Deep sea mining vehicle

Abstract

A deep-sea mining vehicle is described for harvesting mineral deposits at the seabed at great depths and optionally transporting the deposits to a floating installation. The vehicle comprises a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward over the seabed, with a storage for the harvested mineral deposits, and further with a suction head having an open suction side oriented towards the seabed along which the mineral deposits are harvested. The harvesting of the mineral deposits and their transport to an outlet connected to a suction duct leading to the storage are supported by a gap-like feed opening for water connected to an inlet of the suction head and a pressure chamber for carrying water at a high exit velocity along an inner wall portion connecting the feed opening and the outlet via the feed opening towards the outlet. The wall portion is curved such that the distance to the open suction side of the deep-sea mining vehicle decreases from the inlet and then increases again towards the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle for collecting mineral sediments from the seabed at great depths and transporting the sediments to a floating device or other surface storage unit. The invention also relates to a method for collecting mineral sediments at great depths using a deep-sea mining vehicle, and to a suction head for use in the deep-sea mining vehicle. The mineral sediments may include polymetallic nodules, such as manganese nodules. Background Technology

[0002] Given the world's growing population and increasingly scarce natural resources, the demand for breakthrough technologies in deep-sea mining is growing. Polymetallic nodules, found on the bottom of some oceans, contain basic raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Once extracted, the metals present in polymetallic nodules can be used, for example, in stainless steel, batteries, wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, and other useful applications.

[0003] In deep-sea mining, the seabed can be 4,000 to 6,000 meters or even more below the surface. Therefore, deep-sea mining equipment must be able to withstand high pressure and other difficult conditions that are common at such depths near the seabed.

[0004] Deep-sea mining vehicles are typically lowered from the deep-sea mining vessel to the seabed. A launching device specifically designed for this purpose can be used, and this device can be adjusted according to the design of the deep-sea mining vehicle if necessary. A riser or riser string positioned between the deep-sea mining vehicle and the deep-sea mining vessel further ensures the transport of mineral sediments collected by the deep-sea mining vehicle from the seabed to a storage section located above the waterline. For this purpose, the deep-sea mining vessel is equipped with appropriate pumping equipment. If necessary, pumps can also be integrated into the riser string at a defined water depth. A flexible connection between the riser string and the deep-sea mining vehicle ensures that the vehicle can move relatively freely on the seabed.

[0005] KR101348112B1, KR101391634B1, and KR101348111B1 illustrate a deep-sea mining vehicle equipped with a suction head oriented towards an open suction side facing the seabed, along which mineral sediments are collected. The collection of mineral sediments and their transport to an outlet are supported by a feed opening for water. The feed opening is connected to the inlet of the suction head. Water is directed to the outlet via the open suction side.

[0006] CN109026008A, US4,503,629A and US4,042,279A disclose other mining vehicles.

[0007] Obviously, given the difficult conditions on site, it is necessary to collect polymetallic nodules as efficiently as possible and then transport the collected polymetallic nodules to a floating device above the water surface. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is particularly intended to provide a deep-sea mining vehicle that can extract mineral deposits at great depths with greater efficiency than existing technologies.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention includes a deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1. The deep-sea mining vehicle for collecting mineral sediments from the seabed at great depths and optionally transporting the mineral sediments to a floating device includes a support frame provided with means for forward movement of the vehicle on the seabed and at least a temporary storage section for the collected mineral sediments, and further includes a suction head having an open suction side oriented toward the seabed, along which the mineral sediments are collected. The collection of the mineral sediments and their transport to an outlet are supported by an intermittent feed opening for water and a pressure chamber, the outlet being connected to a suction pipe leading to the storage section, the intermittent feed opening being connected to the inlet of the suction head, and the pressure chamber for conveying the water at a high outflow velocity along an inner wall portion connecting the feed opening and the outlet via the feed opening toward the outlet. The wall portion is curved such that the distance to the open suction side of the deep-sea mining vehicle decreases from the inlet and then increases again toward the outlet.

