaluation of abrasive mixing efficiency for abrasive waterjet rock cutting

Abstract

The abrasive mixing variables, such as the abrasive and water flow rates and the focus geometry parameters, determine the profitability of an abrasive waterjet system. In this study, the mixing efficiency characteristics in abrasive waterjet rock cutting were investigated. To demonstrate comprehensively the efficiency reduction due to collision during abrasive mixing, the chance of collision was expressed as the distance between the abrasive particles in the focus. The mixing efficiency was then assessed by utilizing the empirical relationship between the experimental results and the developed model. Based on the particle density and the velocity, the closer particles showed higher chances of collision, thus yielding a reduced cutting performance. Using the distance between particles model, the optimum abrasive flow rate and the cutting performance of abrasive waterjet systems can be estimated. This developed model can be used for the design selection of abrasive flow rate and systems for the cost-effective use of abrasive waterjets.