Characterization of Effective Parameters in Abrasive Waterjet Rock Cutting

The rock cutting performance of an abrasive waterjet is affected by various parameters. In this study, rock cutting tests are conducted with different energy (i.e., water pressure, traverse speed, and abrasive feed rate), geometry (i.e., standoff distance), and material parameters [i.e., uniaxial compressive strength (UCS)]. In particular, experimental tests are carried out at a long standoff distance (up to 60 cm) to consider field application. The effective parameters of the rock cutting process are identified based on the relationships between the cutting performance indices (depth, width, and volume) and parameters. In addition, the cutting efficiency is analyzed with effective parameters as well as different pump types and the number of cutting passes considering the concept of kinetic jet energy. Efficiency analysis reveals that the cutting depth efficiency tends to increase with an increase in the water pressure and traverse speed and with a decrease in the standoff distance and UCS. Cutting volume efficiency strongly depends on standoff distance. High efficiency of cutting volume is obtained at a long standoff distance regardless of the pump type. The efficiency analysis provides a realistic way to optimize parameters for abrasive waterjet rock excavation.     

大线速度下超高压水射流破岩试验研究

高压水射流的破岩效果对高压水射流辅助掘进机破岩技术至关重要。为提升隧道掘进机工况下高压水射流辅助破岩的效率,开展大线速度下超高压水射流破岩试验,分析喷嘴移动线速度、射流压力和喷嘴直径对破岩效果的影响规律,并探究加磨料和射流形式对破岩效果的影响。试验结果表明,随喷嘴移动线速度增加,高压水射流的切割深度和切割宽度均近似线性减小;随射流压力增加,切割深度近似线性增大,压力从200 MPa提高到280 MPa,切割深度增加了72%～82%;喷嘴直径从0.35 mm增大到0.60 mm,切割深度增加了60%～85%。大线速度下加磨料后射流变发散,加磨料的切割深度小于纯水的切割深度,加磨料的切割宽度大于纯水的切割宽度。砂管束流射流模式的能量利用率更高,砂管束流的切割深度比长线射流的切割深度大35%～42%,砂管束流的切割宽度比长线射流的切割宽度大78%～85%。基于Crow切割岩石理论,通过试验数据回归分析,得到大线速度下超高压水射流切割深度半理论半经验预测模型,可为高压水射流辅助掘进机破岩技术中射流切割参数优化提供参考依据。研究成果对提升隧道掘进机工况下超高压水射流辅助破岩的效率是很有意义的。     

Development of Predictive Models for the Specific Energy of Circular Diamond Sawblades in the Sawing of Granitic Rocks

This paper presents an experimental study on the sawing of granitic rocks by circular diamond sawblades. The influence of the operating variables and rock properties on the specific energy were initially investigated and analyzed. To determine the most significant operating variables and rock properties influencing the specific energy, statistical analyses were then employed and the models were built for the estimation of specific energy depending on the operating variables and the rock properties. Moreover, the derived models were validated through statistical tests such as the determination coefficient, t-test, F-test, and residuals. The results indicated that the specific energy decreased with the decreasing of peripheral speed and the increasing of traverse speed, cutting depth, and flow rate of cooling fluid, respectively. It was concluded that, rather than the physico-mechanical properties, the mineralogical properties were the dominant rock properties affecting the specific energy. Additionally, the peripheral speed was statistically determined as the most significant operating variable affecting the specific energy. The peripheral speed was followed by the cutting depth, traverse speed, and flow rate of cooling fluid with respect to their level of significance on the specific energy. Furthermore, the model results revealed that the developed models have high potentials as a guidance for practical applications.     

The Effects of Operational Parameters on a Mono-wire Cutting System: Efficiency in Marble Processing

Mono-wire block cutting machines that cut with a diamond wire can be used for squaring natural stone blocks and the slab-cutting process. The efficient use of these machines reduces operating costs by ensuring less diamond wire wear and longer wire life at high speeds. The high investment costs of these machines will lead to their efficient use and reduce production costs by increasing plant efficiency. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the cutting performance parameters of mono-wire cutting machines in terms of rock properties and operating parameters. This study aims to investigate the effects of the wire rotational speed (peripheral speed) and wire descending speed (cutting speed), which are the operating parameters of a mono-wire cutting machine, on unit wear and unit energy, which are the performance parameters in mono-wire cutting. By using the obtained results, cuttability charts for each natural stone were created on the basis of unit wear and unit energy values, cutting optimizations were performed, and the relationships between some physical and mechanical properties of rocks and the optimum cutting parameters obtained as a result of the optimization were investigated.     

