A deep sea mineral transport system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a deep-sea mineral transportation system and method, a seabed transfer system and a sea treatment system electrically connected with the seabed transfer system, the seabed transfer system is arranged in a seabed mining area and is used for receiving, temporarily storing and scheduling a cargo hold loaded with minerals or waste; at least one cargo submarine is detachable from the cargo hold and is used for grabbing and carrying the cargo hold to and from the seabed transfer system and the sea treatment system; and the sea treatment system comprises at least one parking bin arranged below a predetermined depth of the sea surface and used for providing docking, fixing, material transmission and energy supply for the arrived cargo submarine and the cargo hold carried thereby. The transportation of seabed minerals and sea waste is completed by cooperation of the cargo submarine, the seabed transfer system and the sea treatment system, and compared with a traditional pipeline lifting method, the application is more environmentally friendly and has lower energy consumption in the transportation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea transportation technology, specifically to a deep-sea mineral transshipment system and method. Background Technology

[0002] In deep-sea mining systems, the safe, economical, and efficient transport of minerals from the seabed thousands of meters below the surface is the core element that determines the feasibility of the entire system.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream deep-sea mineral transportation method is the pipeline hoisting method. This method involves mining vehicles crushing minerals into a slurry, which is then continuously pumped to a surface support vessel via a pipeline system consisting of relay stations and multi-stage submersible pumps. However, this method faces the following core bottlenecks in engineering practice:

[0004] 1. Energy consumption and economy: Long-distance vertical pumping of slurry requires overcoming huge hydrostatic pressure, resulting in extremely high system energy consumption, which seriously affects the economic efficiency of mining.

[0005] 2. Resource quality and equipment wear: High-speed transport of slurry in pipelines causes mineral particles to collide with each other and wear down the pipe walls, resulting in the pulverization of valuable minerals and a decrease in grade, as well as accelerating the wear of key equipment.

[0006] 3. System reliability and maintainability: In complex marine environments, pipelines are prone to blockage, fatigue and leakage. Their continuous operation characteristics mean that local failures may cause the entire system to shut down, resulting in high maintenance costs and risks.

[0007] 4. Environmental impact and flexibility: The plumes generated by the pipeline system are large in scale and have a significant impact on the environment; moreover, long-distance rigid pipeline systems are difficult to deploy and cannot flexibly adapt to different mining areas or respond to emergencies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a deep-sea mineral transfer system and method.

[0009] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0010] A deep-sea mineral transshipment system, comprising:

[0011] A seabed transfer system and a marine processing system electrically connected to the seabed transfer system, wherein the seabed transfer system is located in a seabed mining area and is used to receive, temporarily store and dispatch cargo holds loaded with minerals or waste.

[0012] At least one cargo submersible, which is a detachable, separate structure from the cargo hold, is used to grab and transport the cargo hold between the seabed transfer system and the offshore processing system.

[0013] The marine processing system includes at least one berthing bay located at a predetermined depth below the sea surface, for docking, securing, material transfer, and energy replenishment of the arriving cargo submersible and its cargo hold.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared to the pipeline lifting method, firstly, by adopting a split-type cargo submersible and cargo hold, the operation process is changed from continuous pumping to discrete handling. Ascent / descent is achieved using the net buoyancy of the submersible's adjustment system, reducing transportation energy consumption. Secondly, transporting minerals by loading them into the cargo hold fundamentally avoids secondary crushing and grade reduction caused by high-speed collisions of mineral particles within the pipeline. Simultaneously, it avoids the abrasion of core equipment such as the lifting pump and pipelines by high-speed flowing mineral particles, significantly reducing wear and maintenance costs of critical equipment. Thirdly, the modular subsea transfer system and parallel, replaceable transport units allow for the isolation of localized failures, avoiding the risk of "one-point failure, entire line shutdown" in the pipeline system, thus improving system reliability and maintainability. Fourthly, it achieves coordinated, closed-loop transportation and precise, targeted backfilling of collected waste, suppressing the generation and spread of plumes at the source. Furthermore, the modular design of the entire system allows for flexible configuration and rapid deployment / recovery according to mining conditions, improving operational flexibility.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0016] Furthermore, the seabed transfer system includes a ring-shaped transfer station formed by the docking of several orbital modules, and the ring-shaped transfer station is equipped with, in sequence:

[0017] The feeding area is used to receive and load minerals from the mining equipment into the empty cargo hold;

[0018] The loading and surfacing area is used to store the cargo hold that has been loaded with minerals, awaiting retrieval by the cargo submersible;

[0019] The unloading submersible area is used to receive and temporarily store the cargo hold containing waste transported back by the cargo submersible;

[0020] Waste transfer area, used to unload waste from the unloading submersible area from the cargo hold and transport it to the seabed reclamation point;

[0021] Each section is equipped with its own transfer equipment, which uses tracks to transfer cargo holds in adjacent sections.

