Underwater excavator with transporter tube - has screw within tube compressing material excavated by tube end cutters

摘要

The excavator has a transporter tube lowered from a ship into the working position. The excavating cutting head is fitted on the lower end of this tube. This excavator can store excavated material. The transporter tube contains a rotating screw (5). The lower end of this tube carries concentric cutters (2). The tube has in this area lateral openings for entry of material. The material picked-up is compressed on its way upwards by the screw. Water is pressed out and relatively compact material emerges at the top.