[0010] In particular, the curvature of the wall portion, combined with the intermittent feed opening and its exit angle, more effectively collects mineral sediments, such as manganese nodules, from the seabed. The exit angle of the intermittent feed opening relative to the horizontal plane is preferably between 0° and 45°, and more preferably between 20° and 40°.

[0011] One embodiment of the invention relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle in which an intermittent feed opening extends in a direction parallel to the width direction of the suction head. The intermittent feed opening provides a more uniform and continuous flow profile at the open suction side and further promotes better adhesion of the flow to the inner wall portion. This reduces flow losses. The intermittent feed opening ensures that the desired flow profile is reached more quickly.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, a deep-sea mining vehicle is provided in which the cross-section of the intermittent feed opening is variable. The variable intermittent feed opening can achieve a higher exit velocity, which may enable more efficient pumping of mineral deposits.

[0013] Another embodiment is obtained by a deep-sea mining vehicle, wherein the intermittent feed openings are highly variable. Accordingly, the suction action of the deep-sea mining vehicle can be adjusted according to the (expected) characteristics of the mineral sediments.

[0014] Another embodiment relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the inlet has a teardrop-shaped cross-section, with the teardrop opening in a gap-like feed opening. These measures allow for hydrodynamically optimized flow in the direction of the feed opening, thereby further improving efficiency.

[0015] Another embodiment relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle in which an intermittent feed opening has an upper wall that extends continuously into a wall portion. Thus, the upper wall of the intermittent feed opening and the wall portion can optionally be formed from the same plate. The extended upper wall of this embodiment provides improved water flow adhesion to the upper wall of the wall portion. This produces less turbulence, resulting in a more uniform and continuous flow across the width of the suction head.

[0016] In a further improved embodiment, a deep-sea mining vehicle is provided, wherein the wall portion has a convex curvature starting from the inlet, including a linear intermediate portion and a wall portion with a concave curvature connected to the outlet. In this embodiment, the convex-straight-concave shape of the upper wall provides an optimized flow profile, transferring kinetic energy to the collected mineral deposits as efficiently as possible on the one hand, and discharging the mineral deposits to the outlet connected to a suction pipe leading to a storage section as efficiently as possible on the other. The linear intermediate portion may have a length of 0 m to 3 m, more preferably 0.1 m to 2.5 m. If desired, the wall portion with the convex shape may be located between the linear intermediate portion and the wall portion with the concave curvature connected to the outlet.

[0017] Another embodiment provides a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the height of the linear intermediate portion relative to the plane of the open suction side is between 0 and 200 mm, more preferably between 20 and 110 mm. The plane of the open suction side may be defined by the lower edge of a vertically extending reinforcing plate. These lower edges may contact the seabed, but during operation, they are generally maintained at a relatively small distance above the seabed.

[0018] In principle, the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe and the horizontal plane can be selected within certain limits. Further optimized deep-sea mining vehicles are characterized by an angle between the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe and the horizontal plane that is between 30° and 80°, more preferably between 40° and 50°. The selection of the suction pipe angle involves a trade-off between the reaction force of gravity on mineral deposits (preferably the smallest possible angle relative to the horizontal plane) and the general structure and hydrodynamic characteristics of the vehicle; the more compact the vehicle, the larger the angle that can be chosen.

[0019] According to another embodiment, a deep-sea mining vehicle is characterized in that the suction head includes a second intermittent feed opening located at the outlet and a second pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber being used to transport water at a higher outflow velocity through the second feed opening toward a suction pipe that can be connected to the outlet. This improves the transport of collected mineral sediments to the suction pipe. The second intermittent feed opening helps improve the transport to the suction pipe. Due to gravity, mineral sediments tend to remain primarily on the lower side of the suction pipe. To help prevent mineral sediments from "rolling back," a second water flow is maintained.