[0022] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that by setting up four zones, the four major functions of "material feeding - waiting for transport - unloading - processing" can be physically partitioned and spatially fixed in sequence on the circular track, forcibly solidifying the unidirectional closed-loop operation process of minerals moving upward and waste materials moving downward. This avoids the intersection and interference of operation flow lines, and improves the material handling capacity and turnover efficiency at the seabed end.

[0023] Furthermore, the seabed transfer system also includes a central control station, which is electrically connected to the offshore processing system and obtains power and communication.

[0024] The central control station is electrically connected to the feeding area, the loading and floating area, the unloading and submerging area, the waste transfer area, and the transfer equipment. The central control station is used to supply power to the various equipment on the seabed and to perform centralized monitoring and scheduling control.

[0025] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme are that the central control station obtains high-voltage electrical energy and high-bandwidth communication from the water surface via umbilical cables, and performs distributed power distribution and data exchange to the dispersed functional zones and equipment through the submarine cable network. This eliminates the complexity of each module independently obtaining energy and information, ensuring the stable operation of the system. Simultaneously, by acquiring real-time status information of each submarine zone and equipment through the central control station, the system can optimize the cargo hold transfer sequence, balance the load of each zone, predict and avoid problems such as excessively fast or slow loading or transportation speeds, and improve system operating efficiency.

[0026] Furthermore, the transfer equipment is a cargo hold railcar, which is used to transfer the cargo hold.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes a cargo-carrying mechanism, which comprises:

[0028] A load-bearing crossbeam, on which multiple adjusting pulleys are provided;

[0029] Multiple suspension ropes, one end of which is wound around the drive device located on the adjusting pulley, and the other end is connected to the cargo submersible;

[0030] Multiple locking mechanisms are provided on the load-bearing crossbeam for gripping or releasing the cargo compartment.

[0031] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solutions are as follows: First, the locking mechanism transmits sufficient longitudinal tension and torsional constraints to firmly grip the cargo hold, while the flexibility of the ropes effectively buffers the relative movement and impact loads caused by ocean current disturbances or maneuvers during transportation, protecting the stability of the connection interface and the minerals inside the cargo hold; Second, the precise control of the length of multiple suspension ropes is achieved by adjusting the pulleys and the drive device, enabling the gripping, lifting, lowering, and releasing of the cargo hold in a controlled manner; Third, by using a mechanical cargo-carrying mechanism as a separate connection structure between the cargo submersible and the cargo hold, the impact of water currents on the connection structure during deep-sea operations can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of deep-sea operations. Furthermore, traditional mechanical structures are simple in structure and easier to scale up for mass production.

[0032] Furthermore, the berthing compartment is a cavity with a tapered guiding structure, and its inner wall is provided with a flexible buffer layer.

[0033] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the tapered horn-shaped cavity forms a physical guiding channel, significantly reducing the stringent requirements for the positioning accuracy of the submersible's terminal section and increasing the probability and efficiency of successful docking in deep-sea current turbulence. Simultaneously, the flexible buffer layer on its inner wall effectively dissipates kinetic energy and buffers impact loads when the submersible or cargo hold comes into contact with or collides with the berthing bay at low speeds, effectively protecting the equipment.

[0034] Furthermore, the marine processing system also includes a marine processing center and a power distribution main, the power distribution main being used for material transfer between the marine processing center and the cargo hold, as well as for energy replenishment of the cargo submersible.

[0035] Furthermore, the main power distribution pipeline includes a mineral conveying pipe, a waste conveying pipe, and a power supply cable, which is connected to the cargo submersible.

[0036] The cargo hold is equipped with a mineral conveying port that connects to the mineral conveying pipe and a waste conveying port that connects to the waste conveying pipe.

[0037] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that by integrating mineral transport pipes, waste transport pipes and power supply cables into a main power distribution pipeline, it enables efficient, orderly and closed-loop exchange of matter and energy between the offshore processing center and the cargo hold and cargo submersible between the surface and underwater systems.

[0038] Another technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0039] A deep-sea mineral transportation method, applied to a deep-sea mineral transshipment system, includes the following steps:

[0040] S1: Deploy track modules in the seabed mining area and assemble and dock them to form a circular transfer station;

[0041] S2: Mining equipment collects minerals and transports them to the feeding area of ​​the circular transfer station, where they are loaded into the cargo hold;

[0042] S3: The cargo hold, filled with minerals, is transferred by transfer equipment to the loading and floating area;

[0043] S4: The cargo submersible descends to the loading and surfacing area, grabs the cargo hold fully loaded with minerals, and then surfaces.

[0044] S5: The cargo submersible's cargo hold arrives at the docking bay and completes docking;

[0045] S6: The minerals in the cargo hold are transported to the offshore processing center through the docked power distribution main, while the waste generated during processing is transported back to the cargo hold and the cargo submersible is charged.

[0046] S7: The cargo submersible grabs the cargo hold loaded with waste and dives down, returning to the unloading diving area of ​​the circular transfer station and unloading the cargo hold;

[0047] S8: The cargo hold in the unloading submersible area is transferred to the waste transfer area, the waste is discharged and backfilled into the predetermined area on the seabed, and the emptied cargo hold is transferred to the feeding area. Step S2 is repeated.

