Patent ID: 6575692
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: B01D,B63B,B65G

Abstract:
A method for unloading a solid substance having a high degree of water content from a cargo hold of a bulk carrier, the water content of the solid substance being such that a layer of water is formed above at least portions of the solid substance, the method comprising the steps of:a) providing a pump seated on a float that is freely moveable on the layer of water over the solid substance, the pump having a suction inlet that is projected into the water and solid substance and an outlet that is projected out of the cargo hold; b) pumping water and solid substance out of the cargo hold in a predetermined volumetric ratio; and c) feeding water into the cargo hold at a volumetric rate substantially the same as the volumetric rate of water being pumped out of the cargo.