Focused shock spark discharge drill using multiple electrodes
A spark discharge focused drill provided with one pulse forming line or a number of pulse forming lines. The pulse forming line is connected to an array of electrodes which would form a spark array. One of the electrodes of each of the array is connected to the high voltage side of the pulse forming line and the other electrodes are at ground potential. When discharged in a liquid, these electrodes produce intense focused shock waves that can pulverize or fracture rock. By delaying the firing of each group of electrodes, the drill can be steered within the earth. Power can be fed to the pulse forming line either downhole or from the surface area. A high voltage source, such as a Marx generator, is suitable for pulse charging the lines.
- Research Organization:
- Tetra Corporation, Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-85ER13330
- Assignee:
- Tetra Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
- Patent Number(s):
- 4,741,405
- Application Number:
- 07/000,768
- OSTI ID:
- 866576
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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