A deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage cleaning and transporting integrated processing system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of underwater multi-stage cleaning and transporting integrated processing system of deep-sea polymetallic nodule, and proposes an underwater multi-stage cleaning and transporting integrated processing system of deep-sea polymetallic nodule, which solves the technical problem that the existing technology is affected by the large space occupied by the split multi-stage equipment, which affects the loadable amount of polymetallic nodule, and the unified processing on the ship is required due to the limitation of the processing flow, which not only easily causes blockage, but also appears invalid crushing processing, affecting the processing efficiency. The present application comprises a machine body, a conveying device and a stock bin. The machine body is internally provided with a flushing area, a brushing area and a sewage area which are in communication with each other. The sewage area is located below the flushing area and the brushing area. A conveying belt for conveying materials to the brushing area for cleaning is arranged in the sewage area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater multi-stage removal technology for deep-sea polymetallic nodules, specifically to an integrated underwater multi-stage removal system for deep-sea polymetallic nodules. Background Technology

[0002] Deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection is one of the important methods of deep-sea mineral mining. After collection, polymetallic nodules need to be transported to the hold of ships at sea. However, polymetallic nodules collected from mud and sand are usually covered with a large amount of mud and sand, which needs to be processed.

[0003] Currently, the common method for processing collected polymetallic nodules is a split-processing approach. This involves using hydraulic lift (i.e., negative pressure suction through pipes) to draw the nodules into a mining vessel, where onboard cleaning equipment washes them. The washed nodules are then crushed to reduce space requirements and increase the amount of nodules the vessel can hold. While this method effectively processes collected nodules, it suffers from several drawbacks. Firstly, the nodules contain silt and sand, which can clog pipes if the silt content is too high, hindering transport. Secondly, the separate equipment on the vessel occupies significant space, reducing cargo capacity. Thirdly, crushing all nodules, regardless of size, results in ineffective crushing of smaller nodules, impacting overall processing efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, the existing method of processing polymetallic nodules in a split manner has limitations. The multi-stage equipment occupies too much space, which affects the loading capacity of polymetallic nodules. Furthermore, the processing flow is limited, requiring unified processing on ships, which can easily cause blockages and ineffective crushing, thus affecting the efficiency of the process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to propose an integrated underwater multi-stage cleaning and transportation system for deep-sea polymetallic nodules. This system addresses the technical problems in existing technologies where the large space occupied by separate multi-stage equipment affects the load capacity of polymetallic nodules, and the need for unified processing on ships due to limitations in the processing flow, which can easily cause blockages and ineffective crushing, thus affecting processing efficiency.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A deep-sea multi-stage underwater cleaning and integrated treatment system for polymetallic nodules includes a body, a conveying device and a hopper. The body is provided with an interconnected rinsing zone, a scrubbing zone and a sewage zone. The sewage zone is located below the rinsing zone and the scrubbing zone. The sewage zone is provided with a conveyor belt for sending materials to the scrubbing zone for cleaning.

[0008] The machine body is also provided with a crushing zone, which is connected to the washing zone through an inclined channel. The bottom of the inclined channel is provided with a material collection zone, the top of the material collection zone is connected to the inclined channel, and the side of the material collection zone is connected to the crushing zone.

[0009] The inclined channel is equipped with a separation strainer. The horizontal height of the end of the separation strainer near the washing area is higher than the horizontal height of the end near the crushing area. The material leakage gap of the separation strainer increases from top to bottom. This is used to directly leak small materials into the collection area and guide large materials into the crushing area for crushing. Finally, the crushed small materials fall into the collection area.

[0010] The horizontal height of the conveying device is greater than the horizontal height of the silo. The machine body is located between the conveying device and the silo, and the inlet of the machine body is connected to the conveying device and the washing area. The outlet of the machine body is connected to the bottom of the silo and the collection area.

[0011] Furthermore, the wastewater zone includes a filtration zone located at its bottom, the lower end of which is connected to the collection zone to filter the washed mud and water before discharging it into the collection zone.

