A plume recycling deep sea mining vehicle
By combining plume collection and separation devices, the problem of seabed ecological damage caused by tailwater from deep-sea mining vehicles has been solved, enabling the separation and reuse of turbidity and minerals, and reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI ORIENTAL MARITIME ENG TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN117090576B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of deep-sea mining vehicles, and in particular to a deep-sea mining vehicle that utilizes plume. Background Technology
[0002] Onshore mineral resources are showing signs of scarcity, while the abundant ocean contains rich mineral resources, making deep-sea mining technology a cutting-edge development direction. Currently, deep-sea mining technology primarily uses tracked mining vehicles to travel along the seabed to mineral-producing areas for mining operations. The principle of water jetting using suction / jet pumps is employed to flush the minerals into the mining vehicle's hopper. To address the plume deposition problem caused by the wake water during tracked vehicle operation, plume collection pumps are often installed at the tail end to collect the plume and suppress its spread.
[0003] In existing technologies, mineral extraction and plume collection are carried out independently by multiple suction pumps, resulting in mining vehicles having a lot of equipment and high energy consumption. During the movement of the mining vehicles, the plume water generated by the wake water will stir up the silt on the seabed, causing the spread of floating turbidity. Then, under the action of suction pumps, minerals and floating turbidity will be collected together, resulting in the destruction of the seabed ecosystem. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In order to reduce the damage to the seabed ecosystem caused by collecting large amounts of floating turbidity, this application provides a deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse.
[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:
[0006] A deep-sea mining vehicle that utilizes plume recycling includes,
[0007] At least one plume collecting device is installed on an external mining vehicle and is used to absorb floating turbidity generated during movement;
[0008] At least one set of first water supply pipe and second water supply pipe are respectively provided at the water flow output end of the plume collection device;
[0009] A storage bin, fixed to an external mining vehicle, is divided into an intake section and a storage section connected to the intake section. The first end of the intake section is open and faces the seabed, while the second end of the intake section is located above the first end. The output end of the first water supply pipe is connected to the intake section, creating a negative pressure at the first end of the intake section to draw minerals into the storage bin. The first end of the storage section is connected to the second end of the intake section, and the second end of the storage section is located below the first end of the intake section. A through-flow return hole is provided on the side wall of the storage section.
[0010] A separation device is installed within the storage section; the separation device includes several cleaning nozzles, a main pipe, and a filter plate; the main pipe is installed on the side wall of the storage section and its output end is connected to several cleaning nozzles; the filter plate is installed on the inner wall of the storage section and is used for the sliding of minerals above it; the filter plate is located between the return hole and the cleaning nozzles; wherein, the output end of the second water supply pipe is connected to the input end of the main pipe, so that the water sprayed by the nozzles can clean the minerals passing through the filter plate and flow out from the cleaning nozzles.
[0011] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention has the return hole and the cleaning nozzle respectively disposed on the opposite inner wall of the storage section, and the return hole is higher than the cleaning nozzle; the filter plate is inclined, one side of the filter plate is fixed to the inner wall of the storage section and is higher than the cleaning nozzle, and the other side of the filter plate is lower than the cleaning nozzle.
[0012] The included angle between the filter plate and the axis of the return hole is α, and the value of α is in the range of [30°, 60°].
[0013] A mineral storage channel is formed between one side of the filter plate and the inner wall of the storage section associated with the reflux hole.
[0014] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention includes a filter plate comprising a reflective zone and a filtering zone, wherein the filter holes on the filter plate are located in the filtering zone; the filtering zone is located within the spray range of the cleaning nozzle.
[0015] The present invention relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse, wherein the return port is located between the intake section and the storage section.
[0016] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention includes two plume collection devices; each plume collection device includes a collection pipe, several plume collection components, a pump body, and a diverter.
[0017] The pump body is fixed to an external mining vehicle, and the water collection pipe is wrapped around the corresponding track device of the external mining vehicle. The input end of the pump body and the output end of the water collection pipe are connected. The water collection pipe has several through holes, and the through holes face upward. The plume collection assembly is disposed on the water collection pipe and covers the corresponding through holes. The diverter is located on the external mining vehicle and is disposed at the output end of the pump body.
[0018] The input ends of the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe in the same group are connected to the same diverter.
[0019] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention includes a plume collection assembly comprising a tube, a cover, and several partition rods.
