WATER JET CONFERENCE - Waterjet Technology Association

figure 7. Technology evolution model
Table 1. Summary of Eras.
Era Primary Process
Low Pressure (Figure 1) Cross-cultural Technology Transfer
Adaptation from Other Uses
Medium Pressure (Figure 2) Basic Research Elaboration of
Earlier Research Results
High Pressure (Figure 3) Research and Development
Technological Improvement
High Pressure Coal (Figure 4) Reduction to Practice
Implementation
Table 2. Perceived advantages of water jet assists.
1. Intrinsic safety from sparking and methane
2. Healthier, dust-free environment
3. Longer life of cutting tools4
4. Lover maintenance costs and downtimes
5. Large-sized coal with fewer fines and better clean-up
6. Reduced coal washing costs
7. Capability to cut larger webs with less horsepower
8. Ability to mine faulty seams
9. Reduced haulage forces and vibrations
10. Generally higher productivity
11. Lower energy requirements
12. Fewer men required underground
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