Underwater mineral transfer device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of underwater mining, in particular to an underwater mineral transferring device. A first storage container in the device collects minerals collected by a mining vehicle; each of the at least two second storage containers is provided with a feed port and a discharge port, and the feed port is communicated with the first storage container; the main conveying pipe is communicated with the discharging opening and used for conveying minerals to the water surface; an outlet of the conveying pump communicates with the feeding port and the conveying main pipe. The conveying pump is used for conveying high-pressure water to the second storage container and the conveying main pipe. According to the device, one first material storage container is adopted to meet the transferring requirements of at least two second material storage containers at the same time, connecting valves of the mining vehicle and the multiple material storage containers are reduced, the blocking risk is reduced, and then the conveying efficiency is improved; the high-pressure water is used as power to transfer minerals, the minerals do not pass through the conveying pump in the conveying process, abrasion caused by long-term contact between a through-flow component of the conveying pump and the minerals is avoided, and then the reliability of mineral transfer is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of underwater mining technology, and in particular to an underwater mineral transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] The deep seabed contains abundant mineral resources, mainly polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulfides, cobalt-rich crusts, and rare earth elements. Deep-sea mineral mining is of great significance for increasing strategic resource reserves and expanding strategic development space. Polymetallic nodules are the primary mining target, employing a mining scheme that combines seabed ore collection with pipeline fluid hoisting.

[0003] Currently, the main methods for lifting fluids in pipelines include pneumatic lifting, hydraulic pumping, and diaphragm pumping. Pneumatic lifting has the advantage of having no moving parts underwater, resulting in high reliability, but it is inefficient, and the large diameter of the riser leads to a heavy riser system. Hydraulic pumping, while having higher lifting efficiency, suffers from problems such as wear and tear on high-speed rotating flow components, difficulty in replacement, backflow blockage, and pump vibration affecting riser reliability. While diaphragm pumping can achieve high heads, the pumping capacity of a single pump is limited by its structure, and diaphragm pumps typically require the particle size of the flowing fluid to be below 3mm, which also presents drawbacks in commercial extraction systems.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an underwater mineral transfer device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an underwater mineral transfer device to improve the efficiency and reliability of underwater mining operations.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Underwater mineral transfer equipment includes:

[0008] The first storage container is used to collect the minerals collected by the mining vehicle;

[0009] At least two second storage containers, each of which is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the first storage container;

[0010] A conveying main pipe, which is connected to the discharge port, is used to transfer the mineral to the water surface;

[0011] A delivery pump, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet and the main delivery pipe, is used to deliver high-pressure water to the second storage container and the main delivery pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the underwater mineral transfer device also includes a feeding assembly, which is disposed at the discharge port and is used to transport the material in the second storage container to the main conveying pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the underwater mineral transfer device also includes a suction pump, the inlet of which is connected to the first storage container, and the outlet of which is connected to the outside.

[0014] Furthermore, the top of the first storage container is provided with an overflow port, which is connected to the inlet of the suction pump, and a grid is provided at the overflow port.

[0015] Furthermore, a balancing valve is provided in the connecting pipeline between the delivery pump and the feed inlet.

[0016] Furthermore, a first isolation valve is provided between the first storage container and the second storage container.

[0017] Furthermore, the first isolation valve is a gate valve.

[0018] Furthermore, a second isolation valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the discharge port and the main conveying pipe.

[0019] Furthermore, the underwater mineral transfer device also includes a support frame, on which the first storage container, the second storage container, and the transfer pump are all mounted.

