A deep-sea polymetallic nodule rapid recovery device with an aggregated upflow field configuration

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of deep-sea polymetallic nodule rapid collection device, and proposes a deep-sea polymetallic nodule rapid collection device with an aggregated upwelling flow field configuration, which solves the problems of uneven flow field distribution, high energy consumption, low collection channel conveying efficiency and low collection rate. The device comprises a double-shot collection head, a ring-shaped jet system, a beam structure and a central control system. The double-shot collection head comprises a front row jet system, a rear row jet system, a horizontal jet system, a guide plate and a collection channel. The ring-shaped jet system is arranged inside the double-shot collection head and located at the intersection of the guide plate and the collection channel. The ring-shaped jet system comprises a ring-shaped channel, a ring-shaped nozzle arranged on the inner side of the ring-shaped channel, a fixed frame arranged at the outer end of the ring-shaped channel and a spiral groove engraved on the inner wall of the ring-shaped channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rapid deep-sea polymetallic nodule harvesting technology, specifically to a rapid deep-sea polymetallic nodule harvesting device with an aggregated upwelling flow field configuration. Background Technology

[0002] Deep-sea polymetallic nodules are mineral resources rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements, deposited on the seabed at depths of 3,000-6,000 meters. Their efficient mining is of great significance in alleviating the shortage of terrestrial metal resources. However, the deep-sea environment has complex characteristics such as high pressure, low temperature, and fragile ecology. Traditional mining techniques face challenges such as low nodule stripping efficiency, insufficient transport capacity, and significant disturbance to the seabed environment.

[0003] Among them, the deep-sea mining vehicle is the core equipment for realizing the large-scale collection of nodules, and the performance of its collection head directly affects the resource recovery rate and operational economy. Since polymetallic nodules are loosely attached to the surface of seabed sediments, efficient fluid action is required to achieve stripping and directional transport, while minimizing disturbance to the bottom sediments to protect the deep-sea ecosystem.

[0004] Existing mining vehicles primarily rely on jet stripping to collect nodules, while also requiring auxiliary measures at the rear. By installing jet guides or suction devices at the collection channel, the upward force of the nodules within the channel after the jet impact is initiated can be enhanced, ensuring successful nodule collection. However, existing collection devices suffer from weak and blocked transport sections, hindering the transport of seabed nodules. Furthermore, the difficulty in obtaining seabed power and the high energy consumption of the suction pumps significantly increase operating costs. Therefore, an improved dual-row jet collection device is needed to meet the demands of efficient deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to propose a rapid collection device for deep-sea polymetallic nodules with an aggregated upwelling flow field configuration, which solves the problems of uneven flow field distribution, high energy consumption, low transport efficiency of the collection channel, and low collection rate.

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

[0007] A rapid collection device for deep-sea polymetallic nodules with a clustered upwelling flow field configuration includes a dual-jet collection head, an annular jet system, a beam structure, and a central control system. The dual-jet collection head includes a front jet system, a rear jet system, a horizontal jet system, a guide plate, and a collection channel.

[0008] The annular jet system is located inside the dual-jet acquisition head and at the intersection of the guide plate and the acquisition channel. The annular jet system includes an annular channel located inside the acquisition channel, an annular nozzle located inside the annular channel, a fixing frame located at the outer end of the annular channel, and a spiral groove engraved on the inner wall of the annular channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the cross-section of the annular channel has an elliptical structure;

[0010] Furthermore, the ratio of the front to rear axis of the annular channel cross section is pre-selected and its dimensions optimized according to the flow field requirements.

[0011] Furthermore, the surface of the spiral groove is provided with an anti-corrosion layer made of high-density polymer.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixing frame has 4-6 units, and the annular channel is fixed inside the dual-shot acquisition head through each fixing frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the annular nozzle is provided with 6-12 nozzles, each annular nozzle being evenly distributed on the inner wall of the annular channel;

[0014] Furthermore, each annular nozzle is embedded in the inner wall of the annular channel, and the spray direction of the annular nozzle is at an angle of 30°-45° to the tangent of the inner wall of the annular channel.

[0015] The annular nozzle jet inlet is connected to a flexible hose.

[0016] Furthermore, the front jet system includes front jet nozzles, the number of which is 1.5-3 times the diameter of the nozzle itself.

[0017] Furthermore, the rear jet system includes rear jet nozzles, the number of which is 3-5 times the diameter of the nozzle itself.