[0012] Furthermore, the machine body is equipped with a cleaning tank, the rinsing area and the scrubbing area are located at the top inside the cleaning tank, and the wastewater area is located at the bottom inside the cleaning tank;

[0013] A rinsing assembly is provided, which includes a first rinsing head and a second rinsing head, and the first rinsing head and the second rinsing head are respectively disposed above the rinsing area and the scrubbing area;

[0014] The conveyor section of the conveyor belt is exposed at the bottom inside the rinsing zone and the brushing zone, and the brushing part of the brushing zone is equipped with a roller brush assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the roller brush assembly includes a bracket and at least two brush rollers rotatably mounted on the bracket. A main shaft is mounted on one side of the bracket. One end of the main shaft is connected to the shaft end of the brush rollers via gear transmission. The other end of the main shaft is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the cleaning tank.

[0016] The main shaft and the support rotate independently, and the main shaft and the support rotate in the same direction but at different speeds, or rotate in opposite directions but at the same speed, or rotate in opposite directions but at different speeds, so that the support rotates two self-rotating brush rollers in the washing area to wash the material on the conveyor belt.

[0017] Furthermore, the inlet of the cleaning tank is connected to the inlet of the machine body, the outlet of the cleaning tank is located at the end of the brushing area, and the inclined channel includes a trough plate and is located at the outlet of the cleaning tank.

[0018] A void is formed at the bottom of the side of the trough plate away from the feed inlet of the cleaning tank. The separation strainer is installed on the side wall of the trough plate located in the void and extends downward at an angle to cover the void.

[0019] Furthermore, the separation plate includes several rods, each of which is installed on the groove plate, and the gap between two adjacent rods gradually increases from top to bottom.

[0020] Furthermore, the machine body is provided with a funnel, the material collection area is located inside the funnel, and the bottom outlet of the funnel is connected to the outlet of the machine body. An inclined plate is provided at the upper end of the funnel, and the groove plate is provided on the inclined plate.

[0021] The inclined plate has an opening that matches the empty area, and multiple rods cover the opening on the inclined plate to allow small materials to leak directly into the funnel.

[0022] Furthermore, the machine body is provided with a jaw crushing assembly, which includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, with the bottom of the fixed jaw connected to the side wall of the funnel.

[0023] The funnel has an opening on the side near the fixed jaw, and the movable jaw portion is disposed within the opening in the side wall of the funnel.

[0024] The lower end of the inclined plate is located above the movable jaw and has a gap between it and the upper end of the fixed jaw. The tangential direction of the inclined plate is close to the movable jaw, and the gap between the inclined plate and the fixed jaw, as well as the gap between the fixed jaw and the movable jaw, constitute a breaking zone.

[0025] Furthermore, the machine body is provided with a filter pipe, the upper end of which is installed at the bottom of the cleaning tank, and the lower end of which is installed on the side wall of the funnel, so as to discharge filtered water into the funnel.

[0026] The filtration zone is composed of filtration pipes, and the middle section of the filtration pipes is equipped with a sludge filter for filtering the mud and water discharged from the sewage zone.

[0027] Furthermore, the filter includes a filter cartridge, the inside of which is provided with a filter screen, and the filter cartridge is located in the middle of the filter pipeline;

[0028] The filter cartridge is provided with a drain pipe on its side wall. The filter screen is inclined inside the filter cartridge, and the connection of the drain pipe is located above the lower part of the filter screen to guide the mud on the filter screen to be discharged.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0030] This invention adopts an integrated structure, which cleans polymetallic nodules by dividing the underwater machine body into a rinsing zone, a brushing zone, and a sewage zone, and also divides it into a crushing zone, an inclined channel, and a collection zone. A separation baffle is set in the inclined channel to select large nodules for crushing, thus optimizing the multi-stage treatment process of polymetallic nodules, realizing integrated cleaning and transportation, saving space and reducing ineffective treatment. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in this embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the machine body in this embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning tank structure in this embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cleaning tank in this embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the roller brush assembly in this embodiment;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the filter section structure in this embodiment;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the jaw crusher assembly in this embodiment.

[0039] In the picture:

[0040] 1. Machine body; 2. Cleaning tank; 3. Separation plate; 4. Jaw crusher assembly; 5. Funnel; 6. Filter pipeline;

[0041] 101. Washing area; 102. Scrubbing area; 103. Wastewater area; 104. Crushing area; 105. Tank plate; 106. Aggregate area; 107. Filtration area;

[0042] 21. Flushing assembly; 22. Conveyor belt; 23. Roller brush assembly; 31. Rod; 41. Fixed jaw; 42. Movable jaw; 51. Inclined plate; 61. Filter;

