Method for automated operation of a seabed mineral collection device
By installing a backwashing circuit and a status determination system in the seabed mineral collection device, automatic monitoring and cleaning of blockages were achieved, solving the blockage problem caused by uneven mineral distribution in the seabed mineral collection device, improving mining efficiency and system stability, and reducing operating costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA SHIP SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTER
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing seabed mineral collection devices are prone to fluctuations in slurry concentration within the collection device pipelines when mineral distribution is uneven, which can easily lead to blockages, causing centrifugal pumps or pipeline blockages, affecting mining efficiency and increasing operating costs. Furthermore, they are greatly affected by sea conditions and have short window periods.
An automated operation method for a seabed mineral collection device is designed. By setting up a backwashing circuit and a status judgment system, the working status of the collection device is automatically monitored. When blockage occurs, automatic cleaning and unblocking are performed. Backwashing is carried out using a mechanical collection device that works in reverse and an external fluid pump. Combined with pressure and flow monitoring, automatic judgment and prevention of blockage are achieved.
It improves mining efficiency, reduces operating costs, decreases the probability of unplanned downtime, is suitable for deep-sea mining operations in complex environments, and enhances the stability and economy of the mining system.
Smart Images
Figure CN122148322A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea mining technology, and in particular to an automated operation method for a seabed mineral collection device. Background Technology
[0002] The deep seabed contains abundant mineral resources such as polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and polymetallic sulfides. Currently, one of the mainstream seabed mining methods is to use mining trucks to travel on the seabed, collecting the minerals and seawater mixture through mineral collection devices and transporting it to a surface support vessel.
[0003] Mineral collection devices generally include a mechanical collector installed at the end of the collection pipeline, a centrifugal pump installed on the collection pipeline, and the centrifugal pump provides power to generate negative pressure in the collection pipeline, which draws seawater from the mechanical collector into the collection pipeline, mixes it with water to form a mineral slurry, and transports the mineral slurry from bottom to top.
[0004] However, during mineral collection, the uneven distribution of minerals on the seabed causes significant fluctuations in the slurry concentration within the collection device's pipes, easily leading to blockages in centrifugal pumps or pipes. Once a blockage occurs, not only will operations be interrupted, severely impacting mining efficiency, but the entire mineral collection device or mining vehicle must also be retrieved to the surface for manual cleaning, resulting in high operating costs, significant susceptibility to sea conditions, and short window periods. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing production technologies, the applicant provides an automated operation method for a seabed mineral collection device. This method automatically monitors the operating status of the collection device and performs automatic clearing and unblocking operations when blockages occur, thereby improving mining efficiency and reducing operating costs.
[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: An automated operation method for a seabed mineral collection device, the seabed mineral collection device comprising: a mechanical collection device; The main collection loop includes a main pipeline and a first fluid pump. One end of the main pipeline is connected to the mechanical collection device, and the other end of the main pipeline is connected to the pump inlet of the first fluid pump. The pump outlet of the first fluid pump is connected to an output pipeline, which is used to connect to the mineral collection device. A backwashing circuit, connected to the main collection circuit, is used to transport the ore in the main collection circuit to a mechanical collection device; A shut-off valve is installed on the output pipe; The work method includes the following steps: Status determination: The control system of the acquisition device determines the status of the acquisition device, which includes blocked and normal operation. If the state of the collection device is blocked, a backwashing operation is performed: the first fluid pump and the shut-off valve are closed, and the mechanical collection device is reversed to discharge the minerals to the outside. Then the backwashing circuit is started to transport the ore in the main collection circuit to the mechanical collection device. After a total continuous operation time t, the backwashing circuit is closed, and the first fluid pump and the shut-off valve are opened again. When the mechanical collection device is working in the forward direction, the state determination steps are repeated. If the collection device is in normal condition, keep the shut-off valve and the first fluid pump open, keep the mechanical collection device working in the forward direction to collect seabed minerals, and repeat the state determination steps.
