Some variations provide a cut-and-capture system configured for demilitarization of an underwater munition, comprising: a docking platform that is sealably positionable onto an underwater munition; a first manipulator arm to manipulate the docking platform onto the munition; a high-pressure waterjet cutting tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed into the docking platform; a washout tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed in the docking platform, wherein the washout tool generates waste from the munition; a bladder that stores munition waste; a second manipulator arm to manipulate the cutting tool and the washout tool into the docking platform; an abrasive feed subsystem that delivers an abrasive to the cutting tool; and a system control module with electrical and hydraulic control hardware, to control the docking platform, cutting tool, abrasive feed subsystem, the washout tool. Other variations utilize a multifunctional device that contains the cutting tool, the washout tool, and other tools.
Some variations provide a cut-and-capture system configured for demilitarization of an underwater munition, comprising: a docking platform that is sealably positionable onto an underwater munition; a first manipulator arm to manipulate the docking platform onto the munition; a high-pressure waterjet cutting tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed into the docking platform; a washout tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed in the docking platform, wherein the washout tool generates waste from the munition; a bladder that stores munition waste; a second manipulator arm to manipulate the cutting tool and washout tool into the docking platform; an abrasive feed subsystem that delivers an abrasive to the cutting tool; and a system control module with electrical and hydraulic control hardware, to control the docking platform, cutting tool, abrasive feed subsystem, and washout tool. Other variations utilize a multifunctional device that contains the cutting tool, the washout tool, and other tools.
The invention provides a system for conveying an abrasive to cut an underwater object (e.g., unexploded ordnance), comprising: a cutting head comprising a high-pressure-water inlet, an abrasive inlet, a mixing chamber, and a focusing tube; a high-pressure water line configured to flow high-pressure water into the mixing chamber; an abrasive line configured to flow an abrasive into the mixing chamber; and a pressurized gas vessel connected to a sealed gas-valve chamber configured to reduce gas pressure to a conveyance pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. When the abrasive valve is open, the abrasive is conveyed from the abrasive feeder vessel into the mixing chamber, and the gas pneumatically conveys the abrasive from the abrasive feeder vessel to the mixing chamber. The focusing tube directs the high-velocity waterjet and the abrasive onto the underwater object for cutting. Methods are also described for using the disclosed system to cut an underwater object.
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 11/00 - Selection of abrasive materials for abrasive blasts
4.
Method and apparatus for rendering safe unexploded ordnance
A system for rendering safe unexploded military ordnance items found on land by use of a portable apparatus employing entrainment waterjet technology. The portable apparatus includes a tool package containing a plurality of tools designed for accessing the interior of a unexploded ordnance item. The interior of the ordnance item is accessed, and its internal contents, which it typically an energetic material, is washed-out and recovered.
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