In-situ collection and separation device based on deep sea combustible ice
By integrating heating decomposition, negative pressure suction, and drying, the complexity and high cost of deep-sea combustible ice collection and separation devices have been solved, achieving low-cost and efficient methane gas collection and separation that is suitable for deep-sea environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DONGHAI LAB
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing deep-sea combustible ice collection and separation devices are complex to operate and have high requirements for underwater control systems, resulting in high equipment investment costs and difficult maintenance. In addition, the separation method is inefficient and it is difficult to achieve in-situ decomposition and transportation.
The system integrates heating decomposition, negative pressure suction, and drying. Seawater is discharged through a pressure relief device, and the first heating device enables the directional decomposition of combustible ice. The second heating device in the methane transfer drying unit prevents blockage. Centrifugal blades and solenoid valves are integrated for precise control, reducing equipment complexity and cost.
It has achieved continuous and stable production of methane gas, reduced development costs, adapted to the complex deep-sea environment, fit into confined spaces, reduced transportation difficulties, and improved processing efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN121933318A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea combustible ice sampling technology, and in particular to an in-situ sampling and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice. Background Technology
[0002] Methane hydrate is a recognized clean and efficient energy source, and its efficient extraction and utilization are of great significance to ensuring energy security. Currently, the main extraction methods for methane hydrate include depressurization, thermal shock, chemical inhibition, and carbon dioxide replacement. Depressurization is simple to operate but requires pressure control and is prone to sand production; thermal shock is energy-intensive; chemical inhibition suffers from high dosage and cost; and carbon dioxide inhibition is inefficient and decomposes slowly. Furthermore, for successfully extracted methane hydrate, storage and transportation primarily employ underwater gas-liquid separation, gas-liquid separation, and gas-liquid co-transport. From an economic perspective, underwater separation is more suitable for methane hydrate development, and the methane gas separated in situ can be used in-situ. Existing underwater separation processes include gas-phase separation, liquid-phase separation, and sand separation; however, these separation schemes all suffer from complex underwater equipment operation and high requirements for underwater control systems. Separation devices need to integrate multiple filtration, centrifugation, and sedimentation functions, leading to maintenance difficulties; and the investment cost of underwater separation equipment accounts for a large portion of the total extraction cost. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice to solve the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art, with low development cost and good processing effect.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice, comprising a substrate and a combustible ice bubble collecting device, a methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber, a methane transfer drying device, a methane gas collecting device, a pressure relief device, a first heating device, and a second heating device disposed on the substrate. The first heating device is disposed within the combustible ice bubble collecting device. The pressure relief device is connected to and communicates with the bottom of the combustible ice bubble collecting device, and the pressure relief device is capable of relieving pressure on the combustible ice bubble collecting device. The methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber is connected to the combustible ice bubble collecting device via a suction device. The inlet of the methane transfer drying device is communicated with the outlet of the methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber. The methane transfer drying device includes an outer chamber and a drying cylinder. The drying cylinder is fixedly disposed within the outer chamber and is used to dry the methane gas. The second heating device is disposed within the methane transfer drying device, and the outlet of the methane transfer drying device is communicated with the inlet of the methane gas collecting device.
[0005] In some embodiments, the combustible ice bubble collecting device includes a piston pulling device, a collecting inner cylinder, and a collecting outer cylinder. The fixed end of the piston pulling device is fixedly disposed on the base plate. The piston of the piston pulling device is fixedly connected to the collecting inner cylinder. The collecting inner cylinder is slidably disposed inside the collecting outer cylinder, and a sealed connection is formed when the collecting inner cylinder is retracted into the collecting outer cylinder. A collecting port and a pressure relief port are provided below the collecting inner cylinder. The collecting port is used to be positioned above the cold spring bubbles. The pressure relief port is connected to the pressure relief device, and a control valve is provided on the pipeline between the pressure relief port and the pressure relief device.
