Hydrodynamics of flushing fluids in diamond wire sawing of hard rock: theoretical treatment

Abstract

In diamond wire sawing of hard rock such as granite and orthogneiss, the flushing fluid plays a key role insofar as it governs the removal of the cuttings generated. The development of diamond wire sawing technology has been characterised by a high degree of empiricism and flushing fluid flowrates continue to be determined by operator trial and error. Prediction of the order of magnitude of flowrates may prove very useful; for example, when rock resistance to the cutting forces of the diamond, tools varies owing to natural factors or to the use of stone softening agents. The present paper describes an attempt to analytically predict flushing fluid flowrate for a diamond wire block cutter. The results are compared with data collected for a commercial block cutter fine tuned for optimum performance.