Working method of submarine mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication

Abstract

The invention provides a working method of a seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication. The seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring device comprises a seabed plume anchoring monitoring array located at the seabed, a data transmission device located at the central position of the seabed plume anchoring monitoring array, a sea surface central control device located at the sea surface and a satellite. According to the technical scheme, dual functions are integrated, acoustic communication and environment monitoring functions are integrated for the first time, and efficient cooperation of real-time data transmission and plume diffusion monitoring is achieved. Wide-area coverage and high-density data are achieved, and continuous and precise monitoring of large-area seabed plume is achieved by deploying acoustic nodes. Compared with a traditional physical and optical monitoring method, the system is lower in deployment and maintenance cost, simpler and more convenient to operate and higher in adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology, and in particular to a working method of a seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication. Background Art

[0002] In deep-sea mining, plumes typically refer to the presence of suspended particles in the water caused by mining activities. Existing technologies for monitoring suspended particle plumes primarily utilize three methods: physical sampling, optical sensors, and acoustic measurement. Each method has its own specific application scenarios and limitations. Physical sampling involves collecting samples directly from the seabed or water column for analysis. This method provides highly accurate data, but requires sample collection via vessels and submersibles, making it extremely inefficient and costly. Optical sensors estimate particle concentrations by measuring the propagation and scattering properties of light in water. However, in turbid waters filled with suspended particles, light penetration is significantly reduced, enabling only monitoring particle concentrations within a radius of a few centimeters. Acoustic monitoring monitors plumes by analyzing the propagation properties of underwater sound waves. The propagation of sound waves in water is affected by suspended particles in the water column. By analyzing the attenuation and scattering of sound waves, the distribution and concentration of suspended particles can be inferred. This method offers wide coverage and provides real-time data, but acoustic methods have traditionally been used primarily for measurement rather than communication.

[0003] The limitations of these technologies indicate that existing deep-sea plume dispersion monitoring technologies need further innovation to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and expand their application range.

[0004] The generation and spread of plumes in deep-sea mining activities is a key environmental issue that requires continuous and accurate monitoring to assess their impact on marine ecosystems. Existing monitoring methods, while effective under certain conditions, present several significant technical challenges and limitations in the context of deep-sea mining. This patent aims to address the following specific technical issues: 1. Improvement of real-time monitoring capabilities: While existing technologies such as physical sampling and optical sensors can provide accurate measurement data, they can only capture relevant information after the sample and equipment are recovered, making it impossible to obtain real-time data on plume changes underwater. This lack of real-time monitoring can lead to inadequate monitoring of plume dynamics, hindering timely response and action.

[0005] 2. Optimization of cost and efficiency: Deep-sea mining operations are often located in remote waters. Physical sampling and optical monitoring require expensive vessel support and complex operations for deployment and retrieval, resulting in high costs. A more cost-effective monitoring method that can be deployed over a large area is needed.

[0006] 3. Data coverage and density: While traditional acoustic monitoring methods can cover large areas, they often struggle to achieve high-density data collection, limiting their application in the refined management and monitoring of deep-sea mining activities. A technical solution that can provide high-density, high-precision data is needed.

[0007] 4. Functions of integrated data transmission and plume dispersion monitoring: Existing acoustic communication technologies primarily focus on data transmission and communication between multiple underwater devices, which limits their advantages in monitoring suspended particulate matter concentrations. The technology proposed in this patent integrates acoustic communication with suspended particulate plume diffusion monitoring to achieve instant data transmission and efficient processing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention provides a method for operating a subsea mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication. The purpose of this patented technology is to provide a system capable of real-time, low-cost, and efficient monitoring of plume diffusion and concentration changes caused by deep-sea mining. This system not only improves the accuracy and real-time performance of plume diffusion monitoring, but also enables rapid data transmission and analysis through existing acoustic communication networks, thereby optimizing environmental management and monitoring strategies for deep-sea mining.