[0006] In some embodiments, an air guiding device is also included. The air guiding device is funnel-shaped, with a small opening end fixedly connected and communicating with the outer collecting cylinder, and the small opening end can communicate with the collecting port. The large opening end is used to be placed above the cold spring bubbles.
[0007] In some embodiments, the suction device includes centrifugal blades disposed at the interface between the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber and the combustible ice bubble collection device.
[0008] In some embodiments, the drying cylinder includes drying tubes arranged in a serpentine pattern.
[0009] In some embodiments, a first solenoid valve is also included, which is disposed on the pipeline between the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber and the drying cylinder, and the first solenoid valve is located in the outer chamber.
[0010] In some embodiments, the second heating device is disposed at the end of the outer compartment, the outer compartment is filled with an oil medium, the heating head of the second heating device extends into the oil medium, and the outer compartment is covered with a heat insulation layer.
[0011] In some embodiments, a second solenoid valve is also included, which is disposed on the pipeline between the drying cylinder and the methane gas collection device, and is located inside the outer chamber.
[0012] In some embodiments, the pressure relief device includes a pressure relief valve, a pressure-resistant cylinder, and a water storage tank. The inlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the outlet pipe of the pressure relief port, the outlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the inlet pipe of the water storage tank, the pressure-resistant cylinder is used to house the pressure relief valve, and the water storage tank is used to store seawater.
[0013] In some embodiments, the system further includes a first pressure sensor, a first temperature sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a second temperature sensor, wherein the probes of the first pressure sensor and the first temperature sensor both extend into the collection cylinder, and the probes of the second pressure sensor and the second temperature sensor both extend into the outer casing.
[0014] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice provided by this invention first depressurizes the collected methane gas and seawater. This depressurization device is connected below the combustible ice bubble collection device, allowing for depressurization by discharging seawater and simultaneously reducing the water vapor content in the methane gas. A first heating device heats the combustible ice in the bubble collection device, causing it to decompose into methane gas. This built-in first heating device enables directional and controllable heating and decomposition of the combustible ice, precisely triggering the solid-gas conversion of the combustible ice, avoiding the problems of uncontrollable natural decomposition rates and uneven gas production, and ensuring continuous and stable methane gas production. A second heating device is installed within the methane transfer and drying device to prevent the methane gas from solidifying and clogging the transfer pipeline during the transfer process. This invention abandons complex deep-sea mechanical mining and solid material conveying systems, achieving collection through integrated heating decomposition, negative pressure suction, and drying. The core components are all conventional heating, sealing, and piping parts, resulting in low R&D, processing, and manufacturing costs. There are no expensive special components, making overall development investment controllable, with low development costs and good processing effects. The system uses a substrate to centrally deploy various functional components, resulting in a compact overall structure and a high degree of modularity. It is suitable for complex and confined operating spaces in the deep sea and can achieve in-situ decomposition, separation, and collection of combustible ice without having to extract the entire combustible ice to the sea surface, thus significantly reducing the difficulty of deep-sea transportation and transshipment. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice in some embodiments of the present invention, excluding the outer casing; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4This is a side view of an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of centrifugal blades in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] In the diagram: 101-Baseboard; 1-Water storage tank; 2-Piston pulling device; 3-Pressure-resistant cylinder; 4-Combustible ice bubble collection device; 5-Methane transfer drying device; 6-First check valve; 7-Pressure relief valve; 8-First pressure sensor; 9-Sealed cylinder; 10-Methane gas negative pressure collection chamber; 11-Drying cylinder; 12-Second heating device; 13-First temperature sensor; 14-First heating device; 15-Collection outer cylinder; 16-Second temperature sensor; 17-Second pressure sensor; 18-First solenoid valve; 19-Outer chamber; 20-Hydraulic cylinder; 21-Collection inner cylinder; 22-Centrifugal blade; 23-Transfer interface; 24-Gas guiding device; 25-Second solenoid valve; 26-Second check valve. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0019] The purpose of this invention is to provide an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice, which solves the problems existing in the prior art, has a low development cost and a good processing effect.