[0043] 211. First flushing head; 212. Second flushing head; 231. Support; 232. Main shaft; 233. Brush roller; 241. Empty area; 611. Filter cartridge; 612. Filter screen; 613. Drain pipe;

[0044] A. Long axis No. 1; B. Long axis No. 2. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] like Figure 1 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment provides an integrated underwater multi-stage cleaning and treatment system for deep-sea polymetallic nodules, mainly comprising a body 1, which has interconnected rinsing zone 101, scrubbing zone 102, and wastewater zone 103. The wastewater zone 103 is located below the rinsing zone 101 and scrubbing zone 102, and a conveyor belt 22 is installed within the wastewater zone 103. The conveying section of the conveyor belt 22 extends from the bottom of the rinsing zone 101 to the bottom of the scrubbing zone 102 (exposed here) to clean the conveyed material.

[0047] The machine body 1 is also equipped with a crushing zone 104. The crushing zone 104 is connected to the washing zone 102 through an inclined channel. A collection zone 106 is set at the bottom of the inclined channel. The top of the collection zone 106 is connected to the inclined channel, and its side is connected to the crushing zone 104.

[0048] In this embodiment, a separation plate 3 is also provided in the inclined channel, and the height of the end of the separation plate 3 near the washing area 102 is higher than the height of the end near the crushing area 104. The gap of the separation plate 3 increases from top to bottom. This is used to allow small materials to be directly discharged into the collection area 106, and to guide large materials to the crushing area 104 to be crushed into small materials and fall into the collection area 106.

[0049] The machine body 1 is placed between the high-level conveying device and the low-level hopper, and the inlet of the machine body 1 is connected to the conveying device and the rinsing area 101, and the outlet of the machine body 1 is connected to the bottom of the hopper and the collection area 106.

[0050] The aforementioned conveying device is a conventional water washing material conveying equipment used to transport polymetallic nodules to the feed inlet of the machine body 1, so that the polymetallic nodules fall from the feed inlet of the machine body 1 into the washing zone 101. The hopper is used to collect the processed polymetallic nodules, and the hopper is connected to the discharge outlet of the machine body 1 by a conveying pipeline. After being processed, the polymetallic nodules are transported to the hopper for storage.

[0051] This embodiment mainly involves setting up a rinsing zone 101, a brushing zone 102, and a wastewater zone 103 within the machine body 1 to form a cleaning area for polymetallic nodules. The rinsing zone 101 and the brushing zone 102 are connected and located above the wastewater zone 103, and are transported by a conveyor belt 22 to achieve continuous cleaning and transportation of polymetallic nodules. The inclined channel, in conjunction with the separation plate 3, can guide large polymetallic nodules into the crushing zone 104 for crushing, while small polymetallic nodules fall directly into the collection zone 106 to mix with the small polymetallic nodules after the large polymetallic nodules have been crushed, achieving multi-stage integrated cleaning and transportation of polymetallic nodules.

[0052] Compared to existing split-type multi-metal nodule treatment systems, this embodiment adopts an integrated structure. By dividing the machine body 1 into a rinsing zone 101, a brushing zone 102, and a wastewater zone 103, the multi-metal nodules are cleaned. Furthermore, by dividing the machine body 1 into a crushing zone 104, an inclined channel, and a collection zone 106, and by setting a separation baffle 3 in the inclined channel, large-particle multi-metal nodules are selected and crushed. This optimizes the multi-stage treatment process of multi-metal nodules, realizing integrated processing of cleaning, crushing, and transfer, effectively saving system space and reducing ineffective crushing.

[0053] Of course, large polymetallic nodules, after being crushed, and small polymetallic nodules, are all discharged into the collection area 106 and then uniformly discharged into the silo. Since the polymetallic nodules in the silo typically require water-containing transport (transferring them from the silo to the surface vessel requires a large amount of water), therefore, as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, a filtration zone 107 is provided at the bottom of the wastewater zone 103. The lower end of the filtration zone 107 is connected to the collection zone 106, which is used to filter the sludge and water after washing and discharge it into the collection zone 106. By filtering the wastewater generated during washing, the water can be reused, avoiding the need for secondary water supply.

[0054] In addition, such as Figures 2-5 As shown, this embodiment also includes a cleaning tank 2 inside the body 1. The rinsing area 101 and the scrubbing area 102 are both located inside the upper part of the cleaning tank 2, and the wastewater area 103 is located inside the lower part of the cleaning tank 2. A rinsing assembly 21 is provided on the top wall inside the cleaning tank 2. Specifically, the rinsing assembly 21 includes a first rinsing head 211 and a second rinsing head 212, and the first rinsing head 211 and the second rinsing head 212 are respectively located inside the upper part of the rinsing area 101 and the scrubbing area 102.

