Abrasive water jet catch tank media transporting means

Abstract

An abrasive water jet catch tank assembly is provided for facilitating recovery of spent abrasives and kerf material from operation of an abrasive water jet. The catch tank assembly includes a catch tank having sides and a bottom for containing a fluid, and includes a recirculating system for recirculating fluid in the catch tank. The catch tank also includes connections for a filtration system for removing spent abrasive and kerf material from the fluid. The catch tank includes removable wear plates which dissipate residual energy from the abrasive water jet by sacrificially wearing thereby reducing damage to the tank. The wear plates are spaced above the bottom of the tank and divide the tank into an upper compartment which receives the abrasive water jet and a lower compartment which is continuously flushed to remove spent abrasives and kerf material from the tank. The recirculating system is designed to prevent a build up of spent abrasives, kerf material, or other waste in the catch tank, and includes a general flow of water from the upper area to the lower area and also a brisk dispersed flow of water across the lower area. Fluid is withdrawn from the lower compartment into drain pipes which lead to the filtration system. In the preferred embodiment, the tank is portable and includes fork truck lift channels and quick disconnects which facilitate moving. The tank also includes leveling feet and vibration isolation foot pads for reducing transmission of vibration to the machine which generates the abrasive water jet.