[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0021] like Figures 1-6As shown, this invention provides an in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice, including a substrate 101 and a combustible ice bubble collecting device 4, a methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber 10, a methane transfer and drying device 5, a methane gas collecting device, a pressure relief device, a first heating device 14, and a second heating device 12 disposed on the substrate 101. The first heating device 14 is disposed inside the combustible ice bubble collecting device 4, and the pressure relief device is connected to and communicates with the bottom of the combustible ice bubble collecting device 4. The pressure relief device can control the combustible ice bubble collecting device. 4. Depressurization is performed; the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber 10 is connected to the combustible ice bubble collection device 4 via a suction device. The inlet of the methane transfer drying device 5 is connected to the outlet of the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber 10. The methane transfer drying device 5 includes an outer chamber 19 and a drying cylinder 11. The drying cylinder 11 is fixedly installed inside the outer chamber 19 and is used to dry the methane gas. The second heating device 12 is installed inside the methane transfer drying device 5. The outlet of the methane transfer drying device 5 is connected to the inlet of the methane gas collection device. In this embodiment, the collected methane gas and seawater are first depressurized. The depressurization device is connected below the combustible ice bubble collection device 4, which can depressurize by discharging seawater, thereby reducing the water vapor content in the methane gas. The first heating device 14 heats the combustible ice in the combustible ice bubble collection device 4, causing it to decompose into methane gas. The built-in first heating device 14 enables directional and controllable heating and decomposition of the combustible ice, precisely triggering the solid-gas conversion of the combustible ice and avoiding the problems of uncontrollable natural decomposition rates and uneven gas production, ensuring a continuous and stable output of methane gas. The methane transfer and drying device 5 is equipped with a second heating device 12 to prevent methane gas from solidifying and clogging the transfer pipeline during the transfer process. This method abandons complex deep-sea mechanical mining and solid material conveying systems, achieving collection through integrated heating decomposition, negative pressure suction, and drying. The core components are all conventional heating, sealing, and piping parts, resulting in low R&D, processing, and manufacturing costs. There are no expensive special components, making overall development investment controllable, with low development costs and good processing effects. The functional components are centrally arranged on the substrate 101, resulting in a compact overall structure and a high degree of modularity. It is suitable for complex and confined operating spaces in the deep sea and can realize in-situ decomposition, separation, and collection of combustible ice without having to extract the entire combustible ice to the sea surface, thus greatly reducing the difficulty of deep-sea transportation and transshipment.
[0022] It should be noted that both the first heating device 14 and the second heating device 12 are heating tubes.
[0023] In some embodiments, the combustible ice bubble collecting device 4 includes a piston pulling device 2, a collecting inner cylinder 21, and a collecting outer cylinder 15. The piston pulling device 2 is preferably a hydraulic cylinder 20. The fixed end of the piston pulling device 2 is fixedly disposed on the base plate 101. The piston of the piston pulling device 2 is fixedly connected to the collecting inner cylinder 21. The collecting inner cylinder 21 can slide relative to the collecting outer cylinder 15, and a sealed connection can be formed when the collecting inner cylinder 21 is retracted into the collecting outer cylinder 15. Specifically, the piston pulling device 2 applies force so that the end cap of the collecting inner cylinder 21 is tightly attached to the end cap of the collecting outer cylinder 15. A collecting port and a pressure relief port are provided below the collecting inner cylinder 21. The collecting port is used to be placed above the cold spring bubbles. The pressure relief port is connected to a pressure relief device, and a control valve is provided on the pipeline between the pressure relief port and the pressure relief device.
