High-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in in-situ uranium mines

Abstract

This invention provides a high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in leached uranium mines, comprising a pipe-dropping platform, a sampling pipe, a front insulation pipe, a sample storage tank, and a sampling pump. The pipe-dropping platform is located at the wellhead of the monitoring well. The sampling pipe has multiple parallel sampling spaces inside, and the sampling pipe is vertically positioned, with its bottom end passing through the pipe-dropping platform to extend into the monitoring well. A sampling head is connected to the bottom end of the sampling pipe. The front insulation pipe is fitted onto the sampling pipe and connected to the pipe-dropping platform, and is used to insulate the sampling pipe. Multiple sample storage tanks are provided, each connected to a specific sampling space. The sampling pump is connected to each sample storage tank to simultaneously create negative pressure in each tank. The high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in leached uranium mines provided by this invention enables synchronous collection and equal distribution of the same groundwater sample, eliminating the need for subsequent manual sampling or sequential sampling by multiple sets of equipment, and ensuring the consistency of the original components of multiple parallel samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of in-situ leaching uranium mining technology, specifically relating to a high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in in-situ leaching uranium mines. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of in-situ leaching uranium mining, groundwater environmental monitoring is a core component to ensure ecological safety and mining compliance. The accuracy of detection data for key indicators such as uranium concentration, heavy metal ion content, and pH value directly determines the reliability of pollution source tracing, remediation plan formulation, and resource assessment. To ensure the accuracy and traceability of test results, parallel sample analysis or inter-laboratory comparisons are necessary. This means dividing the same groundwater sample into multiple portions and sending them to different laboratories or testing systems for parallel testing. Quality control is achieved through consistency verification of the results.

[0003] In existing technologies, there are generally two methods for collecting and dividing water samples: the first is to collect a sufficient amount of water sample using equipment such as submersible pumps, store it, and then manually divide the sample into multiple portions at a temporary treatment point using methods such as siphoning; the second is to directly use multiple submersible pumps to sample the same target water layer sequentially to obtain multiple samples. However, both methods have significant problems: the former involves a time difference between sampling and dividing, and groundwater in uranium leaching mines is prone to oxidation and deterioration, and suspended solids settle. Furthermore, manual operation can disturb the water sample, leading to large differences in the composition of several samples, and comparison deviations often exceed standard requirements. The latter, due to the temporal and spatial differences of multiple samplings and equipment errors, makes it difficult to guarantee sample consistency, and may even lead to the collection of water samples from different depths, rendering the results invalid. Moreover, existing sampling equipment is often unsuitable for extreme environments such as acidity and low temperatures in mines, and is incompatible with remote automated systems, increasing labor costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a sampling device that can solve the problem of time difference between sampling and equalization, as well as the many problems that arise from multiple continuous sampling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in leached uranium mines, aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of groundwater monitoring in leached uranium mines.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in uranium leaching mines is provided, comprising a pipe-dropping platform, a sampling pipe, a front insulation pipe, a sample storage box, and a sampling pump; the pipe-dropping platform is set at the wellhead of the monitoring well; the sampling pipe has multiple parallel sampling spaces inside, the sampling pipe is vertically arranged, and its bottom end passes through the pipe-dropping platform to extend into the monitoring well; a sampling head is connected to the bottom end of the sampling pipe; the front insulation pipe is sleeved on the sampling pipe and connected to the pipe-dropping platform, and the front insulation pipe is used to keep the sampling pipe warm; multiple sample storage boxes are provided, and each sample storage box is connected to a sampling space; the sampling pump is connected to each sample storage box to simultaneously create negative pressure in each sample storage box.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the sampling tube includes a tube body, a mounting shaft, and partitions; the tube body has a cavity; the mounting shaft is disposed in the cavity and is coaxial with the tube body; multiple partitions are provided, each partition is located in the cavity and is arranged annularly around the axis of the tube body, one end of each partition is connected to the mounting shaft and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the tube body; a sampling space is formed between any two adjacent partitions.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sampling head includes a buffer cylinder, a flow stabilizing structure, and a filter cylinder; the buffer cylinder is connected to each sampling space, and the bottom of the buffer cylinder is provided with multiple water inlets; the flow stabilizing structure is rotatably disposed inside the buffer cylinder to form a flow stabilizing channel with the buffer cylinder; the filter cylinder is sleeved on the buffer cylinder, and filter holes are opened on the peripheral wall of the filter cylinder.

[0009] For example, the flow stabilization structure includes an intermediate shaft and helical blades; the intermediate shaft is a conical structure with a large diameter end and a small diameter end, and the small diameter end of the intermediate shaft is located below the large diameter end; the helical blades are helically wound around the outer wall of the intermediate shaft, and the outer edge of the helical blades contacts the inner wall of the buffer cylinder; the helical blades, the intermediate shaft and the buffer cylinder together form a flow stabilization channel.

