System for preventing cutting gas explosion during subterranean pipe cutting operations

Patent · Tue Aug 24 00:00:00 EDT 1993

OSTI ID:6292995

Schaefer, Jr, L E; Ross, D

A method is described for cutting a partially below ground work piece having a desired cutting area, a longitudinal axis and an outer wall, utilizing a tool configured for preventing the explosive build up of residual gases from the cutting operation in the area surrounding the work piece, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a tool comprising a main body, wherein there is formed a longitudinal cavity therethrough, the main body having a first end and a second end, and inner and outer walls, the main body being configured to slidingly envelope the work piece longitudinally, and form a circulation cavity juxtaposed to the inner wall of the main body and the outer wall of the tool, the circulation cavity extending from the second end of the tool out of the first end, forming an exit opening; circulation means for providing a flow of non-flammable fluid medium through the circulation cavity and out of the exit opening; and a plurality of excavation jets emanating from the second end of the main body, the excavation jets configured for jetting a pressured, fluid excavation medium about the periphery of the work piece, displacing the ground about the work piece, and allowing the longitudinal migration of the tool about the work piece; (b) slidingly enveloping the work piece with the tool; (c) initiating a flow of pressurized fluid through the excavation jets; (d) allowing the excavation jets to excavate, displacing the ground about the exterior periphery of the work piece, forming ground particles; (e) initiating the circulation means for directing the displaced ground particles out of the excavation area; (f) allowing the tool to migrate in downward fashion longitudinally about the work piece until the second end of the main body is below the desired cutting area on the work piece; (g) cutting the work piece; (h) releasing flammable gas through the outer wall; and (i) allowing the circulation means to direct the flammable gas out of the cutting area.

• Assignee: IMS; EDB-93-122031
• Patent Number(s): US 5238069; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-762939
• OSTI ID: 6292995
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 19 Sep 1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
PIPELINES
CUTTING
VENTILATION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIONS
GASES
MAINTENANCE
MITIGATION
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
OPERATION
REPAIR
SAFETY ENGINEERING
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
ENGINEERING
EXPLOSIONS
FLUIDS
MACHINING
SAFETY
420205* - Engineering- Transport & Storage Facilities- (1980-)