[0018] Furthermore, the horizontal jet system is located above the rear jet system and includes several horizontal jet nozzles, with the nozzle spacing in the horizontal jet system being 4-6 times its own nozzle diameter.

[0019] Furthermore, the inlet cross-section of the acquisition channel is rectangular, and the surface of the guide plate is covered with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear-resistant layer and is inclined at 15°-25°.

[0020] The junction between the collection channel and the guide plate is rounded.

[0021] Furthermore, the inner wall of the acquisition channel is provided with a first curvature change section and a second curvature change section, which alternately form a beam structure. The first curvature change section is a concave arc structure, and the second curvature change section is a convex arc structure. The first curvature change section and the second curvature change section are arranged alternately to form a gradually narrowing flow channel.

[0022] The beam structure is made of a polyurethane-based composite elastomer material;

[0023] The inner wall of the acquisition channel is provided with diamond-shaped reinforcing ribs near the beam structure, and the diamond-shaped reinforcing ribs are distributed in a 45° staggered grid.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0025] This invention effectively improves the collection efficiency of deep-sea polymetallic nodules through an asymmetric dual-jet system, and reduces jet disturbance and energy consumption in the deep-sea environment. At the same time, through the synergistic effect of asymmetric jet, annular dual-jet mechanism and pipeline cross-section control, it solves the problem of weak flow velocity sections in the collection channel, and improves the nodule transport capacity of the collection channel. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the annular jet system of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-shooter acquisition head design of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the image;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top view of the jet nozzle arrangement of the front and rear jet system of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a side view of the jet nozzle arrangement of the rear jet system and the horizontal jet system of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the beam structure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the forces and movements of nodules inside the acquisition channel of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 Three design schematic diagrams for the first curvature change segment and the second curvature change segment;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the acquisition channel.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Dual-jet acquisition head; 2. Annular jet system; 21. Annular channel; 22. Annular nozzle; 23. Angle adjustment device; 24. Flexible hose; 25. Fixing frame; 26. Spiral groove; 3. Front jet system; 4. Rear jet system; 5. Horizontal jet system; 6. Front jet nozzle; 61. Rear jet nozzle; 62. Horizontal jet nozzle; 7. Guide plate; 8. Acquisition channel; 81. Beam structure; 82. First curvature change section; 83. Second curvature change section; 84. Rhomboid reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] like Figure 1-10 As shown, this embodiment provides a rapid deep-sea polymetallic nodule harvesting device with a clustered upwelling flow field configuration, mainly including a dual-jet acquisition head 1, an annular jet system 2, a beam structure 81, and a central control system. The dual-jet acquisition head 1 includes a front jet system 3, a rear jet system 4, a horizontal jet system 5, a guide plate 7, and a collection channel 8.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, the annular jet system 2 is located inside the dual-jet collection head 1 and at the intersection of the guide plate 7 and the collection channel 8. The annular jet system 2 includes an annular channel 21 located inside the collection channel 8, an annular nozzle 22 located inside the annular channel 21, a fixing frame 25 located at the outer end of the annular channel 21, and a spiral groove 26 engraved on the inner wall of the annular channel 21. A corrosion-resistant layer made of high-density polymer is provided on the surface of the spiral groove 26 to ensure that it is not easily worn during long-term use. The preferred material is a high-density polymer such as carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone.

[0042] In this embodiment, the spiral groove 26 is mainly a micro-spiral structure, similar to the microstructure design of shark skin. The groove size is usually in the range of micrometers to millimeters, and is designed according to the fluid velocity and flow field requirements. By adjusting the groove depth and width, the friction of the fluid boundary layer is reduced, turbulence generation is reduced, and the stability of the rotating flow field is optimized.

[0043] This implementation designs the cross-section of the annular channel 21 as an elliptical structure to enhance the fluid's adhesion to the inner wall and effectively avoid local eddies within the flow field. Furthermore, due to the operation at the front end of the deep-sea sampling head, the nodule collection concentration is discontinuous due to changes in terrain and mine car attitude. To avoid excessive energy consumption at low concentrations and blockage at high concentrations, the ratio of the front and rear axles of the annular channel 21 is pre-selected and its dimensions optimized based on flow requirements during the design phase. During operation, the flow rate of the annular nozzle 22 is dynamically adjusted according to the particle concentration transported within the channel, and controlled to ensure stable transport within the channel under different sampling environments, provided that the flow velocity is not lower than the critical nodule transport velocity and is less than or equal to the pipeline transport velocity.

