In-situ measurement sampling device and measurement sampling method for end-member fluid of deep-sea hydrothermal vent

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of deep sea exploration, and particularly relates to a device and method for in-situ measurement and sampling of deep sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid. The device comprises an automatic sealing combination unit, a fluid data measurement and processing unit, and an in-situ sampling unit. The automatic sealing combination unit comprises a liquid inlet pipeline, a composite flexible shell, and a sealing device. The sealing device is driven by the composite flexible shell to cover the annular outer side of the rock of the hydrothermal vent, and the sealing device forms a sealed space of the hydrothermal fluid in the composite flexible shell. The fluid data measurement and processing unit comprises a fluid pipeline, which is in communication with the liquid inlet pipeline. The in-situ sampling unit comprises a dredging pipeline and a sample collection box. The dredging pipeline is in communication with the fluid pipeline, and the dredging pipeline is in communication with the sample collection box. The device realizes the sampling of the deep sea hydrothermal fluid, and improves the reliability and accuracy of the measurement of the deep sea hydrothermal fluid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of deep-sea exploration, in particular to a device and method for in-situ measurement and sampling of deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid. BACKGROUND

[0002] Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are an important part of the deep-sea ecosystem of the Earth, and the hydrothermal fluid released by them is rich in minerals and microorganisms, which is of great significance to the study of deep-sea processes, biodiversity, and the development of seabed mineral resources.

[0003] Traditional methods for measuring and sampling hydrothermal fluid flow mainly rely on remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater platforms (AUVs), and other equipment for on-site detection operations, but these measurement and sampling methods are often limited by the extreme conditions of the deep-sea environment, have large measurement errors, and are difficult to achieve precise and stable effective monitoring, and the equipment is easily damaged. Especially when monitoring high-pressure and high-temperature hydrothermal fluid, the extreme environment has a significant impact on flowmeters and sensors, resulting in large errors in measurement data, and samples are easily disturbed by the hydrothermal vent environment and human factors, affecting research results. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art and provides a device and method for in-situ measurement and sampling of deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid, which achieves sampling of deep-sea hydrothermal fluid and improves the reliability and accuracy of deep-sea hydrothermal fluid measurement.

[0005] The technical solution of the present application is a device for in-situ measurement and sampling of deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid, comprising:

[0006] An automatic sealing combination unit includes a liquid inlet pipeline, a composite flexible shell, and a sealing device. The sealing device is covered on the annular outer side of the rock of the hydrothermal vent by the composite flexible shell, and the sealing device forms a sealed space for the hydrothermal fluid in the composite flexible shell.

[0007] A fluid data measurement and processing unit includes a fluid pipeline connected to the liquid inlet pipeline.

[0008] An in-situ sampling unit includes a dredging pipeline and a sample collection box. The dredging pipeline is in communication with the fluid pipeline, and the dredging pipeline is in communication with the sample collection box.

[0009] In the present application, the liquid inlet pipeline is arranged along the vertical direction of the hydrothermal vent, and the liquid inlet pipeline, fluid pipeline, and dredging pipeline are sequentially connected and arranged along the flow direction of the hydrothermal fluid.

[0010] A multi-parameter measurement system is provided on the outer side of the fluid channel, and the multi-parameter heat system is arranged along the flow direction of the hydrothermal fluid.

[0011] The fluid data measurement and processing unit further comprises a protective frame, the fluid pipeline, the multi-parameter measurement system and the data processing system are arranged in the protective frame, and the data processing system is arranged along the flow direction of the hydrothermal fluid;

[0012] The data processing system is connected with the remotely operated vehicle or the automatic underwater platform.

[0013] The outlet of the dredging pipeline is provided with a liquid discharge valve;

[0014] The connecting pipeline between the dredging pipeline and the sample collection box is provided with a liquid inlet valve, and the liquid outlet of the sample collection box is provided with a liquid outlet valve.

[0015] The end of the liquid inlet pipeline towards the hydrothermal jet is rotationally provided with a cylindrical lead screw sleeve, the annular outer side of the lead screw sleeve is provided with an umbrella frame, and the umbrella frame is threadedly engaged with the lead screw sleeve;

[0016] One end of the composite flexible sheath is fixedly connected with the liquid inlet pipeline, and the other end of the composite flexible sheath is connected with the umbrella frame through a plurality of support bones, the support bones are arranged at intervals along the annular outer side of the umbrella frame, one end of the support bone is hingedly connected with the umbrella frame, and the other end of the support bone is fixedly connected with the composite flexible sheath;

[0017] The inner wall of the composite flexible sheath towards the hydrothermal jet is provided with a sealing device.