[0007] Its further technical solution lies in: The backwashing circuit includes a second fluid pump and a first branch pipe. One end of the first branch pipe is connected to the outlet of the second fluid pump, and the other end of the first branch pipe is connected to the output pipe. The connection point between the first branch pipe and the output pipe is located between the shut-off valve and the pump outlet. A first valve is installed on the first branch pipe. The backwashing circuit also includes a second branch pipe, one end of which is connected to the first branch pipe. The connection point between the second branch pipe and the first branch pipe is located between the first valve and the second fluid pump. The other end of the second branch pipe is connected to the main pipeline. A second valve is provided on the second branch pipe. The main pipeline is also equipped with a third valve, which is located between the connection point of the second branch pipe and the main pipeline and the pump inlet. Backwashing operations include the following steps: S1: Close the first fluid pump and the shut-off valve, and simultaneously reverse the operation of the mechanical collection device; S2: With the second valve open, the first valve closed, and the third valve closed, start the second fluid pump and continue for the first operating time t1; S3: Turn off the second fluid pump; S4: Close the second valve, open the first and third valves, start the second fluid pump, and continue operating for time t2; S5: Shut down the second fluid pump, the first valve, and the mechanical collection device.
[0008] The second fluid pump is an axial flow pump.
[0009] The seabed mineral harvesting equipment also includes: A flow sensor is used to detect the flow rate Q of fluid in the main pipeline; The first pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure P1 of the sea area where the data acquisition device is located; The second pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure P2 inside the main pipeline; A power sensor is used to detect the power W of the motor of the first fluid pump; The operating method also includes the following steps: Before the state determination step, set the comparison parameters: The rated power of the motor is W 额定 , The rated flow rate of the fluid in the main pipeline is Q. 额定 , The design value of the internal and external pressure difference of the main pipeline is ΔP; The conditions for determining the status of the data acquisition device include: Condition 1: Q<Q 额定 ×50%, Condition 2: P1 - P2 > ΔP × 70%, Condition 3: W<W 额定 ×50%, When conditions one, two, and three are met simultaneously, and the duration is greater than the first set time T1, the state of the acquisition device is determined to be blocked.
[0010] The data collection device also includes a pressure holding circuit, which includes a third branch pipe. One end of the third branch pipe is connected to the main pipeline, and the other end of the third branch pipe is connected to the outside sea area. A fourth valve is provided on the third branch pipe. The status of the data acquisition device also includes a high risk of blockage; The determination conditions for the status determination of the acquisition device by the control system of the acquisition device include: Condition 4: P1 - P2 > ΔP × 50%; When condition four is met and the duration is greater than the second set time T2, the state of the acquisition device is determined to be high risk of blockage. The work method also includes the following steps: If the state of the collection device is determined to be high risk of blockage, a protective operation is performed: open the fourth valve to inject seawater from the third branch pipe into the main pipe until P0 < P1 - P2 ≤ ΔP × 50%, where P0 is the internal and external pressure difference when the main pipe 501 contains only seawater.
[0011] The fourth valve is a regulating valve; In the protection operation steps, the opening of the fourth valve is adjusted to inject seawater from the third branch pipe into the main pipe until ΔP×20%≤P1-P2≤ΔP×50%.
[0012] The mechanical collection device includes: Collection cover; A connecting pipe is fixed to the collection cover and connects the main pipe to the inner cavity of the collection cover; A screw conveyor is disposed in the inner cavity of the collection hood; When the mechanical collection device is working in the forward direction, the screw conveyor rotates in the forward direction, conveying the ore to the inlet of the connecting pipe; When the mechanical collection device operates in reverse, the screw conveyor reverses to transport the ore to the seabed.
[0013] The screw conveyor includes a forward screw conveyor and a reverse screw conveyor connected coaxially, and the connecting pipe corresponds to the connection between the forward screw conveyor and the reverse screw conveyor.
[0014] A mineral conveying grid is fixed on the collection cover. The mineral conveying grid is set at the connection between the forward spiral conveyor and the reverse spiral conveyor. The connection between the forward spiral conveyor and the reverse spiral conveyor is located between the mineral conveying grid and the connecting pipe.
[0015] The pitch of the forward screw conveyor and the reverse screw conveyor is 3 to 4 times the average particle size of the ore; The mineral conveying grid includes multiple semi-circular annular sheet-like grid plates. The grid plates are coaxial with the rotating shaft of the forward screw conveyor. The multiple grid plates are spaced apart and connected by connecting rods to form a semi-circular hollow tubular structure. The grid plates are fixedly connected to the collection cover by connecting parts. The gap between adjacent grid plates is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 times the average particle size of the ore.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention features a compact and reasonable structure, and is easy to operate. A backwashing circuit is incorporated into the mineral collection device, connected to the main collection circuit. This circuit detects blockages in the collection device. If a blockage is detected, a shut-off valve disconnects the collection device from the mineral collection device. The backwashing circuit then flushes the ore in the main collection circuit, discharging it from the mechanical collection device. This achieves automatic monitoring of the collection device's operating status, automatic clearing of blockages, improved mining efficiency, and reduced operating costs.