[0020] One end of the pipe is fixed to the outer wall of the water collection pipe, and several partition rods are fixed to the outer wall of the other end of the pipe; wherein, the inside of the pipe is connected to the corresponding through hole; the partition rods are arranged at intervals along the circumference, the cover is fixed to several partition rods, and a flow channel for the plume to enter is formed between the cover and the pipe.
[0021] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention has an inclined suction section, and the angle between the suction section and the horizontal direction is d, where the value of d is in the range of [45°, 60°].
[0022] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention has a filter assembly provided at the connection between the pump body and the water collection pipe; the filter assembly includes a filter housing fixed between the pump body and the water collection pipe, and a porous solid adsorbent disposed inside the filter housing;
[0023] The porous solid adsorbent is activated carbon and / or alum.
[0024] The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse of the present invention has several overflow holes at the bottom of the second end of the storage section.
[0025] Because the present invention adopts the above technical solution, it has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:
[0026] The main workflow of a deep-sea mining vehicle utilizing plume reuse is as follows: First, a plume collection device absorbs the floating turbidity generated during the vehicle's movement, reducing its diffusion. Then, a portion of the collected water is directed to the first water supply pipe. Under the principle of water jet mining, the floating turbidity and minerals are collected together and enter the suction section. After passing through the suction section, the minerals and floating turbidity enter the storage section. The remaining portion is directed to the second water supply pipe, where cleaning nozzles wash the minerals in the storage section. Due to the different suspended and settling states of the floating turbidity and minerals due to their different weights, most of the floating turbidity is separated from the minerals by the cleaning nozzles as the minerals pass through the filter plate. This separated turbidity then falls back to the seabed through the return hole, ultimately achieving mud-mineral separation. This method reduces the weight of the collected floating turbidity, thus reducing the energy consumption of the mining vehicle and achieving energy conservation. Furthermore, the use of tailwater for mineral flushing and suction not only collects the diffused tailwater during the mining vehicle's operation but also reuses it, achieving environmental protection.
[0027] Second, the inclined setting of the filter plate allows the minerals to slide off the filter plate. At this time, the water flow from the cleaning nozzles sprays onto the minerals, cleaning the surface of the minerals and separating the minerals from the floating turbidity. Furthermore, the angle setting of the filter plate and the angle setting of the cleaning nozzles are to better discharge the floating turbidity from the storage section, so that the floating turbidity flows back into the seabed.
[0028] Third, the filter components can remove some of the harmful substances in the floating turbidity, reducing the spread of harmful substances to the surrounding environment during the movement of the mining vehicle.
[0029] Fourth, the location of the through-hole and the plume collection components can reduce the possibility of large minerals entering and reduce the possibility of blockage in the collection pipe. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a deep-sea mining vehicle that utilizes plume reuse.
[0031] Figure 2 Another perspective structural schematic diagram of the deep-sea mining vehicle utilizing plume in this application embodiment.
[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the separation device for a deep-sea mining vehicle utilizing plume recycling, as described in this application embodiment.
[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the filter plate structure of a deep-sea mining vehicle utilizing plume recycling, according to an embodiment of this application.
[0034] Figure 5 This application includes a schematic diagram of the plume collection device for a deep-sea mining vehicle that utilizes plumes in an embodiment of the plume reuse method.
[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the plume assembly structure of a deep-sea mining vehicle utilizing plume in this application embodiment.
[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Mining vehicle; 2. Flow collection device; 3. First water supply pipe; 4. Second water supply pipe; 5. Suction section; 6. Storage section; 7. Return hole; 8. Separation device; 9. Cleaning nozzle; 10. Main pipe; 11. Filter plate; 12. Collection water pipe; 13. Pump body; 14. Diverter; 15. Through hole; 16. Pipe body; 17. Cover body; 18. Divider rod; 19. Filter assembly; 20. Overflow hole. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a further detailed account of a deep-sea mining vehicle utilizing plume flow according to the present invention. The advantages and features of the invention will become clearer from the following description and claims.
[0038] See Figures 1-3In an embodiment, this application provides a deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse, including a mining vehicle 1, at least one plume collecting device 2, at least one set of first water supply pipes 3 and second water supply pipes 4, a storage bin, and a separation device 8; the plume collecting device 2 is disposed on the mining vehicle 1 and is used to absorb floating turbidity generated during travel; the first water supply pipes 3 and the second water supply pipes 4 are respectively disposed on the water output end of the plume collecting device 2.
