Two section deep sump solids slurry recovery system

A sump for the deposit and removal of particulate material which is mixed with a fluid comprising:

• a. a first reservoir formed in the surface of the earth;
• b. a second reservoir formed in the surface of the earth, said first and second reservoirs having a top at the surface of the earth and extending from said surface to a predetermined depth in the earth forming a bottom, and wherein each of said reservoirs has a common wall from said surface to a location intermediate said surface and said predetermined depth wherein said common wall terminates forming an opening between said first and second reservoirs;
• c. means for depositing particulate material in said first reservoir so that said material is free to fill said first reservoir and move through said opening to said second reservoir, said material filling said second reservoir has an upper surface wherein said upper surface is inclined at an angle equal to the angle of repose of said material in said second reservoir;
• d. pump means mounted in said second reservoir under said upper surface of said material at a depth greater than said upper surface of said material but less than a depth where said pump cannot be withdrawn;
• and
• e. means for adding fluid to said sump.