A device and method for developing deep buried combustible ice resources in a shield machine mode

Abstract

This invention discloses a device and method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) analogue. The TBM mining device includes an excavation section, a rock-breaking section, a phase change section, an internal filter, a gas extraction pipe, a backfilling device, a drive pipe, and tracks. An excavation head is installed at the beginning of the excavation section, and the end of the excavation section is fixedly connected to the beginning of the rock-breaking section. The end of the rock-breaking section is fixedly connected to the first sidewall of the phase change section. An internal filter is fixedly installed on the inner top of the second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and the internal filter is connected to the gas extraction pipe. One side of the backfilling device is fixedly connected to the outer bottom of the second sidewall, and the other side of the backfilling device is connected to the drive pipe. The drive pipe drives the tracks located on the outer side of the bottom wall of the phase change section to move. Specifically, the method involves: selecting a target combustible ice deposit layer; driving the TBM mining device to drill into the aforementioned layer and extract combustible ice; and utilizing this device and method to realize the extraction of combustible ice deposit layers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore oil engineering technology, and more particularly to a device and method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in a manner similar to that of a tunnel boring machine. Background Technology

[0002] Methane hydrate is an ice-like crystalline complex that can be ignited to release a large amount of energy, and is therefore considered a potential green alternative mineral resource. The basic conditions for the formation and stable occurrence of methane hydrate generally include: (1) high pressure; (2) low temperature; and (3) sufficient gas and liquid sources. Exploration shows that more than 30% of the land and 90% of the oceans worldwide may meet the conditions for the occurrence of methane hydrate.

[0003] Methane hydrate exists in various forms, mainly concentrated in the seabed surface, shallow layers, shallow sedimentary layers, and mid-to-deep areas. Considering the dramatic energy and material changes involved in the decomposition of methane hydrate from solid to gas and liquid, various engineering accidents are often lurking during extraction. To address the uncontrollable production and safety challenges caused by the disordered phase transitions of methane hydrate, Chinese marine oil and gas experts have proposed the solid-state fluidization method, which is highly suitable for methane hydrate resources buried in the seabed surface and shallow layers. However, when dealing with methane hydrate resources in shallow sedimentary layers and mid-to-deep areas, traditional methods such as depressurization, thermal shock, and chemical injection to induce decomposition of methane hydrate remain the primary extraction methods. These methods inevitably require vigilance against production and safety hazards caused by phase transitions. Especially when the sedimentary matrix consists of silty mudstone and fine silt, the formation exhibits loose, weakly cemented, and easily collapsed characteristics, posing risks of wellbore instability, surface subsidence, and even seafloor landslides. Therefore, when developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in nature, emphasis should be placed on predicting, controlling, and maintaining the structural stability of the original strata.

[0004] A tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a type of tunnel boring machine that uses the shield tunneling method. Its basic working principle involves a cylindrical steel assembly advancing along the tunnel axis while excavating the soil. The shell of this cylindrical assembly, the shield, provides temporary support for the excavated, unlined tunnel section, withstands the pressure of the surrounding soil layers, and sometimes also withstands groundwater pressure and blocks groundwater from entering. Excavation, soil removal, and lining operations are carried out under the protection of the shield. Based on their working principle, TBMs are generally classified into manual tunneling TBMs, extrusion TBMs, semi-mechanized TBMs, and mechanical TBMs. Generally, it is assumed that TBMs are better suited for soft soil strata. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a shield tunneling machine-style mining device that can mine deep deposits of combustible ice.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in a shield tunneling machine style. The device, a shield mining apparatus, includes an excavation section, a rock-breaking section, a phase change section, an internal filter device, a gas extraction pipe, a backfilling device, a drive pipe, and tracks. The excavation section has an excavation head at its front end, and its rear end is fixedly connected to the front end of the rock-breaking section. The rear end of the rock-breaking section is fixedly connected to the first sidewall of the phase change section. An internal filter device is fixedly installed on the inner top of the second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The internal filter device is connected to the gas extraction pipe. One side of the backfilling device is fixedly connected to the outer bottom of the second sidewall, and the other side of the backfilling device is connected to the drive pipe. The drive pipe drives the tracks located on the outer side of the bottom wall of the phase change section to move.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shield mining device further includes a temperature regulating device, which is fixed to the inner side of the top wall of the phase change section.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tunnel boring machine further includes a telescopic shield wall and a support arm, wherein the telescopic shield wall is connected to the outer side of the top wall of the phase transition section via the support arm.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tunnel boring machine includes a stirring device, which is fixed inside the phase transition section.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shield mining device further includes an angle adjuster, which is fixed at the connection between the backfilling device and the drive pipe.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tunnel boring machine further includes an extrusion component, which is fixed to the outer wall of the drive tube.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the edge corners of the extrusion component are rounded.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the internal filtration device is provided with a filter screen and a gas-liquid separator that are fixed to each other.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive tube integrates a hollow pipe and a cable, and a filter screen is provided inside the hollow pipe.