Estimation of Rock Cuttability from Shore Hardness and Compressive Strength Properties

Summary Shore hardness has been used to estimate some mechanical and physical properties of rocks for many years. This study differs from previous studies in a way that it is directly oriented to rock cuttability. Two Shore hardness values (SH ₁ andSH ₂) and a coefficient of deformation value (K) have been measured for 30 different rock samples. In the first stage of the study, optimum specific energy values for 16 different rock samples obtained from full-scale cutting tests were correlated with the Shore hardness values of the same rock samples changingSH ₁ values from 9 to 66 andSH ₂ values from 25 to 83, with deformation coefficient values changing from 26 to 195. In the second stage, the performance of a roadheader used in the Kü?üksu (Istanbul) tunnel was recorded in detail and the instantaneous cutting rate of the machine was determined. Then, the relationship between Shore hardness values, deformation coefficient and the instantaneous cutting rate of the machine was determined for different formations encountered. It is concluded that there is a relationship between Shore hardness values, optimum specific energy and compressive strength, which may be used to estimate the rock cuttability and the instantaneous cutting rates of roadheaders within certain limits of reliability.     

Roadheader performance prediction using genetic programming (GP) and gene expression programming (GEP) techniques

Roadheading machines play a vital role in excavation operation in tunneling and mining industries notably when selective mining is required. Roadheaders are more effective in soft to medium rock formations due to a higher cutting rate in such strata. A precise prediction of machine’s performance is a crucial issue, as it has considerable effects on excavation planning, project’s cost estimation, machine specification selection as well as safety of the project. In this research, a database of machine performance and some geomechanical parameters of rock formations from Tabas coal mine project, the largest and fully mechanized coal mine in Iran, has been established, including instantaneous cutting rate (ICR), uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, rock quality designation, influence of discontinuity orientation (Alpha angle) and specific energy. Afterward, the parameters were analyzed through genetic programming (GP) and gene expression programming (GEP) approaches to yield more accurate models to predict the performance of roadheaders. As statistical indices, coefficient of determination, root mean square error and variance account were used to evaluate the efficiency of the developed models. According to the obtained results, it was observed that developed models can effectively be implemented for prediction of roadheader performance. Moreover, it was concluded that performance of the GEP model is better than the GP model. A high conformity was observed between predicted and measured roadheader ICR for GEP model.     

Full-scale linear cutting test in Chongqing Sandstone and the comparison with field TBM excavation performance

In this study, determination of some machine parameters and performance prediction for tunnel boring machine (TBM) are conducted based on laboratory rock cutting test. Firstly, laboratory full-scale linear cutting test is carried out using 432-mm CCS (constant cross section) disc cutter in Chongqing Sandstone. Then, the input parameters for TBM cutterhead design are extracted; some TBM specifications are determined and then compared to the manufactured values. Finally, laboratory full-scale linear cutting test results are compared with the field TBM excavation performance data collected in Chongqing Yangtze River Tunnel. Results show that laboratory full-scale linear cutting test results, combined with some engineering considerations, can be used for the preliminary and rough design of TBM machine capacity. Meanwhile, combined with some modification factors, it can also well predict the field TBM excavation performance.

     

高压水射流钻完井技术进展及发展思考

利用有效的钻完井技术,缩短建井周期,提高单井产能,对于经济高效开发深层油气、致密油气、煤层气等油气资源具有重要意义。高压水射流钻完井技术是利用高能流体进行破岩的前沿技术,不仅能用于提高钻井机械钻速,还能用于割缝增产,国外在高压水射流钻完井技术方面开展了大量尝试性研究工作,通过不断创新和改进,已有部分技术实现了商业应用。在总结高压水射流钻完井技术进展的基础上,分析了商业应用存在的问题,针对国内高压水射流钻完井技术发展现状,提出了开展超高压双管连续管水射流钻井技术研究、开展超高压水射流割缝增产技术试验、开发专用的井下喷射和切削系统、深化脉冲水射流技术研究等发展建议。围绕这些关键技术进行攻关研究,通过室内和现场试验,尽快形成我国的高压水射流钻完井技术及配套装备。      