[0020] In one embodiment of a deep-sea mining vehicle, a second pressure chamber is adjacent to the open suction side, and fingers are disposed on the underside of the second pressure chamber to guide the collected mineral sediments. The fingers are positioned relative to the open suction side present on the bottom surface of the suction head, such that the underside of the fingers rests above the seabed during use. In other words, the fingers are positioned high enough to prevent them from scraping against the seabed. The underside of the fingers rests above the linear intermediate portion, thereby ensuring that the linear intermediate portion contacts the seabed before the underside of the fingers does so.

[0021] Another embodiment provides a deep-sea mining vehicle in which a suction head has a width, and at least one of a wall portion, a feed opening, a pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber, and an outlet extends along the width of the suction head. In this embodiment, the active portion of the suction head extending as widely as possible can optimize the area of ​​the seabed surface covered by the vehicle each time it passes, thereby optimizing and further increasing production.

[0022] Advantageously, in a deep-sea mining vehicle according to one embodiment, the wall portion, feed opening, pressure chamber, second pressure chamber, and outlet all extend along the width of the suction head.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the production capacity of a deep-sea mining vehicle can be improved when it includes several suction heads arranged in parallel with each other. These suction heads can here form a connected unit that can be operated collectively. Preferably, individual operation of the suction heads can also be achieved. Therefore, the movement of each suction head can be adapted to changes in the seabed, which may manifest as, for example, differences in local height and / or the presence of obstacles of different sizes.

[0024] Advantageously, according to one embodiment of the deep-sea mining vehicle, the suction pipes of the suction heads arranged in parallel to each other open into one or more storage sections (preferably at least temporary storage sections). Multiple storage sections can indeed be provided due to structural engineering reasons.

[0025] Another embodiment provides a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the suction head or multiple suction heads are adjustable in height relative to the seabed, preferably independently of each other in the case of multiple suction heads. This allows the suction head to operate within its optimal operating range (height above the seabed), independent of local bottom characteristics (e.g., that would cause the vehicle to sink). In other words, the height is adjustable relative to the support frame. During deep-sea mining operations, the suction head preferably does not touch the seabed and is preferably maintained at an optimal height above the seabed. In one embodiment, height adjustment is performed by a linear guide device arranged on the suction pipe and extending along the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe. Actuation can be performed by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a suction head for a deep-sea mining vehicle according to the invention. The suction head is provided with an open suction side oriented toward the seabed, along which mineral sediments are collected. The collection of the mineral sediments and their transport to an outlet are supported by an intermittent feed opening for water and a pressure chamber. The outlet is connected to a suction pipe leading to the storage section. The intermittent feed opening is connected to the inlet of the suction head. The pressure chamber is used to transport the water at a high outflow velocity along an inner wall portion connecting the feed opening and the outlet, via the feed opening toward the outlet. The wall portion is curved such that the distance to the open suction side of the deep-sea mining vehicle decreases from the inlet and then increases again toward the outlet.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for collecting mineral sediments from a seabed at great depths and optionally transporting the mineral sediments to a floating device. The method includes providing a deep-sea mining vehicle according to the invention, connecting the deep-sea mining vehicle to a suspension cable disposed between the floating device and the deep-sea mining vehicle, lowering the deep-sea mining vehicle toward the seabed, and moving the deep-sea mining vehicle above or forward on the seabed to collect the mineral sediments.

[0028] In another embodiment, the deep-sea mining vehicle is towed toward the floating device after collecting mineral sediments.

[0029] The embodiments of the invention described in this patent application can be combined in any possible combination of these embodiments. Each embodiment may independently constitute the subject matter of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be further illustrated based on the following figures and the description of preferred embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these figures and embodiments. In the figures:

[0031] Figure 1It is a schematic side view of the floating vessel and the riser connected thereto, the bottom surface of which is connected to a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic front perspective view of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic front perspective view of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 4 A schematic rear perspective view of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic bottom perspective view of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic top view of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view along line B-B' of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 It is based on Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view along line A-A' of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Reference Figure 1 This image shows a portion of a typical setup for deep-sea mining of mineral deposits such as polymetallic nodules. The setup typically includes a conveying system in the form of a tubular riser 2 (which can be several kilometers long and is connected to a floating vessel 1), to which mining equipment, such as a deep-sea mining vehicle 3, is attached. A flexible connecting hose assembly 4 can be arranged between the lower end 7 of the riser 2 and the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, which is adapted to move along the deep-sea bottom 5 and collect mineral deposits from it.