[0055] In this embodiment, the cleaning tank 2 is used as the rinsing area 101, the brushing area 102 and the sewage area 103 of the machine body 1. The first rinsing head 211 and the second rinsing head 212 are respectively arranged on the top of the cleaning tank 2. When the polymetallic nodules are sent into the rinsing area 101 inside the cleaning tank 2, the first rinsing head 211 continuously rinses the polymetallic nodules falling onto the conveyor belt 22 to rinse the mud and sand attached to them.

[0056] In this embodiment, a roller brush assembly 23 is installed inside the machine body 1, and the brushing part of the roller brush assembly 23 is placed in the brushing area 102. When the polymetallic nodules are transported to the brushing area 102 by the conveyor belt 22, the second rinsing head 212 sprays downward onto the roller brush assembly 23. The roller brush assembly 23 brushes the polymetallic nodules on the conveyor belt 22 to perform a deeper cleaning of the residual mud and sand on the polymetallic nodules. The mud and sand wastewater washed by the rinsing area 101 and the brushing area 102 fall from the conveyor belt 22 into the wastewater area 103 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2.

[0057] Among them, the rinsing area 101 and the brushing area 102 of the cleaning tank 2 are cylindrical structures. The conveying section of the conveyor belt 22 is close to the bottom opening of the cylindrical structure. Its gap is larger than that of the polymetallic nodule, but it can allow mud and sand water to leak from the side gap to the bottom of the cleaning tank 2.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the roller brush assembly 23 needs to brush the multi-metal nodules on the conveyor belt 22. During the brushing process, mud and sand are also easily adhered to the roller brush assembly 23. Therefore, in order to ensure the brushing reliability of the roller brush assembly 23, the following preferred embodiment is provided.

[0059] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the roller brush assembly 23 includes a bracket 231, which is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the cleaning tank 2 and placed in the brushing area 102. Two brush rollers 233 are rotatably mounted on the bracket 231.

[0060] A main shaft 232 is installed on one side of the bracket 231. One end of the main shaft 232 is connected to the shaft ends of the two brush rollers 233 through gear transmission, and the other end of the main shaft 232 is rotatably installed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 2.

[0061] The main shaft 232 and the support 231 rotate independently. The rotation mode of the main shaft 232 and the support 231 can be selected to be the same in rotation direction but different in speed, or the same in rotation direction and opposite in speed, or the opposite in rotation direction but different in speed. This is used to make the support 231 rotate two self-rotating brush rollers 233 in the brushing area 102 to brush the material on the conveyor belt 22.

[0062] In this embodiment, the roller brush assembly 23 adopts a dual drive of main shaft 232 and bracket 231. The rotation of bracket 231 can rotate two brush rollers 233, thereby enabling the two brush rollers 233 to alternately brush the multi-metal nodules and alternately approach the second flushing head 212 for rinsing, thus avoiding the brush rollers 233 from adhering to mud and sand for a long time and affecting their brushing effect.

[0063] The rotation of the main shaft 232 can drive the two brush rollers 233 to rotate independently through the gear transmission assembly. The rotation speed of the main shaft 232 is different from that of the bracket 231, so that the bracket 231 rotates slowly while the brush rollers 233 rotate quickly, improving the brushing effect. When the main shaft 232 rotates in the opposite direction to the bracket 231, the main shaft 232 can be used to rotate the brush rollers 233 quickly at a lower speed.

[0064] In the above process, the rotation direction of the main shaft 232 is based on the discharge port direction of the cleaning box 2, that is, the orientation of the inclined channel, and the main shaft 232 can drive the brush roller 233 through the gear transmission assembly to sweep the multi-metal nodules on the conveyor belt 22 out to the inclined channel.

[0065] Of course, the number of brush rollers 233 is at least two for alternating brushing and self-cleaning, or multiple brush rollers 233 can be arranged on the support 231 along the axis of the main shaft 232. After the brush rollers 233 sweep the polymetallic nodules out of the discharge port of the cleaning box 2, they enter the separation strainer 3 of the inclined channel. Based on this, a method for further implementation is provided.