[0039] The storage bin is fixed on the mining vehicle 1 and is divided into an intake section 5 and a storage section 6 connected to the intake section 5. The first end of the intake section 5 is open and faces the sea surface, and the second end of the intake section 5 is located above the first end of the intake section 5. The output end of the first water supply pipe 3 is connected to the intake section 5, and the water flow from the first water supply pipe 3 creates a negative pressure at the first end of the intake section 5 (the working principle is further explained: when the water flow ejected from the first water supply pipe 3 passes through the intake section 5 at a certain flow rate, it will drive the slower-flowing water flow around the first end of the intake section 5 to flow together. Thus, the water flow drives the intake of minerals, and the greater the water flow velocity, the greater the negative pressure generated, and the more effectively the water flow can drive the intake of minerals). The first end of the storage section 6 is connected to the second end of the intake section 5, and the second end of the storage section 6 is located below the first end of the intake section 5. A through return hole 7 is provided on the side wall of the storage section 6.
[0040] A separation device 8 is installed inside the storage section 6. The separation device 8 includes several cleaning nozzles 9, a main pipe 10, and a filter plate 11. The main pipe 10 is installed on the side wall of the storage section 6 and its output end is connected to several cleaning nozzles 9. The filter plate 11 is installed on the inner wall of the storage section and is used for the sliding of minerals above it. The filter plate 11 is located between the return hole 7 and the cleaning nozzles 9. The output end of the second water supply pipe 4 is connected to the input end of the main pipe 10, so that the water flow from the cleaning nozzles 9 will pass through the filter plate 11 and the return hole 7.
[0041] The main workflow of the deep-sea mining vehicle 1 using plume reuse is as follows: First, the plume collection device 2 absorbs the floating turbidity generated during the movement of the mining vehicle 1, reducing its diffusion. Then, a portion of the collected water is sent to the first water supply pipe 3. Under the principle of water jet mining, the floating turbidity and minerals are collected together and enter the suction section 5. After passing through the suction section 5, the minerals and floating turbidity enter the storage section 6. The remaining portion is sent to the second water supply pipe 4, where the cleaning nozzles 9 wash the minerals in the storage section 6. Due to the different suspension and settling states of the floating turbidity and minerals due to their different weights, most of the floating turbidity will be separated from the minerals by the cleaning nozzles 9 as the minerals pass over the filter plate 11. The minerals will then fall back to the seabed through the return hole 7, ultimately achieving the separation of mud and minerals. In this method, on the one hand, the weight of the collected floating turbidity is reduced, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the mining vehicle 1 and achieving energy saving. On the other hand, the tailwater is used for mineral flushing and suction operations. While collecting the tailwater diffusion during the operation of the mining vehicle 1, the tailwater is reused, achieving the effect of environmental protection.
[0042] The specific structure of the deep-sea mining vehicle that reuses seed plumes in this embodiment will be further explained below:
[0043] Reference Figures 2-4 The return hole 7 and the cleaning nozzle 9 are respectively disposed on the inner wall of the storage section 6, and the return hole 7 is higher than the cleaning nozzle 9; the filter plate 11 is inclined, one side of the filter plate 11 is fixed to the inner wall of the storage section 6 and is higher than the cleaning nozzle 9, and the other side of the filter plate 11 is lower than the cleaning nozzle 9.
[0044] The included angle between the axis of filter plate 11 and return hole 7 is α, and the value of α is in the range of [30°, 60°].
[0045] A mineral storage channel is formed between one side of the filter plate 11 and the inner wall of the storage section 6 associated with the reflux hole.
[0046] To further explain, the minerals enter the storage section 6 from the suction section 5, pass through the mineral storage channel, and finally enter the bottom of the second end of the storage section 6; a specific angle is formed between the filter plate 11 and the return hole 7, so that the water jet from the cleaning nozzle 9 carries away the floating turbidity from the external minerals and flows out through the return hole 7 as much as possible; thus, the separation of floating turbidity and minerals is achieved.
[0047] Of course, during the design process, the separation device 8 is placed as close to the seabed as possible so that the floating turbidity discharged from the return hole 7 falls back to the seabed as quickly as possible, reducing the possibility of diffusion.
[0048] In this embodiment, a plurality of overflow holes 20 are provided at the bottom of the second end of the storage section 6.
