METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE RECOVERY OF SEDIMENTS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA BY A SUSPENDED SUCTION PIPE

摘要

According to the present specification a method for the recovery of ocean sediments is disclosed as well as a device to be used in the recovery of sediments. The method includes freely suspending a suction pipe which has a suction head at one end which is slowly lowered into the sediment. Loosening means attached to the suction head is activated to dislodge the sediment and allow the removal thereof. The loosening means is activated by the movement of the suction pipe. The device for carrying out the method includes a floating body from which the suction pipe is flexibly suspended with the lower end of the suction pipe having a suction head and loosening means. The loosening means are fixedly secured at the lower end of the pipe and the device further includes means to maintain the suction pipe in continuous motion. This method mitigates vibration problems encountered in many prior art structures.