An electrodischarge apparatus has a nozzle that includes a discharge chamber that has an inlet for receiving water and an outlet. The apparatus has a first electrode extending into the discharge chamber that is electrically connected to one or more high-voltage capacitors. A second electrode is proximate to the first electrode to define a gap between the first and second electrodes. A switch causes the one or more capacitors to discharge across the gap between the electrodes to create a plasma bubble which expands to form a shockwave that escapes from the nozzle ahead of the plasma bubble.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for soil disturbance at the back of a shield tunnel, wherein: the apparatus is formed by a fitting I and a fitting II connected by means of three bolts that form equal angles; the fitting I is a short circular pipe; an end surface of a fitting end of the fitting I is provided with a water passage; a pipe wall of the pipe is provided with 2-8 water spouts; the fitting II is a long circular pipe whose inner and outer diameters are consistent with those of the fitting I; a fitting end of the fitting II is provided with two O-shaped water stop rings; a pipe wall of the fitting II is provided with three water inlets that form equal angles and are in communication with the water passage of the fitting I.

An electrodischarge apparatus has a nozzle that includes a discharge chamber that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet. The apparatus has a first electrode extending into the discharge chamber that is electrically connected to one or more high-voltage capacitors. A second electrode is proximate to the first electrode to define a gap between the first and second electrodes. A switch causes the one or more capacitors to discharge across the gap between the electrodes to create a plasma bubble which expands to form a shockwave that escapes from the nozzle ahead of the plasma bubble.

The present invention includes a hydro-shearing apparatus, a hydro-shearing system, and a method of mining waste coal. The hydro-shearing apparatus includes a fluid supply line adapted to permit the transporting of fluid, a nozzle adapted to emit the fluid, a pump adapted to recover at least the fluid, and a fluid discharge line adapted to permit the transporting of at least the fluid. The method may include positioning the hydro-shearing apparatus at least fifty feet away from a high wall of waste coal, manipulating the hydro-shearing apparatus to a vertical position within twenty feet of the top of the high wall of waste coal, operating the hydro-shearing apparatus such that a fluid stream contacts waste coal material, recovering the coal product with the pump of the hydro-shearing apparatus, and transporting the coal product away from the hydro-shearing apparatus.

The present invention includes a hydro-shearing apparatus, a hydro-shearing system, and a method of mining waste coal. The hydro-shearing apparatus includes a fluid supply line adapted to permit the transporting of fluid, a nozzle adapted to emit the fluid, a pump adapted to recover at least the fluid, and a fluid discharge line adapted to permit the transporting of at least the fluid. The method may include positioning the hydro-shearing apparatus at least fifty feet away from a high wall of waste coal, manipulating the hydro-shearing apparatus to a vertical position within twenty feet of the top of the high wall of waste coal, operating the hydro-shearing apparatus such that a fluid stream contacts waste coal material, recovering the coal product with the pump of the hydro-shearing apparatus, and transporting the coal product away from the hydro-shearing apparatus.

Apparatus and methods are described for excavating earthen material with millimeter-wave (MMW) radiation or a combination of MMW radiation and mechanical apparatus. The MMW radiation can reduce costs and hazards associated with excavation using mechanical means only and/or explosives. MMW-assisted excavation has significant energy advantages over optical or long-wavelength microwave excavation techniques.

Apparatus and methods are described for excavating earthen material with millimeter-wave (MMW) radiation or a combination of MMW radiation and mechanical apparatus. The MMW radiation can reduce costs and hazards associated with excavation using mechanical means only and/or explosives. MMW-assisted excavation has significant energy advantages over optical or long-wavelength microwave excavation techniques.