[0020] Furthermore, the first storage container includes a first receiving part and at least two second receiving parts, the at least two second receiving parts are respectively connected to the first receiving part, the at least two second receiving parts are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two second storage containers, the second receiving parts are disposed at the bottom of the first receiving part, the at least two second receiving parts are respectively connected in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two feed inlets, the first receiving part is a cylindrical structure, and the second receiving part is a conical structure.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] This invention provides an underwater mineral transfer device, comprising a first storage container, at least two second storage containers, a main transfer pipe, and a transfer pump. The first storage container collects minerals mined by a mining vehicle; each of the at least two second storage containers has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet connected to the first storage container; the main transfer pipe is connected to the outlet and is used to transfer minerals to the water surface; the outlet of the transfer pump is connected to both the inlet and the main transfer pipe, and the pump delivers high-pressure water to the second storage containers and the main transfer pipe. This underwater mineral transfer device uses a single first storage container to simultaneously meet the transfer needs of at least two second storage containers, reducing the number of connecting valves between the mining vehicle and multiple storage containers, lowering the risk of blockage, and thus improving transfer efficiency; by using high-pressure water as the power source for mineral transfer, the minerals do not pass through the transfer pump during transport, avoiding long-term contact and wear of the pump's flow-through components with the minerals, thereby ensuring the reliability of mineral transfer. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater mineral transfer device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 1. First storage container; 11. Overflow port; 2. Second storage container; 21. Inlet; 22. Outlet; 3. Main conveying pipe; 4. Conveying pump; 5. Feeding assembly; 6. Suction pump; 61. Suction pipe; 7. Balancing valve; 8. Second isolation valve; 9. Support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0033] The following is combined with Figure 1 The technical solution of this utility model will be further illustrated through specific embodiments.

[0034] To improve the efficiency and reliability of deep-sea mining operations, this utility model provides an underwater mineral transfer device. The device includes a first storage container 1, at least two second storage containers 2, a main transfer pipe 3, and a transfer pump 4. The first storage container 1 is used to collect minerals collected by a mining vehicle. Each of the at least two second storage containers 2 is equipped with an inlet 21 and an outlet 22, with the inlet 21 connected to the first storage container 1. The main transfer pipe 3 is connected to the outlet 22 and is used to transfer minerals to the water surface. The outlet of the transfer pump 4 is connected to both the inlet 21 and the main transfer pipe 3, and the pump 4 is used to deliver high-pressure water to the second storage containers 2 and the main transfer pipe 3.

[0035] In detail, the minerals collected by the mining vehicle are transported to the first storage container 1 through a hose. After the first storage container 1 is full, the valve for mineral entry on the first storage container 1 is closed, and the inlet 21 of the second storage container 2 is opened. The minerals in the first storage container 1 enter the second storage container 2 under the action of gravity. After the second storage container 2 is full, the delivery of minerals into the second storage container 2 is stopped, and the outlet 22 and the delivery pump 4 are opened. The delivery pump 4 delivers high-pressure water into the second storage container 2. The minerals in the second storage container 2 are transported to the main delivery pipe 3 under the action of the high-pressure water. At the same time, the delivery pump 4 delivers high-pressure water to the main delivery pipe 3. The minerals are transferred from the main delivery pipe 3 to the water surface under the push of the high-pressure water. The underwater mineral transfer device uses a first storage container 1 to simultaneously meet the transfer needs of at least two second storage containers 2, reducing the number of connecting valves between the mining vehicle and multiple storage containers, lowering the risk of blockage, and thus improving the transfer efficiency; it uses high-pressure water as the power source for mineral transfer, and the minerals do not pass through the transfer pump 4 during the transfer process, avoiding the wear and tear caused by long-term contact between the flow passage components of the transfer pump 4 and the minerals, thus ensuring the reliability of mineral transfer.

[0036] In this embodiment, the conveying pump 4 is placed on a water surface platform to deliver high-pressure water to the second storage container 2 and the main conveying pipe 3, thereby promoting the transfer of minerals. This arrangement facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the conveying pump 4. Alternatively, the conveying pump 4 can be placed at the bottom of the water; this is not specifically limited. Optionally, two, three, or four second storage containers 2 can be provided, depending on the needs; this is not specifically limited. In this embodiment, three second storage containers 2 are provided, located at the bottom of the first storage container 1 and evenly arranged around the axis of the first storage container 1. All three second storage containers 2 are connected to the first storage container 1 through inlets 21.

[0037] Furthermore, the first storage container 1 includes a first receiving section and at least two second receiving sections, each of which is connected to the first receiving section. Each of the at least two second receiving sections corresponds to one of the at least two second storage containers 2. The second receiving sections are located at the bottom of the first receiving section and are connected to at least two feed inlets 21. The first receiving section has a cylindrical structure, and the second receiving sections have a conical structure. By setting the bottom of the first storage container 1 to a conical structure, the conical structure facilitates the flow of minerals when they enter the second storage container 2 from the first storage container 1, reducing blockage in the second receiving sections and ensuring normal mineral transport. Alternatively, the first receiving section can also have a square structure; no specific limitation is made here.