[0018] The sealing device comprises a tensioning controller and a flexible air bag, the annular outer wall of the tensioning controller is fixedly connected with the inner wall of the composite flexible sheath, a plurality of flexible air bags are connected at the annular inner wall of the tensioning controller, and the plurality of flexible air bags are arranged in the vertical direction;

[0019] The tensioning controller is connected with an intelligent adjustment system, and the amount of gas / liquid injected into or extracted from the flexible air bag and the injection and extraction amount of the tensioning controller are controlled through the intelligent adjustment system.

[0020] The application further discloses a method for measuring and sampling deep-sea hydrothermal jet end-member fluid by using the in-situ measurement and sampling device.

[0021] S1, the device is grabbed to the vicinity of the hydrothermal jet to be measured, the automatic sealing combination unit is started, the sealing device is opened by the composite flexible shell, the rock mass at the hydrothermal jet to be measured is covered in the sealing device, the liquid inlet pipeline is aligned with the hydrothermal jet, and the liquid inlet pipeline is arranged in the vertical direction;

[0022] S2, the sealing device is tightly attached to the rock mass at the hydrothermal jet, and the sealing attachment between the automatic sealing combination unit and the hydrothermal jet is realized.

[0023] S3, the hot liquid fluid sprayed by the hot liquid jet is introduced into the dredging pipe through the liquid inlet pipe and the fluid pipe, the parameters of the hot liquid fluid are measured during the hot liquid fluid flowing through the fluid pipe, and the hot liquid fluid is collected and stored through the collection system after the parameters of the hot liquid fluid tend to be stable.

[0024] In step S1, the automatic sealing combination unit is started, the lead screw sleeve on the liquid inlet pipe is rotated, the umbrella framework is driven to move towards the hot liquid jet through the thread engagement between the lead screw sleeve and the umbrella framework, the composite flexible shell is unfolded outwardly through the support bone, and the flexible air bag connected with the composite flexible shell is unfolded;

[0025] In the process of aligning the liquid inlet pipe with the hot liquid jet, the liquid outlet valve is opened, the liquid outlet valve is closed, the device is smoothly buckled to the hot liquid jet, and the hot liquid fluid can smoothly enter the liquid inlet pipe, and the rock body at the hot liquid jet is covered in the flexible air bag.

[0026] In step S2, the intelligent adjustment system controls the tensioning controller to fill the flexible air bag, so that the flexible air bag is inflated and taut, and the flexible air bag is tightly attached to the rock body at the hot liquid jet.

[0027] In step S3, after the hot liquid fluid continuously flows into the dredging pipe, the liquid outlet valve in the dredging pipe is in an open state, and the hot liquid fluid in the liquid inlet pipe is discharged into the seawater environment;

[0028] When the parameters of the hot liquid fluid monitored in real time are stable, the liquid outlet valve and the liquid outlet valve are closed, the liquid inlet valve is opened, the hot liquid fluid flows into the sample collection box along the dredging pipe under the action of the overflow pressure, and sample collection of the hot liquid fluid is realized;

[0029] After a certain amount of hot liquid fluid is collected in the sample collection box, the liquid outlet valve is opened, and the liquid inlet valve is closed, and the hot liquid fluid is discharged into the seawater through the dredging pipe again.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the present application are:

[0031] (1) The automatic sealing combination unit and the hot liquid jet are sealed and fixed, the hot liquid fluid entering the automatic sealing combination unit is prevented from leaking, the hot liquid fluid is stably introduced into the monitoring area and the sample, and the reliability of the hot liquid fluid monitoring and sampling is ensured;

[0032] (2) During the flow of the hot liquid fluid, the parameters of the hot liquid are monitored in real time by various monitoring devices in the fluid data measurement and processing unit, the interference of the environment and human operation on the measuring equipment is reduced, and the accuracy of the measurement data is ensured.

[0033] In summary, the application integrates intelligent feedback control mechanism, optimizes system operation, improves the automation level and stability of monitoring, can operate autonomously in deep sea environment, and effectively overcomes the shortcomings that deep sea hydrothermal fluid measurement and sampling operation is easily affected by extreme deep sea environment in the prior art, and provides reliable data for studying and monitoring hydrothermal vent fluid flux and in-situ sampling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of operation of the in-situ measurement and sampling device of the end-member fluid of the deep sea hydrothermal vent of the application;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of structure of the in-situ measurement and sampling device of the end-member fluid of the deep sea hydrothermal vent of the application;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the automatic sealing combination unit;

[0037] Figure 4 is a side view of the automatic sealing combination unit;

[0038] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a sectional view in A-A direction of the automatic sealing combination unit;

[0039] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a schematic diagram of the automatic sealing combination unit after action change;

[0040] Figure 7 is a first schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic sealing combination unit;

[0041] Figure 8 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic sealing combination unit.