[0017] Furthermore, the present invention also has the following advantages: (1) An external fluid pump—the second fluid pump—is used to draw seawater. The outlet of the second fluid pump is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes of the first fluid pump through the first and second branch pipes, respectively. The blockage in the main collection circuit is cleared by flushing the main collection circuit first and then flushing the body of the first fluid pump. The reverse operation of the mechanical collection device returns the ore discharged from the main pipe inlet to the seabed. The backwashing operation does not require disassembling the pipe and does not affect the main structure of the mining equipment, thus improving the efficiency of the operation.
[0018] (2) By monitoring the pressure and flow inside and outside the main pipeline and the power of the motor, the blockage status of the collection device is determined based on the characteristics of the amount of ore in the first fluid pump, and the automatic judgment and monitoring of blockage is achieved by conventional and simple monitoring methods.
[0019] (3) A third branch pipe that can be controlled and connected to the sea area is set on the inlet side of the main pipeline. The material source of the first fluid pump is divided into water and ore. By mixing water and ore in the main pipeline, the concentration of slurry in the main pipeline is reduced, and the risk of blockage is reduced. A scheme combining prevention and automatic blockage removal is adopted. The blockage prevention is carried out in advance according to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the main pipeline. The pressure in the main pipeline is maintained at a relatively safe level. Blockage prevention and automatic blockage removal form a double guarantee, which significantly reduces the probability of unplanned downtime caused by blockage. It is particularly suitable for deep-sea mining operation scenarios with complex environment and difficult maintenance, and effectively improves the stability and economy of the entire mining system. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation location of the seabed mineral collection device of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the seabed mineral collection device of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a front view of the seabed mineral collection device of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical collection device of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the mechanical collection device of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mineral conveying grid of the present invention.
[0026] in: 100. Flow sensor; 101. First pressure sensor; 102. Second pressure sensor; 200. Mechanical collection device; 210. Collection hood; 211. Connecting pipe; 201. Forward screw conveyor; 202. Mineral conveying grid; 2021. Grid plate; 2022. Connecting rod; 203. Reverse screw conveyor; 300. Pressure holding circuit; 302. Fourth valve; 303. Third branch pipe; 400. Backwash circuit; 401. Second fluid pump; 402. First branch pipe; 403. Second valve; 404. First valve; 405. Second branch pipe; 500. Main collection circuit; 501. Main pipeline; 502. First fluid pump; 5021. Pump inlet; 5022. Pump outlet; 503. Motor; 504. Output pipeline; 505. Third valve; 600, gate valve; 700, ore collection car; 800, cutting mechanism. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] Example 1: like Figures 1-4 As shown in the figure, the automated operation method of the seabed mineral collection device in this embodiment includes: a mechanical collection device 200, which is used to collect seabed minerals when working in the forward direction.
[0029] The main collection loop 500 includes a main pipe 501 and a first fluid pump 502. One end of the main pipe 501 is connected to a mechanical collection device 200, and the other end of the main pipe 501 is connected to the pump inlet 5021 of the first fluid pump 502. The pump outlet 5022 of the first fluid pump 502 is connected to an output pipe 504, which is used to connect to a mineral collection device. The backwashing circuit 400 is connected to the main collection circuit 500 and is used to transport the ore in the main collection circuit 500 to the mechanical collection device 200. The shut-off valve 600 is installed on the output pipe 504; The work method includes the following steps: Status determination: The control system of the data acquisition device determines the status of the data acquisition device, which includes blocked and normal operation. If the collection device is blocked, perform a backwashing operation: close the first fluid pump 502 and the shut-off valve 600, and at the same time, make the mechanical collection device 200 work in reverse to discharge the minerals to the outside. Then, start the backwashing circuit 400 to transport the ore in the main collection circuit 500 to the mechanical collection device 200. After a total continuous operation time t, close the backwashing circuit 400, and then open the first fluid pump 502 and the shut-off valve 600. Repeat the status determination steps when the mechanical collection device 200 works in the forward direction. If the collection device is in normal condition, keep the shut-off valve 600 and the first fluid pump 502 open, and the mechanical collection device 200 working in the forward direction to collect seabed minerals, and repeat the status determination steps.
