System for Dispensing Abrasive Particles in a Liquid Jet Apparatus

Abstract

A submersible liquid jet apparatus is provided for a system with a portable liquid jet tool that may be handled by human divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The present apparatus facilitates the portability of a liquid jet tool with a support unit supplying high pressure working liquid and pressurized hydraulic fluid. The apparatus further provides portable delivery of an abrasive suspension to enhance the effectiveness of the high pressure working liquid.

1 . A portable dispensing apparatus usable with a submersible liquid jet tool system, said dispensing apparatus comprising:
 a flexible enclosure having a sealed storage chamber and a spout contained within said sealed storage chamber;   a connecting member to connect said flexible enclosure to a particle delivery system of a liquid jet tool; and   a suspension of abrasive particles contained within said seated chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said abrasive particles includes at least one of garnet and aluminum oxide. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said suspension includes abrasive particles, a suspension agent, and a thixotropic rheology modifying agent. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said portable dispensing apparatus is adapted for containment and delivery of said suspension in a submerged environment. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said portable dispensing apparatus is adapted for containment and delivery of said suspension in a submerged environment having an external pressure of up to 5,000 psi. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member includes a flange on an exterior portion of said enclosure, said flange further configured to engage with a collar that engages with a conveyance coupling for coupling said portable dispensing apparatus to a storage vessel. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said suspension of abrasive particles includes abrasive particles having a particle size of 30-220 grit. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said suspension of abrasive particles includes a lignosulfonate. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said suspension of abrasive particles includes bentonite clay. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said thixotropic rheology modifying agent includes xanthan gum. 
     
     
         11 . A portable dispensing apparatus usable with a submersible liquid jet tool system, said dispensing apparatus comprising:
 a flexible enclosure having a sealed storage chamber and a spout sealed within said storage chamber;   said enclosure includes a flange on an exterior portion of said enclosure, wherein said flange is configured to engage with a collar adapted to engage with a conveyance coupling for coupling said portable dispensing apparatus to a storage vessel; and   a suspension of abrasive particles contained within said sealed chamber, said suspension including abrasive particles, a suspension agent, and a thixotropic rheology modifying agent.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said portable dispensing apparatus is transportable by a human. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said portable dispensing apparatus is adapted for containment and delivery of said suspension in a submerged environment. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said portable dispensing apparatus is adapted for containment and delivery of said suspension in a submerged environment having an external pressure of up to 5,000 psi. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said abrasive particles includes at least one of garnet and aluminum oxide. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said suspension of abrasive particles includes abrasive particles having a particle size of 30-220 grit. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said suspension of abrasive particles includes a lignosulfonate. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said suspension of abrasive particles includes bentonite clay. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said thixotropic rheology modifying agent includes xanthan gum. 
     
     
         20 . A method for dispensing an abrasive suspension, said method comprising:
 (a) providing a flexible enclosure having a sealed storage chamber and a spout contained within said sealed storage chamber, said storage chamber further including a suspension of abrasive particles contained within said sealed chamber;   (b) connecting said flexible enclosure to a chamber of a liquid jet tool, wherein the liquid jet tool operably creates a reduced pressure in the chamber of said jet tool such that said reduced pressure is in a range to effectively draw said suspension of abrasive particles from said flexible enclosure, through a conduit, and into said chamber.