[0042] In the drawings:

[0043] 1. The automatic sealing combination unit; 11. The liquid inlet pipeline; 111. The screw sleeve; 12. The composite flexible shell; 121. The outer protective layer; 122. The reinforcing layer; 123. The inner extensible layer; 124. The umbrella framework; 125. The support bone; 13. The sealing device; 131. The tension controller; 132. The flexible air bag;

[0044] 2. The fluid data measurement and processing unit; 21. The protection frame; 22. The fluid pipeline; 23. The multi-parameter measurement system; 24. The data processing system;

[0045] 3. The in-situ sampling unit; 31. The dredging pipeline; 311. The liquid discharge valve; 32. The collection system; 321. The sample collection box; 322. The liquid inlet valve; 323. The liquid outlet valve;

[0046] 4. The rock mass;

[0047] 5. Remote operated vehicle;

[0048] 6. Support ship. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced in a variety of ways beyond that which is described herein without departing from the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1 the in-situ measurement sampling device for deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid described in the present application comprises an automatic sealing and combining unit 1, a fluid data measurement and processing unit 2, and an in-situ sampling unit 3. The automatic sealing and combining unit 1 is fixed on the rock body 4 of the hydrothermal vent to prevent the leakage of the hydrothermal fluid and stably introduce the hydrothermal fluid into the fluid data measurement and processing unit 2 and the in-situ sampling unit 3, thereby ensuring the reliability of the hydrothermal fluid sample.

[0052] The fluid data measurement and processing unit 2 is located between the automatic sealing and combining unit 1 and the in-situ sampling unit 3, and the parameters of the sampled hydrothermal fluid are monitored in real time by the fluid data measurement and processing unit 2. The fluid data measurement and processing unit 2 is wirelessly connected or wiredly connected to the remote operated vehicle 5 or the autonomous underwater platform, and the entire in-situ measurement sampling device is carried by the remote operated vehicle 5 or the autonomous underwater platform and transported to the vicinity of the hydrothermal vent in the deep sea. The remote operated vehicle 5 or the autonomous underwater platform is a common underwater device in the current marine scientific research. The remote operated vehicle 5 is connected to the support ship 6 through the umbilical cable, and the operator can remotely control the actions of the remote operated vehicle 5 on the support ship 6. The remote operated vehicle 5 can perform tasks underwater according to the preset program or instructions through its own independent energy source, navigation system and task load.

[0053] Through the in-situ sampling unit 3, the sampling of the deep-sea hydrothermal fluid can be achieved.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2 the fluid data measurement and processing unit 2 comprises a protection frame 21, a fluid pipeline 22, a multi-parameter measurement system 23 and a data processing system 24, and the fluid pipeline 22, the multi-parameter measurement system 23 and the data processing system 24 are located in the protection frame 21, and the protection frame 21 can protect the various devices inside from damage. The protection frame 21 is made of titanium alloy, carbon fiber or ceramic material which are resistant to high temperature and corrosion.

[0055] The fluid conduit 22 connects the automatic sealing and combining unit 1 and the in-situ sampling unit 3, and the deep-sea hydrothermal fluid obtained by the automatic sealing and combining unit 1 is delivered to the in-situ sampling unit 3 through the fluid conduit 22. A plurality of multi-parameter measurement systems 23 are arranged outside the fluid conduit 22 and along the flow direction of the fluid, and the hydrothermal fluid flowing through the fluid conduit 22 is monitored in real time through the multi-parameter measurement systems 23. The data processing system 24 is wirelessly connected or wiredly connected to the remotely operated vehicle 5 through the umbilical cable.

[0056] The multi-parameter measurement system 23 includes sensors for measuring the temperature, pressure and other parameters of the hydrothermal fluid, and the hydrothermal fluid is monitored in real time in a closed environment by using various high-sensitivity sensors, which can adapt to the extreme environment of the deep sea, reduce the interference of the environment and the operation on the measuring equipment, and ensure the accuracy of the detection data.

[0057] In the embodiment, the multi-parameter measurement system 23 includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a chemical sensor, an electromagnetic flowmeter and an in-situ Raman spectrum probe. The above-mentioned sensors are respectively used for monitoring the temperature, fluid pressure and various chemical parameters of the ejected hydrothermal fluid. The electromagnetic flowmeter calculates the flux of the hydrothermal fluid based on the speed and pressure difference of the hydrothermal fluid. The in-situ Raman spectrum probe is used for detecting the molecular structure and chemical composition of the hydrothermal fluid.

