Feeding method for underwater relay station of deep-sea mining system

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeding method of an underwater relay station of a deep sea mining system, the relay station comprises a stock bin and a mixer located below the stock bin, a discharge port of a feeder is connected with an ore inlet of the mixer, the relay station further comprises a gate valve, a feed port of the feeder is connected with an outlet of the stock bin through the gate valve, and the feeder is an impeller feeder; the feeding method comprises the following steps that when the relay station begins to convey ore, the feeder is started, the gate valve is opened, the opening degree of the gate valve is controlled, the projection of the opening of the gate valve in the axis direction of the feeding port is partially overlapped with the feeding port, and the center of ore flow from a stock bin deviates from a rotating shaft of the feeder and acts on the blades; the ores are discharged to the mixer from the discharge hole; in the process that the relay station stably conveys ore, the opening degree of the gate valve is 1, and the projection of the opening in the axis direction of the feeding port covers the feeding port. And when the relay station stops conveying ore, the gate valve and the feeder are closed, so that the service life of the feeder is prolonged, and the failure rate is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea mining, and in particular to a feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system. Background Technology

[0002] Deep-sea mining systems typically include: deep-sea mining vehicles, underwater relay stations, ore hoisting systems, and surface support vessels. The underwater relay station is a crucial piece of equipment for the temporary storage and homogenization of ore during transport. Ore mined by the seabed mining vehicle is transported via hoses to a hopper on the relay station for temporary storage. A feeding device is installed at the bottom outlet of the hopper, and the outlet of the feeding device is connected to a mixer. The mixer mixes the ore discharged from the feeding device with water to form a slurry, which is then pumped to the surface by a lift pump connected to the upper pipe of the mixer.

[0003] In the operation of deep-sea mining systems, the feeding device is a key power component, supplying ore for continuous output. A rotary feeder is typically selected. The rotary feeder mainly consists of three parts: a casing, an impeller, and a driver. The impeller is mounted inside the casing, and the driver shaft is rigidly connected to the impeller via a coupling, thus driving the impeller to rotate. The impeller includes several blades. Its working principle is that material from the upper storage device flows into the V-groove of the impeller from the upper feed inlet of the casing, and is then driven by the driver to rotate the impeller to the lower discharge outlet of the casing.

[0004] During the operation of a deep-sea mining system, the hopper above the feeder is usually full of ore. After a period of use, the feeder's drive will malfunction, affecting the normal operation of the mining system. For relay stations located underwater, the feeder is difficult to maintain, increasing the maintenance cost of the mining system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the shortcomings of the existing production technologies, the applicant provides a feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system, thereby improving the service life of the feeder, reducing the failure rate, and ensuring the production efficiency of the deep-sea mining system.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A feeding method for an underwater relay station of a deep-sea mining system, the relay station includes a silo and a mixer located below the silo, the discharge port of the feeder is connected to the ore inlet of the mixer, the relay station also includes a gate valve, the inlet of the feeder is connected to the outlet of the silo through the gate valve, and the feeder is an impeller feeder;

[0008] The feeding method includes the following steps:

[0009] When the relay station starts conveying ore, the feeder is started, the gate valve is opened and the opening degree of the gate valve is controlled so that the projection of the opening of the gate valve along the axial direction of the feed port partially overlaps with the feed port. The center of the ore flow from the silo deviates from the rotating shaft of the feeder and acts on the blades. The ore is discharged from the discharge port to the mixer.

[0010] During the stable transport of ore at the relay station, the opening degree of the slide valve is 1, and the projection of the opening along the axial direction of the feed inlet covers the feed inlet.

[0011] When the relay station stops conveying ore, close the gate valve and the feeder.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0013] During the stable conveying of ore at the relay station, the feeding speed of the feeder is a constant value v. m The unit is m 3 / s, the impeller speed of the feeder is a constant value N, the unit is r / s;

[0014] During the ore conveying process at the relay station, the feeder's feeding speed is also v. m The unit is m 3 / s, the opening degree of the slide gate valve is k, and as k increases from 0 to 1, the real-time rotational speed of the feeder impeller is n, where the relationship between n and k is:

[0015]

[0016] In formula (a), n is the real-time rotational speed of the feeder impeller, in r / s; V t The maximum theoretical volume of minerals that can be contained in the cavity formed by the impeller and casing of the feeder is expressed in meters (m). 3 / r; e is a constant, β is the material filling coefficient of the feeder, C k The flow coefficient of the slide gate valve, in m³ / s. 3 / s.

