Underwater mining

Abstract

A sampling unit (103) for an underwater mining system (100) configured to extract resources (221) from the seabed (210), comprising a frame (1), a frame support (2) configured to support the frame (1) on the seabed (210), a tool slide (3) movably attached to the frame (1), a tool platform (16) movably attached to the tool slide (3), and a drilling tool (6) attached to the tool platform (16) and configured to drill resources (221) from the seabed (210). A method for extracting resources (221, 222), comprising operating the sampling unit (103) on or adjacent to the seabed (210), and transporting the extracted resources (221, 222) to a short base location.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to subsea mining systems and methods.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Subsea mining involves various operations for collecting resources located below the water surface. Subsea mining may include the extraction (such as collection) of resources, for example minerals, solids, or mud, from the ocean floor (seabed), and may include drilling into seabed layers to gather resources. In some cases, subsea mining may also refer to the extraction of resources present in the water or mud line immediately adjacent to and directly above the seabed.

[0003] One example of subsea mining activity that is receiving increasing attention at present is deep-sea mining for extracting minerals such as ferromanganese crusts, seafloor massive sulfide deposits, and polymetallic nodules. Subsea mining may also be applicable to lakes, rivers, artificial water bodies, or other non-marine water bodies.

[0004] In subsea mining processes, it is generally necessary to extract resources and transport them above the sea surface for storage, further processing, and / or transportation. Except for locations close to the coast, vessels are required for subsea mining operations. Such vessels are often specialized for that purpose and have high operating costs. Therefore, operational efficiency and reliability are extremely important, especially in subsea mining operations in deep seas. Furthermore, strict safety requirements must usually be met, both technically (for example, to avoid unintended impacts on marine organisms) and for the personnel involved in various operations.

[0005] Examples of underwater mining methods and systems that may be useful for understanding the technical field include U.S. Patent No. 9,080,309, European Patent Publication No. 2863008, International Publication No. 2011122942, European Patent Publication No. 3019667, UK Patent Publication No. 2495287, International Publication No. 2017 / 151852, U.S. Patent No. 10,502,348, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0076921, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0041262, and German Patent Publication No. 2 Examples include Patent No. 008384, U.S. Patent No. 4,414,159, U.S. Patent No. 5,199,767, International Publication No. 2021 / 143491, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109611097, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 1344844, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-269070, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106368652, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0309668, International Publication No. 2021 / 143490, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-120063, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-52491.

[0006] International Publication No. 2018 / 059811 describes a method, system, and apparatus for extracting methane hydrate by excavating seabed sediment material containing methane hydrate, transporting the sediment material to a sea surface treatment facility, and processing the sediment material. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,080,309 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2863008 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2011122942 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3019667 [Patent Document 5] UK Patent Application Publication No. 2495287 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2017 / 151852 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 10,502,348 [Patent Document 8] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2018-0076921 Specification [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0041262 [Patent Document 10] German Patent Application Publication No. 2008384 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 4,414,159 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 5,199,767 [Patent Document 13] International Publication No. 2021 / 143491 [Patent Document 14] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109611097 Specification [Patent Document 15] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 1344844 Specification [Patent Document 16] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-269070 [Patent Document 17] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106368652 Specification [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0309668 [Patent Document 19] International Publication No. 2021 / 143490 [Patent Document 20] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-120063 [Patent Document 21] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-52491 [Patent Document 22] International Publication No. 2018 / 059811 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] There is a continuous need for improved techniques to make subsea mining operations and equipment more efficient and versatile. The objective of the present disclosure is to provide such improvements, or at least an alternative, relative to known techniques. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] In one example, a harvesting unit for a subsea mining system configured to harvest resources from the seabed is provided, which comprises a frame, a frame support configured to support the frame on the seabed, a tool slide movably mounted to the frame, a tool platform movably mounted to the tool slide, and a drilling tool mounted to the tool platform and configured to drill resources from the seabed. Further provided is a method of harvesting resources, which comprises operating the harvesting unit at or adjacent to the seabed, and transporting the harvested resources to a short-base location.