[0038] Furthermore, the second storage container 2 includes a third and a fourth accommodating part that are interconnected. The fourth accommodating part is vertically disposed at the bottom of the third accommodating part, the inlet 21 is disposed at the top of the third accommodating part, and the outlet 22 is disposed at the bottom of the fourth accommodating part. The third accommodating part is a cylindrical structure, and the fourth accommodating part is a conical structure. Setting the bottom of the second storage container 2 as a conical structure can facilitate the flow of minerals and reduce the blockage of minerals in the fourth accommodating part.

[0039] Optionally, the tilt angle of the fourth receiving portion is 50°-70°, and exemplarily, the tilt angle is 50°, 60°, or 70°.

[0040] Furthermore, the underwater mineral transfer device also includes a feeding assembly 5, which is located at the outlet 22. The feeding assembly 5 can transport the material in the second storage container 2 to the main conveying pipe 3. In this embodiment, the feeding assembly 5 includes a drive unit, a rotating shaft, and spiral blades. The spiral blades are located on the rotating shaft. The drive unit drives the rotating shaft to rotate, and the minerals enter the blades and flow along the spiral flow channel, thereby pushing the minerals from the second storage container 2 to the main conveying pipe 3. This arrangement can ensure the uniform conveying of minerals and avoid blockage of the outlet 22.

[0041] Furthermore, the underwater mineral transfer device also includes a suction pump 6. The inlet of the suction pump 6 is connected to the first storage container 1, and the outlet of the suction pump 6 is connected to the outside. Specifically, the outlet of the suction pump 6 is connected to a suction pipe 61, which is connected to the outside. The suction pump 6 draws water from the first storage container 1, creating a negative pressure inside the first storage container 1 to facilitate the transport of minerals collected by the mining vehicle to the first storage container 1. On the other hand, the suction pump 6 draws water from the first storage container 1 and discharges it to the outside through the suction pipe 61, leaving the minerals inside the first storage container 1, thus improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the first storage container 1. It should be noted that the suction pump 6 is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] The top of the first storage container 1 is provided with an overflow port 11, which is connected to the inlet of the suction pump 6. A grid is provided at the overflow port 11. In this embodiment, the overflow port 11 is connected to the inlet of the suction pump 6, and a grid is provided at the overflow port 11. The size of the grid is set according to the size of the collected minerals. Mineral particles smaller than the grid size can pass through the grid and be sucked away by the suction pump 6, while mineral particles larger than the grid size remain in the first storage container 1, further increasing the mineral concentration in the first storage container 1. In this embodiment, the aperture of the grid is 20mm. Mineral particles smaller than 20mm can pass through the grid and be sucked away by the suction pump 6, while mineral particles larger than 20mm remain in the first storage container 1. The specific size of the grid can be set according to the collected minerals and is not specifically limited here.

[0043] Furthermore, a balancing valve 7 is installed in the connecting pipeline between the conveying pump 4 and the feed inlet 21. Specifically, the second storage container 2 receives the minerals conveyed by the first storage container 1. At this time, the pressure inside the second storage container 2 is the same as the pressure inside the first storage container 1, which is in a lower state. After the second storage container 2 is full, the conveying of minerals to the second storage container 2 is stopped, the balancing valve 7 and the conveying pump 4 are opened, and the conveying pump 4 conveys high-pressure water into the second storage container 2. The balancing valve 7 can balance the pressure between the conveying pump 4 and the second storage container 2, maintaining the stability of the device.

[0044] Furthermore, a first isolation valve is provided between the first storage container 1 and the second storage container 2. In this embodiment, the first isolation valve is located on the connecting pipeline between the first storage container 1 and the inlet 21. The first isolation valve can control the connection and disconnection between the first storage container 1 and the second storage container 2, thereby controlling the delivery or cessation of minerals into the second storage container 2. Optionally, the first isolation valve is a gate valve. When the gate on the gate valve is opened, the flow area is large, which can effectively reduce the risk of mineral blockage. Gate valves are existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] Furthermore, a second isolation valve 8 is installed on the connecting pipe between the discharge port 22 and the main conveying pipe 3. The second isolation valve 8 can control the connection and disconnection between the second storage container 2 and the main conveying pipe 3, thereby controlling or stopping the conveying of minerals to the water surface.