[0017] During the process of stopping ore delivery at the relay station, the feeder's feeding speed is also v. m As k decreases from 1 to 0, the real-time rotational speed of the feeder impeller is n, where the relationship between n and k is:

[0018]

[0019] A neck lock section is provided between the feed inlet and the slide gate valve, and the neck lock section connects the outlet of the slide gate valve and the feed inlet;

[0020] The neck lock section includes two opposing inclined plates. The length direction of the inclined plates is the same as the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The two sides of the width direction of the inclined plates are respectively connected to the outlet edge of the slide valve and the edge of the feed port. The plane of the inclined plates located inside the feeder forms an inclined surface parallel to the rotating shaft. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the slide valve is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed port.

[0021] When the real-time rotational speed n of the feeder impeller is at its maximum, the ore flow enters the feed inlet under the guidance of the inclined plane on one side.

[0022] When the real-time rotational speed n of the feeder impeller is at its minimum, the ore flow enters the feed inlet under the guidance of the inclined surfaces on both sides.

[0023] The oscillation direction of the blades at the feed inlet is consistent with the movement direction of the slide plate component of the slide plate valve when the slide plate valve is closed.

[0024] The blade is an elastic structure, and there is a first assembly gap between the blade and the inner wall of the feeder housing. The size of the first assembly gap is δ, 2mm≤δ≤4mm.

[0025] The blade comprises multiple rectangular plates of the same size arranged along the length of the rotating shaft. One end of each rectangular plate is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft along its length, and the other end of each rectangular plate has a first assembly gap with the inner wall of the housing. The width of each rectangular plate is W and is consistent with the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The length of each rectangular plate is L and is consistent with the radial direction of the rotating shaft. The thickness of each rectangular plate is t. There is a second assembly gap between two adjacent rectangular plates, and the second assembly gap is s. The blade is made of duplex stainless steel, wherein: 5≤L / W≤10, 0.01≤t / L≤0.03, and 1mm≤s≤2mm.

[0026] The material grade of the duplex stainless steel is S32750.

[0027] The housing includes end caps located at both ends of the axial direction of the rotating shaft. Sliding bearings are mounted on the end caps. Each end of the rotating shaft is connected to a sliding bearing. An annular flange coaxial with the sliding bearing is provided on the end cap. The annular flange is located outside the sliding bearing. A sealing ring is installed between the annular flange and the rotating shaft.

[0028] The sealing ring is a rotary lip oil seal.

[0029] It also includes a speed sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the shaft.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] This invention features a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. By installing a gate valve between the silo and the feeder, the opening degree of the gate valve is controlled at the beginning of ore conveying, causing the ore flow to act eccentrically on the feeder impeller and reducing the load on the feeder driver. When the ore is being conveyed stably, the gate valve is fully opened to ensure the ore conveying efficiency, thereby improving the service life of the feeder, reducing the failure rate, and ensuring the production efficiency of the deep-sea mining system.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention also has the following advantages:

[0033] (1) By matching the opening degree of the gate valve and the impeller speed of the feeder, the feed amount of the feeder is controlled during the process of starting and stopping the conveying of ore at the relay station, so as to achieve uniform feeding during the feeding process, avoid fluctuations in ore concentration, ensure the stable operation of the booster pump, and ensure the stability of the conveying slurry concentration. At the same time, during the process of stopping the conveying of ore, it is convenient to close the gate valve and avoid excessive load when closing the gate valve.

[0034] (2) A neck lock section is set up, forming two inclined surfaces on the upper sides of the feed inlet that open towards the outlet of the slide valve. The inclined surfaces are parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft. This not only guides the ore during the initial conveying process but also improves the sensitivity of ore flow rate changes caused by changes in the opening degree of the slide valve, making it easier to adjust the impeller speed of the feeder.

[0035] (3) Combining material and size design to ensure that the bending stiffness of a single blade meets the impeller conveying function while having a certain elastic deformation performance to adapt to the elastic deformation requirements of the blade, the blade is divided into multiple rectangular plates along the axis of the rotating shaft, and the elastic blade is formed by splicing with gaps, so that a V-shaped grid of the impeller can adapt to the elastic deformation according to the different positions of the falling ore along the axis of the rotating shaft, solving the material jamming problem while simplifying the structure and forming method of the elastic blade.