[0044] The aforementioned mounting brackets 25 are 4-6 in number, and the annular channel 21 is fixed inside the dual-shot acquisition head 1 through each mounting bracket 25. The mounting bracket 25 is composed of multiple titanium alloy supports, which are high in strength and corrosion resistant, and are fixed by flange bolts. A rubber damping pad is provided between the support and the inner wall of the acquisition head to reduce vibration transmission.

[0045] The number and spacing of the annular nozzles 22 are optimized according to the flow field requirements, and typically 6-12 nozzles can be set. The spray direction forms an angle of 30°-45° with the tangent direction of the inner wall, and they are connected to an external high-pressure water pump through a hose 24. Each annular nozzle 22 is evenly distributed on the inner wall of the annular channel 21 to ensure that a sufficient rotating flow field is generated.

[0046] Furthermore, each annular nozzle 22 is embedded in the inner wall of the annular channel 21, and the spray direction of the annular nozzle 22 is at a tangential angle of 30°-45° with the inner wall of the annular channel 21 to generate a stable rotating flow field. At the same time, the jet inlet of the annular nozzle 22 is connected to a flexible hose 24, which can flexibly provide jet flow to the annular nozzle 22.

[0047] The centrifugal force generated by the rotating flow field combines with the uplift force generated by the double-jet flow field, increasing the vertical force on the nodules and accelerating their ascent into the collection channel 8. Furthermore, the spiral groove 26 guides the fluid to form a spiral upward flow field, while the annular nozzle 22 sprays high-speed water, creating an annular rotating flow field. This, combined with the uplift flow field of the double-jet flow field, enhances the vertical velocity of the nodules. The combined uplift flow field of the double-jet flow field and the annular rotating flow field create a stronger upward force field on the nodules, reducing collisions between the nodules and the wall of the guide plate 7 and lowering the nodule breakage rate.

[0048] In this embodiment, the front jet system 3 includes several front jet nozzles 6 arranged in a linear array. The number of front jet nozzles 6 is 1.5-3 times their own nozzle diameter, which is more than the number of rear jet nozzles 61, and the spacing is uniform. The specific number of front jet nozzles 6 is designed according to the width of the acquisition head.

[0049] The width of the data acquisition head is designed according to factors such as production capacity and vehicle speed, and follows general data acquisition head width design standards. This formula can be used for calculation: ,in: To combine collection efficiency (capacity). The speed of the mine car. The width of the acquisition head. To combine abundance, The sampling rate is mentioned here. The technical design of this scheme is to adapt to any sampling head width and does not limit the sampling head width of the mining vehicle. The width is mentioned here to clarify who determines the number of nozzles.

[0050] Furthermore, the jet direction of the front jet nozzle 6 is at an acute angle to the seabed plane, forming a high-intensity upflow field. This is mainly used to create a strong upflow field to push the nodules from the bottom into the collection area.

[0051] The rear jet system 4 includes several rear jet nozzles 61. The number of rear jet nozzles 61 is relatively small, 3-5 times the diameter of the front jet nozzles 61, and less than 50% of the diameter of the front jet nozzles 61. The jet direction forms a complementary angle with the front jet nozzles 61, reducing the jet velocity by 30%-50%. This ensures effective nodule removal while reducing jet energy consumption and minimizing disturbance to the sediment. Ultimately, it helps stabilize the upflow field and prevents imbalance between the front and rear flow fields.

[0052] Furthermore, the horizontal jet system 5 is located above the rear jet system 4 and includes several horizontal jet nozzles 62, with the spacing between each nozzle 62 being 4-6 times its own nozzle diameter. The horizontal fluid ejected by the horizontal jet nozzles 62 combines with the rising flow field, and the jet direction is parallel to the seabed plane. The jet velocity is synchronized with the mining vehicle's travel speed through closed-loop control. The horizontal jet system 5 can reduce the relative speed between the nodules and the mining vehicle, thereby extending the nodules' travel time in the fluid. By controlling the jet velocity of the horizontal jet nozzles 62, the horizontal movement speed of the nodules is made close to the travel speed of the mining vehicle, preventing the nodules from leaving the flow field prematurely and improving the collection rate.

[0053] Then, in this embodiment, the central control system can adjust the jet angle and velocity of the annular nozzle 22, the jet angle and velocity of the front and rear rows of jet nozzles 61, and the jet angle and velocity of the horizontal jet nozzle 62 in real time to ensure flow field balance under different jet velocities. Moreover, the asymmetric (positionally asymmetric) dual-row jet system combined with the horizontal jet design can maintain the flow field stability of the entire system by intervening in the horizontal flow field when the jet velocities of the front and rear rows of jet nozzles 61 are unbalanced.