[0046] Furthermore, the underwater mineral transfer device also includes a support frame 9, on which the first storage container 1, the second storage container 2, and the transfer pump 4 are all mounted. Specifically, the support frame 9 is a cylindrical frame, and the first storage container 1, the second storage container 2, the transfer pump 4, and the connecting pipelines are located inside the cylindrical frame. The support frame 9 provides support for the first storage container 1, the second storage container 2, and the transfer pump 4, while also making the entire device more compact.

[0047] The following describes the process of underwater mineral transfer device provided in this embodiment of the invention, taking the setting of three second storage containers 2 as an example: First, the suction pump 6 draws the first storage container 1, creating a negative pressure inside the first storage container 1. The minerals collected by the mining vehicle are collected into the first storage container 1. At the same time, the suction pump 6 removes excess water from the first storage container 1. After the first storage container 1 is full, the mining vehicle stops transporting minerals to the first storage container 1. Then, the first isolation valve corresponding to one of the second storage containers 2 is opened. The minerals in the first storage container 1 enter the second storage container 2 under the action of gravity. After the second storage container 2 is full, the first isolation valve is closed. Then, the second isolation valve 8 is opened, and the delivery pump 4 and the balance valve 7 are opened at the same time. The delivery pump 4 delivers high-pressure water into the second storage container 2. The minerals in the second storage container 2 enter the delivery main pipe 3 under the action of the high-pressure water. At the same time, the delivery pump 4 delivers high-pressure water into the delivery main pipe 3. The minerals are transferred to the water surface through the delivery main pipe 3 under the push of the high-pressure water. In the above process, after the first second storage container 2 is filled, the corresponding first isolation valve is closed and the first isolation valve corresponding to the second second storage container 2 is opened. At this time, the first second storage container 2 transports minerals to the main conveying pipe 3, and the second second storage container 2 receives the minerals transported by the first storage container 1. The third second storage container 2 operates in the same way as above, which can realize the continuous transport of minerals.

[0048] Alternatively, all three second storage containers 2 can be filled before being conveyed to the main conveying pipe 3. In this embodiment, the specific order of operation is not specifically limited.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An underwater mineral transfer device, characterized in that, include: The first storage container (1) is used to collect the minerals collected by the mining vehicle; At least two second storage containers (2), each of the at least two second storage containers (2) is provided with an inlet (21) and an outlet (22), the inlet (21) being connected to the first storage container (1); A conveying main pipe (3) is connected to the discharge port (22) and is used to transfer the mineral to the water surface; The pump (4) is connected to the inlet (21) and the main conveying pipe (3) at its outlet. The pump (4) is used to convey high-pressure water to the second storage container (2) and the main conveying pipe (3).

2. The underwater mineral transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater mineral transfer device also includes a feeding assembly (5), which is located at the outlet (22) and is used to transport the material in the second storage container (2) to the main conveying pipe (3).

3. The underwater mineral transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater mineral transfer device also includes a suction pump (6), the inlet of which is connected to the first storage container (1), and the outlet of which is connected to the outside.

4. The underwater mineral transfer device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first storage container (1) is provided with an overflow port (11) at the top, the overflow port (11) is connected to the inlet of the suction pump (6), and a grid is provided at the overflow port (11).

5. The underwater mineral transfer device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A balance valve (7) is provided in the connecting pipeline between the delivery pump (4) and the feed inlet (21).

6. The underwater mineral transfer device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A first isolation valve is provided between the first storage container (1) and the second storage container (2).

7. The underwater mineral transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first isolation valve is a gate valve.

8. The underwater mineral transfer device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A second isolation valve (8) is provided on the connecting pipe between the discharge port (22) and the conveying main pipe (3).

9. The underwater mineral transfer device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The underwater mineral transfer device also includes a support frame (9), on which the first storage container (1), the second storage container (2) and the transfer pump (4) are all mounted.

10. The underwater mineral transfer device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first storage container (1) includes a first receiving part and at least two second receiving parts. The at least two second receiving parts are respectively connected to the first receiving part. The at least two second receiving parts are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least two second storage containers (2). The second receiving parts are located at the bottom of the first receiving part. The at least two second receiving parts are respectively connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least two feed inlets (21). The first receiving part is a cylindrical structure and the second receiving part is a conical structure.

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