[0036] (4) The inner ring of the rotary lip seal is fitted with the shaft, and the outer ring is fitted with the inner hole of the annular flange of the end cover to prevent external liquids and mud from entering the sliding bearing of the feeder and the inside of the feeder, thus affecting the normal operation of the feeder. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the relay station in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the installation structure relationship between the slide gate valve and the feeder of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Front view (section view).

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the slide gate valve of the present invention at different opening degrees.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeder impeller of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the feeder of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the feeder of the present invention.

[0044] in:

[0045] 1. Lift pipe; 2. Hopper;

[0046] 3. Slide valve; 30. Opening; 31. Slide plate assembly; 32. Hydraulic cylinder; 33. Mounting bracket;

[0047] 4. Feeder; 41. Inlet; 42. Housing;

[0048] 43. Blade; 431. Rectangular plate;

[0049] 44. Shaft; 441. Baffle; 442. Coupling;

[0050] 45. Discharge port; 46. Driver; 47. Neck lock section;

[0051] 48. End cap; 480. Annular flange; 481. Bearing cap; 482. Lock nut; 483. Sealing ring; 484. Sliding bearing; 485. Sealing gasket; 486. Motor bracket;

[0052] 49. Sensors;

[0053] 5. Mixer. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Example 1:

[0056] like Figures 1-4 As shown in this embodiment, the feeding method of the underwater relay station of the deep-sea mining system includes a silo 2 and a mixer 5 located below the silo 2. The discharge port 45 of the feeder 4 is connected to the ore inlet of the mixer 5. The relay station also includes a slide valve 3. The inlet 41 of the feeder 4 is connected to the outlet of the silo 2 through the slide valve 3. The feeder 4 is an impeller feeder.

[0057] The feeding method includes the following steps:

[0058] When the relay station starts conveying ore, the feeder 4 is started, the slide gate valve 3 is opened and the opening degree of the slide gate valve 3 is controlled so that the projection of the opening 30 of the slide gate valve 3 along the axial direction of the feed port 41 partially overlaps with the feed port 41. The center of the ore flow from the hopper 2 deviates from the rotating shaft 44 of the feeder 4 and acts on the blade 43. The ore is discharged from the discharge port 45 to the mixer 5.

[0059] During the stable transport of ore at the relay station, the opening degree of the slide valve 3 is 1, and the projection of the opening 30 along the axial direction of the feed inlet 41 covers the feed inlet 41.

[0060] When the relay station stops conveying ore, close the gate valve 3 and the feeder 4.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, in the deep-sea mining system, the ore mined by the seabed mining vehicle is transported to the silo 2 at the relay station via a hose. The feeder 4 transports the ore in the silo 2 to the mixer 5. After the ore and water are mixed in the mixer 5 to form a slurry, the slurry is lifted to the water surface through the lift pipe 1 connected to the outlet of the mixer 5 by the action of the lift pump.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the feed inlet 41 is located on the top wall of the housing 42 of the feeder 4. Blades 43 are mounted on the rotating shaft 44 to form an impeller. The impeller is rotatably mounted inside the housing 42 via the rotating shaft 44, and two adjacent blades 43 form a V-shaped grid. The feed inlet 41 can be located directly above the rotating shaft 44, or the center of the feed inlet 41 can be slightly offset from the rotating shaft 44. When the slide valve 3 is open, the centers of the slide plate 31 and the feed inlet 41 are located on both sides of the axis of the rotating shaft 44.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the slide gate valve 3 has the following structure: a mounting bracket 33 connecting the valve body, a hydraulic cylinder 32 mounted on the mounting bracket 33, and a slide plate 31 slidably mounted on the valve body. The hydraulic cylinder 32 is connected to the slide plate 31 to drive the slide plate 31 to move, thereby opening and closing the slide gate valve 3. The direction of movement of the slide plate 31 is perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft 44. The opening 30 of the slide gate valve 3 is located on the valve body, and the size of the opening 30 changes during the movement of the slide plate 31. Figure 4 As shown, the size of the opening 30 in Figures (a), (b), and (c) increases sequentially, that is, the opening degree of the slide valve 3 increases from 0 to 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, the feeding process in a specific implementation is as follows:

[0065] First, when the relay station starts conveying ore, the feeder 4 needs to be started first, so that the slide valve 3 is closed before the feeder 4 starts, to prevent the ore in the upper hopper 2 from directly acting on the impeller, causing excessive starting load and damaging the driver 46 of the feeder 4.

