Counter-flow ore separator
US9968948B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03B5/623
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention includes a mining system adapted to change underwater mining by selecting and harvesting only the target ore or gem. It eliminates costly displacement in mass of ore or material to the surface or shore, reduces pollution of the water column, and minimizes disturbance of the environment. The system includes a trommel fluidly coupled to separators, wherein each separator uses a vortex-like flow pattern to separate high-density sediment from lower density sediment based on flow rate. The present invention is the capable of separating and collecting various sized of desired ore in one pass. Additionally, the system is adapted to be coupled with a ROV dredge to reduce or eliminate diving time and risk of human life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.