[0048] S9: Determine whether the mining task is completed. If yes, then reclaim the circular transfer station; if not, repeat steps S2 to S8.

[0049] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared to the pipeline lifting method, firstly, in steps S4 and S7, the cargo submersible achieves split-type transportation by grabbing / releasing the cargo hold. Its ascent and descent are mainly accomplished by adjusting the overall net buoyancy of the system, effectively reducing energy consumption. Secondly, in steps S2 and S6, the minerals are loaded in the cargo hold in a static or low-speed state, completely avoiding the violent collisions and secondary crushing of minerals caused by high-speed turbulence in long-distance pipelines, effectively protecting the particle size and grade of the raw ore. At the same time, it reduces the wear and maintenance costs of the core equipment, the lifting pump, and the long pipeline. Thirdly, through the construction of modular ring transfer stations and split-type transportation units, the transportation system architecture is transformed from a fragile "series" pipeline to a "multiple parallel" modular network, improving system reliability and maintainability. Fourthly, both minerals and waste are transported within a closed system, avoiding the large-scale suspended solids plumes continuously generated by traditional pipeline discharge outlets from the source. Simultaneously, the modular ring transfer station can be flexibly configured, quickly deployed, and recovered according to the needs of the mining area, improving the system's flexibility.

[0050] Furthermore, in steps S4 and S7, the cargo submersible and the cargo hold adjust the net buoyancy change to complete the overall ascent and descent, and the cargo submersible's power system is used for horizontal attitude adjustment and precise maneuver positioning.

[0051] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that by actively adjusting the net buoyancy of the combination of the cargo submersible and the cargo hold, and relying on the difference between buoyancy and gravity to drive its ascent and descent, the present invention is more environmentally friendly and consumes less energy during transportation compared with the traditional pipeline lifting method. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the deep-sea mineral transportation method provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seabed transfer system provided by the present invention;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cargo submersible and cargo hold of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the marine processing system of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the berthing bay of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 AA section view.

[0059] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0060] 101. Circular Transfer Station; 102. Track Module; 103. Cargo Carrier Mechanism; 1. Feed Area; 2. Loading and Ascent Area; 3. Unloading and Submersion Area; 4. Waste Transfer Area; 5. Umbilical Cable; 6. Central Control Station; 7. Submarine Power and Control Cables; 8. Cargo Hold Railcar; 9. Closed Conveyor; 10. Cargo Submersible; 11. Distribution Hoses; 12. Mining Vehicle; 13. Local Submarine Mining Area; 14. Floating Robot; 15. Transport and Leveling Tracked Vehicle; 16. 17. Waste backfill area; 18. Suspension rope; 19. Load-bearing beam; 20. Adjustable pulley; 21. Locking mechanism; 22. Cargo hold; 23. Waste conveying port; 24. Mineral conveying port; 25. Sea surface support platform; 26. Offshore processing center; 27. Main power distribution pipeline; 28. Power supply cable; 29. ​​Waste conveying pipe; 20. Mineral conveying pipe; 21. Mooring hold; 22. Pipeline inlet; 23. Drainage outlet; 24. Flexible buffer layer. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the present invention in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, all connections / linkages involved in the patent do not simply refer to direct contact between components, but rather to the ability to form a better connection structure by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to specific implementation conditions. The various technical features in this invention can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0062] refer to Figure 1-6 This invention provides a deep-sea mineral transfer system, comprising: a seabed transfer system and a marine processing system electrically connected to the seabed transfer system; the seabed transfer system is located in a seabed mining area and is used to receive, temporarily store, and dispatch cargo holds 21 loaded with minerals or waste; at least one cargo submersible 10, which is a detachable split structure from the cargo holds 21, for grabbing and transporting the cargo holds 21 between the seabed transfer system and the marine processing system; the marine processing system includes at least one berthing bay located at a predetermined depth below the sea surface, for providing docking, securing, material transfer, and energy replenishment for the arriving cargo submersible 10 and the cargo holds 21 it carries.

[0063] In this embodiment, the transportation system includes an underwater transfer system, a marine processing system, and a cargo submersible 10. The underwater transfer system is located in the seabed mining area, where it collects the mined minerals and loads them into cargo holds 21, or transfers waste from cargo holds 21 to a backfill area. The marine processing system is located at the sea surface and includes multiple berthing bays for accommodating the cargo submersible 10 and cargo holds 21. When the cargo submersible 10 transfers a fully loaded cargo hold 21 to a berthing bay, the marine processing system transfers the minerals from the cargo hold 21 and performs pre-processing. The resulting waste is then transferred to an empty cargo hold 21, from which the cargo submersible 10 transports it to the underwater transfer system. Furthermore, the cargo submersible 10's ascent and descent of the cargo hold 21 are achieved by adjusting net buoyancy. Thus, the cargo submersible 10 and cargo holds 21 transfer minerals from the underwater transfer system to the marine processing system, and transfer waste from the marine processing system to the underwater transfer system, ultimately completing the mineral transportation.