[0066] Then, move the slide plate 31, open the slide plate valve 3 and control the opening of the slide plate valve 3 so that the projection of the opening 30 of the slide plate valve 3 along the axial direction of the feed port 41 partially overlaps with the feed port 41. The center of the ore flow from the silo 2 deviates from the rotating shaft 44 of the feeder 4 and acts on the blade 43. The ore is discharged from the discharge port 45 to the mixer 5. Since the material in the silo 2 is usually large and is heavy ore, the load of the ore when starting the feeder 4 is reduced by controlling the opening of the slide plate valve 3 and the load is eccentrically applied to the impeller to avoid the excessive starting load of the driver 46, which would affect the performance of the driver 46.

[0067] Then, gradually increase the opening of the slide gate valve 3 to enter the process of stable ore conveying in the relay station. At this time, the slide gate part 31 of the slide gate valve 3 is fully opened, and the projection of the opening 30 along the axial direction of the feed inlet 41 completely covers the feed inlet 41. The ore enters the V-shaped grid corresponding to the feed inlet 41 and is filled, realizing the operation of the feeder 4 under the rated working conditions.

[0068] When the relay station stops conveying ore, close the gate valve 3 and the feeder 4.

[0069] In the prior art, since the feeder in the underwater relay station system is located above a silo 2 filled with minerals, if a large amount of minerals directly acts on the impeller, it will cause the driver 46 of the feeder 4 to be under excessive starting load, affecting the service life of the driver 46.

[0070] In this embodiment, the feeding method involves setting a gate valve 3 between the silo 2 and the feeder 4. By controlling the opening of the gate valve 3 when the ore is being conveyed, the ore flow is made to act eccentrically on the impeller of the feeder 4, reducing the load on the feeder 4 driver 46. When the ore is being conveyed stably, the gate valve 3 is fully opened to ensure the conveying efficiency of the ore, thereby improving the service life of the feeder 4, reducing the failure rate, and ensuring the production efficiency of the deep-sea mining system.

[0071] Example 2:

[0072] Based on Example 1, this example further improves the feeding method, which includes the following steps:

[0073] When the relay station starts conveying ore, the feeder 4 is started, the slide gate valve 3 is opened and the opening degree of the slide gate valve 3 is controlled so that the projection of the opening 30 of the slide gate valve 3 along the axial direction of the feed inlet 41 partially overlaps with the feed inlet 41. The center of the ore flow from the hopper 2 deviates from the rotating shaft 44 of the feeder 4 and acts on the blades 43. The ore is discharged from the discharge port 45 to the mixer 5.

[0074] During the ore conveying process at the relay station, the feeding speed of feeder 4 is v. m The unit is m 3 / s, the opening degree of the slide gate valve 3 is k, and as k increases from 0 to 1, the real-time rotational speed of the impeller of the feeder 4 is n, where the relationship between n and k is:

[0075]

[0076] In formula (a), n is the real-time rotational speed of the impeller of feeder 4, in r / s, and V t The maximum theoretical volume of mineral that the cavity formed by the impeller and housing 42 of the feeder 4 can hold is expressed in meters. 3 / r, e is a constant, β is the material filling coefficient of feeder 4, C k The flow coefficient of slide gate valve 3 is given in m³ / s. 3 / s, usually V t This is the rated feed rate of feeder 4.

[0077] During the stable transport of ore at the relay station, the opening degree of the slide valve 3 is 1, and the projection of the opening 30 along the axial direction of the feed inlet 41 completely covers the feed inlet 41.

[0078] During the stable ore conveying process at the relay station, the feeding speed of feeder 4 is a constant value v. m The unit is m 3 / s, the impeller speed of feeder 4 is a constant value N, the unit is r / s, and the impeller speed N is usually the rated speed of feeder 4.