[0010] For example, the front insulation pipe is provided with multiple limiting grooves, and each limiting groove is spaced apart along the axial direction of the front insulation pipe; each limiting groove is used to form a locking with the pipe lowering platform to change the height of the sampling head in the monitoring well.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the tube dropping platform includes a substrate, grippers, and actuators; the substrate has a through hole, and grooves are provided on both sides of the through hole; there are two grippers, each of which is slidably disposed in the two grooves and located on both sides of the through hole; there are two actuators, each of which is disposed on the substrate and connected to the two grippers respectively; the two actuators are used to push the two grippers closer together to clamp the limiting grooves.

[0012] In some embodiments, each sample storage tank is connected to the sampling tube via a water supply pipe.

[0013] For example, the high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines also includes a heating component, which includes a connector, a rear insulation pipe, a heating wire, and a heating element. The connector is sleeved on the sampling pipe and communicates with the front insulation pipe. Multiple rear insulation pipes are provided, each sleeved on a water delivery pipe, and each rear insulation pipe is communicated with the connector. The heating wire is arranged around the outer wall of the sampling pipe and each water delivery pipe. The heating element is electrically connected to the heating wire.

[0014] For example, the heating assembly also includes multiple temperature sensors, which are embedded in the walls of the sampling tube and each water supply pipe.

[0015] In one possible implementation, both the sampling tube and the front insulation tube are made of acid-resistant materials.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in uranium leaching mines provided by this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this invention sets up multiple parallel sampling spaces inside the sampling tube, coupled with multiple sample storage boxes and sampling pumps connected to each sample storage box. The sampling pumps simultaneously create negative pressure in each sample storage box, enabling synchronous collection and equal distribution of the same groundwater sample. This eliminates the need for subsequent manual sampling or sequential sampling by multiple sets of equipment, completely eliminating the time difference between sampling and equalization in the prior art, as well as the spatiotemporal differences caused by multiple samplings. It effectively avoids component changes in water samples due to storage, transportation, manual operation, or equipment differences, ensuring the consistency of the original components of multiple parallel samples and providing a reliable basis for quality control and inter-laboratory comparison. This invention uses a pipe-dropping platform to position and support the sampling pipe, along with a front insulation pipe fitted onto the sampling pipe. This ensures the stability of the sampling pipe as it extends into the monitoring well, while also providing insulation and protection for the water sample inside the sampling pipe, reducing the impact of ambient temperature on the water sample and further maintaining the high fidelity of the water sample. The entire device achieves automated negative pressure sampling through the cooperation of the sampling pump and the sample storage tank, eliminating the need for manual on-site operation. It is suitable for the dispersed and extreme mining environment of in-situ leaching uranium mines, reduces labor costs, and aligns with the development trend of intelligent mine monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium mines provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pipe-dropping platform used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of the sampling head used in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the heating component used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the picture: 10. Tube dropping platform; 11. Substrate; 12. Gripper; 13. Driver; 20. Sampling tube; 21. Tube body; 22. Mounting shaft; 23. Partition plate; 30. Sampling head; 31. Buffer cylinder; 32. Flow stabilizing structure; 321. Intermediate shaft; 322. Spiral blades; 33. Filter cylinder; 40. Front insulation pipe; 41. Limiting groove; 50. Sample storage box; 51. Water supply pipe; 60. Sampling pump; 70. Heating assembly; 71. Connector; 72. Rear insulation pipe; 73. Heating wire; 74. Heating element; 80. Monitoring well. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other element. It should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of the invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4 The high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in leached uranium mines provided by this invention will now be described. The device includes a pipe-dropping platform 10, a sampling pipe 20, a front insulation pipe 40, a sample storage tank 50, and a sampling pump 60. The pipe-dropping platform 10 is located at the wellhead of a monitoring well 80. The sampling pipe 20 has multiple parallel sampling spaces inside, is vertically oriented, and its bottom end passes through the pipe-dropping platform 10 to extend into the monitoring well 80. A sampling head 30 is connected to the bottom end of the sampling pipe 20. The front insulation pipe 40 is fitted onto the sampling pipe 20 and connected to the pipe-dropping platform 10, and is used to insulate the sampling pipe 20. Multiple sample storage tanks 50 are provided, each connected to a specific sampling space. The sampling pump 60 is connected to each sample storage tank 50 to simultaneously create negative pressure in each tank.