[0064] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared with the pipeline lifting method, firstly, by adopting a split-type cargo submersible 10 and cargo hold 21, the operation process is changed from continuous pumping to discrete handling. Ascent / descent is achieved using the net buoyancy of the submersible's adjustment system, reducing transportation energy consumption. Secondly, transporting minerals by loading them into the cargo hold 21 fundamentally avoids secondary crushing and grade reduction caused by high-speed collisions of mineral particles within the pipeline. Simultaneously, it avoids the abrasion of core equipment such as the lifting pump and pipelines by high-speed flowing mineral particles, significantly reducing wear and maintenance costs of critical equipment. Thirdly, the modular subsea transfer system and parallel replaceable transport units allow for the isolation of localized failures, avoiding the risk of "one point failure, entire line shutdown" in the pipeline system, thus improving system reliability and maintainability. Fourthly, it achieves coordinated closed-loop transportation and precise point-to-point backfilling of collected waste, suppressing the generation and diffusion of plumes at the source. Furthermore, the modular design of the entire system allows for flexible configuration and rapid deployment / recovery according to mining conditions, improving operational flexibility.

[0065] Preferred, Reference Figure 2 The seabed transfer system includes a ring-shaped transfer station 101 formed by the docking of several track modules 102. The ring-shaped transfer station 101 is provided with the following in sequence: a feeding area 1, for receiving and loading minerals from mining equipment into the empty cargo hold 21; a loading and surfacing area 2, for storing the cargo hold 21 after the mineral loading is completed, waiting for the cargo submersible 10 to pick up the cargo; an unloading and submerging area 3, for receiving and temporarily storing the cargo hold 21 loaded with waste materials transported back by the cargo submersible 10; and a waste transfer area 4, for unloading the waste materials from the unloading and submerging area 3 from the cargo hold 21 and transporting them to the seabed backfilling point. Each zone is provided with its own transfer equipment, which transfers the cargo hold 21 of adjacent zones via tracks.

[0066] Preferred, Reference Figure 2 The transfer equipment is a cargo hold railcar 8, which is used to transfer the cargo hold 21.

[0067] In this embodiment, the seabed transfer system is specifically a circular transfer station 101. The station's basic framework is formed by the docking of pre-manufactured track modules 102 on the seabed. The station is arranged sequentially according to operational logic as follows: a material inlet area 1 (connected to a closed conveyor 9 or a distribution hose 11 to receive minerals), a loading and surfacing area 2 (buffering fully loaded cargo holds 21 for transport), an unloading and submerging area 3 (receiving waste cargo holds 21 returned from the surface), and a waste seabed transport area (transferring waste from cargo holds 21 to a backfilling area). Each area is equipped with an independent cargo hold railcar 8, which, under the scheduling of the track modules 102 and the central control station 6, enables the transfer of cargo holds 21 between the functional areas.

[0068] By setting up four zones, the four major functions of "feeding-waiting-unloading-processing" can be physically partitioned and spatially fixed in sequence on the circular track, forcibly solidifying the unidirectional closed-loop operation process of minerals moving upwards and waste materials moving downwards. This avoids the intersection and interference of operation flow lines, and improves the material handling capacity and turnover efficiency at the seabed end.

[0069] Preferred, Reference Figure 2 The seabed transfer system also includes a central control station 6, which is electrically connected to the offshore processing system and obtains power and communication. The central control station 6 is electrically connected to the feeding area 1, the loading and floating area 2, the unloading and submerging area 3, the waste transfer area 4, and the transfer equipment. The central control station 6 is used to supply power to the various equipment on the seabed and to perform centralized monitoring and scheduling control.

