Apparatus for transporting fragments of ore or the like from a lower to

Abstract

Apparatus for transporting solid particles from an underground excavation to a level above the ground has a liquid-containing underground vessel which receives solid particles from a conveyor or from lorries and whose lower portion communicates with the receiving ends of two U-shaped pipes having discharge ends connected to a riser. One receiving end is connected with a high-pressure pump for clear liquid when the other receiving end receives a mixture of solid particles and liquid from the vessel, and vice versa. Simultaneously, the discharge end of the pipe which receives clear liquid communicates with the riser to admit the (previously received) mixture of solid particles and liquid while the other discharge end communicates with the intake of a suction pump which delivers clear liquid to the vessel. The valves which control the admission of mixture or pressurized liquid into the pipes and the valves which control the admission of mixture into the riser and the flow of clear liquid from the pipes are rinsed with water or are automatically held out of contact with solid particles to reduce wear upon their parts. The pumps convey clear liquid so that the wear upon their parts is also negligible. A booster, whose operation is analogous to that of the transporting apparatus, is installed in the riser so that the latter can convey the mixture through a great distance, e.g., onto a conveyor located at or above the ground and serving to intercept particles.