[0022] It should be noted that during device installation, the pipe-dropping platform 10 is first fixed at the wellhead of the monitoring well 80. Then, the sampling pipe 20, fitted with a front insulation pipe 40, is vertically passed through the pipe-dropping platform 10. The downward extension length of the sampling pipe 20 is adjusted so that the sampling head 30 reaches the target sampling depth within the monitoring well 80. Subsequently, the sampling pipe 20 is positioned and locked through the connection structure between the pipe-dropping platform 10 and the front insulation pipe 40. Before sampling begins, ensure that the connecting pipes between each sample storage tank 50 and the corresponding sampling space are sealed to prevent air leakage from affecting negative pressure generation. Start all sampling pumps 60, which operate synchronously, applying negative pressure to the interior of the corresponding sample storage tank 50. The operating status of each sampling pump 60 is kept consistent to create a balanced negative pressure environment within each sample storage tank 50. Under the adsorption effect of negative pressure, groundwater in monitoring well 80 is drawn into sampling tube 20 through sampling head 30. Since multiple sampling spaces within sampling tube 20 are connected to sampling head 30, and the negative pressure in the corresponding sample storage tank 50 is balanced, water samples are synchronously and evenly distributed to each sampling space and flow into the corresponding sample storage tank 50 through connecting pipes, completing the synchronous collection and equal distribution of the same water sample. During sampling, the front insulation pipe 40 continuously insulates and protects sampling tube 20, reducing the impact of ambient temperature changes on the water sample inside the tube. After sampling is completed, sampling pump 60 is turned off, and multiple parallel samples can be obtained from each sample storage tank 50.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, the high-fidelity automated sampling device for groundwater in uranium leaching mines provided by this invention sets up multiple parallel sampling spaces inside the sampling tube 20, along with multiple sample storage tanks 50 and sampling pumps 60 connected to each sample storage tank 50. The sampling pumps 60 simultaneously create negative pressure in each sample storage tank 50, enabling synchronous collection and equal distribution of the same groundwater sample. This eliminates the need for subsequent manual sampling or sequential sampling by multiple sets of equipment, completely eliminating the time difference between sampling and equalization in existing technologies, as well as the spatiotemporal differences caused by multiple samplings. It effectively avoids component changes in water samples due to storage, transportation, manual operation, or equipment differences, ensuring the consistency of the original components of multiple parallel samples and providing a reliable basis for quality control and inter-laboratory comparison.

[0024] This invention uses a pipe-dropping platform 10 to position and support the sampling pipe 20, along with a front insulation pipe 40 fitted onto the sampling pipe 20. This ensures the stability of the sampling pipe 20 as it extends into the monitoring well 80, while also providing insulation and protection for the water sample inside the sampling pipe 20, reducing the impact of ambient temperature on the water sample and further maintaining the high fidelity of the water sample. The entire device achieves automated negative pressure sampling through the cooperation of the sampling pump 60 and the sample storage tank 50, eliminating the need for manual on-site operation. This is suitable for the dispersed and extreme mining environments of in-situ leaching uranium mines, reducing labor costs and aligning with the development trend of intelligent mine monitoring.

[0025] Please see Figure 2The sampling tube 20 includes a tube body 21, a mounting shaft 22, and partitions 23. The tube body 21 has a cavity. The mounting shaft 22 is disposed in the cavity and is coaxial with the tube body 21. Multiple partitions 23 are provided, each partition 23 is located in the cavity and is arranged in a ring around the axis of the tube body 21. One end of each partition 23 is connected to the mounting shaft 22, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the tube body 21. A sampling space is formed between any two adjacent partitions 23.

[0026] It should be noted that the tube body 21 is the main supporting structure of the sampling tube 20, and is a hollow long tube. Its interior forms a cavity for accommodating other components and transporting water samples. The tube body 21 is arranged vertically, with the bottom end used to connect to the sampling head 30 and the top end used to connect to the corresponding pipeline of the sample storage box 50. The mounting shaft 22 is a rigid rod-shaped structure, coaxially set at the center of the cavity of the tube body 21. Its length is adapted to the length of the tube body 21, and its two ends extend to the vicinity of both ends of the tube body 21, serving as the fixing reference for the partition 23. The partition 23 is a sheet-like structure, with multiple partitions of the same size. All partitions 23 are located inside the cavity of the tube body 21 and are evenly distributed in a ring around the axis of the mounting shaft 22. One edge of each partition 23 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the mounting shaft 22 by welding, integral molding or bolt fastening. The other edge is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube 21. The extension direction of the partition 23 is consistent with the axial direction of the tube 21 and is installed through the tube 21. Any two adjacent partitions 23, the outer wall of the mounting shaft 22 and the inner wall of the tube 21 together form an independent sampling space. The volume of each sampling space is completely the same.

[0027] During the sampling process, under the synchronous negative pressure of the sampling pump 60, the water sample in the monitoring well 80 enters the bottom of the sampling tube 20 through the sampling head 30. Since each sampling space is evenly distributed around the installation axis 22 and is independent of each other, the water sample will flow synchronously upward along the extension direction of each sampling space under the action of negative pressure difference. Because each sampling space has the same volume, the same flow channel length, and is subjected to balanced negative pressure, the flow rate of the water sample entering each sampling space is consistent, and finally flows synchronously into the corresponding sample storage tank 50, achieving accurate and even distribution of the same water sample.

[0028] The mounting shaft 22 cooperates with the annularly spaced partitions 23 to ensure that each sampling space is evenly arranged around the mounting shaft 22 with a consistent volume. This ensures that the flow path length and cross-sectional area of ​​the water sample are exactly the same in each sampling space, achieving accurate and uniform water sample distribution and further improving the compositional consistency of multiple parallel samples. The sampling tube 20 has a simple overall structure and is easy to assemble, requiring no additional complex sample distribution components. While ensuring the accuracy of the distribution, it reduces the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the device, further enhancing its practicality in complex mining environments.