[0079] When the relay station stops conveying ore, close the gate valve 3 and the feeder 4;

[0080] During the process of stopping ore delivery at the relay station, the feeding speed of feeder 4 is also v. m As k decreases from 1 to 0, the real-time rotational speed of the impeller of feeder 4 is n, where the relationship between n and k is:

[0081]

[0082] It also includes a speed sensor 49 for detecting the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 44. The speed sensor 49 can be used to detect the impeller speed and provide feedback to adjust the driver 46 of the feeder 4. The opening degree k can be adjusted by controlling the extension and retraction displacement of the hydraulic cylinder 32. This method of adjusting the speed and the opening degree of the slide valve 3 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0083] Stop the feeder 4 only after the gate valve 3 is completely closed.

[0084] The feeding method in this embodiment controls the feeding amount of the feeder 4 during the process of starting and stopping ore conveying at the relay station by matching the opening degree of the gate valve 3 and the impeller speed of the feeder 4. This achieves uniform feeding during the feeding process, avoids fluctuations in ore concentration, ensures stable operation of the booster pump, and maintains a stable slurry concentration. At the same time, it facilitates the closing of the gate valve 3 during the process of stopping ore conveying, avoiding excessive load when closing the gate valve 3.

[0085] In this embodiment, the derivation process of formula (a) is as follows:

[0086] The first part describes the principle of the slide valve 3 controlling the mineral input as follows:

[0087] The flow rate of the mineral through the gate valve 3 follows the Bernoulli-orifice flow equation, and the theoretical input flow rate is:

[0088] Q in =C k ·k

[0089] Among them, C k The flow coefficient (C) of the slide gate valve k The dimensions of the slide gate valve 3 are related to the flowability of the minerals, and can be determined through feeding tests, in units of m. 3 / s), k is the opening degree of slide gate valve 3 (the value ranges from 0 to 1).

[0090] The second part explains the principle of impeller-controlled mineral discharge as follows:

[0091] When the impeller rotates, the cavity formed by the impeller of the feeder 4 and the casing 42 can theoretically hold a maximum volume V of minerals. t (Unit is m) 3 / r), usually V t Given the rated feed rate of feeder 4, the impeller speed is n (in r / s), and the theoretical discharge flow rate of feeder 4 is:

[0092] Q out =V t ·n

[0093] However, the actual discharge volume is limited by whether the minerals fully fill the cavity.

[0094] Part Three, Calculation of the feeding speed of feeder 4:

[0095] Define m as the mass of the material inside the cavity formed by the impeller and the housing 42;

[0096] The filling rate of material in the cavity formed by the impeller and housing 42 of the feeder 4 With input flow Q in and unfilled cavities (ρV) t The product of -m) is directly proportional:

[0097]

[0098] Where m is the mass of material within the cavity formed by the impeller and the casing 42, in kg, Q in The material flow rate input from gate valve 3, in meters (m³). 3 / s, β is the material filling coefficient of feeder 4 (related to the structural dimensions of feeder 4, and is a dimensionless number);

[0099] One revolution of the impeller (cycle) Once the cavity is emptied, the integral differential equation is calculated over the rotation period:

[0100]

[0101] Solving for:

[0102]

[0103] The impeller filling efficiency η is:

[0104]

[0105] Actual feeding speed is

[0106] v m =η·V t ·n

[0107] Right now

[0108]

[0109] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, a neck lock section 47 is provided between the feed inlet 41 and the slide gate valve 3, and the neck lock section 47 connects the outlet of the slide gate valve 3 and the feed inlet 41.

[0110] The neck lock section 47 includes two opposing inclined plates. The length direction of the inclined plates is the same as the axial direction of the rotating shaft 44. The two sides of the width direction of the inclined plates are respectively connected to the outlet edge of the slide valve 3 and the edge of the feed port 41. The plane of the inclined plates located inside the feeder 4 forms an inclined surface parallel to the rotating shaft 44. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the slide valve 3 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed port 41.

[0111] When the real-time rotational speed n of the impeller of feeder 4 is at its maximum, the ore flow enters the feed inlet 41 under the guidance of the inclined plane on one side.

[0112] When the real-time rotational speed n of the impeller of feeder 4 is at its minimum, the ore flow enters the feed inlet 41 under the guidance of the inclined surfaces on both sides.

[0113] The swing direction of the blade 43 at the feed inlet 41 is consistent with the movement direction of the slide plate 31 of the slide plate valve 3 when the slide plate valve 3 is closed.