[0030] Specifically, there are three types of minerals on the seabed: polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and polymetallic sulfides. The seabed mineral collection device is installed inside the collection cart 700. For minerals loosely spread on the seabed surface, a mechanical collection device 200 collects them directly. If minerals are attached to or embedded in the seabed bedrock, they must be peeled off before collection. A cutting mechanism 800 is installed on the collection cart 700, located in front of the mechanical collection device 200. As the collection cart 700 travels on the seabed, the cutting mechanism 800 first breaks and peels off the attached ore body, then the mechanical collection device 200 collects the ore body. The ore body is then transported to the mineral collection device by the suction provided by the main collection circuit 500. The output pipe 504 connects to the mineral collection device, which is specifically a mineral lifting system that transports the minerals out of the collection cart 700.
[0031] For the mechanical collection device 200, during the mineral collection process, the process of gathering the ore dispersed on the seabed at the entrance of the main pipe 501 is called forward operation, and the reverse process of the ore being dispersed and scattered from the entrance of the autonomous pipe 501 to the seabed is called reverse operation.
[0032] A backwashing circuit 400 is installed in the mineral collection device. The backwashing circuit 400 is connected to the main collection circuit 500 to detect whether the collection device is blocked. When a blockage is detected, the collection device is disconnected from the mineral collection device through the shut-off valve 600. The ore in the main collection circuit 500 is flushed through the backwashing circuit 400 and discharged from the mechanical collection device 200. This realizes automatic monitoring of the working status of the collection device, automatic clearing and unblocking, improving mining efficiency and reducing operating costs.
[0033] The mechanical collection device 200 may adopt a star wheel type collection mechanism.
[0034] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the mechanical collection device 200 includes: a collection cover 210, a connecting pipe 211, and a screw conveyor.
[0035] Connecting pipe 211 is fixed on the collection cover 210 and connects the main pipe 501 to the inner cavity of the collection cover 210. Connecting pipe 211 is connected to the inlet of the main pipe 501. A screw conveyor is installed inside the collection hood 210; When the mechanical collection device 200 is working in the forward direction, the screw conveyor rotates in the forward direction, conveying the ore to the inlet of the connecting pipe 211; When the mechanical collection device 200 operates in reverse, the screw conveyor reverses and transports the ore to the seabed.
[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the screw conveyor includes a forward screw conveyor 201 and a reverse screw conveyor 203 coaxially connected, and the connecting pipe 211 corresponds to the connection between the forward screw conveyor 201 and the reverse screw conveyor 203.
[0037] Furthermore, a mineral conveying grid 202 is fixedly installed on the collection hood 210. The mineral conveying grid 202 is positioned at the connection point between the forward screw conveyor 201 and the reverse screw conveyor 203, which is located between the mineral conveying grid 202 and the connecting pipe 211. Specifically, the mineral conveying grid 202 is used to prevent ore from falling in front of the inlet of the connecting pipe 211, and allows seawater to enter the connecting pipe 211.
[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, the pitch of the forward screw conveyor 201 and the reverse screw conveyor 203 is 3 to 4 times the average particle size of the ore; the mineral conveying grid 202 includes multiple semi-circular annular plate-shaped grid pieces 2021, the grid pieces 2021 are coaxial with the rotating shaft of the forward screw conveyor 201, the multiple grid pieces 2021 are spaced apart and connected by connecting rods 2022 to form a semi-circular hollow tubular structure, the grid pieces 2021 are fixedly connected to the collection cover 210 by connecting parts (not shown in the figure), and the gap between adjacent grid pieces 2021 is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 times the average particle size of the ore.
[0039] The mechanical collection device 200 is a semi-enclosed mechanism, which is conducive to collecting seabed minerals. The forward spiral conveyor 201 and the reverse spiral conveyor 203 rotate in opposite directions and cooperate to gather the seabed mineral particles and transport them to the mineral conveying grid 202. After being blocked by the conveying grid 202, they enter the connecting pipe 211 under the action of the first fluid pump 502. The front part (the protruding surface of the semi-circular hollow tubular structure) of the mineral conveying grid 202 faces the forward direction of the mineral collection car 700, and the rear part (the concave surface of the semi-circular hollow tubular structure) faces the connecting pipe 211. Under the push of the spiral conveyor, the mineral particles enter the main pipe 501 inlet of the main collection circuit 500 through the connecting pipe 211.
