Title: Process and apparatus for maintaining a desired depth of a waterway

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Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for maintaining a waterway at a desired depth, the bottom of which is subject to accumulation of sediment such as sand. The process comprises the placement of a plurality of jet pumps on a vertically movable support together with the step of fluidizing the sediment immediately beneath the pumps so that they sink by gravity at least to the desired depth of the waterway. The process further comprises supplying injection water to the sediment covered pumps and removing the sediment-water slurry from the pump. The apparatus disclosed is a support member spanning substantially the width of the waterway with such support being mounted for vertical movement relative to the bottom of the waterway. A plurality of jet pumps is mounted on the support member so that the entire array may be lowered at least to the desired depth of the waterway. Additionally, the structure on which the array of pumps is mounted may carry a conduit to which water under pressure is directed thereby to fluidize the bottom, permitting the pumps to be lowered or raised.


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