Method and device for removing material from the seabed

摘要

Method and device for removing material, such as sediment containing diamond or other minerals, from the seabed. A device which is movable over the seabed and can be controlled from the sea surface is proposed for this purpose. This device comprises a frame provided with movement means, and an articulated arm provided near the free end with a suction nozzle is also fitted on the frame. Various positions of the seabed can be explored by means of the arm, and the suction nozzle situated near the free end of the arm is used to take material from the seabed to the sea surface and carry out separation there. The method is realised such that the horizontal surface is explored according to a predetermined pattern, whilst the vertical position of the suction nozzle is controlled by proximity sensors. A predetermined surface is preferably explored a number of times. <IMAGE>