Phase II Amount
$1,250,645
New methods of very fast cutting of steel plates and concrete block will be proposed. Following processes will be considered: 1) Use of ultrafine metallic powders to increase the speed of propagation of the cutting flame. 2) Use of new type of solid phase oxidizers to boost the exothermic reaction. 3) Use of additives, which convert the liquid iron pool into gas. For cutting of concrete a novel method, carbochlorination, is proposed which converts concrete into gaseous products. New ?solid ? solid? cutting lance will be developed. Work on design of high purity oxygen generator will be carried out. Steps will be initiated to package the individual units in a compact portable self-supporting system. Both batch and continuous portable equipment will be considered.
Benefits: Potential benefits to current Navy operations include very fast cutting of offshore structures, platforms and undersea pipelines and repair of dock and harbor facilities. Another benefit includes economical cutting of reinforced concrete under water, underwater ship husbandry operations as well as salvage and rescue missions carried out by Navy Special Forces.
Keywords: ultra-fast cutting portable rescue operations cost savings