[0058] The in-situ Raman spectrum probe is a combination of Raman spectrum technology and a specially designed probe, which can directly detect and analyze the sample in-situ and in real time without destroying the original state and environment of the sample. When laser irradiates on the sample, the molecules in the sample will cause the incident light to scatter, and most of the scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light, which is Rayleigh scattering. A small part of the scattered light changes in frequency, which is Raman scattering. The frequency change of the Raman scattering light is related to the vibration and rotation energy level of the sample molecules, and through detection and analysis of the Raman scattering spectrum, the molecular structure, chemical composition and chemical bond type of the sample can be obtained.

[0059] In the embodiment, the data processing system 24 includes an embedded microcontroller, a data storage device and an acoustic communication device.

[0060] The embedded microcontroller is used for collecting and processing the data collected by the sensors; the collected and processed data is saved through the data storage device; and the acoustic communication device transmits the data to the platform of the mother ship 6 on the sea surface in real time by using sound waves. The sound waves can transmit data in real time in water, avoiding the delay or loss of electromagnetic signals in the deep-sea environment.

[0061] The in-situ sampling unit 3 comprises a dredging pipeline 31 and a collecting system 32. The dredging pipeline 31 is in communication with the fluid pipeline 22, and a liquid discharge valve 311 is arranged at the outlet of the dredging pipeline 31. The collecting system 32 comprises a sample collecting tank 321, the liquid inlet of the sample collecting tank 321 is connected with the dredging pipeline 31, and a liquid inlet valve 322 is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the sample collecting tank and the dredging pipeline. The liquid outlet of the sample collecting tank 321 is provided with a liquid outlet valve 323.

[0062] When collecting the hot liquid sample, the liquid discharge valve 311 is kept open, and the liquid inlet valve 322 and the liquid outlet valve 323 are closed. The monitored hot liquid fluid is discharged through the dredging pipeline 31. When the hot liquid fluid is transported stably, the liquid discharge valve 311 is closed and the liquid inlet valve 322 is opened. The stable hot liquid fluid is directly sprayed into the sample collecting tank 321 from the spray port under the action of the spray pressure. When the capacity of the hot liquid sample meets the collection requirement, the liquid inlet valve 322 is closed, and the liquid discharge valve 311 is opened. The hot liquid fluid continues to be discharged into the sea through the dredging pipeline 31. When the device is recovered to the mother ship 6, the liquid outlet valve 323 is opened to transfer and store the hot liquid sample.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 to 6 The automatic sealing joint unit comprises a liquid inlet pipeline 11, a composite flexible shell 12 and a sealing device 13 with an intelligent adjustment system. The liquid inlet pipeline 11 is aligned with the hot liquid spray port in the vertical direction, i.e. the Y direction. The liquid inlet pipeline 11, the fluid pipeline 22 and the dredging pipeline 31 are sequentially fixedly connected. The fluid pipeline 22 is located between the liquid inlet pipeline 11 and the dredging pipeline 31, and serves to connect the liquid inlet pipeline and the dredging pipeline. The hot liquid fluid is sprayed from the spray port under the action of the spray pressure, and then enters the liquid inlet pipeline 11 at a fast flow rate in the vertical direction Y, and sequentially passes through the fluid pipeline 22 and the dredging pipeline 31, and is finally discharged into the sea through the dredging pipeline 31. In this embodiment, each pipeline is made of titanium alloy material of special material, which meets the hot liquid transportation requirement of high temperature and high pressure.

[0064] The composite flexible shell 12 is diffused and extended downward from the end of the liquid inlet pipeline 11 to the hot liquid spray port. The top end of the composite flexible shell 12 is sealingly connected with the liquid inlet pipeline 11, and the end of the composite flexible shell 12 is provided with the sealing device 13. The sealing device 13 is annular and tightly covers the rock mass 4 of the hot liquid spray port. The sealing device 13 is provided with an intelligent adjustment system. The intelligent adjustment system can automatically adjust the sealing pressure of the sealing device 13 according to the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the hot liquid spray port, so as to ensure that the sealing state is always effective and avoid leakage of the hot liquid fluid.