[0114] Specifically, the aforementioned cross-sectional area refers to the section perpendicular to the axis of the feed inlet 41.

[0115] The neck lock section 47 is set up, forming two inclined surfaces on the upper sides of the feed inlet 41 that open towards the outlet of the slide valve 3. The inclined surfaces are parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 44. This not only guides the ore during the initial conveying process but also during the stable conveying process. It also improves the sensitivity of ore flow rate changes caused by changes in the opening degree of the slide valve 3, and facilitates the adjustment of the impeller speed of the feeder 4.

[0116] In the design of the feeding device, to ensure a uniform and stable feeding speed, the opening degree of the slide gate valve 3 and the rotational speed of the feeder 4 need to meet the control characteristics of small opening with high speed and large opening with low speed. In actual operation, the maximum value n of the rotational speed of the feeder 4... max The minimum opening degree k of the slide gate valve 3 is k min To avoid the feeder 4 requiring excessively high speed when the gate valve 3 is at a small opening, the optimal speed for conveying ore is k. min ≥0.1, can be obtained according to formula (a):

[0117]

[0118] Before the ore is conveyed, when the gate valve 3 is open to 0, the feeder 4 is started to a speed of n. max Then, the opening degree of the slide gate valve 3 is directly adjusted from 0 to k. min This means the ore transport begins;

[0119] During the process of stopping ore conveying at the relay station, when the speed of feeder 4 increases to n max At that time, the opening degree of the slide gate valve 3 is changed from k min Adjust directly to 0 to stop ore delivery.

[0120] When ore is started to be conveyed, the load on the feeder 4 driver 46 is reduced by controlling the opening of the slide gate valve 3. When the ore is being conveyed stably, the slide gate valve 3 is fully opened to ensure the conveying efficiency of the ore. In this embodiment, the linkage control between the opening of the slide gate valve 3 and the impeller speed of the feeder 4 makes the feeding speed uniform and stable throughout the ore conveying process, further ensuring the production efficiency of the deep-sea mining system.

[0121] Example 3:

[0122] During the ore conveying process, material jamming of the feeder 4 is also a major factor affecting the service life of the feeder 4 and the conveying efficiency of the ore. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment improves the structure of the blade 43 of the feeder 4 to address the problem of material jamming between the blade 43 and the housing 42 of the feeder 4.

[0123] The blade 43 is an elastic structure, and there is a first assembly gap between the blade 43 and the inner wall of the housing 42 of the feeder 4. The size of the first assembly gap is δ, 2mm≤δ≤4mm.

[0124] The outer circumference of the impeller maintains a certain gap with the housing 42 of the feeder 4 to prevent the blades 43 from rubbing against the inner wall of the housing 42 during rotation. In addition, since small particles are generated by the collision and crushing of ore during ore conveying, the size of the first assembly gap can meet the requirement of being larger than the outer size of the largest particle among the small particles generated by crushing, reducing the risk of ore jamming. When a few large ore pieces fall from the feed inlet 41 during the conveying process, and the size of the ore in the V-shaped cross section of the V-shaped grid exceeds the size of the V-shaped cross section, the ore touches the inner wall of the housing 42. As the impeller rotates, the blades 43 are subjected to pressure by the force of the housing 42 due to the ore. The blades 43 increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding V-shaped grid through their own elastic deformation, causing the ore to change its posture and be smoothly conveyed to the lower discharge port 45 with the rotation of the V-shaped grid. This can prevent the ore from getting stuck between the impeller and the housing 42, solving the problem of the impeller being unable to operate due to material jamming.

[0125] Furthermore, the blade 43 includes multiple rectangular plates 431 of the same size arranged along the length direction of the rotating shaft 44. One end of the rectangular plate 431 along the length direction is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 44, and the other end of the rectangular plate 431 along the length direction has a first assembly gap with the inner wall of the housing 42. The width of the rectangular plate 431 is W and is consistent with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 44. The length of the rectangular plate 431 is L and is consistent with the radial direction of the rotating shaft 44. The thickness of the rectangular plate 431 is t. There is a second assembly gap between two adjacent rectangular plates 431. The second assembly gap is s. The material of the blade 43 is duplex stainless steel, wherein: 5≤L / W≤10, 0.01≤t / L≤0.03, 1mm≤s≤2mm.