[0070] In this embodiment, the central control station 6 is a core intelligent unit deployed on the seabed, responsible for centralized monitoring, scheduling, control, and energy distribution of the entire circular transfer station 101 and its related operations. Specifically, the central control station 6 is connected to the feeding area 1, loading and surfacing area 2, unloading and submerging area 3, waste transfer area 4, and other equipment via seabed power supply and control cables 7, thereby providing power to the seabed equipment and performing monitoring and control. In the feeding area 1, the central control station 6 monitors the feeding status of the mining vehicle 12 or closed conveyor 9 in the local seabed mining area 13, and controls the cargo hold railcar 8 to precisely position the empty cargo hold 21 to the loading port. After loading is completed, optionally, based on confirmation by weight or level sensors, the central control station 6 schedules the railcar between the feeding area 1 and the loading and surfacing area 2 to move the fully loaded cargo hold 21 to the loading and surfacing area 2. In loading and surfacing area 2, central control station 6 manages the cargo hold 21 buffer queue in this area. Upon receiving a request that the cargo submersible 10 is about to arrive, or according to the plan, central control station 6 controls the cargo hold railcar 8 in this area to dispatch the cargo hold 21 to be transported to the designated grab position and notifies the cargo submersible 10 to perform the grab. In unloading and descent area 3, central control station 6 guides the cargo submersible 10 carrying the waste cargo hold 21 to unload. After unloading, it controls the cargo hold railcar 8 between unloading and descent area 3 and waste transfer area 4 to move the waste cargo hold 21 out to waste transfer area 4, freeing up space for subsequent operations. In waste transfer area 4, central control station 6 first dispatches cargo hold railcar 8 to transport waste cargo hold 21 to the processing station. Then, it coordinates the conveying hose 11 and the floating robot 14 in waste backfill area 16 to perform waste extraction operations. It also controls the transport and leveling tracked vehicle 15 in waste backfill area 16 to perform final backfilling and leveling. After processing, the cargo hold railcar 8 between waste transfer area 4 and infeed area 1 is dispatched to send the emptied cargo hold 21 to infeed area 1, completing the cycle. Central control station 6 dynamically optimizes the transfer path and timing of cargo hold 21 based on the real-time status of each zone (number of cargo holds 21, equipment availability, and fault information) to avoid congestion and maximize the throughput efficiency of the transfer station.

[0071] The central control station 6 obtains high-voltage electrical energy and high-bandwidth communication from the water surface via umbilical cable 5, and distributes power and data to the dispersed functional zones and equipment through the submarine cable network. This eliminates the complexity of each module independently obtaining energy and information, ensuring the stable operation of the system. Simultaneously, the central control station 6 obtains real-time status information of each submarine zone and equipment, optimizing the transfer sequence of cargo hold 21, balancing the load of each zone, predicting and avoiding problems such as excessively fast or slow loading or transport speeds, and improving system operating efficiency.

[0072] Preferred, Reference Figure 2-3 It also includes a cargo-carrying mechanism 103, which includes: a load-bearing beam 18, on which multiple adjusting pulleys 19 are provided; multiple suspension ropes 17, one end of which is wound around a drive device provided on the adjusting pulleys 19, and the other end is connected to the cargo submersible 10; and multiple locking mechanisms 20, provided on the load-bearing beam 18, for grabbing or releasing the cargo compartment 21.

[0073] In this embodiment, the cargo-carrying mechanism 103 is the core mechanical interface connecting the cargo submersible 10 and the cargo hold 21, and is a key component for realizing the "separable split structure" of the two. The cargo-carrying mechanism 103 includes a load-bearing beam 18, adjusting pulleys 19, suspension ropes 17, and a locking mechanism 20. Specifically, the load-bearing beam 18 serves as the rigid frame of the mechanism and is arranged laterally below the cargo submersible 10. Four adjusting pulleys 19 are installed on the load-bearing beam 18, each pulley being associated with an independent drive device (such as an electric or hydraulic winch, not shown separately in the figure) for raising and lowering the suspension ropes 17. Each adjusting pulley 19 is equipped with a corresponding suspension rope 17, which is made of high-strength synthetic fiber cable or steel wire rope, with one end wound around the drive device of the adjusting pulley 19 and the other end connected upwards to the body of the cargo submersible 10. Four retractable mechanisms are fixedly installed below or at specific locations on the supporting crossbeam 18. These mechanisms engage with pre-set standard mechanical docking interfaces (such as slots, conical seats, or dovetail grooves) on the top of the cargo hold 21 to achieve mechanical locking and unlocking. More specifically, the cargo submersible 10 navigates to above the target cargo hold 21 and hovers. The drive unit operates, simultaneously lowering the suspension rope 17 via the adjusting pulley 19, causing the supporting crossbeam 18 and locking mechanism 20 to descend until they contact the cargo hold 21. The locking mechanism 20 actuates (e.g., hydraulic claws extend, electromagnets engage, or mechanical pins insert) to securely connect with the cargo hold 21. Subsequently, the drive unit retracts the rope, suspending and lifting the cargo hold 21. During transportation, the cargo hold 21 is flexibly suspended below the submersible via ropes. Upon arrival at the destination, the operation is reversed to release the cargo hold 21.

[0074] Sufficient longitudinal tension and torsional restraint are transmitted through the locking mechanism 20 to firmly grip the cargo hold 21. The flexibility of the ropes effectively buffers the relative movement and impact loads caused by ocean current disturbances or maneuvers during transportation, protecting the stability of the connection interface and the minerals within the cargo hold 21. Simultaneously, precise control of the lengths of multiple suspension ropes 17 is achieved through adjusting the pulleys 19 and the drive device, enabling controlled gripping, lifting, lowering, and release of the cargo hold 21. Furthermore, the use of a mechanical cargo-carrying mechanism 103 as a separate connection structure between the cargo submersible 10 and the cargo hold 21 further reduces the impact of water currents on the connection structure during deep-sea operations, thereby improving the reliability of deep-sea operations. Moreover, traditional mechanical structures are simple in design and easier to scale up for mass production.