[0065] The composite flexible outer cover 12 comprises, from outside to inside, an outer protective layer 121, a reinforcing layer 122 and an inner extensible layer 123. In this embodiment, the outer protective layer 121 and the inner extensible layer 123 are made of high-performance cloth woven with polyimide fibers. Polyimide fibers have excellent heat and cold resistance, can withstand high temperature for a long time while maintaining stable performance; have excellent corrosion resistance to most common chemical corrosive substances, such as acid, alkali, solvent, etc., and are not easily eroded; at the same time, polyimide fibers also have high tensile modulus and tensile strength, low density, high strength, good fatigue resistance, and are suitable for harsh deep sea environment. The reinforcing layer 122 is made of polyimide fibers doped with graphene. Graphene has very high strength among currently known materials, and also has good toughness and can be bent. Doping graphene in the reinforcing layer 122 can provide good support for the structural stability of the composite flexible outer cover 12.

[0066] The inner side of the composite flexible outer cover 12 is provided with an umbrella-shaped framework 124 and a support bone 125. The end of the liquid inlet pipe 11 is provided with a cylindrical lead screw sleeve 111, which is connected with the driving mechanism. During the operation of the driving mechanism, the lead screw sleeve 111 is driven to rotate.

[0067] The annular outer side of the lead screw sleeve 111 is provided with the umbrella-shaped framework 124, and the annular outer side of the lead screw sleeve 111 is provided with external threads. The inner side of the corresponding umbrella-shaped framework 124 is provided with internal threads, so that the lead screw sleeve 111 and the umbrella-shaped framework 124 form a threaded engagement. The umbrella-shaped framework 124 is connected with the composite flexible outer cover 12 through a plurality of support bones 125. The support bones 125 are uniformly and spacedly arranged along the circumferential direction of the annular outer side of the umbrella-shaped framework 124. The top end of the support bone 125 is hinged with the umbrella-shaped framework 124, and the bottom end of the support bone 125 is connected with the composite flexible outer cover 12. The support bone 125 supports the composite flexible outer cover 12.

[0068] During the rotation of the lead screw sleeve 111, the umbrella-shaped framework 124 moves linearly along the axial direction of the liquid inlet pipe 11 under the threaded engagement between the lead screw sleeve 111 and the umbrella-shaped framework 124 and the limiting action of the composite flexible outer cover 12.

[0069] When the lead screw sleeve rotates and drives the umbrella-shaped framework 124 to move towards the critical hydrothermal jet, the support bone 125 is pushed by the umbrella-shaped framework 124, and at this time the other end of the support bone 125 will correspondingly drive the composite flexible outer cover 12 to move outward, so as to support the composite flexible outer cover outward; when the lead screw sleeve rotates and drives the umbrella-shaped framework 124 to move away from the hydrothermal jet, the support bone 125 will correspondingly drive the composite flexible outer cover to move inward under the driving of the umbrella-shaped framework 124. Thus, the composite flexible outer cover 12 is supported outward and inward.

[0070] The sealing device 13 comprises a tensioning controller 131 and a flexible air bag 132. The outer end of the tensioning controller 131 is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the composite flexible shell 12, and the inner side of the tensioning controller 131 is fixedly connected to the annular flexible air bag 132, which annularly covers the rock body 4 of the hydrothermal vent. The tensioning controller 131 is connected to an intelligent adjustment system, which can be installed at the end of the support bone 125 facing the hydrothermal vent. The intelligent adjustment system comprises a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, and a processor. Through the intelligent adjustment system, the injection or extraction of liquid or gas into the flexible air bag by the tensioning controller, and the determination of the injection or extraction amount can be controlled.

[0071] In operation, the intelligent adjustment system monitors the fluid environment at the hydrothermal vent in real time. When the pressure sensor, the flow rate sensor, and / or the temperature sensor detects abnormal data, the processor activates the tensioning controller 131 to adjust the sealing pressure of the flexible air bag 132.

[0072] When the tensioning controller 131 is not working, the flexible air bag 132 is in a loose state with a certain elasticity and can expand appropriately with the expansion of the composite flexible shell. When the tensioning controller 131 is working, the volume of the flexible air bag 132 gradually increases, and the flexible air bag 132 is in a gradually tightened state. Since the flexible air bag 132 has a certain elasticity, the flexible air bag can abut against the rock body 4 of the hydrothermal vent at this time.

[0073] In this embodiment, the tensioning controller 131 can be a hydraulic filling mechanism or a pneumatic filling mechanism. By injecting hydraulic oil or gas into the flexible air bag 132 through the tensioning controller 131, the flexible air bag 132 can be expanded outward and the tensioning state can be increased. At the same time, by extracting the hydraulic oil or gas in the flexible air bag 132 through the tensioning controller 131, the flexible air bag 132 can be contracted.