[0054] The inlet cross-section of the collection channel 8 is rectangular. The surface of the guide plate 7 is covered with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear-resistant layer and is inclined at 15°-25° to guide the nodules into the collection channel 8. The connection between the collection channel 8 and the guide plate 7 is rounded to reduce collision damage to the nodules. Furthermore, the internal flow channel surface of the collection channel 8 is polished, which, combined with the rounded corners at the connection with the guide plate 7, avoids abrupt changes in the flow field.

[0055] In this embodiment, the front jet system 3 impacts the seabed with high-speed water flow, stripping off nodules and forming an initial upflow field; the rear jet system 4 assists in filling the flow field gaps of the front jet to prevent nodules from falling back; the horizontal jet forms a horizontal traction force on the upflow path of the nodules, offsetting the flow field deviation when the mining vehicle moves.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Based on Example 1, this example features a continuous (or alternating) first curvature variation segment 82 and a second curvature variation segment 83 covering the inner wall of the collection channel 8, forming a beam structure 81. Specifically, the first curvature variation segment 82 is a concave arc-shaped structure, and the second curvature variation segment 83 is a convex arc-shaped structure. The curvature, size, and other parameters are designed to match the target mining capacity and collection rate. Furthermore, the alternating arrangement of the first curvature variation segment 82 and the second curvature variation segment 83 forms a gradually narrowing flow channel. When the fluid passes through the narrowed cross-section of the beam structure 81, the fluid velocity increases. Low pressure is generated near the high-speed fluid, resulting in adsorption and enhancing the particle transport speed and capacity.

[0058] This embodiment is in Figure 8 Among the three beam structures 81 shown, the main difference lies in the curvature design of the curved surface of the beam section (i.e., the curvature design of the first curvature change section 82 and the second curvature change section 83 is different, specifically including the contraction speed of the structural shape, the degree of channel tightening, and the resulting increase in fluid velocity).

[0059] The three structures, from left to right, are: a gradually changing type, a moderately tapering type, and a rapidly contracting type, each suitable for different operational needs. Based on factors such as the distribution of seabed ore in the operational area, the particle ascent velocity, and the required recovery capacity of the acquisition channel 8, a suitable beam structure 81 is rationally selected to ensure the efficiency and stability of the acquisition system.

[0060] The first structure ( Figure 8The left image shows an arc-shaped surface with a large radius of curvature, meaning a gentler curvature and a smoother overall structure. This design results in less channel contraction and gentler fluid acceleration, making it suitable for situations where the object being collected moves at a low speed. For example, when collecting nodule particles with a slow ascent velocity, this gently varying structure should be used to prevent particles from accumulating in the contraction zone or detaching from the main flow area. Typically, in such structures, the minimum bending radius of the curvature plate is 50-70 cm, the contraction length of the beam section is relatively long, and the cross-sectional change is small.

[0061] The second structure ( Figure 8 The structure (pictured in the middle) employs a composite curvature design with a gentler initial curve followed by a rapid, gradual contraction at the rear. This structure provides a certain level of fluid acceleration without generating drastic pressure changes, making it suitable for general applications such as situations with uneven particle size or moderate acquisition speeds. The bending radius of the initial curvature plate used in this structure is typically between 45 and 55 cm, while the radius of the rear curvature plate is between 25 and 35 cm. Within the contraction zone of the entire beam section, the fluid velocity is significantly enhanced, resulting in excellent particle delivery capabilities.

[0062] The third structure ( Figure 8 The right-hand image shows an arc-shaped design with the fastest contraction speed and steepest curvature, suitable for operations with sparse particle distribution or high sampling speed requirements. This structure's channel contracts rapidly over a short distance, significantly increasing fluid velocity in a short time and creating a strong adsorption effect in a localized area, thereby enhancing the traction capacity for small or low-inertia particles. The structure has a small bending radius, typically 20-30 cm, and the channel's cross-section changes significantly within the contraction section, making it suitable for deep-sea operations in areas with unstable flow and the need for rapid particle aggregation.

[0063] The beam structure 81 is preferably made of polyurethane-based composite elastomer material, which gives it a certain elastic deformation capability. Through elastic compensation, it can cope with the situation of excessive instantaneous particle volume and avoid particle blockage and energy loss caused by fixed structure.