[0009] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: a method for a seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring system based on acoustic communication, the seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring system based on acoustic communication comprising: a seabed plume anchor monitoring array located on the seabed, a data transmission device located at the center of the seabed plume anchor monitoring array, a sea surface central control device located on the sea surface, and a satellite; The submarine plume anchor monitoring array includes six anchor monitoring devices, which are spaced approximately 50 meters apart and arranged in a hexagonal pattern. The anchor monitoring device includes a buoy with a cable connected to its underside. The cable is sequentially mounted with an acoustic communication node, underwater monitoring equipment, and underwater monitoring array legs from top to bottom. The acoustic communication node includes an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver. The data transmission device includes a seabed-based support, a seabed-based floating material is installed on the top of the seabed-based support, and seabed-based supporting feet are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the seabed-based support. A data transmission system is installed inside the seabed-based support, and the data transmission system is connected to an acoustic communication node host installed above the seabed-based support via a first connecting cable; The sea surface central control device includes a surface buoy body, a central control unit is installed inside the surface buoy body, and a surface buoy acoustic communication unit is installed on the top of the surface buoy body and is connected to the central control unit through a second connecting cable; The specific steps include: Step S1, sound wave transmission and reception: The acoustic communication node host and the acoustic communication node transmit sound waves; the sound receiver of the acoustic communication node captures the sound waves after propagating over a certain distance and records the intensity and quality of the sound waves; Step S2, data synchronization and transmission: The acoustic communication node host transmits monitoring data to the acoustic communication node and communicates with the acoustic communication unit of the sea buoy through acoustic signals. The data is further transmitted back to the land via satellite to maintain synchronization and real-time update of the plume diffusion data; Step S3: Calculate the particle concentration using acoustic communication node data: Step S3-1: Use the acquired acoustic signal to perform the following sonar equation calculation, where EL is the echo level, SL is the sound source level, TL is the transmission loss, and TS is the target strength: Step S3-2: Perform temperature compensation and use the temperatures measured by different submarine plume monitoring arrays to calculate the acoustic wave attenuation to ensure the accuracy of the measurement under different water temperature conditions, where EI is the acoustic attenuation level and T is the temperature: Step S3-3: Calculate the sound wave propagation loss (TL) based on the distance (R) between the seabed plume arrays and the absorption coefficient (α) of the sound wave propagating in water.

[0010] Step S3-4: determine the frequency-dependent acoustic wave attenuation coefficient (α_w) in water, which takes into account the effects of water temperature and acoustic wave frequency on acoustic wave attenuation, where f is the received acoustic frequency and fT is the relaxation frequency.

[0011] Step S3-5: Calculate the suspended particulate matter concentration (SSC) by combining all the measurements and corrections from steps S3-1 to S3-4; estimate the suspended particulate matter concentration; .

[0012] As a preferred solution, the underwater monitoring equipment includes seawater quality monitoring equipment, hydrodynamic monitoring equipment and sample collection equipment.

[0013] As a preferred option, seawater quality monitoring equipment and hydrodynamic monitoring equipment are also installed inside the seabed-based support.

[0014] As a preferred solution, the height of the acoustic communication node (2-2) is 1m.

[0015] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: Dual-function integration: For the first time, acoustic communication and environmental monitoring functions are integrated to achieve efficient coordination of real-time data transmission and plume diffusion monitoring.

[0016] Wide-area coverage and high-density data: By deploying acoustic nodes, continuous and precise monitoring of seafloor plumes over large areas is achieved.

[0017] Low cost and high efficiency: Compared with traditional physical and optical monitoring methods, this system has lower deployment and maintenance costs, is easier to operate, and has greater adaptability.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the top view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a time series diagram of vertical diffusion of sediments in the polymetallic manganese nodule mining area in the western Pacific Ocean obtained by acoustic inversion. in, Figures 1 to 2 The corresponding relationship between the reference numerals and components is as follows: 1-1: Acoustic communication node host 1-2: Connection cable 1-3: Data transmission system 1-4: Seawater quality monitoring equipment 1-5: Hydrodynamic monitoring equipment 1-6: Seabed-based floating materials 1-7: Seabed base support 1-8: Seabed foundation legs 2-1: Seabed plume moored monitoring array float 2-2: Acoustic Communication Node 2-3: Cable 2-4: Underwater monitoring equipment 2-5: Underwater monitoring array legs 3-1: Surface Buoy Acoustic Communication Unit 3-2: Connection cable 3-3: Central Control Unit 3-4: Surface buoy 4: Satellite. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features therein can be combined with each other.