[0066] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the inlet of the cleaning tank 2 is connected to the inlet of the machine body 1. The outlet of the cleaning tank 2 is located at the tail end of the scrubbing area 102 and is provided with a downwardly inclined trough plate 105 to form an inclined channel. A void area 241 is formed at the bottom of the side of the trough plate 105 away from the inlet of the cleaning tank 2. The separation strainer 3 is installed on the side wall of the trough plate 105 located in the void area 241 and extends downwardly to cover the void area 241.

[0067] In this embodiment, the trough plate 105 prevents multi-metal particles from detaching from the separation filter plate 3 from the side, and the empty area 241 at the bottom of the trough plate 105 allows the lower multi-metal nodules of particles leaking from the separation filter plate 3 to fall directly into the collection area 106.

[0068] Among them, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the separation baffle 3 is composed of multiple rods 31, which are installed on the trough plate 105. The gap between two adjacent rods 31 gradually increases from top to bottom. The maximum gap between two adjacent rods 31 is 6 cm, which can be used to ensure that small polymetallic nodules do not enter the crushing zone 104, but instead pass directly through the separation baffle 3 into the collection zone 106. Large polymetallic nodules will then enter the crushing zone 104 for crushing, effectively reducing unnecessary crushing.

[0069] Based on the above embodiments, further embodiments for providing the aggregate zone 106 are described below.

[0070] like Figures 2-4 As shown, a funnel 5 is installed inside the machine body 1. The interior of the funnel 5 serves as the material collection area 106, and the bottom outlet of the funnel 5 is connected to the outlet of the machine body 1. An inclined plate 51 is installed at the upper end of the funnel 5, and a trough plate 105 is placed on the inclined plate 51. An opening for a matching empty area 241 is provided on the inclined plate 51, and each rod 31 covers the opening on the inclined plate 51 to allow small materials to directly leak into the funnel 5.

[0071] In this embodiment, the collection area 106 is composed of a funnel 5. The inclined plate 51 on the funnel 5 can not only support the rod 31, but also cooperate with the empty area 241 to form an opening so that the polymetallic nodules of small particles can fall into the funnel 5.

[0072] Based on the above embodiments, the following further embodiments are used to provide the crushing zone 104.

[0073] like Figures 2-4 As shown, a jaw crusher assembly is installed inside the body 1. The jaw crusher assembly includes a fixed jaw 41 and a movable jaw 42. The bottom of the fixed jaw 41 is connected to the side wall of the funnel 5. An opening is provided on the side of the funnel 5 near the fixed jaw 41, and the movable jaw 42 is partially disposed within the opening on the side wall of the funnel 5.

[0074] A gap is formed between the lower end of the inclined plate 51 and the upper end of the fixed jaw 41, and the gap between the inclined plate 51 and the fixed jaw 41 and the gap between the fixed jaw 41 and the movable jaw 42 constitute the breaking zone 104.

[0075] The lower end of the inclined plate 51 is located above the movable jaw 42, and the inclined plate 51 is tangentially close to the movable jaw 42.

[0076] In this embodiment, the large multimetallic nodules that roll down from between the rods 31 enter the space between the fixed jaw 41 and the movable jaw 42 from above, are crushed by the movable jaw 42 over the fixed jaw 41, and automatically slide into the funnel 5 when the fixed jaw 41 and the movable jaw 42 separate, where they gather with the small multimetallic nodules.

[0077] The movable jaw 42 adopts a roller structure. The roller is equipped with a shaft drive that is off-axis, and an elliptical cylinder is set on the shaft. The outer wall of the elliptical cylinder and the inner wall of the roller are both equipped with tooth grooves. When the shaft rotates the elliptical cylinder, the long end of the elliptical cylinder will push against the roller and squeeze against the fixed jaw 41, and move downward along the arc surface of the fixed jaw 41 to achieve the effect of squeezing and grinding.

[0078] When the long end moves downward beyond the axial plane, the other long end moves upward, pushing the roller upward again and then downward in an arc shape to squeeze. The continuous rotation of the shaft can realize the repeated squeezing and grinding of large polymetallic nodules by the elliptical cylinder pushing the roller. Since both long ends of the elliptical cylinder can drive the roller to perform a complete crushing action, the crushing frequency of the entire jaw crusher assembly is higher and the processing efficiency is higher.

