Slurry handling system

Abstract

An underground, improved slurry transportation system consists of a first and second vertical cavity. Both cavities have a vent means to the surface of the earth. Slurry input means from a plurality of mine faces communicates with the upper portion of the first vertical cavity and slurry output means communicates with the lower portion of the first vertical cavity. A pump connected to the slurry outlet forces the slurry from underground through a slurry handling pipe system to a preparation plant located on the surface of the earth. Water is added to the second vertical cavity by an inlet communicating with the upper portion of the cavity. Water is also provided to the first cavity, and valves are provided to add water to either the first or second cavity upon demand. A decant system is also provided between the first and second cavities to remove any excess water that may accumulate in the first cavity. A slurry level indicator is mounted vertically in the first cavity to measure the levels of slurry concentration in the cavity. A water level indicator is mounted vertically in the second cavity to measure the level of the water. An electronic apparatus from the surface of the earth determines the slurry concentration in the first cavity and the water level in the second cavity and provides apparatus for controlling these levels to a predetermined amount.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.