[0040] Example 2: Based on Example 1, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the automated operation method of the seabed mineral collection device in this embodiment, the backwashing circuit 400 includes a second fluid pump 401 and a first branch pipe 402. One end of the first branch pipe 402 is connected to the outlet of the second fluid pump 401, and the other end of the first branch pipe 402 is connected to the output pipe 504. The connection point between the first branch pipe 402 and the output pipe 504 is located between the shut-off valve 600 and the pump outlet 5022. The first valve 404 is provided on the first branch pipe 402. The backwashing circuit 400 also includes a second branch pipe 405. One end of the second branch pipe 405 is connected to the first branch pipe 402. The connection point between the second branch pipe 405 and the first branch pipe 402 is located between the first valve 404 and the second fluid pump 401. The other end of the second branch pipe 405 is connected to the main pipe 501. A second valve 403 is provided on the second branch pipe 405. A third valve 505 is also installed on the main pipeline 501. The third valve 505 is located between the connection point of the second branch pipe 405 and the main pipeline 501 and the pump inlet 5021. Backwashing operations include the following steps: S1: Close the first fluid pump 502 and the shut-off valve 600, and at the same time reverse the operation of the mechanical collection device 200; S2: With the second valve 403 open, the first valve 404 closed, and the third valve 505 closed, the second fluid pump 401 is started to transport seawater through the first branch pipe 402 and the second branch pipe 405 to the main pipe 501, and to transport the ore in the main pipe 501 to the mechanical collection device 200, and to continue for the first working time t1, which can be ten minutes. S3: Turn off the second fluid pump 401; S4: Close the second valve 403, open the first valve 404 and the third valve 505, start the second fluid pump 401, and send seawater from the first branch pipe 402 through the output pipe 504 into the first fluid pump 502 to flush the ore in the body of the first fluid pump 502. Then, transport the seawater to the mechanical collection device 200 through the main pipe 501 and continue to operate for t2, which can be ten minutes. S5: Close the second fluid pump 401, the first valve 404 and the mechanical collection device 200.
[0041] Specifically, the second fluid pump 401 is an axial flow pump. The first fluid pump 502 is a centrifugal pump.
[0042] In this embodiment, the total duration of the backwashing operation is t = t1 + t2.
[0043] An external fluid pump—the second fluid pump 401—is used to draw seawater. The outlet of the second fluid pump 401 is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes of the first fluid pump 502 through the first branch pipe 402 and the second branch pipe 405, respectively. The blockage in the main collection circuit 500 is cleared by flushing the main collection circuit 500 first and then flushing the body of the first fluid pump 502. The reverse operation of the mechanical collection device 200 returns the ore discharged from the inlet of the main pipe 501 back to the seabed. The backwashing operation does not require disassembling the pipes and does not affect the main structure of the mining equipment, thus improving the efficiency of the operation.
[0044] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the seabed mineral collection device also includes: a flow sensor 100, a first pressure sensor 101, and a second pressure sensor 102.
[0045] Flow sensor 100 is used to detect the flow rate Q of fluid in main pipe 501; The first pressure sensor 101 is used to detect the pressure P1 of the sea area where the data acquisition device is located. The second pressure sensor 102 is used to detect the pressure P2 inside the main pipeline 501; A power sensor is used to detect the power W of the motor 503 of the first fluid pump 502; The work method also includes the following steps: Before the state determination step, set the comparison parameters: The rated power of motor 503 is W 额定 , The rated flow rate of the fluid in the main pipeline 501 is Q. 额定 , The design value of the internal and external pressure difference of the main pipeline 501 is ΔP; The conditions for determining the status of the data acquisition device include: Condition 1: Q<Q 额定 ×50%, Condition 2: P1 - P2 > ΔP × 70%, Condition 3: W<W 额定 ×50%, When conditions one, two, and three are met simultaneously, and the duration is greater than the first set time T1, the state of the data acquisition device is determined to be blocked.
[0046] ΔP is a design value, and its specific value is related to the capacity of the first fluid pump 502. When the flow inside the main pipe 501 is good, the suction force generated by the first fluid pump 502 in the main pipe 501 is small, and the difference between P1 and P2 is small. When the flow inside the main pipe 501 is poor, such as when it is completely blocked, the suction force generated by the first fluid pump 502 in the main pipe 501 is large, and the difference between P1 and P2 is the largest, which is ΔP. Since the flow of fluid in the main pipe 501 and the magnitude of the internal and external pressure difference are both related to the operating state of the first fluid pump 502, when the state of the acquisition device is blocked, conditions one, two, and three will occur simultaneously. If only one occurs, it indicates a failure of the acquisition device.
[0047] Because the fluid state in the main pipeline 501 will fluctuate during the ore transportation process, a duration needs to be set when determining the state. The first set time T1 can be 5 seconds.