[0126] Specifically, the root of the blade 43 is welded or bolted to the rotating shaft 44. The distance between adjacent blades 43 is approximately 1mm to 2mm, allowing adjacent blades 43 to be staggered and deformed with a small difference in deformation angle. Each blade 43 has multiple rectangular plates 431, such as... Figure 5As shown, there are 10 rectangular plates 431. Both ends of the V-groove on the impeller are provided with baffles 441 along the length direction. The distance between the two baffles 441 is the length of the V-groove, which is M. Preferably, M is 6×L to 12×L, that is, there are 6 to 12 rectangular plates 431.

[0127] The blade 43 is made of duplex stainless steel, which has high toughness and wear resistance. The design of the material and size ensures that the bending stiffness of a single blade 43 meets the impeller's conveying function, while also having a certain elastic deformation performance to meet the elastic deformation requirements of the blade 43. The blade 43 is divided into multiple rectangular plates 431 along the axis of the rotating shaft 44, and the elastic blade 43 is formed by splicing with gaps. This allows a V-shaped grid of the impeller to adapt to the different positions of the falling ore along the axis of the rotating shaft 44 and undergo elastic deformation. This solves the problem of material jamming while simplifying the structure and forming method of the elastic blade 43.

[0128] Specifically, the material grade of duplex stainless steel is S32750.

[0129] Example 3:

[0130] During the ore conveying process, the existing feeders 4 can only be used on land. The sliding bearings 484 used at both ends of the impeller shaft 44 cannot meet the requirements for underwater use, causing the feeder 4 to malfunction.

[0131] In the feeding method of the underwater relay station of the deep-sea mining system in this embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the housing 42 of the feeder 4 includes end caps 48 located at both ends of the axial direction of the rotating shaft 44. Sliding bearings 484 are installed on the end caps 48. Both ends of the rotating shaft 44 are respectively connected to a sliding bearing 484. An annular flange 480 coaxial with the sliding bearing 484 is provided on the end caps 48. The annular flange 480 is located outside the sliding bearing 484. A sealing ring 483 is installed between the annular flange 480 and the rotating shaft 44.

[0132] Specifically, the sealing ring 483 is a rotary lip seal. The groove of the rotary lip seal faces the outside of the housing 42. The inner ring of the rotary lip seal mates with the rotating shaft 44, and the outer ring mates with the inner hole of the annular flange 480 of the end cover 48, preventing external liquids and mud from entering the sliding bearing 484 of the feeder 4 and the inside of the feeder 4, thus affecting the normal operation of the feeder 4.

[0133] like Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the end cap 48 is sealed to the main body of the housing 42 via a sealing gasket 485; one end of the rotating shaft 44 extends out of the end cap 48 and is fitted with a locking nut 482, which limits the end position of the rotating shaft 44; an annular flange 480 is located between the locking nut 482 and the end cap 48, with the center of the annular flange 480 being the inner hole of the end cap 48; the annular flange 480 is coaxial with the sliding bearing 484; a bearing cover 481 is also installed on the end cap 48 to further isolate the external environment from the sliding bearing 484; the other end of the rotating shaft 44 is assembled with the end cap 48 in the same way as the above structure, except that the end cap 48 passes through the end cap 48 and is connected to the driver 46, which is a hydraulic motor. The driver 46 is mounted on the end cap 48 via a motor bracket 486, and the output end of the driver 46 is connected to the rotating shaft 44 via a coupling 442.

[0134] Specifically, the speed sensor 49 is mounted on the motor bracket 486 to monitor the detection element that rotates with the shaft 44, determine the speed of the shaft 44, and thus obtain the speed of the impeller.

[0135] The above description is an explanation of the present invention and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system, characterized in that: The relay station includes a silo (2) and a mixer (5) located below the silo (2). The outlet (45) of the feeder (4) is connected to the ore inlet of the mixer (5). The relay station also includes a slide valve (3). The inlet (41) of the feeder (4) is connected to the outlet of the silo (2) through the slide valve (3). The feeder (4) is an impeller feeder. The feeding method includes the following steps: When the relay station starts conveying ore, the feeder (4) is started, the slide gate valve (3) is opened and the opening degree of the slide gate valve (3) is controlled so that the projection of the opening (30) of the slide gate valve (3) along the axial direction of the feed inlet (41) partially overlaps with the feed inlet (41). The center of the ore flow from the silo (2) deviates from the rotating shaft (44) of the feeder (4) and acts on the blade (43). The ore is discharged from the discharge port (45) to the mixer (5). During the stable transport of ore at the relay station, the opening degree of the slide valve (3) is 1, and the projection of the opening (30) along the axial direction of the feed inlet (41) covers the feed inlet (41); When the relay station stops conveying ore, close the gate valve (3) and the feeder (4).

2. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: During the stable conveying of ore at the relay station, the feeding speed of the feeder (4) is a constant value v. m The unit is m 3 / s, the impeller speed of the feeder (4) is a constant value N, with the unit being r / s; During the ore conveying process at the relay station, the feeding speed of the feeder (4) is also v. m The unit is m 3 / s, the opening degree of the slide gate valve (3) is k, and as k increases from 0 to 1, the real-time rotational speed of the impeller of the feeder (4) is n, where the relationship between n and k is: In formula (a), n is the real-time rotational speed of the impeller of the feeder (4), in r / s; V t The maximum theoretical volume of mineral that the cavity formed by the impeller and casing (42) of the feeder (4) can hold is expressed in m³. 3 / r; e is a constant, β is the material filling coefficient of the feeder (4), C k The flow coefficient of the slide gate valve (3) is expressed in m³ / s. 3 / s.

3. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: During the process of stopping ore delivery at the relay station, the feeding speed of the feeder (4) is also v. m As k decreases from 1 to 0, the real-time rotational speed of the impeller of the feeder (4) is n, where the relationship between n and k is:

4. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A neck lock section (47) is provided between the feed inlet (41) and the slide valve (3), and the neck lock section (47) connects the outlet of the slide valve (3) and the feed inlet (41); The neck lock section (47) includes two opposing inclined plates. The length direction of the inclined plates is the same as the axial direction of the rotating shaft (44). The two sides of the width direction of the inclined plates are respectively connected to the outlet edge of the slide valve (3) and the edge of the feed port (41). The plane of the inclined plates located inside the feeder (4) forms an inclined surface parallel to the rotating shaft (44). The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the slide valve (3) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed port (41). When the real-time rotational speed n of the impeller of the feeder (4) is at its maximum, the ore flow enters the feed inlet (41) under the guidance of the inclined plane on one side. When the real-time rotational speed n of the impeller of the feeder (4) is at its minimum, the ore flow enters the feed inlet (41) under the guidance of the inclined surfaces on both sides. The swing direction of the blade (43) at the feed inlet (41) is consistent with the movement direction of the slide plate (31) of the slide plate valve (3) when the slide plate valve (3) is closed.

5. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The blade (43) is an elastic structure, and there is a first assembly gap between the blade (43) and the inner wall of the housing (42) of the feeder (4). The size of the first assembly gap is δ, 2mm≤δ≤4mm.

6. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The blade (43) includes multiple rectangular plates (431) of the same size arranged along the length direction of the rotating shaft (44). One end of the rectangular plate (431) along the length direction is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (44), and the other end of the rectangular plate (431) along the length direction has a first assembly gap with the inner wall of the housing (42). The width of the rectangular plate (431) is W and is consistent with the axial direction of the rotating shaft (44). The length of the rectangular plate (431) is L and is consistent with the radial direction of the rotating shaft (44). The thickness of the rectangular plate (431) is t. There is a second assembly gap between two adjacent rectangular plates (431). The second assembly gap is s. The material of the blade (43) is duplex stainless steel, wherein: 5≤L / W≤10, 0.01≤t / L≤0.03, 1mm≤s≤2mm.

7. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The material grade of the duplex stainless steel is S32750.

8. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (42) includes end caps (48) located at both ends of the shaft (44) along its axial direction. A sliding bearing (484) is mounted on the end cap (48). Both ends of the shaft (44) are connected to a sliding bearing (484). An annular flange (480) coaxial with the sliding bearing (484) is provided on the end cap (48). The annular flange (480) is located outside the sliding bearing (484). A sealing ring (483) is installed between the annular flange (480) and the shaft (44).

9. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The sealing ring (483) is a rotary lip oil seal.

10. The feeding method for an underwater relay station in a deep-sea mining system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a speed sensor (49) for detecting the rotational speed of the shaft (44).

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