高压水射流破岩规律的数值模拟研究

运用动态非线性有限元法和Hoffman破碎准则,研究了高压水射流破碎岩石的规律,提出了高压射流破碎岩石过程分为射流冲蚀破碎和锤冲破碎及两个临界压力的概念。研究结果表明,提高射流冲击速度、喷射直径、横移速度、射流束数,在35°至40°之间合理选择射流入射角可以提高射流破碎岩石的效率。     

切槽对TBM刀具破岩机制的影响研究

高压水射流与机械滚刀相联合破岩技术的出现,改变了传统隧道掘进机（tunnel boring machine,简称TBM）的作业方式。以高压水射流在滚刀两侧岩体切槽的破岩模式为研究对象,开展常截面滚刀压头贯入不同预切槽深度白砂岩板状试样的试验和数值模拟计算分析,对破裂后图像进行DIC分析,研究发现：切槽的存在,阻断了刀具贯入裂纹的拓展,使能量能够更加集中于压头下方的局部岩石块体,有利于形成“八”字形贯通裂纹,促进岩石的破碎;随着槽深增加,压头下方岩石内部的应力状态和力学响应分区逐渐过渡改变。槽深较大时,压头下方的力学响应区域在原有裂纹扩展区、弹性区之间增加了破坏过渡区,该区域内微裂纹被压密,区域内岩石存在较大变形,但未出现明显破坏;切槽后,滚刀压头下方的岩体破坏机制由无切槽试样挤压剪切为主导的径向裂纹拓展,演变为由刀具和切槽共同控制作用—拉伸剪切为主导的主裂纹扩展。     

延脆性变化对隧道掘进机刀具破岩过程及其破坏模式影响的颗粒元模拟分析

在全断面岩石掘进机（TBM）刀具破岩的颗粒元模拟中颗粒参数的选取至关重要,其中颗粒间平行黏结切向、法向强度是关键控制性参数之一,它们之间的比值关系直接决定所模拟试样的延脆性质,影响刀具破岩过程及其破岩效果。为探讨延脆性对刀具破岩模式的影响,（1）建立9种采用不同平行黏结强度比值的数值模型,分别进行单轴压缩及巴西劈裂模拟,研究不同延脆性试样的力学行为及破坏模式的变化。（2）对9种模型进行双刀破岩,并监控其裂缝的发展情况及刀具的受力状况。（3）为减小随机性对模拟结果的影响,通过改变随机数,每种模型重复模拟5次,综合分析5次的计算结果。模拟分析发现,随着切向和法向黏结强度比值( )的增大,试样的脆性增加,破坏模式逐渐从剪切破坏转变为脆性张拉破坏,刀具破岩压碎区范围减小,张拉裂缝更容易在刀具间贯通延伸从而切割出块体更大的岩渣;随着试样脆性的增加,归一化比能减小,刀具破岩的效率增加;平行黏结强度比值相同的条件下采用不同随机数种子生成的模型中,试样的具体破坏情况有一定的差别,但总体破坏模式相似。     

Predicting the Performance of Chain Saw Machines Based on Shore Scleroscope Hardness

Shore hardness has been used to estimate several physical and mechanical properties of rocks over the last few decades. However, the number of researches correlating Shore hardness with rock cutting performance is quite limited. Also, rather limited researches have been carried out on predicting the performance of chain saw machines. This study differs from the previous investigations in the way that Shore hardness values (SH₁, SH₂, and deformation coefficient) are used to determine the field performance of chain saw machines. The measured Shore hardness values are correlated with the physical and mechanical properties of natural stone samples, cutting parameters (normal force, cutting force, and specific energy) obtained from linear cutting tests in unrelieved cutting mode, and areal net cutting rate of chain saw machines. Two empirical models developed previously are improved for the prediction of the areal net cutting rate of chain saw machines. The first model is based on a revised chain saw penetration index, which uses SH₁, machine weight, and useful arm cutting depth as predictors. The second model is based on the power consumed for only cutting the stone, arm thickness, and specific energy as a function of the deformation coefficient. While cutting force has a strong relationship with Shore hardness values, the normal force has a weak or moderate correlation. Uniaxial compressive strength, Cerchar abrasivity index, and density can also be predicted by Shore hardness values.     