[0024] In some embodiments, the combustible ice bubble collection device 4 further includes a gas guiding device 24, which is funnel-shaped. The small opening end is fixedly connected and communicates with the outer collection cylinder 15, and the small opening end can communicate with the collection port. The large opening end is used to be placed above the cold spring bubbles. By adopting a funnel-shaped structure with the large opening end facing down over the cold spring and the small opening end connected to the collection port, the bubble capture coverage area can be greatly expanded, and the bubbles that escape from multiple points and diffuse laterally from the cold spring can be uniformly guided to the collection port. This solves the problem of naturally rising bubbles being scattered and difficult to collect completely, and improves the total amount of bubbles captured and the overall methane recovery rate.
[0025] In some embodiments, the suction device includes centrifugal blades 22, which are positioned at the interface between the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber 10 and the combustible ice bubble collection device 4. The high-speed rotation of the blades creates a localized centrifugal negative pressure field, continuously generating a stable negative pressure at the interface. This actively suctions the methane gas produced by the decomposition of combustible ice, counteracting the obstruction of gas flow caused by the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, solving the problems of slow and stagnant natural pressure differential transport, and ensuring synchronous gas production and transport. The strong airflow disturbance generated by the centrifugal rotation can disperse tiny droplets and seawater foam entrained in the methane gas, achieving secondary gas-liquid pre-separation during the suction process, further reducing the gas water content and lessening the load on the subsequent drying cylinder 11.
[0026] In some embodiments, the drying cylinder 11 includes a serpentine distribution of drying tubes, specifically multiple U-shaped tubes connected end-to-end. The interior is filled with desiccant, activated carbon, and other substances to adsorb water vapor molecules in the methane gas, achieving the purpose of drying the methane gas. The use of multiple U-shaped tubes connected end-to-end to form a continuous serpentine flow channel significantly extends the effective flow path and residence time of the methane gas within the limited radial space of the drying cylinder 11, increasing the contact time between the gas and the desiccant, enhancing the deep dehydration effect, and ensuring the purity of the methane gas. The continuous bending structure causes abrupt changes in flow direction and eddy current disturbances at the inflection points of each U-shaped section, disrupting the gas boundary layer, increasing the gas-solid contact area and contact probability, and significantly improving mass transfer drying efficiency. The serpentine arrangement maximizes the flow channel length within the limited volume of the drying cylinder 11, increasing drying capacity without increasing the size of the outer casing 19. The overall device is small in size and highly integrated, suitable for installation in confined deep-sea environments.
[0027] In some embodiments, the in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice further includes a first solenoid valve 18. The first solenoid valve 18 is disposed on the pipeline between the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber 10 and the drying cylinder 11, and is located inside the outer chamber 19. The independent first solenoid valve 18 between the negative pressure collection chamber and the drying cylinder 11 enables rapid and precise on / off control of the two gas paths. Combined with the front-end suction, heating, and depressurization actions, it forms a time-sequential linkage, completing the segmented closed-loop control of collection, transportation, and drying, preventing gas backflow and cross-pressure, and improving the accuracy of the system's operational logic. The solenoid valve has a fast response speed and can be switched on or off in real time according to the gas production rate, chamber pressure, and drying load, dynamically matching the operating conditions of each unit to achieve fine-grained control of gas flow and pressure, ensuring the stability of the entire gas path. The first solenoid valve 18 is installed inside the outer compartment 19, and the outer compartment 19 bears the high pressure load of the deep sea. The solenoid valve body does not need to be designed with a separate deep-sea pressure-resistant shell, which greatly reduces the structural complexity and processing difficulty of the valve itself and improves the working stability in the high pressure, high salinity and low temperature environment of the deep sea.