[0048] By monitoring the pressure and flow inside and outside the main pipeline 501 and the power of the motor 503, the blockage status of the acquisition device is determined based on the amount of ore in the first fluid pump 502, thus achieving automatic judgment and monitoring of blockage using conventional and simple monitoring methods.
[0049] Example 3: Based on the above embodiments, the automated operation method of the seabed mineral collection device in this embodiment includes a pressure holding circuit 300, including a third branch pipe 303. One end of the third branch pipe 303 is connected to the main pipe 501, and the other end of the third branch pipe 303 is connected to the outside sea area. A fourth valve 302 is provided on the third branch pipe 303. The status of the data acquisition device also includes a high risk of blockage; The conditions for the control system of the data acquisition device to determine the status of the data acquisition device include: Condition 4: P1 - P2 > ΔP × 50%; When condition four is met and the duration is greater than the second set time T2, the state of the acquisition device is determined to be high risk of blockage. The work method also includes the following steps: If the collection device is determined to be at high risk of blockage, protective measures are taken: while keeping the shut-off valve 600 and the first fluid pump 502 open and the mechanical collection device 200 working in the forward direction to collect seabed minerals, the fourth valve 302 is opened to inject seawater from the third branch pipe 303 into the main pipe 501 until P0 < P1 - P2 ≤ ΔP × 50%, where P0 is the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the main pipe 501 when it contains only seawater.
[0050] Specifically, the first pressure sensor 101 and the second pressure sensor 102 are located between the connection point of the third branch pipe 303 and the main pipe 501 and the connection point of the second branch pipe 405 and the main pipe 501. The end of the third branch pipe 303 that connects to the outside sea area is equipped with a filter screen, which plays a filtering role and only supplies seawater to the main pipe 501.
[0051] When P1-P2≤ΔP×50%, the fourth valve 302 can be closed directly; P0 is a constant value, which is related to the capacity of the first fluid pump 502.
[0052] Because the fluid state in the main pipeline 501 will fluctuate during the ore transportation process, a duration needs to be set when determining the state. The second set time T2 can be 5 seconds.
[0053] A third branch pipe 303, which can be controlled to connect to the sea area, is installed on the inlet side of the main pipeline 501. The material source of the first fluid pump 502 is divided into water and ore. By mixing water and ore in the main pipeline 501, the concentration of slurry in the main pipeline 501 is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of blockage. A scheme combining prevention and automatic blockage removal is adopted. The system responds in advance based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the main pipeline 501 to prevent blockage and maintain the pressure in the main pipeline 501 at a relatively safe level. Blockage prevention and automatic blockage removal form a dual guarantee, which significantly reduces the probability of unplanned downtime caused by blockage. It is particularly suitable for deep-sea mining operations in complex environments and difficult maintenance scenarios, and effectively improves the stability and economy of the entire mining system.
[0054] As shown in Table 1 below, the numerical range of all measured parameters is summarized.
[0055] Table 1
[0056] Since the flow of fluid in the main pipeline 501 and the magnitude of the internal and external pressure difference are related to the operating status of the first fluid pump 502, conditions five, six and seven will occur simultaneously when the acquisition device is in normal condition.
[0057] The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device in this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 1: Set comparison parameters: The rated power of motor 503 is W. 额定 The rated flow rate of the fluid in the main pipeline 501 is Q. 额定 The design value of the internal and external pressure difference of the main pipeline 501 is ΔP.
[0058] Step 2, Status Determination: The control system of the data acquisition device determines the status of the device, which includes high risk of blockage, blockage, and normal operation. Condition 4: When P1-P2>ΔP×50% is satisfied and the duration is greater than the second set time T2, the state of the acquisition device is judged to be high risk of blockage. Condition 1: Q<Q 额定 ×50%, Condition 2: P1-P2>ΔP×70%, Condition 3: W<W 额定 ×50%, when conditions one, two, and three are met simultaneously and the duration is greater than the first set time T1, the state of the acquisition device is determined to be blocked; Condition 5: P0 < P1 - P2 ≤ ΔP × 50%; Condition 6: Q 额定 ×50%≤Q≤Q 额定 , Condition 7: W 额定 ×50%≤W≤W 额定 When both occur simultaneously, it is considered normal.