[0021] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] The following combination Figures 1 to 3 The working method of the seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0023] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the present invention proposes a subsea mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication. The device utilizes acoustic communication nodes to simultaneously perform data transmission and plume diffusion monitoring. The subsea mining plume diffusion monitoring system based on acoustic communication includes: a subsea plume anchor monitoring array located on the seabed, a data transmission device 1 located at the center of the subsea plume anchor monitoring array, a central control device 3 located on the sea surface, and a satellite 4. The submarine plume moored monitoring array consists of six moored monitoring devices 2, spaced approximately 50 meters apart and arranged in a hexagonal pattern. The array covers a wide area within and around the mining area. Each moored monitoring device 2 includes a buoy 2-1, connected to a cable 2-3. Cable 2-3 is mounted, from top to bottom, on acoustic communication nodes 2-2, underwater monitoring equipment 2-4, and underwater monitoring array legs 2-5. Acoustic communication nodes 2-2 contain an acoustic transmitter and a receiver. Underwater monitoring equipment 2-4 includes seawater quality monitoring equipment, hydrodynamic monitoring equipment, and sample collection equipment. Each acoustic communication node 2-2 stands 1 meter tall and is deployed across submarine plume moored monitoring arrays 2-1 through 2-5, forming a network.

[0024] The data transmission device 1 includes a seabed-based support 1-7, a seabed-based floating material 1-6 is installed on the top of the seabed-based support 1-7, and seabed-based support legs 1-8 are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the seabed-based support 1-7. A data transmission system 1-3 is installed inside the seabed-based support 1-7. The data transmission system 1-3 is connected to the acoustic communication node host 1-1 installed above the seabed-based support 1-7 through a first connecting cable 1-2. The data transmission system 1-3 is located in the center of the monitoring array and uses the communication function between acoustic nodes to realize data transmission to the central control unit 3-3; the seabed-based support 1-7 is also equipped with seawater quality monitoring equipment 1-4 and hydrodynamic monitoring equipment 1-5.

[0025] The surface central control device 3 includes a surface buoy body 3-4, which houses a central control unit 3-3 responsible for coordinating the operation of acoustic nodes, receiving data, processing and analyzing it, and transmitting it back to land via satellite 4. A surface buoy acoustic communication unit 3-1 is mounted on the top of the surface buoy body 3-4 and is connected to the central control unit 3-3 via a second connecting cable 3-2. The central control unit 3-3 is responsible for coordinating the operation of acoustic nodes, receiving data, processing and analyzing it, and transmitting it back to land via satellite 4. The specific steps include: Step S1, sound wave transmission and reception: Acoustic communication node host 1-1 and acoustic communication node 2-2 transmit sound waves of a specific frequency. When these sound waves propagate through water, they are affected by suspended particles in the water, manifesting as sound wave attenuation and scattering. The sound receiver of acoustic communication node 2-2 captures the sound waves after they have traveled a certain distance and records their intensity and quality. Step S2, data synchronization and transmission: The acoustic communication node host 1-1 and the acoustic communication node 2-2 not only transmit monitoring data, but also communicate with the sea surface buoy acoustic communication unit 3-1 through acoustic signals, and further transmit data back to land via satellite 4 to maintain synchronization and real-time update of plume diffusion data; The data transmitted back to land is used to calculate the concentration of suspended particles in the plume using pre-established acoustic models. These models, based on experimental data and theoretical analysis, can convert the attenuation of sound waves into specific particle concentration values.

[0026] Step S3: Calculate the particle concentration using acoustic communication node data: Step S3-1: Use the acquired acoustic signal to perform the following sonar equation calculation, where EL is the echo level, SL is the sound source level, TL is the transmission loss, and TS is the target strength: Step S3-2: Perform temperature compensation and use the temperatures measured by different submarine plume monitoring arrays to calculate the acoustic wave attenuation to ensure the accuracy of the measurement under different water temperature conditions, where EI is the acoustic attenuation level and T is the temperature: Step S3-3: Calculate the sound wave propagation loss (TL) based on the distance (R) between the seabed plume arrays and the absorption coefficient (α) of the sound wave propagating in water.

[0027] Step S3-4: determine the frequency-dependent acoustic wave attenuation coefficient (α_w) in water, which takes into account the effects of water temperature and acoustic wave frequency on acoustic wave attenuation, where f is the received acoustic frequency and fT is the relaxation frequency.

[0028] Step S3-5: Calculate the suspended particulate matter concentration (SSC) by combining all the measurements and corrections from steps S3-1 to S3-4. This involves combining the echo intensity (EI), reference intensity (Er), distance (R), absorption coefficient (α), and calibration coefficients (A and B) into a formula to estimate the suspended particulate matter concentration. .

