A Versatile Rock Melting System For the Formation ... - The Black Vault

III.SUMMARY OF SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONThe following list summarizes the preliminaryspecifications for a horizontalhole-melting Subterrene system:• Inside diameter of the glass linedhole, 76 ram (3 in.)•Hole-length capability.Rate of penetration,50 nt (164 ft).- For a melt-consolidating penetrator(MCP) in loose alluvial soil up to0.84 nm/s (2 in./min).- For a universal extruding penetrator(OEP) up to 0.42 nnn/s (1 in./rain).The two penetrator types are interchangeable,are electrically powered,and use circulating air for coolingand debris removal.The glass formers and hole sizers areintegral parts of the penetrators.The maximum hole deviation is lessthan two diameters, but the systemcan be assembled in a simple versionfor less accurate operation.Deviation of the HFA from the projectedhole center line is detected by thedeviation sensor, and the amount ofdeviation is displayed on the controlconsole.Directional control of the HFA is providedby a differential cooling systemwhose operation is regulated at thecontrol console for high accuracy.Lesser straightness will be controlledby simple stem rotation.The hydraulic stem advancer-retractoris capable of continuous motion andis provided with remotely operatedstem clamps. Hole alignment can beset within the range of +. 0.25 rad(.15 deg) from the horizontal.The advancing stem will be a dualtube to transmit power and coolantand for debris removal when required.The stGiii will be flush externallyand of sectioned lengths for ease ofhandling.Melting power is estimated at 15 kW,and total available power should bei> 25 kW.A quick-disconnect service headis included.The single control console willincorporate controls for air supply,hydraulic and electrical power; HFAdeviation and amount of applieddirectional control; and instrumentationdisplays.The service units to be includedare:- Air compressor.- Alternating-current generator,engine-driven.- Alternating current-to-directcurrent converter.- Hydraulic pump, motor-driven.- Air-oil hydraulic booster.- Light truck for mobility.Service leads and hoses are suppliedas required.IV.A. GeneralDESCRIPTION OF LASL-DEVELOPEDAND COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLESUBCOMPONENTSThis section describes components ofthe system that are either already developedor can be designed and assembled in a straightforwardmanner from commercially availableproducts.The demonstration rig for 50-ima(2-in.)-diam penetrators has had excellentresults in initial runs.Much of this simple,inexpensive modular rig (Fig. 4), canbe used as the design base for the 76-mm(3-in.)-diam horizontal Subterrene.Othercomponents have been thoroughly tested bothin the laboratory and in field-test rigs.The alignment accuracy of the demonstrationrig is sufficient for many anticipated usesof horizontal, glass=lined holes.In fact,by intermittently rotating the stem and theHFA of 50-ront (2-in.)-diam Subterrenes whilemelting vertical (Fig. 17) and horizontal(Fig. 18) holes, bores were produced thatwere straight to considerably better thantwo hole diameters in 16 m of hole length.B. Description of ComponentsSpecifically, the proposed small-diameterhorizontal Subterrene system would consistof the components detailed below.1. Stem AdvancerThe stem advancer (Fig. 10) willadvance the stem continuously with two independent,twin hydraulic-cylinder units andremotely operated stem clamps.