[0029] Please see Figure 3 The sampling head 30 includes a buffer cylinder 31, a flow stabilizing structure 32, and a filter cylinder 33. The buffer cylinder 31 is connected to each sampling space and has multiple water inlets at the bottom. The flow stabilizing structure 32 is rotatably disposed inside the buffer cylinder 31 and is used to form a flow stabilizing channel with the buffer cylinder 31. The filter cylinder 33 is sleeved on the buffer cylinder 31 and has filter holes on its peripheral wall.

[0030] It should be noted that the buffer cylinder 31 is a hollow cylindrical structure, with its top end fixedly connected to the bottom end of the tube 21. Its interior forms a space that communicates with the cavity of the tube 21, and the internal space of the buffer cylinder 31 corresponds to and communicates with each sampling space within the sampling tube 20, ensuring that water samples can flow smoothly into each sampling space. Multiple through-type inlets are evenly distributed on the bottom end face of the buffer cylinder 31, serving as the initial channel for water samples to enter the buffer cylinder 31. The flow stabilizing structure 32 is a rotatable functional component, rotatably mounted at the center of the buffer cylinder 31 via bearings or a rotating shaft. Its shape is adapted to the internal space of the buffer cylinder 31, and a gap is reserved between it and the inner wall of the buffer cylinder 31. Together, they form a continuous and interconnected flow channel, the top of which connects to the bottom inlet of each sampling space. The filter cartridge 33 has a hollow mesh structure and is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the buffer cylinder 31. Its top end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the front insulation pipe 40, and its bottom end extends to the bottom of the buffer cylinder 31, achieving full-coverage protection for the buffer cylinder 31. The peripheral wall of the filter cartridge 33 is covered with evenly distributed filter holes, which penetrate the inner and outer walls of the filter cartridge 33, serving as a channel for water samples to enter the device.

[0031] Before sampling, the sampling head 30, along with the sampling tube 20, extends into the target water layer of the monitoring well 80. The filter cartridge 33 is completely submerged in water. The buffer cylinder 31 maintains a sealed connection with each sampling space of the sampling tube 20 through the connecting structure at its top. The flow stabilizing structure 32 can rotate freely under the action of water flow. After the sampling pump 60 is started, each sample storage tank 50 simultaneously forms a negative pressure, which is sequentially transmitted to the sampling space, the buffer cylinder 31, and the flow stabilizing channel, creating an adsorption force inside the buffer cylinder 31. The water sample in the monitoring well 80 first enters the interior of the filter cartridge 33 through the filter holes on the peripheral wall of the filter cartridge 33, where large particulate impurities, suspended solids, and other pollutants are removed under the action of filtration. The filtered water sample gathers at the bottom of the buffer cylinder 31 and enters the interior of the buffer cylinder 31 evenly through multiple inlets. When the water flow comes into contact with the flow stabilizing structure 32, under the combined action of the negative pressure adsorption force and the water flow impact force, the flow stabilizing structure 32 is driven to rotate, thereby guiding the turbulent water flow into an orderly flow of fluid, which is then smoothly transported to the inlet of each sampling space through the flow stabilizing channel. Since the stabilizing flow channel corresponds one-to-one with each sampling space and is evenly distributed, the water sample after stabilization will be synchronously and evenly distributed to each sampling space and finally flow into the corresponding sample storage box 50, completing the integrated sampling process of filtration, stabilization, and even distribution.

[0032] The filter cartridge 33 performs pre-filtration of the water sample, effectively intercepting large particulate impurities, suspended solids, and other pollutants in the water, preventing impurities from entering the sampling space or clogging the pipeline, ensuring the unobstructed flow of the sampling channel, and reducing the interference of impurities on the water sample components, thus improving the cleanliness of the sample. The flow stabilizing channel formed by the flow stabilizing structure 32 and the buffer cylinder 31 can transform the turbulent intake water flow into an orderly flow, significantly reducing the damage of water flow disturbance to the original components of the water sample, avoiding secondary diffusion of suspended solids or uneven composition caused by water flow impact, further ensuring the consistency of multiple parallel samples, and enhancing the high-fidelity characteristics of the sampling.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 The flow stabilizing structure 32 includes an intermediate shaft 321 and a helical blade 322. The intermediate shaft 321 is a conical structure with a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end, with the small-diameter end of the intermediate shaft 321 located below the large-diameter end. The helical blade 322 is spirally wound around the outer wall of the intermediate shaft 321, and the outer edge of the helical blade 322 contacts the inner wall of the buffer cylinder 31. The helical blade 322, the intermediate shaft 321, and the buffer cylinder 31 enclose and form a flow stabilizing channel.

[0034] It should be noted that during sampling, after the water sample is filtered through the filter holes of the filter cartridge 33, it converges to the outside of the buffer cylinder 31. Under the negative pressure of the sampling pump 60, it enters the buffer cylinder 31 synchronously through multiple inlets at the bottom of the buffer cylinder 31, directly acting on the small-diameter end of the intermediate shaft 321 and the bottom end of the spiral blades 322. After the water flow comes into contact with the spiral blades 322, its radial impact force is converted into torque that drives the spiral blades 322 to rotate around the intermediate shaft 321, causing the intermediate shaft 321 to rotate synchronously. At the same time, under the guidance of the spiral blades 322, the water flow flows upward along the spiral trajectory of the blades, forming an orderly spiral flow. The water sample, after being rectified by the spiral flow channel, rises smoothly along the axial direction of the buffer cylinder 31, and finally, through the connection between the top of the flow channel and each sampling space, it is synchronously and evenly distributed to each sampling space, completing the integrated process of filtration, flow stabilization, and equal distribution.

