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Client
UK Ministry
Of Defence
Product
Five, portable, abrasive waterjet cutting systems have been delivered
to the MOD for use in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
These systems, after
extensive field trials in their use and application, will be deployed
in various field squadrons to assist in the safe disposal of live ordnance.
They will be the first fully portable abrasive waterjet cutting tools
to be issued to the British military
for field use in EOD.
Problem
The methods of dealing with unexploded ordnance have remained virtually
unchanged since the second World War with only techniques being refined.
Disposal by traditional methods still involves direct cutting, at close
quarters, with tools which inevitably cause vibration. The risks are high.
Over the past decade
there has been a drive to find safe alternative solutions to the disposal
of uncleared munitions, expired stocks and unexploded ordnance from previous
conflicts throughout the world. The introduction of the abrasive waterjet-based
system represents a significant step forward in technology.
Approach
Originally based on
Osprey, the systems were supplied by DIAJET Limited in close co-operation
with a supplier of precision manipulation systems. Osprey's universal
cutting head manipulator is easily portable and has full remote operation
capability. This remote control facility enables a 'single approach' to
be made to the ordnance to achieve core access.
High pressure abrasive
slurry is generated for the cutting head by a DIAJET Osprey slurry delivery
system, portable in two units by a team of four people.
Experience with this
first prototype contract then enabled DIAJET, together with the MoD and
ABP to develop the specialist ACE product now available for military ordnance
decommissioning. A contract for 35 systems was then placed.
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Benefits
Major
advantages arise from the use of the system:
- Remote control
brings reduced risk to personnel from Single Approach capability
The operator approaches the target only once to achieve a cutting
head set-up which will provide a large enough opening in the skin
of the ordnance to gain internal access.
- Minimal vibration
Because
DIAJET systems cut by erosion, rather than by shear force, the vibration
of the ordnance caused is far lower than by conventional systems
- Flexibility
of access to the target and the capability to set up the cutting head
without having to power up the system
Each axis of the cutting head manipulator can be moved, adjusted and
set by hand, without having to power-up the manipulator system. This
enables the correct cutting path to be achieved prior to hydraulic
power or abrasive system pressure being initialised.
- Cold cutting
and the ability to cut any material
DIAJET produces a two phase cutting beam, water and abrasive with
no entrained air which, delivered through a single hose under full
pressure, provides the most effective cutting beam with the best cooling
capability.
- Minimal washout
and ground contamination
Because the DIAJET cutting beam is so effective, it cuts with a narrow
kerf using minimal water. Cutting is fast and access can be achieved
in a short time, minimising washout of explosive materials and consequent
ground contamination.
For more details,
or to discuss your case, please contact
us.
DIAJET, ACE and
Osprey are Registered Trade Marks of BHR Group Limited.
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