slurrifying and pumping dry sand

[Kivi]

What type of pump or system can be used to slurrify dry sand that is not at the bottom of a pond (as in a typical dredging operation). Is there such a thing as a pump that has some type of water jet(s) near the intake to assist in getting sands into suspension before pumping. I was hoping to simply dig a sump into the sand and then spray water to continue to feed the sump with more sand.
thanks,

 

[StephenA]

I would think that you would just add tubes to the side of the pump, but you will need a lot of water as from memory the pumps work at about 30% sand.

 

[Kivi]

Thanks,
is there a manufacturer of this type of system?

 

[StephenA]

We have used DOP and Toyo pumps, but there are many makes. try Google and dredge pumps (I got 536,000 sites). The water supply pipes need to be proberly sized for the volume required. Jets at the bottom may be required to fluidise the sand.

 

[sprintcar]

Get in touch with GIW - they have systems in the phosphate mines where dry product is slurried and pumped to the plant.

http://www.giwindustries.com

Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.