UNIT FOR UNDERWATER MINING Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: mining of cobalt crusts. SUBSTANCE: unit for underwater mining includes submersible apparatus with actuating member connected with craft by means of pipeline and is distinguished by the fact that its body is made in form of sleeve preferably square in cross- section, with hollow walls. Body bottom plate is directed upward. Formed in hollow walls are members of contractions of main pulp lines, for which purpose they are separated into respective channels by vertical partitions. Actuating member is located in body cavity with possibility of reciprocation along branch pipe for supply of working agent. Actuating member has rock breaking tool made in form of plate from hard-alloy material hose working surface has radial recesses, ballast vessel located on back side of rock-breaking tool and hydraulically connected with cavity of radial recesses of rock-breaking tool and connected with cavity of branch pipe for supply of working agent, and connected via the second shutoff valve with members of contractions of main pulp line. In addition, body of submersible apparatus accommodates generator of working agent pneumatically connected with cavity of branch pipe for supply of working agent. Generator of working agent has chambers for storage of reagents and means for supply of reagents to reaction zone and distributor pneumatically connected through shutoff member with cavity of branch pipe for supply of working agent. Bottom of submersible apparatus body has permanent magnets and surface of actuating member facing said bottom is made of magnetic materials. Internal surface of body cavity has recesses located to receive splines secured to external side surface of actuating member. EFFECT: increased efficiency of mining of cobalt crusts (separation of crusts from mass and supply of slurry to craft and reduced harmful effect of processes on environment. 5 cl, 7 dwg