Water-cutting
Water-cutting is the process of mixing high-pressure water with an abrasive material to form a powerful jet, capable of cutting steel and concrete at significant depth. The water jet reaches speeds of 500 to 600m/s, carrying with it the abrasive powder which cuts the materia.
Inside the cutting tool, the velocity of water causes a suction which draws the dry abrasive, which is metered by a container. Since there is virtually generation of heat or sparks, this process is also known as “cold-cutting”, and is commonly used in dangerous areas such as oil refineries and offshore platforms.
Advantages of waterjetting:
- High precision of the cut, without heat-affected area
- Leaves a surface finish similar to machining
- Edges can be chamfered for preparation to welding
- It can be used in dangerous areas with explosive atmospheres
- It can be used for the neutralization of pyrotechnic and explosive devices
- The operator can remain distant from the process
- Eco-friendly, it doesn’t cause fumes or dust
- The pump unit is versatile and can be used for other cleaning and cutting operations