[0075] Preferred, Reference Figure 4-6 The berthing bay is a cavity with a tapered guiding structure, and its inner wall is provided with a flexible buffer layer 30.

[0076] In this embodiment, the cavity of the mooring bay has a "semi-flare" or "funnel-shaped" geometric configuration with a large opening at the top and a gradually narrowing bottom, which forms a physical guiding channel. A flexible material layer, such as highly elastic rubber, polyurethane composite material, or other seawater-resistant elastomers, is attached or installed on the inner wall of the cavity.

[0077] The tapering, flared cavity forms a physical guiding channel, significantly reducing the stringent requirements for the submersible's terminal positioning accuracy and increasing the probability and efficiency of successful docking in turbulent deep-sea currents. Simultaneously, the flexible buffer layer 30 on its inner wall effectively dissipates kinetic energy and buffers impact loads when the submersible or cargo hold 21 comes into contact with or collides with the berthing bay at low speed, effectively protecting the equipment.

[0078] Preferred, Reference Figure 4-5 The marine processing system also includes a marine processing center 25 and a power distribution main 26. The power distribution main 26 is used for material transfer between the marine processing center 25 and the cargo hold 21, and for energy replenishment of the cargo submersible 10.

[0079] In this embodiment, the marine treatment system includes a sea surface support platform 24, and a marine treatment center 25 is located above the support platform, serving as the main support structure. Multiple mooring bays are arranged sequentially around the perimeter of the sea surface support platform 24, and these bays are connected to the marine treatment center 25 via a power distribution main pipe 26. Additionally, a pipeline inlet 28 for installing the power distribution main pipe 26 is located above the mooring bays, and several drainage outlets 29 are also provided above the mooring bays to drain water and balance the water levels inside and outside the bays.

[0080] Preferred, Reference Figure 4-6 The main power distribution pipe 26 includes a mineral conveying pipe 2603, a waste conveying pipe 2602, and a power supply cable 2601, which is connected to the cargo submersible 10.

[0081] The cargo hold 21 is provided with a mineral conveying port 23 that connects to the mineral conveying pipe 2603 and a waste conveying port 22 that connects to the waste conveying pipe 2602.

[0082] In this embodiment, firstly, when the cargo submersible 10, carrying the cargo hold 21, rises to the vicinity of the berthing bay, it controls its attitude to initially align the cargo hold 21 with the upper opening of the horn-shaped nozzle. Subsequently, under the combined action of gravity, buoyancy, and the micro-propulsion of the cargo submersible 10, the assembly slides down the inner wall of the tapering guide cavity. The cavity shape automatically corrects the initial large lateral positioning error, guiding the cargo hold 21 to converge to the predetermined center position at the bottom of the cavity, achieving initial "coarse positioning." Secondly, during berthing, the outer wall of the cargo hold 21 will come into contact with the inner wall of the cavity. At this time, the flexible buffer layer 30 effectively absorbs and dissipates the collision kinetic energy through its own elastic deformation, reducing the impact load to a safe range. This not only protects the structural integrity of the cargo hold 21 and the berthing bay but also makes the entire berthing process smooth and gentle, avoiding equipment damage or attitude instability caused by rigid collisions. Finally, after the cargo hold 21 is stably seated at the bottom of the berthing bay, a precise "fine positioning" state is achieved. At this time, the pre-set mineral conveying port 23 and waste conveying port 22 on the cargo hold 21 automatically or with the assistance of an underwater robotic arm docking with the mineral conveying pipe 2603 and waste conveying pipe 2602 (integrated in the transport and power distribution main pipe) extending from above. Simultaneously, the power supply cable 2601 in the transport main pipe connects to the interface of the cargo submersible 10 and begins charging. Subsequently, the system initiates the transmission procedure: seabed minerals are pumped through pipelines to the offshore processing center 25, and the processed waste is pumped into the same cargo hold 21.

[0083] In some embodiments, docking and separation within the mooring compartment 27: The cargo submersible 10, carrying the mineral cargo compartment 21, rises to the mooring compartment 27, which is located below the sea surface. Using the tapered guide structure of the mooring compartment 27, the submersible guides the cargo compartment 21 into the compartment. At this time, the suspension rope 17 of the cargo handling mechanism 103 needs to maintain sufficient suspension length or be actively adjusted to ensure that the cargo compartment 21 is stably seated at the bottom of the mooring compartment 27, and that the mineral conveying port 23 and waste conveying port 22 on the cargo compartment 21 are aligned and docked with the corresponding pipes on the main power distribution pipe 26. This allows the cargo submersible 10 to recharge or continue to move to the next cargo compartment 21 filled with waste to begin grabbing and locking.

[0084] The power distribution main pipe 26, which integrates mineral transport pipe 2603, waste transport pipe 2602 and power supply cable 2601, enables efficient, orderly and closed-loop exchange of matter and energy between the marine processing center 25 and the cargo hold 21 and cargo submersible 10, between the surface and underwater systems.