[0041] The connecting assembly 4 includes a flexible subsea hose 40 adapted to transport mineral nodules collected by the vehicle 3 to the rigid riser 2. The hose 40 may be equipped with a floating block 41, which compensates for the component's own weight and generates an upward force within a portion of the hose, creating an S-shape. The flexible connecting assembly 4 allows the mining vehicle 3 to move freely across the seabed 5 with defined degrees of freedom, ensuring the vehicle is unaffected by the movement of the riser 2. For supporting and lifting the vehicle 3, a steel lifting cable (not shown) can be installed between the vessel 1 and the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. A power cable or umbilical cable (not shown) is also installed between the vessel 1 and the deep-sea mining vehicle 3.

[0042] If desired, the transport system in the form of an extremely long tubular riser 2 may also include multiple pump modules 10 arranged longitudinally. The pump modules 10 are adapted to pump mineral sediments (nodules) upwards from the seabed 5 in an upward direction 6 toward the sea surface, away from the seabed 5. A pumping station (not shown) may also be located at the lower side of the riser 2.

[0043] Figure 2 A deep-sea mining vehicle 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The deep-sea mining vehicle 3 typically includes a support frame 300, which is provided with means 301 for enabling the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 to move (e.g., on the seabed). Such means may take the form of tracks 301, wheels or other means of movement.

[0044] To enable the collection of mineral sediments, the support frame 300 is typically equipped with a nodule collection head 8, a storage tank 32, and an outlet 33. The mixture of water and mineral sediments, etc., collected by the nodule collection head 8 is transported from the seabed to or into the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. In the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, particularly in the separation space 31, the mixture is divided into at least two parts, for example, by arranging a filter 311 at the inlet of the outlet 33. The mineral nodules are thus separated from most of the water and some finer particles in the mixture. The water and finer particles in the mixture are ejected through the outlet 33 at a rear position of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, returning to the surrounding area. The cross-section of the outlet 33 increases towards the outer end to reduce the exit velocity of the mixture at the rear of the deep-sea mining vehicle.

[0045] Mineral nodules are trapped in storage container 32, which serves as either a storage unit or a temporary storage unit. This is formed in deep-sea mining vehicle 3. Figure 1When part of the deep-sea mining equipment shown, mineral nodules may optionally be pumped to hose 40 via this temporary storage unit 32, and optionally via the central discharge pipe of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. In another embodiment, the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 may be provided with a nodule bin (not shown) for collecting mineral nodules. Obviously, if needed, the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 may include multiple storage containers 32 as (temporary) storage units.

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic front perspective view of a deep-sea mining vehicle 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. From this view, it can be seen again that the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 includes a support frame 300 and tracks 301. This view particularly shows that the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 may include, in addition to one, a plurality of nodule collection heads 8 arranged parallel to each other. The total width of the collection heads 8 can be freely chosen here, and in some cases can reach, for example, 4 to 20 m, more preferably 10 to 16 m.

[0047] When in use, these nodule collecting heads 8 jet water at high speed onto the seabed in order to mix the mineral sediments located there with the supplied and surrounding water.

[0048] These nodule collection heads 8 typically consist of pumps 81 that supply water to suction heads 80 at high ejection velocities via one or more supply pipes. Pumps 81 can also be shared between two or more nodule collection heads, where pumps 81 supply water to both heads. Water is ejected at high speed from suction heads 80 onto the seabed, causing any mineral sediments that may be located there to mix with the supplied and surrounding water. This water-seabed mixture is collected via the nodule collection heads into the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, and then, as described above... Figure 2 The mixture is processed according to the description. It is received from head 80 through suction pipe 84 in nodule collection head 8.