[0079] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the movable jaw 42 is assembled from an elliptical gear column and an inner cylindrical gear column. The inner cylindrical gear column is supported by the elliptical gear column. The central axis of the elliptical gear column is rotatably mounted on the fixed jaw 41. At this time, the inner cylindrical gear column presses on the elliptical gear column under the action of gravity, and the rotation of the elliptical gear column drives the inner cylindrical gear column to perform a cyclical rotational motion.

[0080] When the major axis of the elliptical gear column used to represent the clock rotates, when the first major axis of the elliptical gear column rotates downward from 0 o'clock to 3 o'clock, the first major axis of the elliptical gear column pushes the inner cylindrical gear column closer to the fixed jaw 41, thus breaking the large nodules.

[0081] When the first major axis of the elliptical gear column rotates downward from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock, the weight of the inner cylindrical gear column is placed on the short axis side of the elliptical gear column, and the nodules enter the crushing zone 104 between the fixed jaw 41 and the movable jaw 42.

[0082] When the first major axis of the elliptical gear column rotates upward from 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock, the second major axis of the elliptical gear column pushes the inner cylindrical gear column closer to the fixed jaw 41, breaking the entering nodules;

[0083] When the first major axis of the elliptical gear column rotates upward from 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock (the first major axis starts rotating from 0 o'clock and returns to the origin at 12 o'clock after one rotation), the nodules continue to enter the crushing mechanism. Therefore, the movable jaw 42 is used to perform a semi-circular undulating motion, crushing the nodules in the path from 0 o'clock to 3 o'clock, and placing the nodules into the crushing zone 104 from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock.

[0084] Based on the above embodiments, further embodiments of providing the filter area 107 are described below.

[0085] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a filter pipe 6 is installed inside the body 1. The upper end of the filter pipe is installed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2, and the lower end of the filter pipe is installed on the side wall of the funnel 5, which is used to discharge the filtered water into the funnel 5.

[0086] The filter pipe forms the filter zone 107, and a filter 61 is installed in the middle section of the filter pipe. The filter 61 is used to filter the mud and water discharged from the sewage zone 103.

[0087] In this embodiment, the filter zone 107 is formed by the filter pipe. When cleaning wastewater is generated in the wastewater zone 103, the wastewater in the wastewater zone 103 can be directly discharged into the filter pipe and filtered by the filter 61, thereby discharging the filtered water into the funnel 5 to ensure that both the multi-metal particles and water can be discharged into the silo.

[0088] Of course, to prevent the filter pipes from clogging after sludge filtration, we provide a method for further optimization.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the filter 61 includes a filter cartridge 611, inside which a filter screen 612 is disposed, and the filter cartridge 611 is located in the middle of the filter pipeline. A drain pipe 613 is disposed on the side wall of the filter cartridge 611. The filter screen 612 is disposed at an angle inside the filter cartridge 611, and the connection of the drain pipe 613 is located above the lower part of the filter screen 612, which is used to guide the dirt on the filter screen 612 to be discharged.

[0090] In this embodiment, the filter 61 has a cylindrical filter cylinder 611 as its outer shell and is located in the middle of the filter pipeline. Sewage can be filtered by the filter screen 612 inside the filter cylinder. The filter screen 612 is inclined. The filtered mud and sand are washed downward by the subsequent water flow into the sewage pipe 613, thereby achieving partial separation of mud and sand and water. That is, part of the sewage water passes through the filter screen 612 and is reused, while the remaining high-concentration sewage is discharged from the sewage pipe 613.

[0091] Based on the above embodiments, the working principle of this system is as follows:

[0092] The conveying device transports the mined polymetallic nodules to the feed inlet of the machine body 1, and they fall from the feed inlet into the cleaning tank 2 inside the machine body 1. In the rinsing zone 101 inside the cleaning tank 2, the polymetallic nodules are transported by the conveyor belt 22. During the transport process, the first rinsing head 211 of the rinsing assembly 21 rinses the polymetallic nodules on the conveyor belt 22. The rinsed polymetallic nodules are transported to the brushing zone 102, and the roller brush assembly 23 cooperates with the second rinsing head 212 to brush the polymetallic nodules on the conveyor belt 22.

[0093] After being washed, the polymetallic nodules are swept out of the discharge port of the washing box 2 by the roller brush assembly 23 and onto the separation plate 3. The small nodules in the polymetallic nodules on the separation plate 3 fall directly into the funnel 5, while the large nodules slide down between the fixed jaw 41 and the movable jaw 42 of the jaw crusher assembly 4 and are crushed into small nodules. The crushed small nodules are discharged and fall into the funnel 5.