[0085] refer to Figure 1 The present invention also provides a deep-sea mineral transportation method, applied to a deep-sea mineral transshipment system, comprising the following steps:

[0086] S1: Deploy track modules 102 in the seabed mining area and assemble and dock them to form a circular transfer station 101;

[0087] Specifically, an underwater logistics and dispatch hub was established in the target mining area, thereby enabling the rapid deployment and initialization of the system.

[0088] S2: Mining equipment collects minerals and transports them to the feeding area 1 of the circular transfer station 101, where they are loaded into the cargo hold 21;

[0089] Specifically, the transportation method can be a closed conveyor 9, a pipeline short-haul, or a mining vehicle 12 directly driving in for docking. Its core is to couple the mining system and the transportation system through a standardized physical interface.

[0090] S3: The cargo hold 21, filled with minerals, is transferred by transfer equipment to the loading and floating area 2;

[0091] Specifically, the fully loaded cargo hold 21 is moved out of the material inlet area 1 and into the loading and floating area 2 to await shipment, which reflects the "temporary storage and scheduling" function of the transfer station.

[0092] In some embodiments, the transfer equipment may also be a railcar, AGV, or conveyor belt, etc.

[0093] S4: The cargo submersible 10 descends to the loading and surfacing area 2, grabs the cargo hold 21 fully loaded with minerals, and then surfaces;

[0094] S5: The cargo submersible 10, carrying cargo compartment 21, arrives at the docking bay and completes docking;

[0095] S6: The minerals in the cargo hold 21 are transported to the offshore processing center 25 through the docked power distribution main pipe 26, while the waste generated during processing is transported back to the cargo hold 21 and the cargo submersible 10 is charged.

[0096] S7: The cargo submersible 10 grabs the cargo hold 21 loaded with waste and dives down, returning to the unloading diving area 3 of the circular transfer station 101 and unloading the cargo hold 21;

[0097] S8: The cargo hold 21 in the unloading submersible area 3 is transferred to the waste transfer area 4, the waste is discharged and backfilled into the seabed in a predetermined area, and the emptied cargo hold 21 is transferred to the feeding area 1. Step S2 is repeated.

[0098] S9: Determine whether the mining task is completed. If yes, then reclaim the circular transfer station 101; otherwise, repeat steps S2 to S8.

[0099] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared with the pipeline lifting method, firstly, in steps S4 and S7, the cargo submersible 10 achieves split-type transportation by grabbing / releasing the cargo hold 21. Its ascent and descent are mainly accomplished by adjusting the comprehensive net buoyancy of the system, effectively reducing energy consumption. Secondly, in steps S2 and S6, the minerals are loaded in the cargo hold 21 in a static or low-speed state, completely avoiding the violent collisions and secondary crushing of minerals caused by high-speed turbulence in long-distance pipelines, effectively protecting the particle size and grade of the raw ore. At the same time, it reduces the wear and maintenance costs of the core equipment, the lifting pump, and the long pipeline. Thirdly, through the construction of the modular ring transfer station 101 and the split-type transportation unit, the transportation system architecture is transformed from a fragile "series" pipeline to a "multiple parallel" modular network, improving system reliability and maintainability. Fourthly, both minerals and waste are transported within a closed system, avoiding the large-scale suspended plumes continuously generated by traditional pipeline discharge outlets from the source. Meanwhile, the modular ring transfer station 101 can be flexibly configured, quickly deployed and retrieved according to the needs of the mining area, improving the system's flexibility.

[0100] Preferred, Reference Figure 2-4 In steps S4 and S7, the cargo submersible 10 and the cargo compartment 21 adjust the net buoyancy change to complete the overall ascent and descent. The power system of the cargo submersible 10 is used for horizontal attitude adjustment and precise maneuver positioning.

[0101] In this embodiment, the cargo submersible 10 and cargo hold 21 are connected by a cargo loading mechanism 103, forming a temporary transport assembly. The vertical movement (surfacing / diving) of this assembly in the water is not primarily achieved by the submersible's thrusters, but rather by actively adjusting the net buoyancy (i.e., the vector difference between the overall weight and the overall buoyancy) experienced by the assembly. Specifically, the net buoyancy adjustment mechanism is mainly due to the ballast tank system typically equipped on the cargo submersible 10. By injecting or discharging seawater into the ballast tanks, the submersible's own weight can be changed, thereby altering the total weight of the entire "submersible-cargo hold 21" assembly. Furthermore, the cargo hold 21 itself can also be designed with adjustable or fixed buoyancy. The combined effect of these two factors enables precise control of the overall density of the assembly.

[0102] Furthermore, the propulsion system, via the cargo submersible 10's own thrusters (typically multi-directional propellers), no longer bears the primary responsibility of overcoming immense hydrostatic pressure to provide lift. Its main function shifts to: resisting ocean currents to maintain the horizontal stability of the assembly; and performing precise lateral and longitudinal maneuvers to achieve accurate positioning and docking when approaching the seabed transfer system or underwater mooring compartment 27.