[0049] One or more tuberculosis collection heads 8 can be controlled based on measurements of the surrounding area taken by measuring equipment mounted on the measuring equipment frame 83.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5Schematic front and rear perspective views of a suction head 80, which is part of a nodule collection head 8 of a deep-sea mining vehicle 3 according to an embodiment of the invention, are shown respectively. From this viewpoint, it can be seen again that the nodule collection head 8 consists of a suction head 80 and a suction pipe 84, etc. Specifically, it can be seen from this viewpoint that the suction head 80 is partially located within the suction pipe 84, wherein these components are interconnected by means of a height adjustment actuator 851 and a guide device 852. The outer periphery of an outlet 813 corresponds to the opening of the suction pipe 84, which is specifically at least partially arranged within the suction pipe 84. The height adjustment actuator 851 makes the suction head 80 and the suction pipe 84 adjustable relative to each other. This is achieved by moving the outlet 813 of the suction pipe 84 in or out. The guide device 852 is arranged to further support this linear movement. When the suction pipe 84 is mounted on the support frame 300, the height adjustment actuator 851 can also displace the suction head 80 relative to the support frame 300, and thus relative to the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. The suction head 80 can be displaced specifically along the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe 84.

[0051] From this perspective, it can also be seen that the suction head 80 further comprises one or more inlets 801, a pressure chamber 802, an open suction side 803, an outlet 813, and an optional active suction space 804. Water supplied from the supply pipe 82, already under pressure, is collected in the pressure chamber 802 via one or more inlets 801. The supplied water is ejected at high speed from the pressure chamber 802 into the open suction side 803, particularly in the direction of the outlet.

[0052] When the nodule collection head 8, which forms part of the suction head 80, is mounted on the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, the open suction side 803 is oriented toward the bottom (e.g., the seabed) where the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 is resting in the operating environment. In the collection head 8 mounted in this way, the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe 84 preferably forms an angle of 30 to 60 degrees with the horizontal plane, more preferably an angle of 40 to 50 degrees.

[0053] A flow of water from pressure chamber 802 to suction pipe 84 is achieved by directing the water flow towards or paralleling the seabed, thereby drawing a mixture of water and mineral sediments into suction pipe 84. This flow of the mixture toward and into suction pipe 84 can be enhanced in active suction space 804, for example, by jetting water at high speed into suction pipe 84 in the suction direction. Water is supplied to active suction space 804 under high pressure via secondary inlet 805. Secondary inlet 805 ensures a relatively low-velocity zone in the suction pipe, resulting in minimal gravitational drop of the drawn-in mixture in outlet 813 and suction pipe 84. For this purpose, a pump (e.g., pump 81) can further pressurize the water, which is then supplied to secondary inlet 805 via a supply pipe similar to supply pipe 82. In this way, both mineral sediments located on the seabed and those partially buried in the seabed can be pumped up.

[0054] Figure 6 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic bottom-view perspective of the suction head 80 of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. This view further shows that the suction head 80 consists of an inlet 801, a pressure chamber 802, and an open suction side 803.

[0055] From this perspective, it can be particularly seen that the connection between the pressure chamber 802 and the open suction side 803 is formed by a gap-shaped feed opening 806, thereby enabling high-speed injection of water into the open suction side 803. To further improve flow, the cross-section of the pressure chamber 802 is preferably teardrop-shaped, with the water droplets opening in the gap-shaped feed opening 806. Because the cross-section of the feed opening 806 is significantly smaller than that of the inlet 801, water is injected into the open suction side 803 through the feed opening 806 at an increased velocity and is sprayed toward the suction pipe 84. Since the gap-shaped feed opening 806 is arranged parallel to and covers the entire or almost entire width of the suction head 80, water flow is further provided across the entire or almost entire width of the open suction side 803.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the intermittent feed opening 806 is variable. The height of the intermittent feed opening 806 is preferably variable.

