Abstract: An apparatus for multiple injection of slurry from a plurality of mine faces into a slurry line comprises a unique method and apparatus for connecting each slurry injection point to the main slurry line by using a vortex junction apparatus. The vortex junction apparatus provides a means for passing the slurry from one junction point to the next junction point and at the same time provides a means for merging slurry from each injection point into the main slurry line. The junction apparatus also provides a source of water for each injection point, thus eliminating the need for a separate source of water. One embodiment provides for a junction where the main and branch slurry lines are at nearly the same pressure while a second embodiment provides for a junction where the branch slurry line is at a substantially lower pressure than the main slurry line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a low pressure slurry into a high pressure stream to form a high pressure slurry by injecting a high pressure fluid into a chamber. A portion of the high pressure fluid is removed at a certain location in the chamber, to form a fluid low pressure vortex. The low pressure slurry is injected into the low pressure vortex where it mixes with the high pressure fluids. The slurry, at a high pressure, is removed from a high pressure outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the solids to fluids ratio of a slurry is constructed from a chamber which has a substantially circular cross section with a high pressure slurry inlet mounted through said chamber wall with the axis of the inlet normal to a diameter of the chamber. A high pressure slurry outlet is mounted through the chamber wall with the axis normal to a chamber cross section. A low pressure outlet is mounted through the chamber wall with its axis substantially aligned with the axis of the circular cross section so that a certain portion of the fluid entering the high pressure inlet will exit the low pressure outlet. The amount is controlled by a valve inserted in the low pressure outlet. The fluid is preferably of the type which operated by reducing its diameter. Anticavitation may be provided for the chamber by passing air from the outside of the chamber into the chamber when the pressure in the chamber becomes less than the air pressure outside the chamber.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus has a chamber with a substantially circular cross section. A first inlet and outlet is formed through the chamber with an axis of the inlet and outlet normal to a diameter of the chamber. A suction inlet is formed through the axis of the chamber along the axis of the vortex formed as the fluids leave the inlet and pass to a second outlet formed substantially coaxially with the vortex. Apparatus is provided for supporting the dredging apparatus in a position so that the suction inlet can remove material desired to be dredged.

Abstract: A vibration assisted sluice is constructed with a plurality of trough sections connected end to end and supported above the earth. Each of the sections is yieldably supported so that the individual trough can vibrate to assist in moving the material in the trough. The ends joining one trough with another are vibrationally isolated so that each trough is free to move in its own vibrational mode, independent of adjacent troughs and the support system.

Abstract: Apparatus for dissipating the pressure of a confined fluid has a housing with a sidewall in a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration with a top and bottom. Inlet means is formed into the sidewall so that the axis of the inlet is tangent to a diameter of the sidewall. An outlet extends through the bottom and an opening extends through the top. High pressure fluids entering the inlet form a vortex around the sidewall and between the top and the bottom and pass out the outlet under low pressure. Air is introduced through the openings in the top to prevent cavitation within the housing. A device may be coupled to the outlet to reduce the velocity of the fluids leaving the outlet.