[0015] A method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) analogue, comprising any of the aforementioned TBM mining devices, including the following steps: S1: Select the target combustible ice deposition layer; S2: Drive the tunnel boring machine to drill into the above-mentioned strata and extract combustible ice; S3: Mining completed, shut down the tunnel boring machine.

[0016] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention discloses a device and method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) analogue. After selecting a target combustible ice deposit layer, a TBM is driven into the layer using a drive pipe. During drilling, the excavation section excavates the deposits, along with combustible ice, silt, and sand, into the TBM. After being rapidly broken into smaller fragments by the rock-breaking section, the fragments enter the phase change section. The gas collection pipe is opened through a filter inner connection device, and the pressure is reduced to induce the decomposition of combustible ice. The decomposition products move into the gas collection pipe under the pressure difference. After being filtered by the filter inner connection device, the decomposition gas enters the gas collection pipe. When the combustible ice in the phase change section cavity is completely decomposed, the filter inner connection device is closed, and the deposited products are backfilled to the backfill section through a backfilling device. To prevent decomposition gas leakage, a second gas collection is performed through the drive pipe, thereby achieving the beneficial effect of mining deep-seated combustible ice deposits.

[0017] 2. This invention discloses a device and method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources using a tunnel boring machine-like approach. During the mining process, sediments such as silt and combustible ice are excavated together in solid form to the phase transition zone, and then phase separation is induced within the phase transition zone. This ensures that the combustible ice maintains its original solid form and does not decompose in the external environment during the mining process, avoiding the disaster of well wall and stratum instability and collapse caused by the phase transition of combustible ice. At the same time as excavation, the excavated tunnel is supported by a telescopic shield wall, maintaining the stability of the stratum during this period until the excavation device moves forward. At this point, the completely decomposed and separated sediments can be discharged and backfilled into the area. After being compacted by the extrusion components, the stability of the stratum structure is basically maintained, ensuring the geological safety of large-scale commercial development of deep combustible ice resources.

[0018] 3. The present invention provides a device and method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in the form of a tunnel boring machine. The angle adjuster and tracks can adjust the movement and direction of the tunnel boring machine. The device has better flexibility and can develop a wider range of resources. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device structure of the device and method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in the form of a tunnel boring machine according to the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1-Target combustible ice deposit layer; 101-Undeveloped area; 102-Backfill area; 2-Shield mining device; 201-Excavation area; 202-Rock breaking area; 203-Phase change area; 204-Mixing device; 205-Filter connection device; 206-Gas extraction pipe; 207-Temperature control device; 208-Backfilling device; 209-Drive pipe; 210-Extrusion component; 211-Angle adjuster; 212-Track; 3-Telescopic shield wall; 301-Support arm. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, a shield tunneling machine-style device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources is disclosed. This device, a shield mining device 2, includes a digging section 201, a rock-breaking section 202, a phase change section 203, a filter inner connection device 205, a gas extraction pipe 206, a backfilling device 208, a drive pipe 209, and tracks 212. The digging section 201 has a digging head at its front end, and its rear end is fixedly connected to the front end of the rock-breaking section 202. The rear end of the rock-breaking section 202 is fixedly connected to the first sidewall of the phase change section 203. A filter inner connection device 205 is fixedly installed on the inner top of the second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The filter inner connection device 205 is connected to the gas extraction pipe 206. One side of the backfilling device 208 is fixedly connected to the outer bottom of the second sidewall, and the other side of the backfilling device 208 is connected to the drive pipe 209. The drive pipe 209 drives the tracks 212, which are located on the outer bottom wall of the phase change section 203, to move.