Surface Miners: Evaluation of the Production Rate and Cutting Performance Based on Rock Properties and Specific Energy

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the production rate (PR) and cutting performance of surface miners (SM) based on rock properties and specific energy (SE). We use data from equipment manufacturers and experimental data in this study and propose a new method and equations to determine both the PR and the cutting speed of SM. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the rock, its abrasivity, and the machine’s engine power are the three most important factors influencing the PR. Moreover, the cutting depth, UCS, and engine power have a significant impact on the cutting speed. We propose a new method and equations to determine the energy required to cut a volume unit and a surface unit, i.e., specific energy, and establish the relationship between SE, UCS, and PR. The results of this study can be used by surface miner operators to evaluate the applicability of the machines to a specific mine site.     

基于新表面理论的TBM破岩效率评价指标

岩碴是岩-机作用的直接产物,也是评价隧道掘进机（TBM）破岩效率和优化TBM掘进参数的有效指标。依托兰州水源地建设工程和龙岩万安溪引水工程,开展不同岩性条件下TBM岩碴筛分试验,得到了岩碴粒径分布规律。基于新表面理论,从滚刀破岩能量转化角度出发,提出了一种新的TBM破岩效率评价指标。基于岩碴粒径分布规律和TBM掘进参数统计,探讨了新表面理论指标与比能、岩碴粗糙度指数之间的关系,指出了新表面理论指标在反映岩碴破碎程度和评价TBM破岩效率方面的优势。对新表面理论指标与TBM掘进推力以及刀间距s与贯入度p的比值进行回归分析,得到了硬岩（围岩等级为Ⅱ级）和软岩（围岩等级为III级）掘进条件下的TBM最优掘进推力和s/p取值区间。研究表明：（1）新表面理论指标符合岩石破碎学原理,可准确评价TBM破岩效率。岩碴越是破碎,新表面理论指标越大,掘进能耗越高,此时TBM破岩效率相对较低。（2）新表面理论指标与比能、岩碴粗糙度指数均具有良好的线性相关关系。岩碴越是破碎,破碎单位体积岩石的能量消耗越大,新表面理论指标越大,对应的粗糙度指数越小。软岩掘进条件下TBM掘进比能低于硬岩,而岩碴破碎程度高于硬岩。（...     

Experimental and analytical studies of the parameters influencing the action of TBM disc tools in tunnelling

The use of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) is increasingly popular in tunnelling. One of the most important aspects in the use of these machines is to assess with certain accuracy the effectiveness of the action of the discs on the cutter-head in the different rock types to be excavated. A specific machine, called an intermediate linear cutting machine (ILCM), has been developed at the Politecnico di Torino in order to study, on a reduced scale in detail in the laboratory, the interaction between the discs of the TBM and the rock: this machine allows a series of grooves to be cut on a rock sample of 0.5 × 0.3 × 0.2 m, through the rolling of a 6.5-in. disc, and evaluation, during testing, of the parameters associated with the action of the cutting tool. The parameters measured during the tests were compared with the results obtained employing two analytical methods widely used for predicting the performance of TBMs: the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) model and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) model. The latter showed a greater ability to reproduce tests conducted using the ILCM. However, as with the CSM model, it does not allow the optimal excavation condition (the ratio, which minimizes the specific energy of excavation, between the groove spacing and the penetration of the disc), necessary for the correct design of the TBM cutter-head, to be identified. An example, based on a real case of a tunnel in Northern Italy, allowed a demonstration of how the NTNU model provides results in line with the measurements taken during the excavation and represents, therefore, a model that is able to reliably simulate both laboratory tests and the action of a TBM on site. The NTNU model, together with the results of the tests with ILCM targeted on the identification of the optimal conditions of excavation, may allow the correct dimensioning of the TBM cutter-head to be attained in order to effectively implement the excavation.     

DEM modeling of a monowire cutting system

Monowire block cutting machines can be used for natural stone block squaring and slab cutting operations. The plants where the cutting operations are performed demand high product quality with minimum operational costs. The major parameters affecting the economy of the operation are the energy consumed and the wear induced on the diamond beads during the cutting operation. An efficient cutting operation can only be maintained by selecting proper cutting parameters. Therefore, cutting parameters should be clearly understood. Experimental studies and numerical modeling methods are significant in terms of identifying the energy consumption occurring during natural stone cutting with monowire. Experimental studies and numerical modeling using discrete element method were performed on Afyon White Marble. Experimental studies have been performed by using a specially designed, fully automatic monowire cutting machine, and numerical analyses were carried out by commercially available software called three-dimensional particle flow code (PFC3D). A discrete element model for the cutting operation was developed, and various numerical models were performed for different peripheral speeds and cutting speeds, while, at the same time, the actual cutting operations were being carried out in the laboratory. Finally, the data obtained from the experimental works were compared with the data from numerical modeling. A comparison indicates that the frictional energy values obtained by means of numerical modeling are in good agreement with the results of the laboratory measurements. This study clearly put forward the influences of effective parameters on monowire cutting operations in natural stone industry. Furthermore, it filled an important space in the literature about the use of monowire block squaring machines.     