[0094] During this process, the wastewater generated from rinsing and scrubbing in the cleaning tank 2 enters the filter pipe from the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 and is filtered by the filter 61 in the filter pipe, achieving partial separation of mud and water. The filtered water flows down into the funnel 5 and mixes with the polymetallic nodules to assist in the transport of the polymetallic nodules. The remaining high-concentration wastewater is returned to the sea through the drain pipe 613 of the filter 61.

[0095] This embodiment achieves progressive deep cleaning of polymetallic nodules. The first flushing head 211 and the second flushing head 212 of the flushing assembly 21 are respectively positioned above the flushing zone 101 and the brushing zone 102. Combined with the design of the conveyor belt 22's conveying section exposed at the bottom of both zones, cleaning efficiency is significantly improved. The separation filter 3 within the system employs a gradient gap design, with the gap increasing from top to bottom. This automatically separates materials according to particle size, allowing small particles to directly flow into the collection zone 106, while larger particles are guided to the crushing zone 104 for crushing, effectively reducing energy consumption in subsequent crushing. The inclined channel's connection to the crushing zone 104, combined with the jaw crushing assembly 4, including the coordinated work of the fixed jaw 41 and the movable jaw 42, ensures that large particles entering the crushing zone 104 are crushed into smaller particles. These smaller particles, along with those screened by the separation filter 3, ultimately fall into the funnel 5 of the collection zone 106, achieving a seamless connection between the crushing and collection processes. Wastewater zone 103 is located below rinsing zone 101 and brushing zone 102. Its bottom filtration zone 107 filters the washed mud and water through filter pipes and filter screen 612, returning it to funnel 5, reducing wastewater discharge. Simultaneously, the inclined filter screen 612 and low-level drain pipe 613 effectively prevent filter clogging and extend the service life of filter 61. The main shaft 232 of the roller brush assembly 23 and its support 231 employ a differential or reverse rotation design, driving the brush roller 233 to rotate and form a complex brushing trajectory. Combined with the continuous conveying of the conveyor belt 22, this further enhances the removal effect on material surface deposits. The layout of the functional areas within the machine body 1 is compact and reasonable. The rinsing, brushing, crushing, and filtering areas are arranged in upper and lower layers. Combined with the vertical connection between the inclined channel and funnel 5, this significantly reduces the equipment's footprint, making it more suitable for underwater operations in confined spaces. The gaps between the rods 31 of the separating filter plate 3 gradually increase from top to bottom, avoiding the problem of small particle accumulation. The inclined filter screen 612 and the drain pipe 613 inside the filter cartridge 611 are designed to periodically discharge accumulated sludge, ensuring that the system can operate continuously for a long time. In addition, the height difference design of the conveying device, the conveyor belt 22 and the hopper, as well as the connection structure between the inlet and outlet of the machine body 1, realize the fully automated conveying process from collection and washing to crushing and storage, greatly reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the overall operating efficiency.

[0096] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated processing system, comprising a main body (1), a conveying device and a hopper, characterized in that, The machine body (1) is provided with a rinsing area (101), a brushing area (102) and a sewage area (103) that are interconnected. The sewage area (103) is located below the rinsing area (101) and the brushing area (102). The sewage area (103) is provided with a conveyor belt (22) for sending materials to the brushing area (102) for cleaning. The machine body (1) is also provided with a crushing zone (104). The crushing zone (104) and the washing zone (102) are connected by an inclined channel. The bottom of the inclined channel is provided with a collection zone (106). The top of the collection zone (106) is connected to the inclined channel. The side of the collection zone (106) is connected to the crushing zone (104). The inclined channel is provided with a separation strainer (3). The horizontal height of the end of the separation strainer (3) near the washing area (102) is higher than the horizontal height of the end near the crushing area (104). The material leakage gap of the separation strainer (3) increases from top to bottom. This is used to directly leak small materials into the collection area (106) and guide large materials into the crushing area (104) for crushing. Finally, the crushed small materials fall into the collection area (106). The horizontal height of the conveying device is greater than the horizontal height of the silo. The machine body (1) is located between the conveying device and the silo, and the inlet of the machine body (1) is connected to the conveying device and the rinsing area (101). The outlet of the machine body (1) is connected to the bottom of the silo and the collection area (106).

2. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wastewater zone (103) includes a filtration zone (107) located at its bottom. The lower end of the filtration zone (107) is connected to the collection zone (106) to filter the washed mud and water and discharge it into the collection zone (106).

3. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The machine body (1) is provided with a cleaning tank (2), the rinsing area (101) and the brushing area (102) are located above the inside of the cleaning tank (2), and the sewage area (103) is located below the inside of the cleaning tank (2); A rinsing assembly (21) is provided, the rinsing assembly (21) includes a first rinsing head (211) and a second rinsing head (212), and the first rinsing head (211) and the second rinsing head (212) are respectively disposed above the rinsing area (101) and the scrubbing area (102); The conveyor section of the conveyor belt (22) is exposed at the bottom inside the rinsing zone (101) and the brushing zone (102), and the brushing part of the brushing zone (102) is provided with a roller brush assembly (23).

4. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The roller brush assembly (23) includes a bracket (231) and at least two brush rollers (233) rotatably mounted on the bracket (231). A main shaft (232) is mounted on one side of the bracket (231). One end of the main shaft (232) is driven by a gear to the shaft end of the brush roller (233). The other end of the main shaft (232) is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the cleaning tank (2). The main shaft (232) and the bracket (231) rotate independently, and the main shaft (232) and the bracket (231) rotate in the same direction but at different speeds, or the main shaft (232) and the bracket (231) rotate in opposite directions but at the same speed, or the main shaft (232) and the bracket (231) rotate in opposite directions but at different speeds, so that the bracket (231) rotates two self-rotating brush rollers (233) in the washing area (102) to wash the material on the conveyor belt (22).

5. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inlet of the cleaning tank (2) is connected to the inlet of the machine body (1), the outlet of the cleaning tank (2) is located at the end of the brushing area (102), and the inclined channel includes a trough plate (105) and is located at the outlet of the cleaning tank. The bottom of the trough plate (105) away from the feed inlet of the cleaning tank (2) forms an empty area (241). The separation plate (3) is installed on the side wall of the empty area (241) of the trough plate (105) and extends downwards to cover the empty area (241).

6. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The separation plate (3) includes several rods (31), each of which is installed on the groove plate (105), and the gap between two adjacent rods (31) gradually increases from top to bottom.

7. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The machine body (1) is provided with a funnel (5), the material collection area (106) is located inside the funnel (5), and the bottom outlet of the funnel (5) is connected to the outlet of the machine body (1). The upper end of the funnel (5) is provided with an inclined plate (51), and the groove plate (105) is provided on the inclined plate (51). The inclined plate (51) is provided with an opening that matches the empty area (241), and multiple rods (31) cover the opening on the inclined plate (51) to allow small materials to leak directly into the funnel (5).

8. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The body (1) is provided with a jaw crushing assembly, which includes a fixed jaw (41) and a movable jaw (42). The bottom of the fixed jaw (41) is connected to the side wall of the funnel (5). The funnel (5) has an opening on the side near the fixed jaw (41), and the movable jaw (42) is partially disposed in the side wall opening of the funnel (5). The lower end of the inclined plate (51) is located above the movable jaw (42) and there is a gap between it and the upper end of the fixed jaw (41). The tangential direction of the inclined plate (51) is close to the movable jaw (42), and the gap between the inclined plate (51) and the fixed jaw (41) and the gap between the fixed jaw (41) and the movable jaw (42) constitute the breaking zone (104).

9. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The machine body (1) is provided with a filter pipe (6). The upper end of the filter pipe (6) is installed at the bottom of the cleaning tank (2), and the lower end of the filter pipe (6) is installed on the side wall of the funnel (5) to discharge filtered water into the funnel (5). The filtration zone (107) is composed of a filtration pipeline (6), and the middle section of the filtration pipeline (6) is provided with a filter (61) for filtering the mud and water discharged from the sewage zone (103).

10. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule underwater multi-stage integrated treatment system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The filter (61) includes a filter cartridge (611), a filter screen (612) is provided inside the filter cartridge (611), and the filter cartridge (611) is located in the middle of the filter pipeline (6); The filter cylinder (611) has a drain pipe (613) on its side wall. The filter screen (612) is inclined inside the filter cylinder (611), and the connection of the drain pipe (613) is located above the lower part of the filter screen (612) to guide the soil on the filter screen (612) to be discharged.

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