[0035] The helical trajectory of the helical blade 322 provides a clear flow guide for the water flow, forcing the turbulent water flow along the blade path and eliminating lateral diffusion. Simultaneously, the helical motion makes the water velocity distribution more uniform, avoiding velocity gradient differences where the center velocity is too high and the edge velocity is too low, thus eliminating the conditions for local turbulence. The closed helical flow channel formed by the helical blade 322, the intermediate shaft 321, and the buffer cylinder 31 defines the water flow path, preventing disordered diffusion and mutual interference. Furthermore, the flow channel is continuously connected along the axial direction, preventing local pressure fluctuations caused by abrupt changes in the flow channel and ensuring flow stability.

[0036] The spiral flow channel, formed by the conical intermediate shaft 321 and the spiral blades 322, transforms the turbulent intake water flow into an ordered spiral laminar flow. This significantly reduces fluid disturbance during sampling, prevents damage to the original flow pattern and composition of the water sample, and greatly improves the high fidelity of the sampling. It is particularly suitable for sampling groundwater from leached uranium deposits, where composition changes are easily caused by disturbances. The ordered spiral flow pattern ensures complete equilibrium of flow velocity and pressure at the inlet of each sampling space, further guaranteeing the consistency of water sample distribution across all sampling spaces, improving the averaging accuracy of parallel samples, and providing a more reliable guarantee for quality control in subsequent testing.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 Multiple limiting grooves 41 are provided on the front insulation pipe 40, and each limiting groove 41 is spaced apart along the axial direction of the front insulation pipe 40; each limiting groove 41 is used to form a clamping with the pipe lowering platform 10 to change the height of the sampling head 30 in the monitoring well 80.

[0038] It should be noted that before sampling, when adjusting the depth of the sampling head 30, first release the engagement between the locking structure of the pipe-dropping platform 10 and the current limiting groove 41, allowing the front insulation pipe 40 and sampling pipe 20 to move freely axially. Based on the target water layer depth required for monitoring, push the sampling pipe 20 upwards or downwards, causing the front insulation pipe 40 to move synchronously, extending the sampling head 30 to the preset depth along with the sampling pipe 20. At this point, the limiting groove 41 corresponding to the depth on the front insulation pipe 40 will have moved to the position of the locking structure of the pipe-dropping platform 10. Operate the locking structure of the pipe-dropping platform 10 to embed it into the limiting groove 41 at the current position. Through the tight engagement of the locking structure and the limiting groove 41, the axial displacement of the front insulation pipe 40 is restricted, achieving depth locking of the sampling pipe 20 and sampling head 30. If you need to switch the sampling depth, repeat the above operation: release the clamp, move the sampling tube 20 to the new target depth, and clamp the corresponding limiting groove 41. This will complete the adjustment of the height of the sampling head 30 and ensure that the sampling head 30 is accurately aligned with the target water layer at different depths for sampling.

[0039] The limiting grooves 41 are evenly spaced along the axial direction, with each groove corresponding to a fixed sampling depth. This ensures the accuracy of the depth adjustment of the sampling head 30, preventing the sampling of water from non-target water layers due to depth deviation, and ensuring the relevance and reliability of the sampling data. The tight fit between the closed limiting grooves 41 and the clamping structure of the pipe-dropping platform 10 effectively restricts the axial movement of the sampling tube 20, preventing the sampling head 30 from shifting due to water flow impact or device vibration during sampling, thus ensuring the stability of the sampling process. The depth adjustment operation is simple and convenient, requiring no manual entry into the well or the use of complex auxiliary equipment, reducing the difficulty and labor intensity of field operations. It is suitable for the dispersed and complex operating conditions of in-situ leaching uranium mines, further enhancing the operability of the device.

[0040] Please see Figure 2The tube lowering platform 10 includes a base plate 11, grippers 12, and actuators 13. The base plate 11 has a through hole, and grooves are provided on both sides of the through hole. There are two grippers 12, which are slidably disposed in the two grooves and located on both sides of the through hole. There are two actuators 13, which are disposed on the base plate 11 and connected to the two grippers 12 respectively. The two actuators 13 are used to push the two grippers 12 closer to each other to clamp the limiting groove 41.

[0041] It should be noted that the base plate 11 is the main support structure of the pipe-dropping platform 10, and is a horizontally arranged plate structure used for fixed installation on the foundation surface of the monitoring well 80 wellhead. A through-hole penetrating the upper and lower surfaces is opened at the center of the base plate 11. The diameter of the through-hole is adapted to the outer diameter of the front insulation pipe 40, allowing the sampling pipe 20, on which the front insulation pipe 40 is fitted, to vertically pass through. Two parallel sliding grooves are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the through-hole, extending along the length of the base plate 11 and perpendicular to the through-hole. Two grippers 12 are provided and are completely symmetrical in structure. The two grippers 12 are slidably assembled in the two sliding grooves and can reciprocate along the length of the grooves. The two grippers 12 are located on both sides of the through-hole, arranged opposite each other. The gripping surface of the grippers 12 faces the center of the through-hole, and the shape of the gripping surface is adapted to the contour of the upper limit groove 41 of the front insulation pipe 40, ensuring a tight fit against the inner wall of the limit groove 41 during clamping.

