Devices for recovering polymetal compounds discharged from a submarine hydrothermal source

摘要

Devices for recovering polymetal compounds discharged from a submarine hydrothermal source comprise a bell-shaped collector member provided with a flexible skirt and placed just above the hydrothermal source to cover it substantially tightly. The device includes means connected to said collector for withdrawing hydrothermal fluid from the source and means are provided for concentrating the polymetal compounds thereof by settling or by centrifugation with a pipe for raising the so-concentrated flow to a surface installation associated with a bottom turbine energized by power derived from the hydrothermal fluid energy.