[0103] By actively adjusting the net buoyancy of the combination of the cargo submersible 10 and the cargo hold 21, and relying on the difference between buoyancy and gravity to drive its ascent and descent, this invention is more environmentally friendly and consumes less energy during transportation compared with the traditional pipeline lifting method.

[0104] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A deep sea mineral transport system, characterised in that, The application relates to a seabed transfer system and a sea treatment system electrically connected with the seabed transfer system, wherein the seabed transfer system is arranged in a seabed mining area and is used for receiving, temporarily storing and scheduling cargo holds loaded with mineral products or waste materials; at least one cargo submarine is detachably connected with the cargo hold and is used for grabbing and carrying the cargo hold between the seabed transfer system and the sea treatment system; the sea treatment system comprises at least one parking cabin arranged at a predetermined depth below the sea surface and used for providing docking, fixing, material transmission and energy supply for the arrived cargo submarine and the carried cargo hold; the seabed transfer system comprises a ring-shaped transfer station formed by a plurality of track modules, and the ring-shaped transfer station is sequentially provided with: a feeding area used for receiving and loading the mineral products from mining equipment into the empty cargo hold; a loading and floating area used for storing the cargo hold loaded with the mineral products and waiting for the cargo submarine to grab and transport; an unloading and diving area used for receiving and temporarily storing the cargo hold loaded with the waste materials and carried back by the cargo submarine; and a waste material transport area used for unloading the waste materials from the cargo hold and transporting the waste materials to a seabed backfilling point; wherein each subarea is separately provided with a transport device, the transport device runs on the corresponding track module, and the transport device transfers the cargo hold of the adjacent subarea. The seabed transfer system further comprises a central control station electrically connected with the sea treatment system and obtaining electric energy and communication; the central control station is electrically connected with the feeding area, the loading and floating area, the unloading and diving area, the waste material transport area and the transport device respectively, and the central control station is used for supplying power to seabed equipment and performing centralized monitoring and scheduling control. The transport device is a cargo hold track car used for transferring the cargo hold. The application further comprises a cargo carrying mechanism, which comprises: a bearing crossbeam provided with a plurality of adjusting pulleys; a plurality of suspension ropes, one end of each of the suspension ropes being wound on a driving device arranged on the adjusting pulley and the other end of each of the suspension ropes being connected to the cargo submarine; and a plurality of locking mechanisms arranged on the bearing crossbeam and used for grabbing or releasing the cargo hold. The parking cabin is a cavity with a tapered guide structure, and the inner wall of the cavity is provided with a flexible buffer layer. The sea treatment system further comprises a sea treatment center and a transportation and power distribution main pipe used for material transmission between the sea treatment center and the cargo hold and energy supply for the cargo submarine. The transportation and power distribution main pipe comprises a mineral product conveying pipe, a waste material conveying pipe and a power supply cable connected with the cargo submarine; the cargo hold is provided with a mineral product conveying port matched with the mineral product conveying pipe and a waste material conveying port matched with the waste material conveying pipe. The application comprises the following steps: S1: arranging track modules in a seabed mining area and assembling and matching the track modules to form a ring-shaped transfer station; S2: collecting mineral products by mining equipment and conveying the mineral products to the feeding area of the ring-shaped transfer station and loading the mineral products into the cargo hold; 2. A deep ocean mineral transport system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, S3: transferring the cargo hold loaded with the mineral products to the loading and floating area by a transport device; ​ 3. A deep ocean mineral transport system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, ​ 4. The deep ocean mineral transport system of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ 5. The deep ocean mineral transport system of claim 1, wherein, ​ 6. A deep ocean mineral transport system as claimed in claim 1 or 5 wherein, ​ 7. A deep ocean mineral transport system as claimed in claim 6 wherein, ​ ​ 8. A method for transporting deep sea minerals, applied to the deep sea mineral transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ ​ S4: the cargo submarine dives to the loading up-floating area, picks up the cargo tank full of mineral and then up-floats; S5: the cargo submarine carries the cargo tank to the parking warehouse and completes the docking; S6: the mineral in the cargo tank is transported to the offshore processing center through the docking transportation power distribution main pipe, while the waste produced by the processing is transported back to the cargo tank, and the cargo submarine is charged; S7: the cargo submarine dives with the cargo tank full of waste, returns to the unloading diving area of the ring-shaped transfer station and unloads the cargo tank; S8: the cargo tank in the unloading diving area is transferred to the waste transfer area, the waste therein is discharged and backfilled to the predetermined area on the seabed, and the empty cargo tank is transferred to the feeding area, and the step S2 is repeated; S9: it is judged whether the mining task is completed, if yes, the ring-shaped transfer station is recovered; if not, the steps S2 to S8 are repeated.

9. The deep ocean mineral transport method of claim 8, wherein, In steps S4 and S7, the cargo submarine and the cargo tank adjust the net buoyancy change to complete the overall up-floating and diving, and the power system of the cargo submarine is used for horizontal attitude adjustment and accurate maneuvering positioning.

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