[0042] The driver 13 can be an electric push rod, a cylinder or a lead screw motor. There are two drivers, each corresponding to a gripper 12. Both drivers 13 are fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 11 and are located on the outside of the two slides respectively. The output end of the driver 13 is fixedly connected to the corresponding gripper 12 to provide the driving force required for the gripper 12 to slide. The control signals of the two drivers 13 are synchronized to ensure consistent operation.

[0043] When the depth of the sampling head 30 needs to be adjusted, an external control signal is sent to the two drivers 13. After receiving the signal, the drivers 13 move in the opposite direction, driving the corresponding grippers 12 to slide along the groove away from the center of the through hole, so that the two grippers 12 separate from each other and release the clamping of the limiting groove 41 of the front insulation tube 40. At this time, the front insulation tube 40 and the sampling tube 20 can move freely along the axial direction to adjust to the preset depth. When the sampling tube 20 drives the sampling head 30 to the target depth, the corresponding limiting groove 41 on the front insulation tube 40 moves exactly to the position between the two grippers 12. The external control signal is sent to the drivers 13 again, and the two drivers 13 move in the forward direction in sync, pushing the grippers 12 to slide along the groove towards the center of the through hole until the clamping surfaces of the two grippers 12 are tightly embedded in the limiting groove 41. The clamping force locks the axial position of the front insulation tube 40, thereby fixing the depth of the sampling tube 20 and the sampling head 30. During the sampling process, the driver 13 maintains output force, keeping the gripper 12 in a clamped state. Through the interlocking action of the gripper 12 and the limiting groove 41, it resists the influence of external forces such as water flow impact and device vibration, ensuring that the depth of the sampling head 30 remains stable.

[0044] The device employs a symmetrical clamping structure with two grippers 12 and a sliding groove, combined with the synchronous drive of the actuator 13, to achieve bidirectional symmetrical clamping of the front insulation tube 40 in the limiting groove 41. This ensures even distribution of clamping force, a more secure and reliable lock, and effectively prevents displacement of the sampling head 30 due to external forces during sampling, guaranteeing the accuracy of the sampling depth. The linkage design between the actuator 13 and the grippers 12 automates clamping and unlocking operations, eliminating the need for manual operation of the clamping components, reducing the labor intensity of field operations, and meeting the automated monitoring needs of dispersed, unattended uranium leaching mine sites, thus improving the ease of operation of the device.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each sample storage box 50 is connected to the sampling tube 20 through a water supply pipe 51.

[0046] It should be noted that the water supply pipes 51 can be flexible tubular structures made of corrosion-resistant flexible material. Their number corresponds one-to-one with the number of sample storage tanks 50 and sampling spaces, ensuring that each sampling space is connected to the corresponding sample storage tank 50 via an independent water supply pipe 51. One end of each water supply pipe 51 is sealed to the top of the sampling tube 20, and the connection position corresponds one-to-one with the outlet of each sampling space, achieving unobstructed communication between the water supply pipe 51 and the sampling space. The other end of the water supply pipe 51 is sealed to the inlet of the corresponding sample storage tank 50, forming a closed fluid channel from the sampling space to the sample storage tank 50. During the layout process, the water supply pipes 51 can be flexibly bent and avoid obstacles according to the actual well site environment. Their length is adapted to the installation spacing between the sampling tube 20 and the sample storage tank 50, and the overall structure remains unbent and unpressurized, avoiding any impact on water sample flow.

[0047] During sampling, the sampling pump 60 operates to create a uniform negative pressure in each sample storage tank 50. This negative pressure is transmitted to the corresponding sampling space through the water delivery pipe 51, creating a pressure difference between the sampling space and the water sample in the monitoring well 80. Under the action of this pressure difference, the water sample in the monitoring well 80 enters each sampling space through the sampling head 30 and flows smoothly along the corresponding water delivery pipe 51. Since the water delivery pipe 51 is independently installed and well-sealed, the water samples in each sampling space will not mix or leak. Guided by the water delivery pipe 51, the water sample flows directly into the corresponding sample storage tank 50, completing the transfer and temporary storage of the water sample. The entire process requires no manual intervention, achieving automated fluid transfer.

[0048] The water pipe 51 is made of flexible material, allowing for flexible placement according to the actual layout of the well site. It can avoid ground equipment and terrain obstacles, making it suitable for the dispersed and complex installation conditions of in-situ leaching uranium mines and reducing the difficulty of equipment layout. The flexible material of the water pipe 51 has good vibration and deformation resistance, making it less prone to damage from collisions and pulling in the field. Furthermore, its corrosion-resistant material is suitable for the transmission requirements of acidic water samples from in-situ leaching uranium mines, extending the service life of the equipment.

