Abstract
A feeder arrangement (102) for a slurry transport system (100), which is preferably a hydro hoist, includes a chamber with a high pressure water inlet (114), a low pressure water outlet (122), and a low pressure solids inlet (118) at a top end. The low pressure solids inlet (118) has a transfer chute (130) that opens into a lower section of the chamber to maintain a clear-water environment adjacent the top end. A high pressure solids and water outlet (126) is provided at a bottom end. The inlets and outlets are controlled by suitable valves. Three such chambers are preferably operated together in sequence between incoming and outgoing columns in a mine.