[0059] Step 3: Execute different operating modes of the data acquisition device according to different states: If the collection device is in normal condition, keep the shut-off valve 600 and the first fluid pump 502 open, the mechanical collection device 200 working in the forward direction to collect seabed minerals, and repeat the status determination steps, which is the normal operation mode. If the collection device is determined to be at high risk of blockage, a protective operation is performed: while keeping the shut-off valve 600 and the first fluid pump 502 open and the mechanical collection device 200 working in the forward direction to collect seabed minerals, the fourth valve 302 is opened to inject seawater from the third branch pipe 303 into the main pipe 501 until P0 < P1-P2 ≤ ΔP×50%, where P0 is the internal and external pressure difference when the main pipe 501 contains only seawater, which is the protective operation mode. If the data collection device is blocked, perform a backflushing operation: S1: Close the first fluid pump 502 and the shut-off valve 600, and at the same time reverse the operation of the mechanical collection device 200; S2: With the second valve 403 open, the first valve 404 closed, and the third valve 505 closed, the second fluid pump 401 is started to transport seawater through the first branch pipe 402 and the second branch pipe 405 to the main pipe 501, and to transport the ore in the main pipe 501 to the mechanical collection device 200, and to continue for the first operating time t1. S3: Turn off the second fluid pump 401; S4: Close the second valve 403, open the first valve 404 and the third valve 505, start the second fluid pump 401, and send seawater from the first branch pipe 402 through the output pipe 504 into the first fluid pump 502 to wash the ore in the body of the first fluid pump 502, and transport it to the mechanical collection device 200 through the main pipe 501, and continue to operate for time t2. S5: Close the second fluid pump 401, the first valve 404, and the mechanical collection device 200; After standing for a period of time, the first fluid pump 502 and the shut-off valve 600 are opened again. When the mechanical collection device 200 is working in the forward direction, the state determination steps are repeated. The above process is a congestion handling mode.
[0060] Furthermore, the fourth valve 302 is a regulating valve; During the protection operation, the opening of the fourth valve 302 is adjusted to inject seawater from the third branch pipe 303 into the main pipe 501 until ΔP×20%≤P1-P2≤ΔP×50%.
[0061] The fourth valve 302 is a regulating valve, which can keep the fourth valve 302 at a certain opening degree or in a fully closed state, so that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the main pipeline 501 is maintained within a certain range, ensuring the efficiency of mineral transportation.
[0062] The above description is an explanation of the present invention and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, any form of modification may be made.
Claims
1. An automated operation method for a seabed mineral harvesting device, characterized in that: The seabed mineral collection device includes: a mechanical collection device (200); The main collection circuit (500) includes a main pipe (501) and a first fluid pump (502). One end of the main pipe (501) is connected to the mechanical collection device (200), and the other end of the main pipe (501) is connected to the pump inlet (5021) of the first fluid pump (502). The pump outlet (5022) of the first fluid pump (502) is connected to an output pipe (504), which is used to connect to the mineral collection device. A backwashing circuit (400) is connected to the main collection circuit (500) and is used to transport the ore in the main collection circuit (500) to the mechanical collection device (200); A shut-off valve (600) is provided on the output pipe (504); The work method includes the following steps: Status determination: The control system of the acquisition device determines the status of the acquisition device, which includes blocked and normal operation. If the collection device is blocked, a backwashing operation is performed: the first fluid pump (502) and the shut-off valve (600) are closed, and the mechanical collection device (200) is turned in reverse to discharge the minerals to the outside. Then, the backwashing circuit (400) is started to transport the ore in the main collection circuit (500) to the mechanical collection device (200). After a total continuous operation time t, the backwashing circuit (400) is closed, and the first fluid pump (502) and the shut-off valve (600) are opened again. When the mechanical collection device (200) is working in the forward direction, the state determination steps are repeated. If the collection device is in normal condition, keep the shut-off valve (600) and the first fluid pump (502) open, and keep the mechanical collection device (200) working in the forward direction to collect seabed minerals, and repeat the state determination step.
2. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The backwash circuit (400) includes a second fluid pump (401) and a first branch pipe (402). One end of the first branch pipe (402) is connected to the outlet of the second fluid pump (401), and the other end of the first branch pipe (402) is connected to the output pipe (504). The connection point between the first branch pipe (402) and the output pipe (504) is located between the shut-off valve (600) and the pump outlet (5022). A first valve (404) is provided on the first branch pipe (402). The backwashing circuit (400) further includes a second branch pipe (405), one end of which is connected to the first branch pipe (402). The connection point between the second branch pipe (405) and the first branch pipe (402) is located between the first valve (404) and the second fluid pump (401). The other end of the second branch pipe (405) is connected to the main pipe (501). A second valve (403) is provided on the second branch pipe (405). The main pipeline (501) is also provided with a third valve (505), which is located between the connection point of the second branch pipe (405) and the main pipeline (501) and the pump inlet (5021); Backwashing operations include the following steps: S1: Close the first fluid pump (502) and the shut-off valve (600), and simultaneously reverse the operation of the mechanical collection device (200); S2: With the second valve (403) open, the first valve (404) closed, and the third valve (505) closed, start the second fluid pump (401) and continue for the first operating time t1; S3: Turn off the second fluid pump (401); S4: Close the second valve (403), open the first valve (404) and the third valve (505), start the second fluid pump (401), and continue operating for time t2; S5: Close the second fluid pump (401), the first valve (404), and the mechanical collection device (200).
3. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The second fluid pump (401) is an axial flow pump.
4. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The seabed mineral harvesting equipment also includes: A flow sensor (100) is used to detect the flow rate Q of the fluid in the main pipe (501); The first pressure sensor (101) is used to detect the pressure P1 of the sea area where the data acquisition device is located; The second pressure sensor (102) is used to detect the pressure P2 inside the main pipe (501); A power sensor is used to detect the power W of the motor (503) of the first fluid pump (502); The operating method also includes the following steps: Before the state determination step, set the comparison parameters: The rated power of the motor (503) is W 额定 , The rated flow rate of the fluid in the main pipeline (501) is Q. 额定 , The design value of the internal and external pressure difference of the main pipeline (501) is ΔP; The conditions for determining the status of the data acquisition device include: Condition 1: Q < Q 额定 ×50%, Condition 2: P1 - P2 > ΔP × 70%, Condition 3: W < W 额定 ×50%, When conditions one, two, and three are met simultaneously, and the duration is greater than the first set time T1, the state of the acquisition device is determined to be blocked.
5. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The data collection device also includes a pressure holding circuit (300), which includes a third branch pipe (303). One end of the third branch pipe (303) is connected to the main pipeline (501), and the other end of the third branch pipe (303) is connected to the outside sea area. A fourth valve (302) is provided on the third branch pipe (303). The status of the data acquisition device also includes a high risk of blockage; The determination conditions for the status determination of the acquisition device by the control system of the acquisition device include: Condition 4: P1 - P2 > ΔP × 50%; When condition four is met and the duration is greater than the second set time T2, the state of the acquisition device is determined to be high risk of blockage. The work method also includes the following steps: If the state of the collection device is determined to be high risk of blockage, a protective operation is performed: open the fourth valve (302) to inject seawater from the third branch pipe (303) into the main pipe (501) until P0 < P1 - P2 ≤ ΔP × 50%, where P0 is the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the main pipe 501 when only seawater is present.
6. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The fourth valve (302) is a regulating valve; In the protection operation step, the opening of the fourth valve (302) is adjusted to inject seawater from the third branch pipe (303) into the main pipe (501) until ΔP×20%≤P1-P2≤ΔP×50%.
7. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical collection device (200) includes: Collection cover (210); A connecting pipe (211) is fixed on the collection cover (210) and connects the main pipe (501) to the inner cavity of the collection cover (210); A screw conveyor is disposed in the inner cavity of the collection hood (210); When the mechanical collection device (200) is working in the forward direction, the screw conveyor rotates in the forward direction, conveying the ore to the inlet of the connecting pipe (211); When the mechanical collection device (200) operates in reverse, the screw conveyor reverses to transport the ore to the seabed.
8. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The screw conveyor includes a forward screw conveyor (201) and a reverse screw conveyor (203) connected coaxially, and the connecting pipe (211) corresponds to the connection between the forward screw conveyor (201) and the reverse screw conveyor (203).
9. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The collection cover (210) is fixed with a mineral conveying grid (202), which is set at the connection between the forward spiral conveyor (201) and the reverse spiral conveyor (203). The connection between the forward spiral conveyor (201) and the reverse spiral conveyor (203) is located between the mineral conveying grid (202) and the connecting pipe (211).
10. The automated operation method of the seabed mineral harvesting device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The pitch of the forward screw conveyor (201) and the reverse screw conveyor (203) is 3 to 4 times the average particle size of the ore; The mineral conveying grid (202) includes multiple semi-circular annular sheet-like grid plates (2021). The grid plates (2021) are coaxial with the rotating shaft of the forward spiral conveyor (201). The multiple grid plates (2021) are spaced apart and connected by connecting rods (2022) to form a semi-circular hollow tubular structure. The grid plates (2021) are fixedly connected to the collection cover (210) by connecting parts. The gap between adjacent grid plates (2021) is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 times the average particle size of the ore.