[0049] Please see Figure 4 The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines also includes a heating component 70, which includes a connector 71, a rear insulation pipe 72, a heating wire 73, and a heating element 74. The connector 71 is sleeved on the sampling pipe 20 and connected to the front insulation pipe 40. Multiple rear insulation pipes 72 are provided, each of which is sleeved on a water supply pipe 51 and is connected to the connector 71. The heating wire 73 is arranged around the outer wall of the sampling pipe 20 and each water supply pipe 51. The heating element 74 is electrically connected to the heating wire 73.

[0050] It should be noted that the connector 71 is a hollow annular structure, coaxially sleeved near the top of the sampling tube 20. Its inner wall is sealed to the outer wall of the sampling tube 20, and its outer wall is sealed to the top of the front insulation tube 40, forming a closed transition space inside the connector 71, thus enabling communication between the front insulation tube 40 and subsequent components. The rear insulation tube 72 is a tubular structure adapted to the water supply tube 51. Multiple rear insulation tubes are provided, each corresponding to a water supply tube 51. Each rear insulation tube 72 is coaxially sleeved outside its corresponding water supply tube 51, with its top end sealed to the side of the connector 71 and its bottom end extending to near the inlet of the sample storage box 50, forming a complete wrap around the water supply tube 51. The rear insulation tube 72 uses a flexible, bendable insulation material to adapt to the flexible arrangement requirements of the water supply tube 51, ensuring that the water supply tube 51 remains completely wrapped even when bent. The heating wire 73 can be a high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant conductive wire, divided into two groups. One group is evenly wound around the outer wall of the sampling tube 20, and the other group is wound around the outer wall of each water pipe 51. The winding density of the heating wire 73 is uniform, does not block the connection between the sampling tube 20 and the water pipe 51, and fits tightly with the pipe wall to improve heat conduction efficiency. The heating element 74 is a power component with power supply and temperature control start-up functions. It can be a power module or a heating controller, fixedly installed on the ground in a position that is easy to maintain, and electrically connected to all heating wires 73 through wires to provide working power to the heating wires 73.

[0051] After the device is started, the heating element 74 is simultaneously energized, and the current is transmitted to all heating wires 73 through the wires. The heating wires 73 generate heat upon energization, which is transferred to the walls of the sampling tube 20 and the water delivery tube 51 through heat conduction. The heating wires 73 on the outer wall of the sampling tube 20 continuously heat the sampling tube 20, and the heat is transferred through the tube wall to the water sample in the internal sampling space. Simultaneously, the front insulation tube 40 and the connector 71 form a closed space, reducing heat loss around the sampling tube 20 and maintaining a stable water sample temperature inside the sampling tube 20. The heating wires 73 on the outer wall of the water delivery tube 51 simultaneously heat the corresponding water delivery tube 51, and the heat is transferred through the tube wall to the flowing water sample inside the tube. The rear insulation tube 72 connects with the connector 71 to form a closed insulation channel, preventing heat loss during the transmission process of the water delivery tube 51 and ensuring that the water sample remains in a stable temperature environment throughout its journey from the sampling tube 20 to the sample storage tank 50. During the sampling process, the heating element 74 continuously supplies power to the heating wire 73, so that the sampling tube 20 and the water delivery tube 51 are always kept at a suitable temperature, avoiding the water sample freezing and blocking the pipeline in a low-temperature environment, and suppressing the composition change of the water sample due to temperature fluctuations. After the sampling is completed, the heating element 74 can be turned off synchronously with the shutdown of the device, or it can be kept warm until the water sample transfer is completed according to the ambient temperature.

[0052] The heating component 70 enables continuous heating and insulation of the water sample from the sampling tube 20 to the sample storage tank 50, effectively preventing water sample freezing and pipeline blockage caused by the low-temperature environment in winter in in-situ leaching uranium mines. This ensures smooth sampling operations under extreme weather conditions and improves the environmental adaptability of the device. The heating wire 73 is evenly wound around the outer wall of the sampling tube 20 and the water delivery pipe 51, and together with the closed insulation structure, it maintains the water sample temperature within a stable range, suppressing the impact of temperature changes on the water sample composition and further enhancing the high-fidelity characteristics of the water sample.

[0053] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 70 further includes multiple temperature sensors, which are embedded in the walls of the sampling tube 20 and each water supply pipe 51.

[0054] It should be noted that after the device is started, the heating element 74 supplies power to the heating wire 73 to generate heat. Simultaneously, the temperature sensors are activated. The temperature sensor on the sampling tube 20 monitors the temperature of the water sample in the sampling space in real time, while the temperature sensors on each water delivery pipe 51 monitor the temperature of the water sample transported in their respective pipes. The temperature sensors transmit the sensed temperature signals to an external control terminal via lead wires, forming dynamic monitoring data of the water sample temperature throughout its journey from the sampling tube 20 to the sample storage tank 50. When the monitored temperature is lower than the preset insulation range, the output power of the heating element 74 can be adjusted via the control terminal to generate more heat from the heating wire 73, improving the insulation effect. When the temperature reaches the preset safe range, the current heating power can be maintained or appropriately reduced to avoid changes in the water sample state due to overheating. Throughout the sampling process, the temperature sensors continuously monitor and report temperature data, ensuring that the water sample remains in a stable temperature environment throughout the transport process, while also providing real-time monitoring data for the working status of the heating component 70.

