CAPPREX.COM

The CFI method is based upon the use of high-pressure foam to initiate, pressurize and propagate controlled fracturing in rock. An injection barrel, incorporating a proprietary hole-bottom seal, is used to rapidly inject high-pressure foam into the bottom of a pre-drilled hole in the rock or concrete to be broken as indicated in the animation at right. The high viscosity of the foam (as compared to a gas) combined with its stored energy characteristics (as compared to a liquid) result in very controlled and efficient breakage. The foam pressures required to break rock are significantly less than required in explosive or propellant based methods. Consequently, airblast and flyrock are reduced to very benign levels, allowing the method to be applied in a continuous manner and to be used in urban and other sensitive environments... The hardware for the CFI fracture of rock employs conventional hydraulic rock drills to drill the requisite holes and three specialized units for foam..

Primary location: Steamboat Springs United States