[0028] In some embodiments, the second heating device 12 is disposed at the end of the outer chamber 19, the outer chamber 19 is filled with an oil medium, the heating head of the second heating device 12 extends into the oil medium, and the outer chamber 19 is covered with a heat insulation layer, specifically a rigid polyurethane uniformly coated on the outside of the outer chamber 19. The oil medium filled in the outer chamber 19 is an insulating, neutral heat exchange medium with stable chemical properties, and has no negative impacts such as corrosion, dissolution, or short circuits on the built-in electrical components such as the first solenoid valve 18, ensuring the normal operation of precision electrical control components such as the solenoid valve coil, valve core, and wiring terminals in the oil environment. The oil forms a complete encapsulation physical isolation for the electrical components, preventing direct contact between methane gas, water vapor, and salt spray and the electrical control components, and unlike seawater and saltwater vapor, it does not cause leakage, short circuits, or electrochemical corrosion, thus ensuring the long-term reliable operation of electrical components such as the solenoid valve from the medium level. Furthermore, the indirect constant-temperature heat exchange method using oil heats the drying pipes and methane gas flow inside the cabin, which differs from direct electric heating. This method results in smaller temperature fluctuations and no local overheating areas, thus maintaining a stable methane gas delivery temperature and preventing methane from re-solidifying under the low temperature and high pressure of the deep sea, thereby avoiding pipeline blockage.
[0029] In some embodiments, the in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice further includes a second solenoid valve 25. The second solenoid valve 25 is disposed on the pipeline between the drying cylinder 11 and the methane gas collection device, and is located inside the outer chamber 19. The second solenoid valve 25 is responsible for the output control of qualified gas after drying. It can be opened to release gas only after the gas moisture content, temperature, and pressure meet the standards, realizing a graded access logic of drying first and then collecting and storing, ensuring the quality of the final methane gas product from the gas path control level. The second solenoid valve 25 and the first solenoid valve 18 are arranged together inside the outer chamber 19, and are uniformly in an oil medium environment. The oil is insulating, neutral, and non-corrosive, and has no adverse effects on electrical components and moving parts such as valve cores, coils, and seals. It does not cause jamming, insulation aging, or short circuit faults, and is highly compatible with the overall temperature control and heat exchange system. The outer hull 19 provides uniform deep-sea pressure-resistant protection for the solenoid valves, eliminating the need for a separately designed deep-sea pressure-resistant outer shell. This reduces the cost and structural complexity of custom-made special valves, while also isolating them from external seawater, silt, and marine organisms, extending the service life of the solenoid valves. It should be noted that a second one-way valve 26 is also provided between the second solenoid valve 25 and the methane collection device, allowing methane to flow out of the second solenoid valve 25 and through the second one-way valve 26 into the methane collection device.
[0030] In some embodiments, the pressure relief device includes a pressure relief valve 7, a pressure-resistant cylinder 3, and a water storage tank 1. The inlet of the pressure relief valve 7 is connected to the outlet pipe of the pressure relief port, and the outlet of the pressure relief valve 7 is connected to the inlet pipe of the water storage tank 1. The pressure-resistant cylinder 3 is used to house the pressure relief valve 7, and the water storage tank 1 is used to store seawater. The pressure-resistant cylinder 3 independently encloses the pressure relief valve 7, providing a dedicated pressure-resistant protective space for the pressure relief valve 7. It can directly resist the ultra-high water pressure outside the deep sea, preventing external water pressure from directly acting on the valve core, sealing surface, and drive components of the pressure relief valve 7, ensuring that the pressure relief valve 7 opens and closes smoothly, without jamming or deformation, in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea. The pressure relief valve 7 is built into the pressure-resistant cylinder 3, with only the pipeline interface connected to the outside, which greatly reduces the pressure resistance design requirements of the valve body. A conventional specification pressure relief valve 7 can be selected, eliminating the need to customize a special high-pressure valve for the deep sea, and reducing the processing and procurement costs of core control components. The pressure relief circuit adopts a structure of pressure relief valve 7 and water storage tank 1. Seawater in the collection cylinder is discharged into the water storage tank 1 for temporary storage through the pressure relief port and pressure relief valve 7, realizing controllable, quantitative and non-direct discharge pressure relief, avoiding direct high-speed jetting of seawater to the seabed, reducing disturbance to the strata, sediments and benthic organisms in the cold seep area, and meeting the requirements of deep-sea green mining and ecological protection.