[0057] Water carried from the intermittent feed opening 806 through the open suction side 803 flows along an inner wall portion 811 that connects the feed opening 806 and the suction pipe 84. This wall portion is curved such that the distance to the open suction side 803 decreases from the inlet and then increases again in the outlet direction. The feed opening 806 preferably has an upper wall that extends continuously into the wall portion 811.

[0058] From this perspective, it is also clearer how the secondary inlet 805 supplies water to the active suction space 804, as the secondary inlet 805 opens into the secondary pressure chamber 810. The pressure chamber 810 is connected to the feed opening 814. The outflow direction P6 of the feed opening 814 is preferably on the same longitudinal axis as the suction pipe 84. The outlet 813 of the suction head 80 is also shown here, and this outlet is not partially connected to the suction pipe 84. The outlet 813 of the suction head 80 is arranged relative to the other elements of the suction head 80 to coincide with the effective active suction space 804, thereby elongating it.

[0059] To enhance the suction head 80, a connecting beam 809 is provided, which connects the pressure chamber 802 to the portion of the suction head 80 further toward the suction pipe 84.

[0060] To ensure a more uniform and guided flow of surrounding water toward the open suction side 803, several inlet guide fins 807 are provided. Several installable (removable) fingers 808 are arranged so that they do not dig up sediment. The primary purpose of the fingers 808 is to prevent sucked-up mineral deposits (such as manganese nodules) from penetrating and ultimately falling into the outlet 813 and suction pipe 84. Nodules located under the suction head, already activated by the water jet (and thus already having some pumping energy), are preferably conveyed to and into the outlet 813 and suction pipe 84.

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic top view of a suction head 80 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. This view again shows that the inlet 801 connects to the pressure chamber 802, and that the suction head 80 is provided with one or more connecting plates 809 forming the sidewalls of the suction head 80 to reinforce it. This view further shows that the suction head 80 is reinforced by a central plate 812 that connects the inner wall portion 811 to the outlet 813 of the suction head 80. The mounting portion of the guide device 852 is also shown. The plane of the open suction side 803 may be defined by the vertically extending reinforcing or connecting plates 809 and the lower edge of the central plate 812. These lower edges may contact the underwater bottom, but will generally remain at a relatively small distance above the underwater bottom during operation.

[0062] The reinforcing elements are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the suction head 80, making them suitable for preventing deformation of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, which has a nodule collection head 8 generally mounted at the front, when it collides with its surrounding environment.

[0063] Relative to the width of the suction head 80, at least one of the wall portion 811, the feed opening 806, the pressure chamber 802, the second pressure chamber 810, and the outlet 813 preferably extends over the width of the suction head 80, more preferably over the entire width.

[0064] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows that according to Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the suction head of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, along the corresponding lines B-B' and A-A'.

[0065] This cross-section specifically illustrates that the elements of the suction head 80 collectively define a flow path (P) with a defined flow direction. 1-7 The inlet opens in the pressure chamber (P1). A gap-shaped feed opening forms a connection between the pressure chamber and the open suction side (P2). The open suction side is further connected to the outlet (P4) via an optional active suction space (P3). P5 further defines the water inflow from the surrounding area along the guide fins 807, P6 defines the secondary water inflow from the secondary gap-shaped opening 814, and P7 defines the water flow (inflow) from the rear side around the outer wall of the pressure chamber 810 towards the effective active suction space 804 via the fingers 808.

