As demonstrated in the following video segment, air for breathing underwater is generated by an air compressor, passes down through an air line, and provides air to a diver through a regulator, similar to what is used by SCUBA divers: These attach to the same engine that powers the water pump. Most intermediate and larger-sized gold dredges come with built-in hookah-air systems.

Pieces of gold, which are very heavy, are separated from the other streambed materials and trapped, as the gravel and other material wash through the recovery system and are then washed back into the stream to fill in the hole as the dredge moves forward in the waterway. It sucks up streambed material (rocks, sand, gravel, silt, gold and other minerals), passes it up through a suction hose, and runs it across a recovery system floating at the surface.

A suction dredge is a powerful underwater-type of vacuum cleaner. In addition to standard, off-the-shelf products, both TECALEMIT and PCL develop custom solutions tailored for unique applications.Most gold mining today is done in small operations - one or two persons working at a time - often with the use of suction dredges. TECALEMIT is a specialist in dispensing technology mainly for diesel, fuel, oil, lubricants and AdBlue® that is rugged, reliable, easy to use and cost effective who are proud of their 'Made in Germany' heritage. PCL is part of the HORN GROUP of companies, joining the TECALEMIT brand offering products and services related to air, fluids and fuels. PCL’s reputation for producing accurate and reliable equipment has made it the worldwide authority in its field backed up by superior customer service. The products have been specially selected, designed and manufactured through years of experience to satisfy all your needs. PCL has been manufacturing and supplying tyre inflation and compressed air products since 1938. This ongoing success has been built on providing superior customer service with the commitment of a loyal and highly skilled workforce. PCL is recognised as the global market leader in the design and manufacture of tyre inflation, air line accessories and compressed air products for industrial, petrol forecourt and automotive markets. Experience over 80 years of innovative tyre inflation and compressed air products from Pneumatic Components Ltd (PCL).

Dredge nozzle not sucking material