How to Blow Sand Underwater
Above the water, sand can be blown into, or away from an area by directing a high velocity air flow, or a high pressure stream of water at the sand. The lightweight sand is easily displaced by the forceful stream. Underwater, however, the physics of the environment change, as does the weight of the sand. For underwater exploration of shipping wrecks, or to clear an unwanted sand buildup, moving and clearing sand requires a high velocity and high volume water stream.
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Things You'll Need
- High pressure, medium to large diameter water hose
- High pressure water pump, or water source
- Commercial water craft,
- Custom made directional steel duct work installed around the boats' propeller, like an air duct, sometimes called a "Prop Wash Mailbox"
Instructions
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Using Compressed Water Stream and Pumps, for Small Areas
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Connect a high pressure water pump, or water source to a high pressure water hose, and adjustable stream nozzle
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Lower the hose and nozzle underwater. If there is a current in the water, position the pressurized water source upstream from the sand to be removed.
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Start the pump, directing the high pressure water stream through the hose at the sand which will be removed. The operator will adjust the pressure and volume of water being directed at the target sand as the operation begins.
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Pause the process periodically, unless there is a strong current, as the sand is displaced it will cloud the water and obscure the view of the work area. The hose operator should pause periodically, and allow the sand to settle in order to evaluate the progress.
Using a Boat's Propeller and Drive System
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Position a water craft over a sand bank which needs to be displaced when working in shallow water. Anchor the craft in place.
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Lower the prop wash funnels, or "mailboxes" into place so that they are positioned around the craft's propellers and are pointed at the sandy lake bed. First invented in the 1960's by treasure hunter Mel Fisher, this method uses custom made prop wash funnels to target areas of the lake or ocean bed with a blast of water using the boat's propellers.
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Start the boat's motors and engage the propeller. Allow the prop wash to blast away the layers of sand under the water. The water which is pulled through the propellers is redirected downward at the sand bar. The forceful water stream blows the sand away, revealing any buried artifacts, and committing the displaced sand to the currents to settle elsewhere.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