[0074] In this embodiment, the flexible air bag 132 can be made of polyimide film, ceramic fiber fabric, or metal rubber material. The polyimide film itself has a certain elasticity and stretchability. After the polyimide film is made into an air bag and filled, the air bag can maintain stability and has high strength and modulus. The ceramic fiber fabric is also a material with elasticity and excellent high-temperature resistance, which can still maintain good shape stability under high-temperature and high-pressure environments. The metal rubber is a material made by weaving or pressing metal wires through a special process. It has elasticity when not inflated or pressurized, and has high strength and high-temperature resistance when inflated or pressurized.

[0075] When the device is working, one side of the flexible air bag 132 is in contact with the hot liquid fluid with high temperature and high pressure, and the other side is in contact with the ice-cold seawater, and at the same time, the flexible air bag 132 continuously maintains the sealing and fitting state with the rock body 4 of the hydrothermal vent. If a single-layer flexible air bag 132 structure is used, the structural stability of the flexible air bag 132 is easily damaged under the action of a larger temperature difference and pressure difference, causing local leakage of the hydrothermal fluid and affecting the reliability of the hydrothermal fluid sample. By arranging multiple layers of flexible air bags 132 in the vertical direction, the flexible air bags 132 in contact with the high-temperature hydrothermal fluid and the low-temperature seawater can be separated into two independent structural layers, and there is also a transition layer between the two contact structural layers, thereby realizing the structural stability and reliable function of each layer of flexible air bag 132, and ensuring that the flexible air bag 132 continuously and effectively seals during the working process of the device. Further, according to different requirements of temperature, pressure, corrosion resistance, etc., each layer of flexible air bag 132 can be made of different materials.

[0076] The application also proposes a method for measuring and sampling using the in-situ measurement and sampling device of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid, which comprises the following steps.

[0077] Firstly, the remote-controlled submersible 5 or the automatic underwater platform carries the in-situ measurement and sampling device to the target deep-sea area. The device is grabbed near the hydrothermal vent to be measured by the mechanical arm of the remote-controlled submersible 5 or the automatic underwater platform.

[0078] Secondly, the automatic sealing and combining unit 1 is started, the lead screw sleeve 111 on the liquid inlet pipeline 11 is rotated, and the umbrella-shaped framework 124 is driven to move towards the hydrothermal vent through the thread engagement between the lead screw sleeve 111 and the umbrella-shaped framework 124, while the umbrella-shaped framework 124 opens the composite flexible shell 12 outward through the support bone 125. At the same time, the flexible air bag 132 connected with the composite flexible shell 12 is stretched.

[0079] Next, the device is buckled towards the hydrothermal vent to be measured by the mechanical arm of the remote-controlled submersible 5 or the automatic underwater platform, so that part of the rock body 4 of the hydrothermal vent is covered in the flexible air bag 132. The device is clamped by the mechanical arm of the remote-controlled submersible 5 or the automatic underwater platform, so that the device remains in a vertical state, aligns the liquid inlet pipeline 11 with the hydrothermal vent, and sets the liquid inlet pipeline 11 in the vertical direction.

[0080] Thirdly, according to the hydrothermal temperature and pressure data monitored by the intelligent adjustment system, the tension controller 131 is controlled to fill the flexible air bag, so that the flexible air bag 132 is inflated and tightened, the flexible air bag 132 is closely fitted with the rock body 4 of the hydrothermal vent, and the sealing and fitting between the automatic sealing and combining unit 1 of the device and the hydrothermal vent are realized.

[0081] Fourthly, the hydrothermal fluid ejected from the hydrothermal vent passes into the fluid pipeline 22 through the liquid inlet pipeline 11, and then passes through the fluid data measurement and processing unit 2 to monitor the flow, temperature, pressure and chemical composition of the hydrothermal fluid in real time. The data processing system 24 processes, stores and transmits the collected hydrothermal fluid data to the platform of the mother ship 6 on the sea surface.

[0082] At the same time, the hydrothermal fluid continuously flows into the dredging pipeline 31, and at this time, the liquid discharge valve 311 on the dredging pipeline 31 is in an open state. The hydrothermal fluid entering the dredging pipeline 31 is continuously discharged into the surrounding seawater environment through the liquid discharge valve 311.