[0023] The tunnel boring machine also includes a temperature control device 207, a telescopic shield wall 3, a support arm 301, a mixing device 204, an angle adjuster 211, and an extrusion component 210. The temperature control device 207 is fixed to the inner side of the top wall of the phase change section 203; the telescopic shield wall 3 is connected to the outer side of the top wall of the phase change section 203 through the support arm 301; the mixing device 204 is fixed inside the phase change section 203; the angle adjuster 211 is fixed at the connection between the backfilling device 208 and the drive pipe 209; the extrusion component 210 is fixed to the pipe wall of the drive pipe 209, the edge corners of the extrusion component 210 are rounded, and a filter screen is installed inside the drive pipe 209.

[0024] Specifically, the excavation section 201 can be in the shape of an inverted triangle or a drill bit, used to cut into the strata and better excavate the sediment into the shield mining device 2. For details, please refer to the excavator.

[0025] Specifically, the rock-breaking section 202 is designed with reference to the structure of a tunnel boring machine. It is used to quickly break the excavated sediment into smaller fragments, which makes tunneling easier and the smaller fragments are beneficial for inducing the decomposition of methane hydrate.

[0026] Specifically, the phase change section 203 is a cavity used to induce the phase change of combustible ice.

[0027] Specifically, the stirring device 204 is used to stir the fragments in the phase change section 203 to promote and ensure that the combustible ice in the fragments can be completely decomposed.

[0028] Specifically, the filter internal connection device 205 has a built-in filter screen and gas-liquid separator, which is used to close or open the connection between the gas collection pipe 206 and the phase change part 203, and to ensure that rock cuttings and water do not enter the gas collection pipe 206 when recovering gas.

[0029] Specifically, the gas collection pipe 206 is used to reduce the pressure inside the phase change section 203, and induces the decomposition of combustible ice through pressure reduction, thereby recovering the collected gas. It is the main collection line.

[0030] Specifically, in order to prevent incomplete decomposition of combustible ice induced by pressure reduction, the temperature regulating device 207 uses auxiliary heating to promote the decomposition of combustible ice.

[0031] Specifically, in the backfilling device 208, after the combustible ice has completely decomposed, it settles for a period of time until the gas, liquid, and solid phases separate into layers according to density, and then the sediment is backfilled into the excavation site.

[0032] Specifically, the drive tube 209 is used to drive the shield mining device forward or backward. It integrates hollow pipes and cables inside, and the hollow pipes are also equipped with filters to recover gas and liquid, serving as an auxiliary collection line.

[0033] Specifically, the compaction component 210, located at a designated position on the drive pipe, is used to compact the backfill sediment and its position can be adjusted omnidirectionally as needed. It is recommended that the edges of the compaction component be rounded to avoid excavating the backfill soil again.

[0034] Specifically, the angle adjuster 211 is located around the connection between the drive tube 209 and the backfilling device 208, and assists in changing the drilling direction of the shield mining device 2 by adjusting the angle of the drive tube.

[0035] Specifically, the track 212 is located below and outside the shield mining device 2, driving the device forward or backward.

[0036] Specifically, the telescopic shield wall 3 is used to support the sedimentary layer and prevent it from collapsing.

[0037] Specifically, the support arm 301 is used to adjust the position and orientation of the telescopic shield wall 3.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) analogue includes the following steps: S1: Selecting a target combustible ice deposition layer 1; S2: Driving a TBM mining device 2 to drill into the aforementioned layer and extract combustible ice; S3: After extraction is completed, shutting down the TBM mining device 2.