[0049] Furthermore, the second end of the storage section 6 also faces the seabed and is close to the seabed surface. Since the water flowing into the storage section 6 is mainly discharged through the overflow hole 20, on the one hand, it reduces the diffusion of floating turbidity and harmful substances into the surrounding environment and tries to make the floating turbidity fall back to the seabed surface; on the other hand, it reduces the impact of the water flow on the surrounding environment, causing the water flow to cause the floating turbidity to spread again.
[0050] Therefore, preferably, the storage bin is located between the tracks of the mining vehicle 1.
[0051] Reference Figures 1-3 In this embodiment, the reflux hole 7 is located between the suction section 5 and the storage section 6; the filter plate 11 includes a reflection area and a filtration area, and the filter holes on the filter plate 11 are located in the filtration area; the filtration area is located within the spray range of the cleaning nozzle 9.
[0052] The function of the reflective zone on the filter plate 11: Most of the water flowing into the first end of the storage section 6 will impact the reflective zone, achieving reverse flow of water and increasing the disturbance at that point. This allows the floating turbidity to be impacted by the water flow, making it easier to separate from the minerals. Furthermore, the reflection of the filter plate 11 will cause the reverse-flowing water to move towards the return hole 7, carrying away the floating turbidity. Of course, the reflective zone can reduce the possibility that floating turbidity will directly enter the second end of the storage section 6 without interference from the cleaning nozzle 9. The function of the filtration zone on the filter plate 11: The water jetted by the cleaning nozzle 9 passes through the filter holes of the filtration zone, separating the minerals and floating turbidity. Furthermore, the size of the filter holes can be set to further control the flow rate.
[0053] Overall, after most of the minerals and floating debris enter the storage section 6, they first pass through the reflective zone (although this part cannot be sprayed by the cleaning nozzle 9, the floating debris will not directly enter the second end of the storage section 6 due to the presence of the reflective zone). The minerals roll on the filter plate 11 and pass through the filter zone before finally entering the mineral storage channel.
[0054] In this embodiment, there are two plume collecting devices 2, which correspond to the tracks on both sides of the mining vehicle 1 respectively. The plume collecting device 2 includes a water collection pipe 12, several plume collecting components, a pump body 13, and a diverter 14. The pump body 13 is fixed on the mining vehicle 1, and the water collection pipe 12 is wrapped around the corresponding track of the mining vehicle 1. The input end of the pump body 13 is connected to the output end of the water collection pipe 12. Several through holes 15 are opened on the water collection pipe 12, and the through holes 15 face upward. The plume collecting components are disposed on the water collection pipe 12 and cover the corresponding through holes 15. The diverter 14 is located on the mining vehicle 1 and is disposed at the output end of the pump body 13.
[0055] The input ends of the first water pipe 3 and the second water pipe 4, which are connected in the same group, are connected to the same distributor 14.
[0056] Furthermore, the through holes 15 are evenly spaced on the water collection pipe 12; in order to avoid blockage caused by large minerals entering the water collection pipe 12, the through holes 15 are opened facing upwards to reduce the possibility of blockage.
[0057] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the plume collecting assembly includes a tube 16, a cover 17, and several partition rods 18. One end of the tube 16 is fixed to the outer wall of the water collecting pipe 12, and several partition rods 18 are fixed to the outer wall of the other end of the tube 16. The inside of the tube 16 is connected to the corresponding through hole 15. The partition rods 18 are arranged circumferentially at intervals. The cover 17 is fixed to several partition rods 18, and a flow channel for the plume to enter is formed between the cover 17 and the tube 16.
[0058] Furthermore, several separator rods 18 are evenly spaced along the axial direction of the pipe body 16; through the arrangement of the cover 17 and the separator rods 18, the cover 17 reduces the possibility of minerals or large particles of impurities entering from above, and the separator rods 18 reduce the possibility of large minerals or large particles of impurities entering from below, thereby reducing the blockage of the water collection pipe 12.
[0059] Reference Figure 1 and 2 In this embodiment, a filter assembly 19 is provided at the connection between the pump body 13 and the water collection pipe 12; the filter assembly 19 includes a filter housing fixed between the pump body 13 and the water collection pipe 12, and a porous solid adsorbent disposed inside the filter housing; the porous solid adsorbent may be activated carbon and / or alum.
[0060] To further explain, the filter assembly 19 can remove some of the harmful substances located in the floating sludge, reducing the spread of harmful substances into the surrounding environment by the mining vehicle 1 during its movement.
[0061] The suction section 5 is inclined, and the angle between the suction section 5 and the horizontal direction is d, where the value of d ranges from [45° to 60°].