[0064] The aforementioned central control system can be equipped with a Doppler current meter, pressure sensor, and nodule size recognition camera; these are respectively deployed at the front end of the acquisition head, the inlet of the guide plate 7, and the constriction section of the beam structure 81. Based on the nodule size distribution, the velocity of the front jet and the angle of the annular jet are dynamically allocated. The required velocity of the horizontal jet is calculated in real time and adjusted according to the flow field pressure deviation. When the deformation of the beam structure 81 exceeds the limit, the velocity of the front jet is reduced, while the annular jet is pressurized.

[0065] This embodiment also provides rhomboid reinforcing ribs 84 on the inner wall of the acquisition channel 8 near the beam structure 81. The rhomboid reinforcing ribs 84 are distributed in a 45° staggered grid to prevent flow field distortion caused by excessive deformation of the beam structure 81.

[0066] This implementation can also be equipped with an angle adjustment device 23, which can adjust the angles of the front and rear jet systems in real time according to the nodule collection efficiency, with a response time of less than 0.5 seconds, an IP68 waterproof rating, and adaptability to water depths of up to 6000 meters. The angle adjustment device 23 can also dynamically optimize the jet angle according to the nodule size (large particles are sprayed at a large angle of 45° to enhance lift).

[0067] 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 fast-recovery device of an aggregated upwelling flow configuration, characterized in that, It comprises a double-shot collecting head (1), a ring-shaped jet flow system (2), a beam flow structure (81) and a central control system, the double-shot collecting head (1) comprises a front row jet flow system (3), a rear row jet flow system (4), a horizontal jet flow system (5), a guide plate (7) and a collecting channel (8); The ring-shaped jet flow system (2) is arranged inside the double-shot collecting head (1) and located at the intersection of the guide plate (7) and the collecting channel (8), the ring-shaped jet flow system (2) comprises a ring-shaped channel (21) located in the collecting channel (8), a ring-shaped nozzle (22) arranged on the inner side of the ring-shaped channel (21), a fixing frame (25) arranged at the outer end of the ring-shaped channel (21) and a spiral groove (26) engraved on the inner wall of the ring-shaped channel (21); The cross section of the ring-shaped channel (21) is in an elliptical structure; The ratio of the front axis to the rear axis of the cross section of the ring-shaped channel (21) is pre-selected and size-optimized according to the flow field requirements; The ring-shaped nozzle (22) is provided with 6-12 ring-shaped nozzles (22), and each ring-shaped nozzle (22) is uniformly distributed on the inner wall of the ring-shaped channel (21); Each ring-shaped nozzle (22) is embedded on the inner wall of the ring-shaped channel (21), and the jet direction of the ring-shaped nozzle (22) and the tangent angle of the inner wall of the ring-shaped channel (21) are 30°-45°; The ring-shaped nozzle (22) is connected with a hose (24) at the jet flow inlet.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing frame (25) has 4-6 fixing frames (25), and the ring-shaped channel (21) is fixed in the double-shot collecting head (1) through the fixing frames (25).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The front row jet flow system (3) comprises a front row jet flow nozzle (6).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The rear row jet flow system (4) comprises a rear row jet flow nozzle (61).

5. A rapid deep-sea nodule collector device of the aggregated upflow field configuration according to claim 4, characterized in that, The horizontal jet flow system (5) is located above the rear row jet flow system (4) and comprises a plurality of horizontal jet flow nozzles (62).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The inlet cross section of the collecting channel (8) is in a rectangular structure, the surface of the guide plate (7) is covered with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear-resistant layer and is inclined at an angle of 15°-25°; A round corner is arranged at the joint of the collecting channel (8) and the guide plate (7).

7. A rapid deep-sea nodule collector device of the aggregated upflow field configuration according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the collecting channel (8) is provided with a first curvature change section (82) and a second curvature change section (83), and the beam flow structure (81) is formed by alternately arranging the first curvature change section (82) and the second curvature change section (83) in sequence, the first curvature change section (82) is in a concave arc structure, the second curvature change section (83) is in a convex arc structure, and the first curvature change section (82) and the second curvature change section (83) are staggered to form a gradually tapered flow channel state; The beam flow structure (81) is composed of a polyurethane-based composite elastomer material; The inner wall of the collecting channel (8) is provided with a diamond-shaped reinforcing rib (84) near the beam flow structure (81), and each diamond-shaped reinforcing rib (84) is arranged in a 45° staggered grid.

Images