[0055] Setting up a temperature sensor enables real-time temperature monitoring throughout the water sample transmission process. It can accurately capture temperature changes in the water sample within the sampling tube 20 and each water delivery tube 51, avoiding insulation failure due to insufficient heating or abnormal water sample composition caused by overheating. This provides a visual monitoring basis for the insulation effect and improves the reliability of heating and insulation.

[0056] In some embodiments, both the sampling tube 20 and the front insulation tube 40 are made of acid-resistant materials.

[0057] It should be noted that the sampling tube 20, including the tube body 21, mounting shaft 22, and partition plate 23, is entirely made of acid-resistant material. From the tube body 21 to all internal components, a complete acid-resistant protection system is formed, ensuring that no ordinary materials are exposed in parts directly in contact with the acidic groundwater from the uranium leaching mine. The front insulation pipe 40 and the rear insulation pipe 72 are both integrally molded or spliced ​​from acid-resistant material. The front insulation pipe 40 is fitted outside the sampling tube 20 and comes into contact with the acidic environment inside the monitoring well 80, while the rear insulation pipe 72 is fitted outside the water supply pipe 51, resisting corrosion from acidic dust and residual leachate in the mine. All acid-resistant materials possess good structural stability and processing adaptability, meeting the molding and assembly requirements of the sampling tube 20 and insulation pipe, while not affecting the heat conduction of the heating component 70, the signal transmission of the temperature sensor, or the sealing of the connections between components.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for in-situ leaching uranium mines, characterized in that, include: The pipe-laying platform is set at the wellhead of the monitoring well; The sampling tube has multiple sampling spaces arranged in parallel inside. The sampling tube is vertically arranged, and its bottom end passes through the pipe-dropping platform to extend into the monitoring well. A sampling head is connected to the bottom end of the sampling tube. A front insulation pipe is fitted onto the sampling pipe and connected to the pipe-dropping platform. The front insulation pipe is used to keep the sampling pipe warm. Multiple sample storage boxes are provided, and each sample storage box is connected to a specific sampling space. A sampling pump is connected to each of the aforementioned sample storage tanks to simultaneously create negative pressure in each of the aforementioned sample storage tanks; The sampling head includes a buffer cylinder, a flow stabilizing structure, and a filter cylinder; the buffer cylinder is connected to each of the sampling spaces, and the bottom of the buffer cylinder is provided with multiple water inlets; the flow stabilizing structure is rotatably disposed inside the buffer cylinder, and is used to form a flow stabilizing channel with the buffer cylinder. The filter cartridge is fitted onto the buffer cylinder, and filter holes are provided on the peripheral wall of the filter cartridge; The current stabilization structure includes: An intermediate shaft, tapered in shape, has a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end, with the small-diameter end of the intermediate shaft located below the large-diameter end; The spiral blades are spirally wound around the outer wall of the intermediate shaft, and the outer edge of the spiral blades contacts the inner wall of the buffer cylinder; the spiral blades, the intermediate shaft, and the buffer cylinder together form the flow stabilizing channel; When the water flows into the flow stabilizing structure, the structure rotates under the combined action of negative pressure adsorption and water flow impact, guiding the turbulent water flow into an orderly flow of fluid. The fluid is then smoothly transported to the inlet of each sampling space through the flow stabilizing channel.

2. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling tube includes: The tube body has a lumen; An installation shaft is disposed in the cavity and coaxially with the tube body; Multiple partitions are provided, each of which is located in the cavity and is arranged in a ring around the axis of the tube. One end of each partition is connected to the mounting shaft and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the tube. A sampling space is formed between any two adjacent partitions.

3. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front insulation pipe is provided with multiple limiting grooves, and each limiting groove is spaced apart along the axial direction of the front insulation pipe; each limiting groove is used to form a locking with the pipe lowering platform to change the height of the sampling head in the monitoring well.

4. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe-lowering platform includes: The substrate has a via, and grooves are provided on both sides of the via; The gripper is provided in two parts, and both grippers are slidably disposed in the two grooves and are respectively located on both sides of the through hole; Two actuators are provided, each disposed on the substrate and connected to one of the two grippers respectively; the two actuators are used to push the two grippers closer together to clamp the limiting groove.

5. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned sample storage boxes is connected to the sampling tube via a water supply pipe.

6. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines also includes a heating component, which comprises: A connector is fitted onto the sampling tube and communicates with the front insulation tube; Multiple rear insulation pipes are provided, each of which is sleeved on each of the water supply pipes, and each of the rear insulation pipes is connected to the connector. A heating wire is arranged around the outer wall of the sampling tube and each of the water delivery pipes; The heating element is electrically connected to the heating wire.

7. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The heating assembly also includes multiple temperature sensors, which are embedded in the walls of the sampling tube and each of the water supply pipes.

8. The high-fidelity automated groundwater sampling device for uranium leaching mines as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Both the sampling tube and the front insulation tube are made of acid-resistant materials.

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