Plasma cutter for post tension plant
View Patent ↗The system includes a plasma strand cutter. The plasma strand cutter includes a plasma torch, the plasma torch including a pivot and an attachment point and an actuating device, the actuating device mounted on the plasma torch at the attachment point. The plasma strand cutter also includes a power supply, the power supply connected to the plasma torch and the actuating device. The system includes a strand puller, the strand puller paired with the plasma strand cutter and a platform, the platform positioned so as to provide a rest for or in close proximity to the strand.
1. A system for cutting a strand in a PT plant comprising:
a plasma strand cutter, the plasma strand cutter including:
a plasma torch, the plasma torch including a pivot and an attachment point, the plasma torch positionable so as to cut the strand;
an actuating device, the actuating device mounted on the plasma torch at the attachment point;
a power supply, the power supply connected to the plasma torch and the actuating device;
a platform supporting the power supply; and
a strand puller, the strand puller positioned to engage the strand and advance the strand to the platform;
wherein the platform includes a guide that guides placement of the strand and guides rotation of the plasma torch.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power supply is adapted to supply gas and electrical power to the plasma torch.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the power supply is connected to the plasma strand cutter via an umbilical.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the actuating device is a piston or linear actuator.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pivot is adapted to allow rotation of plasma torch 160 .
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plasma torch includes a torch cap.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the plasma torch cap terminates in an electrode.
8. A method of cutting a strand at a PT plant comprising:
providing a system for cutting a strand in a PT plant comprising:
a plasma strand cutter, the plasma strand cutter including:
a plasma torch, the plasma torch including a pivot and an attachment point;
an actuating device, the actuating device mounted on the plasma torch at the attachment point;
a power supply, the power supply connected to the plasma torch and the actuating device;
a platform supporting the power supply; and
a strand puller, the strand puller positioned so as to advance the strand and advance the strand to the platform; and
advancing the strand to the platform;
positioning the strand;
powering the plasma torch;
extending a plasma flame from the plasma torch;
rotating the plasma torch about the pivot; and
severing the strand using the plasma flame.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of rotating the plasma torch is performed by an actuating device.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the platform includes a guide, and wherein the guide guides rotation of the plasma torch.