[0039] Specifically, the target combustible ice deposition layer 1 is selected; the shield mining device 2 is driven by the drive pipe 209 to drill into the undeveloped part 101 of this layer. The excavation part 201 will excavate the sediment, along with combustible ice, silt, and sand, into the shield mining device 2 during drilling. After being rapidly broken into smaller fragments by the rock breaking part 202, the fragments enter the phase change part 203; the stirring device 204 is activated to ensure that the material in the cavity of the phase change part 203 is in motion to avoid sedimentation, and the gas collection pipe 206 is opened through the filter internal connection device 205 to reduce pressure and induce the decomposition of combustible ice; to ensure that the combustible ice decomposition is complete and does not generate secondary products, the temperature control device 207 above the cavity of the phase change part 203 is adjusted to heat the surrounding material; the decomposition products move into the gas collection pipe 206 under the action of pressure difference, and after being filtered by the filter screen and gas-liquid separator in the filter internal connection device 205, only the decomposed gas enters. Inside the gas intake pipe 206; after the combustible ice in the phase change section 203 cavity is completely decomposed, the stirring device 204 and the filter internal connection device 205 are turned off, and the sediment is backfilled to the backfill section 102 through the backfill device 208; to avoid decomposition gas leakage, a second gas collection is carried out through the drive pipe 209; the mud and sand sediment that is completely free of combustible ice is discharged through the inverted triangular backfill device 208, and will not overflow with the fluid; after being discharged to the backfill section 102, it is compacted by the extrusion component 210, which can continue to maintain the stability of the sediment layer; during the mining process, the telescopic shield wall 3 can temporarily support the overlying rock layer to prevent it from collapsing after the position and direction are adjusted by the support arm 301, and the overlying rock layer can be slowly lowered onto the compacted backfill after backfilling; with the help of the angle adjuster 211 and the track 212, the movement and direction of the shield mining device 2 can be adjusted, and it can continuously move to new areas for mining.

[0040] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in the form of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), the device comprising a digging section, a rock-breaking section, a phase change section, an internal filtration device, a gas extraction pipe, a backfilling device, a drive pipe, and tracks, characterized in that, The excavation section has an excavation head at its beginning and a rock-breaking section at its end, which is fixedly connected to the beginning of the rock-breaking section. The rock-breaking section is also fixedly connected to the first sidewall of the phase change section. A filter inner connection device is fixedly installed on the top inner side of the second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The filter inner connection device is connected to a gas extraction pipe. One side of the backfilling device is fixedly connected to the bottom outer side of the second sidewall, and the other side of the backfilling device is connected to a drive pipe. The drive pipe drives the track located on the outer side of the bottom wall of the phase change section to move. The shield mining device also includes a telescopic shield wall and a support arm. The telescopic shield wall is connected to the outer side of the top wall of the phase change section through the support arm. The shield mining device also includes an angle adjuster, which is fixed at the connection between the backfilling device and the drive pipe. The shield mining device also includes an extrusion component, which is fixed to the outer wall of the drive pipe. The drive tube integrates a hollow pipe and a cable, and a filter screen is installed inside the hollow pipe.

2. The device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in a shield tunneling machine style according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shield mining device also includes a temperature control device, which is fixed to the inner side of the top wall of the phase change section.

3. The device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in a shield tunneling machine style according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shield mining device includes a stirring device, which is fixed inside the phase transition section.

4. The device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in a shield tunneling machine style according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edges of the extrusion component are rounded.

5. The device for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources in a shield tunneling machine style according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal filtration device is equipped with a filter screen and a gas-liquid separator that are fixed to each other.

6. A method for developing deep-buried combustible ice resources using a tunnel boring machine-like approach, comprising the tunnel boring machine mining device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Select the target combustible ice deposition layer; S2: Drive the shield mining device to drill into the target combustible ice deposit layer and carry out combustible ice mining; S3: Mining completed, shut down the tunnel boring machine.

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