[0029] like Figure 3 The following is a time series of vertical sediment dispersion from acoustic inversion in the polymetallic manganese nodule mining area in the western Pacific Ocean. External disturbance of the seafloor occurred at 09:00 and ceased at 09:01. It can be seen that after the disturbance ended, the suspended sediment reached a height of 5 meters. Over time, the sediment gradually settled, and after about 5 minutes, most of the sediment was redeposited on the seabed.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two. Unless otherwise expressly defined, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper" and "lower" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are intended only to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present invention. The terms "connect," "install," and "fix" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] Throughout this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," and "specific embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the spread of seabed mining plumes based on acoustic communication, characterized in that , the seabed mining plume diffusion monitoring system based on acoustic communication comprises: a seabed plume anchor monitoring array located on the seabed, a data transmission device (1) arranged at the center of the seabed plume anchor monitoring array, a sea surface central control device (3) located on the sea surface, and a satellite (4); The seafloor plume anchor monitoring array comprises six anchor monitoring devices (2), the six anchor monitoring devices (2) are spaced about 50 m apart and are distributed in a hexagonal pattern, the anchor monitoring device (2) comprises a buoy (2-1), a cable (2-3) is connected below the buoy (2-1), an acoustic communication node (2-2), an underwater monitoring device (2-4) and an underwater monitoring array support foot (2-5) are sequentially installed on the cable (2-3) from top to bottom, and the acoustic communication node (2-2) comprises an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver; The data transmission device (1) comprises a seabed-based support (1-7), a seabed-based floating material (1-6) is installed on the top of the seabed-based support (1-7), seabed-based supporting feet (1-8) are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the seabed-based support (1-7), a data transmission system (1-3) is installed inside the seabed-based support (1-7), and the data transmission system (1-3) is communicatively connected to an acoustic communication node host (1-1) installed above the seabed-based support (1-7) via a first connecting cable (1-2); The sea surface central control device (3) comprises a water surface buoy body (3-4), a central control unit (3-3) is installed inside the water surface buoy body (3-4), and a sea surface buoy acoustic communication unit (3-1) is installed on the top of the water surface buoy body (3-4) and is connected to the central control unit (3-3) via a second connecting cable (3-2); The specific steps include: Step S1, sound wave transmission and reception: the acoustic communication node host (1-1) and the acoustic communication node (2-2) transmit sound waves; the sound receiver of the acoustic communication node (2-2) captures the sound waves after propagating over a certain distance, and records the intensity and quality of the sound waves; Step S2, data synchronization and transmission: the acoustic communication node host (1-1) and the acoustic communication node (2-2) transmit monitoring data, communicate with the sea surface buoy acoustic communication unit (3-1) through acoustic signals, and further transmit data back to land through satellite (4), so as to keep the plume diffusion data synchronized and updated in real time; Step S3: Calculate particle concentration using acoustic communication node data: Step S3-1, use the acquired acoustic signal to perform the following sonar equation calculation, where EL is the echo level, SL is the sound source level, TL is the transmission loss, and TS is the target strength: Step S3-2: Perform temperature compensation, use the temperatures measured by different submarine plume monitoring arrays to calculate the acoustic wave attenuation, and ensure the accuracy of the measurement under different water temperature conditions, where EI is the acoustic attenuation level and T is the temperature: Step S3-3, based on the distance (R) between the seafloor plume arrays and the absorption coefficient (α) of the sound wave propagating in water, the loss (TL) in the sound wave propagation process is calculated. Step S3-4, determine the frequency-dependent acoustic wave attenuation coefficient (α_w) in water, which takes into account the influence of water temperature and acoustic wave frequency on acoustic wave attenuation, where f is the received acoustic frequency, fT is the relaxation frequency, Step S3-5, combining all the measurements and corrections from step S3-1 to step S3-4, calculating the concentration of suspended particulate matter (SSC); estimating the concentration of suspended particulate matter; 。 2. A method for monitoring the spread of seabed mining plumes based on acoustic communication according to claim 1, characterized in that ,The underwater monitoring equipment (2-4) includes seawater quality monitoring equipment, hydrodynamic monitoring equipment and sample collection equipment.

3. A method for monitoring the spread of seabed mining plumes based on acoustic communication according to claim 1, characterized in that The seabed-based support (1-7) is also equipped with seawater quality monitoring equipment (1-4) and hydrodynamic monitoring equipment (1-5).

4. The working method of the subsea mining plume diffusion monitoring device based on acoustic communication according to claim 1 is characterized in that ,The height of the acoustic communication node (2-2) is 1m.

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