[0062] In summary, the implementation process of the deep-sea mining vehicle plume reuse flushing device of this application embodiment is as follows: the pump body 13 sucks the floating turbidity driven by the mining vehicle 1 during its movement into the flow channel and into the collection water pipe 12; the water then passes through the filter assembly 19 and the distributor 14, with part of the water flowing into the first water supply pipe 3 and the other part flowing into the second water supply pipe 4. The water flowing into the first water supply pipe 3 is used to create a negative pressure in the suction section 5, which drives the intake of minerals. The water flowing into the second water supply pipe 4 passes through the main pipe 10 and the cleaning nozzle 9 to separate the minerals and floating turbidity entering the storage section 6; the separated floating turbidity is pushed by the water flow from the cleaning nozzle 9 and discharged towards the return hole 7.
[0063] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A deep-sea mining vehicle that utilizes plume for recycling, characterized in that, include, Mining vehicle; At least one plume collecting device is installed on the mining vehicle and is used to absorb floating turbidity generated during movement; the plume collecting device includes a collecting water pipe, several plume collecting components, a pump body, and a diverter; several through holes are opened on the collecting water pipe, and the through holes face upward; At least one set of first water supply pipe and second water supply pipe are respectively provided at the water flow output end of the plume collection device; A storage bin, fixed to the mining vehicle, is divided into a suction section and a storage section connected to the suction section. The first end of the suction section is open and faces the seabed, while the second end of the suction section is located above the first end. The output end of a first water supply pipe is connected to the suction section, and the water flow from the first water supply pipe creates a negative pressure at the first end of the suction section. The first end of the storage section is connected to the second end of the suction section, and the second end of the storage section is located below the first end of the suction section. A through-flow return hole is provided on the side wall of the storage section. A separation device is installed within the storage section. The separation device includes several cleaning nozzles, a main pipe, and a filter plate. The main pipe is installed on the side wall of the storage section and its output end is connected to several cleaning nozzles. The filter plate is installed on the inner wall of the storage section and is used for the sliding of minerals above it. The filter plate is located between the return hole and the cleaning nozzles. The output end of the second water supply pipe is connected to the input end of the main pipe, so that the water flow from the cleaning nozzles passes through the filter plate and the return hole. The plume collection assembly includes a pipe body, a cover, and several separator rods. One end of the pipe body is fixed to the outer wall of the water collection pipe, and several separator rods are fixed on the outer wall of the other end of the pipe body. The inside of the pipe body is connected to the corresponding through hole. The separator rods are spaced apart circumferentially, and the cover is fixed to several separator rods, forming a flow channel for the plume to enter between the cover and the pipe body.
2. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflux hole and the cleaning nozzle are respectively disposed on the inner wall of the storage section, and the reflux hole is higher than the cleaning nozzle; the filter plate is inclined, one side of the filter plate is fixed to the inner wall of the storage section and is higher than the cleaning nozzle, and the other side of the filter plate is lower than the cleaning nozzle; The included angle between the axis of the filter plate and the axis of the return hole is α, where α ranges from [30°, 60°]. A mineral storage channel is formed between one side of the filter plate and the inner wall of the storage section associated with the reflux hole.
3. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter plate includes a reflective area and a filtering area, and the filter holes on the filter plate are located in the filtering area; the filtering area is located within the spray range of the cleaning nozzle.
4. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflux orifice is located between the suction section and the storage section.
5. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of plume collecting devices is two, and they correspond to the track devices on both sides of the mining vehicle respectively; the pump body is fixed on the mining vehicle, the water collection pipe is wrapped around the track device corresponding to the mining vehicle, and the input end of the pump body and the output end of the water collection pipe are connected; the plume collecting assembly is disposed on the water collection pipe and covers the corresponding through hole; the diverter is located on the mining vehicle and disposed on the output end of the pump body; The input ends of the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe, which are connected in the same group, are connected to the same distributor.
6. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inhalation section is inclined, and the angle between the inhalation section and the horizontal direction is d, where the value of d ranges from 45° to 60°.
7. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 5, characterized in that, A filter assembly is provided at the connection between the pump body and the water collection pipe; the filter assembly includes a filter housing fixed between the pump body and the water collection pipe, and a porous solid adsorbent disposed inside the filter housing; The porous solid adsorbent is activated carbon and / or alum.
8. The deep-sea mining vehicle for plume reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several overflow holes are provided at the bottom of the second end of the storage section.