[0031] It should be noted that a first one-way valve 6 is also installed between the pressure relief valve 7 and the water storage tank 1. The first one-way valve 6 allows seawater to enter the water storage tank 1 through the pressure relief valve 7. The installation of the first one-way valve 6 between the pressure relief valve 7 and the water storage tank 1 strictly limits the direction of seawater flow, allowing seawater to flow only from the pressure relief valve 7 side to the water storage tank 1. This completely prevents the seawater in the water storage tank 1 and the external high-pressure seawater from flowing back into the combustible ice bubble collection device 4, avoiding the discharge of seawater from flowing back into the collection cylinder and ensuring that the gas-liquid separation effect is not compromised.
[0032] In some embodiments, the in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice further includes a first pressure sensor 8, a first temperature sensor 13, a second pressure sensor 17, and a second temperature sensor 16. The probes of the first pressure sensor 8 and the first temperature sensor 13 extend into the collection cylinder, while the probes of the second pressure sensor 17 and the second temperature sensor 16 extend into the outer chamber 19. The first pressure sensor 8 is disposed within a sealed cylinder 9, which is fixedly mounted on a base plate 101. This dual-point distributed layout, with the first pressure sensor 8 and the first temperature sensor 13 extending into the collection cylinder and the second pressure sensor 17 and the second temperature sensor 16 extending into the outer chamber 19, enables direct, in-situ monitoring of key parameters in the core decomposition zone and the drying and insulation core zone of combustible ice. The data accurately reflects the actual operating conditions inside the device, avoiding errors caused by indirect calculations. The temperature and pressure data collected inside the collection cylinder can reflect the decomposition rate, gas production intensity, and gas-liquid mixing state of combustible ice in real time. Based on this, the power of the first heating device 14, the piston pulling speed, the opening degree of the pressure relief valve 7, and the on / off sequence of the first solenoid valve 18 are dynamically adjusted to achieve adaptive matching between heating decomposition and gas collection and pressure relief, ensuring a continuous and stable decomposition process and a controllable gas production rate. The temperature and pressure sensor inside the outer chamber 19 directly monitors the oil medium and the internal operating conditions of the drying module, providing real-time feedback on the oil bath temperature, gas pressure, and heat exchange uniformity. This data is then used to adjust the start / stop and power of the second heating device 12 to maintain the oil within the target constant temperature range, preventing methane recrystallization at low temperature and high pressure and pipeline blockage from the source.
[0033] The working process of this invention is as follows: The deep-sea combustible ice in-situ collection and separation device is placed above the combustible ice bubbles using a mechanical claw. The collection inner cylinder 21 is pulled out using a hydraulic cylinder 20, and the combustible ice bubbles along with seawater are collected through the collection port at the bottom of the collection inner cylinder 21.
[0034] After collection is completed, the hydraulic cylinder 20 is used to push the inner collection cylinder 21 back to its original sealed position, and then the pressure relief valve 7 is opened to depressurize the collection chamber. At the same time, the pressure inside the chamber is monitored by the first pressure sensor 8. Meanwhile, the excess seawater is collected into the water storage tank 1 through the first one-way valve 6, and the first heating device 14 is turned on to heat the environment inside the chamber, promoting the decomposition of solid combustible ice into methane gas. At the same time, the temperature inside the chamber is monitored in real time by the first temperature sensor 13.
