Hard rock, pulsing lasers. [Research and feasibility of lasers for drilling and excavating rock]

Journal Article · · World Mining Equipment; (United States)

OSTI ID:5965561

Interpro is involved in research on the controlled application of pulsed laser energy for hard rock excavation in mining, a technology which shows great potential for the development of a noncontact, continuous mining tool. Unlike other alternative technologies, the interpro Laser-Water Jet (patent pending) technique does not involve rock drilling as part of the process, and its main advantage over conventional mining techniques is its ability to continuously excavate small particles from the rock surface, and in a selective fashion. The excavation equipment is projected to be compact and, superficially at least, simple in its make up. A cutterhead fitted to a jumbo would be supplied with laser energy via optic fiber cable from a remote laser unit, and with a high pressure water supply. The ore chips produced would be removed by vacuum and pumped via a slurry line to the process plant. Drilling machines, loaders and trucks or conveyors and their associated manpower would be unnecessary, as would be primary and secondary crushing equipment. The surgical nature of this extraction process would enable selective mining to be carried out effectively to reduce ore dilution. Test results are discussed from a preliminary excavation conducted in 5 different rock types. The paper also describes how the pulsed layer actually works.

• OSTI ID: 5965561
• Journal Information: World Mining Equipment; (United States), Journal Name: World Mining Equipment; (United States) Vol. 17:7/8; ISSN WMEQDP; ISSN 0746-729X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
422000* -- Engineering-- Mining & Underground Engineering-- (1980-)
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLS
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
EXCAVATION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
JET DRILLS
LASER DRILLING
LASERS
MACHINING
MATERIALS DRILLING
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
PERFORMANCE
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
ROCK DRILLING