OCEAN MINING OPERATIONS

The ever increasing size of bulk carriers of deeper draft requires dredging at ever increasing depths and distances from the coast. This article compares various methods of dredging, especially bucket dredging and suction dredging. In deep areas suction dredging is usually the preferred method. It is shown how a centrifugal pump system has about twice the economy of a venturi system. The article then discusses the application of dredging plants to offshore mining, considering the area to be mined and the type of mineral to be removed. An overlaying horizontal layer of granular material, it is concluded, can best be removed using a trailing hopper dredger. To penetrate the bottom to greater depths suction dredgers provide the best method. A cuttersuction unit is best for gradual excavation over a certain height and width.

• Corporate Authors:

  World Trade Publications Company

  213 Alpine Road
  Austin, TX  United States  78704
• Authors:
  • Pastoors, WCB
• Publication Date: 1972-3

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 23-29
• Serial:
  • World Dredging and Marine Construction
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: World Trade Publications Company

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Centrifugal pumps; Dredging; Suction pumps
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00034771
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 29 1972 12:00AM