[0066] Various flow paths can be combined as follows: P1 = P2, P2 + P5 + P7 = P3, and P3 + P6 = P4. To minimize hydrodynamic resistance to flow path P7, pressure chamber 810 is preferably positioned sufficiently high relative to the seabed. It can be further seen that the inner wall portion 811 includes several identifiable segments that collectively define the form of the flow path from the intermittent feed opening (P2) to the outlet (P4). The first wall segment segment 811A is curved, such that the distance to the open suction side 803 decreases in the flow direction. The first wall segment segment 811A preferably has a convex curvature relative to the flow path. The inner wall portion 811 may optionally include a linear intermediate portion 811C, wherein the distance to the open suction side 803 remains constant. The height of the linear intermediate portion 811C relative to the plane of the open suction side 803 is preferably between 20 and 200 mm, more preferably between 50 and 110 mm, and even more preferably between 75 and 95 mm. The inner wall portion 811 also includes a second wall portion segment 811B, which is curved such that the distance to the open suction side 803 increases in the flow direction. A third wall portion segment 811D defines a portion of the wall portion 811 that has a concave curvature relative to the flow path and is connected to the outlet 813.

[0067] These cross-sections specifically illustrate how the connection between the secondary pressure chamber 810 and the active suction space 804, formed by a second intermittent feed opening 814, enables the high-speed injection of water into the optional active suction space 804. Since the water is injected in the flow directions (P3 and P4), the mixture already drawn in and located in the outlet 813 is discharged towards the rest of the deep-sea mining vehicle in an accelerated manner. The forward speed of the deep-sea mining vehicle can increase the suction speed, particularly because it is supported by the water inflow P5 from the surrounding area along the guide fins 807.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also includes modifications thereof, as long as such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Deep-sea mining vehicle for harvesting mineral deposits at the seabed at great depths, wherein the vehicle comprises a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward over the seabed, provided with at least a temporary storage for the mineral deposits to be harvested, and further provided with a suction head having a width, the suction head having an open suction side oriented towards the seabed along which the mineral deposits are harvested, wherein the harvesting of the mineral deposits and their transport to an outlet connected to a suction duct leading to the storage are supported by a feed opening for water connected to an inlet of the suction head and a pressure chamber for carrying the water at a high exit velocity along an inner wall portion connecting the feed opening and the outlet to each other via the feed opening towards the outlet, the inner wall portion being curved such that the distance to the open suction side decreases from the inlet and then increases again towards the outlet, wherein the inner wall portion has a convex curvature from the inlet decreasing the distance to the open suction side, further comprising a linear intermediate portion and a portion having a concave curvature increasing the distance to the open suction side and connected to the outlet, the feed opening comprising a gap-like feed opening extending over the entire width of the suction head in a direction parallel to the width direction of the suction head and having an upper wall continuously extending into the inner wall portion.

2. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the gap-like feed opening is variable.

3. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the height of the gap-like feed opening is variable.

4. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the open suction side defines a plane, wherein the angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the suction duct and the plane is between 30° and 60°.

5. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the suction duct and the plane is between 40° and 50°.

6. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the open suction side defines a plane, and wherein the angle formed by the outflow direction of the feed opening and the plane is between 0° and 45°.

7. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the angle formed by the outflow direction of the feed opening and the plane is between 20° and 30°.

8. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suction head comprises a second gap-like feed opening at the location of the outlet and a second pressure chamber for carrying the water at a high exit velocity via the second gap-like feed opening towards the suction duct connectable to the outlet.

9. Deep sea mining vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the second pressure chamber is adjacent to the open suction side and a lower side of the second pressure chamber is provided with fingers for guiding the collected mineral deposits.

10. Deep sea mining vehicle according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the inner wall portion, the pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber and the outlet extends over the width of the suction head.

11. Deep sea mining vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the inner wall portion, the pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber and the outlet extend over the width of the suction head.

12. Deep sea mining vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising several mutually parallel arranged suction heads.

13. Deep sea mining vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the suction ducts attached to the respective mutually parallel arranged suction heads open in the storage.

14. Deep sea mining vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suction head is height adjustable relative to the sea floor.

15. Method for collecting mineral deposits on a sea floor at great depths, the method comprising providing a deep sea mining vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, connecting the deep sea mining vehicle to a catenary cable provided between a floating device and the deep sea mining vehicle, lowering the deep sea mining vehicle towards the sea floor and moving the deep sea mining vehicle forward over or on the sea floor to collect the mineral deposits.

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