[0083] In this embodiment, the hydrothermal fluid is continuously ejected from the vent at a fast flow rate and a large flux under the influence of its eruption pressure, and the sizes of the rock bodies of the vents are different. Therefore, before the device is connected to the hydrothermal vent, the automatic sealing combination unit 1 is started to drive the flexible air bag 132 to expand through the composite flexible shell 12, so as to ensure that the flexible air bag can be sleeved on the rock body 4 of the vent. At the same time, the liquid discharge valve 311 is opened, and the liquid outlet valve 322 is closed, so as to ensure that the device is buckled on the hydrothermal vent, and the continuously ejected hydrothermal fluid can smoothly flow into the device through the liquid inlet pipeline 11, and then quickly flow out of the dredging pipeline 31 after passing through the fluid pipeline 22.

[0084] At the same time, since the device is just connected to the hydrothermal vent, the pipelines are filled with seawater. At this time, the hydrothermal fluid ejected from the hydrothermal vent into the liquid inlet pipeline 11, the fluid pipeline 22 and the dredging pipeline 31 will react violently with the seawater in the pipelines, and the shape of the hydrothermal fluid is unstable, so that reliable data cannot be monitored. Therefore, it is necessary to use the continuously ejected hydrothermal fluid to discharge the seawater and other impurities in the device, that is, to form a closed hydrothermal eruption channel in the hydrothermal vent and the device, so as to detect the hydrothermal fluid in situ.

[0085] Fifthly, according to the hydrothermal fluid data monitored by the fluid data measurement and processing unit 2, when the hydrothermal fluid is transported stably, the liquid discharge valve 311 and the liquid outlet valve 323 are closed, and the liquid inlet valve 322 is opened. The hydrothermal fluid transported stably is transported to the sample collection box 321 under the action of the eruption pressure of the hydrothermal fluid for storage.

[0086] The hydrothermal fluid is monitored in real time by using the monitoring devices of the fluid data measurement and processing unit 2 and the intelligent adjustment system. When the monitored data of the hydrothermal fluid tends to be stable, data collection and sample collection work can be carried out.

[0087] Step 6, when a certain amount of hydrothermal fluid is collected in the sample collection box 321, open the discharge valve 311 and close the inlet valve 322, the hydrothermal fluid continues to be discharged into the sea through the dredging pipe 31, while the mother ship 6 platform analyzes the real-time data of the hydrothermal fluid, evaluates the activity of the hydrothermal vent and its impact on the surrounding environment, and adjusts the position of the device or retrieves the device according to the research analysis results.

[0088] Step 7, after the measurement and sampling task is completed, the device is retrieved from the deep sea using the remotely operated vehicle 5 or the automatic underwater platform, the outlet valve 323 is opened to transfer and store the hydrothermal fluid sample in the sample collection box 321, and the device is checked and backup data is saved.

[0089] The in-situ measurement and sampling device for deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid and the measurement and sampling method provided by the present application are described in detail above. In this paper, specific examples are used to explain the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The above examples are only used to help understand the method of the present application and its core idea. It should be pointed out that for ordinary skilled persons in the technical field, some improvements and modifications can be made to the present application without departing from the principles of the present application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application. The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables a person skilled in the art to implement or use the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An in-situ measurement sampling device for end-member fluids of deep-sea hydrothermal vents, characterized in that, The device comprises: an automatic sealing combination unit, which comprises a liquid inlet pipeline, a composite flexible shell and a sealing device, the sealing device is driven by the composite flexible shell to cover the outside of the rock mass of the hot liquid spout, and the sealing device forms a sealed space of the hot liquid in the inner cavity of the composite flexible shell; a fluid data measurement and processing unit, which comprises a fluid pipeline, a multi-parameter measurement system and a data processing system, and the fluid pipeline is in communication with the liquid inlet pipeline; an in-situ sampling unit, which comprises a dredging pipeline and a sample collection box, the dredging pipeline is in communication with the fluid pipeline, and the dredging pipeline is connected with the sample collection box; the liquid inlet pipeline, the fluid pipeline and the dredging pipeline are sequentially arranged in communication along the flow direction of the hot liquid; an end of the liquid inlet pipeline towards the hot liquid spout is rotationally provided with a cylindrical lead screw sleeve, an annular outer side of the lead screw sleeve is provided with an umbrella framework, and the umbrella framework is in thread engagement with the lead screw sleeve; one end of the composite flexible shell is fixedly connected with the liquid inlet pipeline, and the other end of the composite flexible shell is connected with the umbrella framework through a plurality of support bones, the support bones are arranged at intervals along the annular outer side of the umbrella framework, one end of the support bone is hingedly connected with the umbrella framework, and the other end of the support bone is fixedly connected with the composite flexible shell; the sealing device comprises a tensioning controller and a flexible air bag, an outer end of the tensioning controller is fixedly connected with an inner side surface of the composite flexible shell, and an inner side of the tensioning controller is fixedly connected with the flexible air bag; the liquid inlet pipeline is aligned with the hot liquid spout in the vertical direction, the composite flexible shell extends downwards from the end of the liquid inlet pipeline to the hot liquid spout, and the flexible air bag is annularly and tightly wrapped around the rock mass of the hot liquid spout; the flexible air bag is arranged in multiple layers in the vertical direction; the flexible air bag is made of polyimide film, ceramic fiber fabric or metal rubber material; when the tensioning controller is not working, the flexible air bag is in a relaxed state with a certain elasticity and can expand with the unfolding of the composite flexible shell; when the tensioning controller is working, the volume of the flexible air bag gradually increases to a taut state, and the flexible air bag abuts against the rock mass of the hot liquid spout; wherein the composite flexible shell comprises, from outside to inside, an outer protective layer, a reinforcing layer and an inner extensible layer, and the outer protective layer and the inner extensible layer are made of high-performance cloth woven with polyimide fibers, and the reinforcing layer is made of polyimide fibers mixed with graphene.

