DEVICE FOR UNDERWATER MINING Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: mining and geology; applicable in exploration, trial mining and mining of cobalt crusts. SUBSTANCE: device includes craft and connected by pipeline submersible apparatus with manipulators and actuating members. Device is distinguished by the fact that submersible apparatus is made in form of two isolated from each other sections. Each section consists of two chambers filled with reagents, one chamber is filled with granulated lithium, and the other, with water. Reagents during their reaction liberate working agent. Chambers and sections are hydraulically interconnected through shutoff members provided with drives. In this case, drive of the first section is electrically connected with pickup of hard material level position in receiving chamber, and the second drive is connected with craft control panel. Chamber with granulated lithium of the first section is pneumatically connected with disperser installed in lower end part of pipeline located in receiving chamber. Chamber with granulated lithium of the second section is pneumatically connected with ballast vessel. In addition, submersible apparatus is provided with, at least, two telescopic manipulators. Each manipulator is hinged with apparatus body and body of actuating member made in from of centrifugal pump whose working impeller carrier on its outside rigidly secured prisms from abrasive material whose size in each prism is different. Impeller is installed for axial motion along shaft connected with drive. Device body hollow is hydraulically connected with hollow of receiving chamber which is connected with water area through filter system. EFFECT: provided mining of cobalt crusts with higher efficiency of work due to reduce expenditures for round-trip operations. 2 cl, 4 dwg