[0035] After decomposition, methane gas is drawn into the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber 10 using a suction device. Then, the first solenoid valve 18 is opened, and the methane gas in the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber 10 flows through the drying cylinder 11 in the methane transfer drying device 5 and then into the methane collection device through the transfer interface 23. In the methane transfer drying device 5, the entire outer chamber 19 is filled with oil. The methane pipeline is heated and controlled by the second heating device 12, and the oil temperature in the chamber is detected by the second temperature sensor 16 to prevent the methane gas from solidifying and clogging the pipeline during the transfer process. During the methane gas transfer process, it passes through the first solenoid valve for transfer, the drying tube for dehydration and filtration, and finally through the second solenoid valve 25 and the second one-way valve 26 before being collected in the methane gas collection device for storage. After the operation is completed, the first solenoid valve 18 and the second solenoid valve 25 are closed, and high-purity methane gas is successfully obtained.
[0036] In addition, it should be noted that, in order to prevent biofouling, a low surface energy silicone resin-based coating is applied to the outer surfaces of multiple outer surfaces of the chambers of the present invention, specifically to the outer surfaces of the chambers that come into contact with seawater.
[0037] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
Claims
1. An in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice, characterized in that: The device includes a substrate and a combustible ice bubble collecting device, a methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber, a methane transfer drying device, a methane gas collecting device, a pressure relief device, a first heating device, and a second heating device disposed on the substrate. The first heating device is disposed within the combustible ice bubble collecting device. The pressure relief device is connected to and communicates with the bottom of the combustible ice bubble collecting device, and the pressure relief device is capable of relieving pressure on the combustible ice bubble collecting device. The methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber is connected to the combustible ice bubble collecting device via a suction device. The inlet of the methane transfer drying device is communicated with the outlet of the methane gas negative pressure collecting chamber. The methane transfer drying device includes an outer chamber and a drying cylinder. The drying cylinder is fixedly disposed within the outer chamber and is used to dry methane gas. The second heating device is disposed within the methane transfer drying device, and the outlet of the methane transfer drying device is communicated with the inlet of the methane gas collecting device.
2. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The combustible ice bubble collecting device includes a piston pulling device, a collecting inner cylinder, and a collecting outer cylinder. The fixed end of the piston pulling device is fixedly disposed on the base plate. The piston of the piston pulling device is fixedly connected to the collecting inner cylinder. The collecting inner cylinder is slidably disposed inside the collecting outer cylinder, and a sealed connection is formed when the collecting inner cylinder is retracted into the collecting outer cylinder. A collecting port and a pressure relief port are provided below the collecting inner cylinder. The collecting port is used to be positioned above the cold spring bubbles. The pressure relief port is connected to the pressure relief device, and a control valve is provided on the pipeline between the pressure relief port and the pressure relief device.
3. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an air guiding device, which is trumpet-shaped. The small opening end is fixedly connected and communicates with the outer collecting cylinder, and the small opening end can communicate with the collecting port. The large opening end is used to be placed above the cold spring bubbles.
4. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction device includes centrifugal blades, which are positioned at the interface between the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber and the combustible ice bubble collection device.
5. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying cylinder includes drying tubes arranged in a serpentine pattern.
6. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first solenoid valve, which is disposed on the pipeline between the methane gas negative pressure collection chamber and the drying cylinder, and the first solenoid valve is located in the outer chamber.
7. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second heating device is located at the end of the outer compartment, which is filled with an oil medium. The heating head of the second heating device extends into the oil medium, and the outer compartment is covered with a heat insulation layer.
8. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a second solenoid valve, which is disposed on the pipeline between the drying cylinder and the methane gas collection device, and the second solenoid valve is located in the outer chamber.
9. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure relief device includes a pressure relief valve, a pressure-resistant cylinder, and a water storage tank. The inlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the outlet pipe of the pressure relief port, and the outlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the inlet pipe of the water storage tank. The pressure-resistant cylinder is used to house the pressure relief valve, and the water storage tank is used to store seawater.
10. The in-situ collection and separation device based on deep-sea combustible ice according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a first pressure sensor, a first temperature sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The probes of the first pressure sensor and the first temperature sensor both extend into the collection cylinder, and the probes of the second pressure sensor and the second temperature sensor both extend into the outer cabin.