2. The in situ deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid sampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The fluid data measurement and processing unit further comprises a protection frame, the fluid pipeline, the multi-parameter measurement system and the data processing system are arranged in the protection frame, and the data processing system is arranged along the flow direction of the hot liquid; the data processing system is connected with a remotely operated vehicle or an automatic underwater platform.

3. The in situ deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid sampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, an outlet of the dredging pipeline is provided with a liquid discharge valve; a connecting pipeline of the dredging pipeline and the sample collection box is provided with a liquid inlet valve, and a liquid outlet of the sample collection box is provided with a liquid outlet valve.

4. The in situ deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid sampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the tensioning controller is connected with an intelligent adjustment system, and the intelligent adjustment system is used to control the injection or extraction of gas / liquid into or out of the flexible air bag and the injection and extraction amount.

5. A method for measuring sampling by using the in-situ measuring sampling device for deep-sea hydrothermal vent end-member fluid according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: S1, the device is grabbed to the vicinity of the hydrothermal vent to be measured, the automatic sealing combination unit is started, the sealing device is opened out through the composite flexible shell, the rock mass at the hydrothermal vent to be measured is covered in the sealing device, the liquid inlet pipeline is aligned with the hydrothermal vent, and the liquid inlet pipeline remains vertically arranged; S2, the sealing device is tightly attached to the rock mass of the hydrothermal vent, the automatic sealing combination unit and the hydrothermal vent are sealed and attached; S3, the hydrothermal fluid sprayed by the hydrothermal vent flows into the dredging pipeline through the liquid inlet pipeline and the fluid pipeline, the parameters of the hydrothermal fluid are measured during the flowing of the hydrothermal fluid through the fluid pipeline, and when the parameters of the hydrothermal fluid tend to be stable, the hydrothermal fluid is collected and stored through the sample collection box.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, In step S1, the automatic sealing combination unit is started, the screw sleeve on the liquid inlet pipeline is rotated, the umbrella skeleton is driven to move towards the hydrothermal vent through the thread engagement between the screw sleeve and the umbrella skeleton, the composite flexible shell is expanded outwardly through the support bone, and the flexible air bag connected with the composite flexible shell is expanded; In the process of aligning the liquid inlet pipeline with the hydrothermal vent, the liquid discharge valve is opened, and the liquid outlet valve is closed, so that the device is smoothly set at the hydrothermal vent, and the hydrothermal fluid can smoothly enter the liquid inlet pipeline, and the rock mass at the hydrothermal vent is covered in the flexible air bag.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, In step S2, the intelligent adjustment system controls the tensioning controller to fill the flexible air bag, so that the flexible air bag is inflated and taut, and the flexible air bag is tightly attached to the rock mass at the hydrothermal vent.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein, In step S3, after the hydrothermal fluid continuously flows into the dredging pipeline, the liquid discharge valve in the dredging pipeline is opened at this time, and the hydrothermal fluid in the dredging pipeline is discharged into the seawater environment; When the parameters of the hydrothermal fluid monitored in real time are stable, the liquid discharge valve and the liquid outlet valve are closed, and the liquid inlet valve is opened, the hydrothermal fluid flows into the sample collection box along the dredging pipeline under the action of the overflow pressure, and the sample collection of the hydrothermal fluid is realized; After a certain amount of hydrothermal fluid is collected in the sample collection box, the liquid discharge valve is opened, and the liquid inlet valve is closed, and the hydrothermal fluid is discharged into the seawater through the dredging pipeline again.

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