RRS Page 3

With cycle time and cut reliability goals achieved, miniaturization of the individual tool components and encapsulation of the high pressure cutting process began. At operational pressures exceeding 55,000 psi, the cutting stream, referred to as a ( UHP), or ultra high-pressure stream, travels at speeds above mach II. Special materials and devices to shroud and catch the cutting stream were developed and tested. Below illustrates a containment failure during an early test in which the cutting stream pierced the containment barrier of the catcher and exited through the rear of the device into a 36” water tank. Catcher devices can currently endure 24 hours of continuous operation without failure. Consumable barriers can be replaced every shift for safety.

A reliable, fully-contained vacuum encapsulated cutting and removal process, complete with functional tooling, had emerged. Small adjustable magnetic bases allow the cutting head and catch unit to be secured at various points on a steel riveted structure. Currently access is limited only by the ability to further reduce the size of the cutting head and catch units. A 1-½ inch clearance around each rivet head extending to any opposing object is now required for mounting the tool.