Research and applications of high-voltage pulse discharge crushing

High-voltage pulse discharge (HVPD) is a green, easy-to-operate, energy-saving and efficient technique that has been applied in many engineering fields. To promote the application of the HVPD in the demolition of concrete structures, this paper introduces different types of HVPD crushing techniques and their unique features, sums up the relevant studies on HVPD techniques, and explores the HVPD applications in rock breaking, concrete crushing, oil well deblocking and foundation engineering. In addition, the author pointed out several problems in HVPD crushing techniques: the HVPD crushing devices are too large to transport, the working voltage is excessively high, and the safety and insulation are yet to be improved. All these problems restrain the promotion of the HVPD techniques. Through the analysis, it is suggested that the working voltage should be appropriately reduced, and the discharge frequency should be increased, such as to lower the production cost, enhance operability, and improve engineering application. © 2019 International Information and Engineering Technology Association. All rights reserved.