University of Alaska Mineral Industry Research Laboratory
Abstract
Cutting of artificially frozen gravel and ice was performed under laboratory conditions at pressures ranging from 3000 to 15000 psi (20.7 to 103.5 MPa) and flow rates below 4 gpm (0.24 L/s). During the second stage of this preliminary study additional cutting and "drilling" were conducted in the permafrost tunnel at Fox, at pressures ranging from 2000 to 4400 psi (13.8 to 30.4 MPa) and flow rate up to 40 gpm (2.4 L/s). The erodability of the material (energy required to remove a unit volume of material) was calculated and used as a basis for finding the optimum conditions for frozen gravel disintegration. Recommendations for further studies are also included.Foreword -- Table of Contents -- Abstract -- 1.0 Introduction -- 1.1 Background -- 1.2 Literature -- 2.0 Laboratory studies on artificially frozen gravel and ice -- 2.1 Description of material tested -- 2.2 Sample preparation -- 2.3 Equipment used -- 2.4 Test procedures -- 2.5 Range of parameters tested -- 2.6 Test results -- 2.7 Conclusions regarding laboratory jet cutting tests -- 3.0 High pressure water jet field studies -- 3.1 Test facility description -- 3.2 Testing program -- 3.3 Test results -- 3.4 Analysis of data and observation -- 4.0 Conclusions and recommendations -- List of figures -- List of references -- List of tables
