Method and device for continuous transporting powdered, fine-grained and coarse-grained materials

A device for continuous transporting materials in powder, fine-grained or coarse-grained state, particularly dam materials in underground mines, comprising at least one storage container containing a material to be transported, a conveyor located below said storage container and receiving the material discharged from said container, said conveyor including at least one tubular housing into which the material is discharged and having an axis;

• said housing having an inner peripheral wall;
• a gas pressure supply means connected to said housing and forming therein a pressure gas space;
• a separating member axially movable in said housing and having one side facing said pressure gas space and an opposite side facing a conveyor space containing said material;
• and a conveyor discharge pipe connected to said conveyor space, said separating member having a periphery and being formed with at least one opening connected to said conveyor discharge pipe, said separating member being peripherally spaced from said inner peripheral wall of said housing to form therebetween a through passage continually connecting said pressure gas space with said conveyor space so that a pressure gas cushion of a variable size is formed in said conveyor space in the region of said opposite side;
• said pressure gas cushion being supplied with pressure gas from said pressure gas space whereby a material-pressure gas-mixture stream is formed;
• said separating member moving said gas pressure cushion axially of said housing against the material contained in said housing, whereby said mixture is continually discharged into said opening and then into said conveyor discharge pipe unless said housing is empty.