Abstract: A hopper comprises a suction conduit and a pressure conduit each connected to a pump for discharge of the hopper contents, the suction conduit being horizontal and communicating at its free end via a control valve with water outside the hopper, a plurality of vertically extending suction pipes extending downwardly from the suction conduit and spaced above the hopper bottom, each suction pipe having a valve, and cone-shaped bottom valves below the suction pipe open ends for conducting water from outside the hopper to the suction pipes.

Abstract: A barge for receiving dredged materials and water comprising a hull defining a hold and overflow apparatus for discharging excess water from the hold; the overflow apparatus comprises a separate discharge passage having a discharge outlet below the water line of the barge, a port defining an overflow opening communicating the hull and the discharge passage at a fixed position above the predetermined level to which solids are to be collected in the hold and below the predetermined levels of water in the hold and in the discharge passage, and a control valve in the discharge outlet for regulating the water level in the discharge passage. The method of dredging comprises maintaining the water level as aforesaid to prevent aeration of overflowing water.