Comparative Study on Rock Breaking Performances by Arc and Wedge TBM Hob with Two Blades

To compare the rock breaking performances caused by the arc and wedge hob with two blades, a rock cutting model with two hob blades is established and a series of rock cutting simulations are performed based on the particle flow code. Meanwhile, the rock breaking process, crack extension pattern, rock cutting force and rock cutting efficiency etc. are investigated in this study. The results present that the rock breaking area and the lateral crack length induced by the arc blades is much greater than that induced by the wedge blades. The optimal cutting spacing of the arc and wedge blades is 60 mm and 30 mm respectively. It confirms that the wedge blades can significantly reduce the rock cutting force and raise the rock cutting efficiency compared with the arc blades, which can provide a reference for the hard rock tunneling by the tunnel boring machine.

     

脉冲磨料射流破碎岩石的实验研究

在淹没和非淹没状态下研究了脉冲射流的动态特性、振荡腔腔长、靶距、磨料浓度等参数与脉冲磨料射流的切割和冲蚀性能的关系,对比分析了脉冲磨料射流与前混合磨料射流在相同实验条件下对花岗岩及石灰岩等的冲蚀性能。实验结果表明,自激振荡射流频率随腔长增大而减小,随压力及流量的增大而增大;脉冲磨料射流的体积冲蚀速度在淹没状态下是前混合磨料射流的1.7倍,而在非淹没状态下为前混合磨料射流的1.4倍。     

Prediction of the sawing quality of Marmarit stones using the capability of artificial neural network

The sawing rate is one of the most significant and effective parameters in extracting building stones via diamond wire sawing. This parameter designates the capability of diamond wire sawing for sawing different stones; in addition, the parameter gives rise to economical considerations for quarry designers. In this study, the existent relations between stone geotechnical parameters and the sawing rate of stones via diamond wire sawing were analyzed using regression and correlation coefficient as well as the collected data from Marmarit stone quarries. Moreover, we estimated the sawing rate of Marmarit using the dimensional stone rock mass rating (DSRMR); upon comparison of the data obtained from DSRMR our pre‐collected data on quarries, we did not gain satisfactory results from DSRMR, hence we used artificial neural network (ANN). The results showed that the percentage of Silica, the coefficient of water absorption, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and abrasive hardness are the proper parameters for creating the ANN. Discontinuities have the least effects possible on diamond wire sawing. Having given the training possibility of the ANN, and its ability to evaluate relations among input parameters, the ANN, which was being trained with Marmarit's traits, was an accurate network for estimating diamond wire sawing in Marmarit quarries, although it could not generalize this network for other stones such as Chini and Crystal. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于钻进能量理论的隧道凝灰岩地层界面识别及围岩分级方法

钻机钻进过程中钻头旋转产生的扭矩以及作用于钻头的轴推进力是破碎岩石的能量来源,当钻进条件确定时,可用破碎单位体积岩石的实际能耗来反映岩石的物理力学性质。基于此原理在青岛胶州湾海底隧道FK4+375.5的上断面进行了超前地质探孔作业,得到凝灰岩地层中的钻进参数及钻进能量随钻头位移的变化曲线,并利用能量理论对钻进过程中监测的钻机参数进行分析,研究发现：在凝灰岩中,数字钻机参数与围岩岩性响应程度较高,围岩完整、坚硬、无裂隙水时,整体钻进参数值较高;围岩裂隙发育、含水或有断层、夹泥层时,钻进速度、推进力、转速、扭矩、打击能等数据会突变,其值变小。分析所得结果与钻孔取芯、TSP超前预报等物探手段得到的结果基本一致。并采用能量法对围岩进行分析,利用钻进比能划分相应的岩体区段,判断出围岩等级。通过对能量曲线的分析发现,在凝灰岩地层中,当钻进能量小于0.95 kJ时会出现断层或较大的节理裂隙区。