How to Conduct an Orifice Purging Procedure

If you're working on a high-pressure component while waterjet cutting, the air is introduced into the water system and there is a high possibility of failure IF THIS AIR IS NOT PURGED, essentially through the orifice itself. This applies to: 1. Opening the cutting head to change the orifice 2. Changing the On/Off valve 3. Working on the intensifier In all cases, the air is introduced into the high-pressure stream. If you do not follow the purging procedure, the air “slug” will allow the high-pressure water to RAM into the orifice at high pressure with the following modes of failure: 1. Dislodged orifice from mount 2. Cracked orifice 3. Chipped orifice This potential damage is applicable even at low pressures of 8,000 PSI to 20,000 PSI. Please visit https://wardjet.com/ for more information on waterjets or call 1-844-WARDJET if you have questions.