[0010] The following detailed description and the appended claims outline further aspects and embodiments of the invention. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0011] These and other features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [Figure 1] It shows a schematic diagram of a subsea mining system according to the general exemplary concept. [Figure 2] It shows a schematic configuration of a vertical transport system of a subsea mining system according to an example. [Figure 3] It shows a perspective side view of a riser structure of a vertical transport system according to an example. [Figure 4] It shows a perspective view of a harvesting unit of a subsea mining system according to a first example. [Figure 5] The second example shows a perspective view of the extraction unit of an underwater mining system. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of the sampling unit. [Figure 7] The third example shows a perspective view of the extraction unit of an underwater mining system. [Figure 8] The fourth example shows a perspective view of the extraction unit of an underwater mining system. [Figure 9] Another example of a sampling unit is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] In the following description, terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “upper,” and “lower” may be used. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations shown in the drawings and relevant to the ordinary use of the present invention. These terms are used solely for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to be limiting.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an underwater mining system 100 by a comprehensive illustrative concept. Underwater mining can include any form of extracting resources 221 from underwater locations with an extraction unit 103. For example, underwater mining can include extracting minerals, solids, or mud from the seabed 210 as shown in Figure 1. Underwater mining can include drilling for resources 221 from the seabed 210. Underwater mining can also include extracting resources 221 from seawater or mudline areas directly adjacent to the seabed 210, or extracting resources 221 floating or moving in seawater. In some examples, the extraction unit 103 may be equipped with one or more remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) 188 to assist in the operation. The extraction unit 103 may be equipped with processing equipment such as a mineral washer or sorting unit for, for example, selecting the size of minerals and / or crushing the minerals to a desired size, or separating the minerals / resources from waste.

[0015] After sampling by the sampling unit 103, the collected resources 222 (see Figure 2) can be transported by the vertical transport system 110 to a location for further processing, such as a surface vessel 101, at least part of which is above the waterline 211. In this example, the vertical transport system 110 includes a buffer storage unit 102 for receiving and temporarily holding the collected resources 222. The sampling unit 103 may be connected to the vertical transport system 110 by piping 105. The vertical transport system 110 may optionally be directly connected to the sampling unit 103. The piping 105 may be a flexible hose to allow the sampling unit 103 to move relative to the vertical transport system 110. In the illustrated example, the vertical transport system 110 is suspended and carried by the vessel 101 via risers 107. Support equipment such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 188 can be used to monitor the underwater operation. ROV188 may be operated via a control line 189 (see Figure 1) to the ship 101, or it may be operated wirelessly at the discretion of the operator.

[0016] The vertical transport system 110 can use an air-lift system to transfer material excavated from the seabed to a surface vessel 101 via a riser 107. The use of underwater dredging pumps is also known to the extent of the technology. These pumps can offer better energy efficiency compared to air-lift systems.

[0017] As schematically shown in Figure 2, in this example, the riser 107 comprises a first riser pipe 107a for vertically transporting the collected resources 222 and a second riser pipe 107b for returning the transport medium toward the seabed 10. Thus, the vertical transport system 110 has a “closed-loop” configuration. The transport medium may be a liquid, such as seawater, for transporting the collected resources 222 upward. In other examples, the liquid may be seawater, which may be discharged on the vessel 101 after transporting the collected resources 222 upward, so that it does not need to be sent to the bottom and the second riser pipe 107b can be eliminated. In other examples, the water may be transported downward in the second riser pipe 107b and then discharged at the bottom. In such so-called open-loop systems, it may be beneficial to purify the water or transport liquid prior to discharge into the sea in order to reduce the environmental impact. Water purification should be understood as separating water from harvested resources, for example by filtration, to reduce the environmental impact (e.g., fish or plants) caused by the discharge of contaminated water. Furthermore, contaminated or muddy water can produce sediment plumes that can adversely affect marine life. In another example, the underwater mining system 100 may have a closed-loop system in which the transport medium is not discharged and is instead separated from the harvested and transported resources 222 and reused (partially or completely) to move the harvested resources 222 upward. In this example, the impact on the environment and marine life can be reduced because there is no (or minimal) discharge of the transport medium into the sea. Generally, the vertical transport system 110 may also include an air-lift system or an underwater dredging pump that lifts the harvested resources 222 by a directional gas flow or pumping action. The air-lift system or underwater dredging pump can be implemented in a single riser pipe, thus reducing the complexity of the vertical transport system 110. Therefore, the vertical transport system 110 shown in Figure 2 can be considered a non-limiting example of how transport can be performed.

[0018] In this example, the vertical transport system 110 further comprises a buffer storage unit 102. The buffer storage unit 102 is designed to temporarily store the collected resources 222 after they have been collected by the sampling unit 103 and to bring them to the first riser pipe 107 for transport to the water surface. The buffer storage unit 102 can store the collected resources 222 when there is a downtime in the riser 107 or the vessel 101, enabling continuous sampling by the sampling unit 103 even when the vertical transport system 110 is not operating. The buffer storage unit 102 may also comprise a discharge unit 201 for selectively bringing the collected resources 222 to the riser 107 in order to enable a steady flow of the mixture of collected resources 222 and the transport medium without clogging the riser 107. The discharge unit 201 may, for example, comprise a frustoconical base with a valve device to facilitate the delivery of the collected resources 222 in appropriate quantities. In some cases, a different type of dispensing system may be used, such as the Archimedes screw.

[0019] Resources 221 from the seabed 210 are collected by the sampling unit 103. In this example, the collected resources 222 are transported to the buffer storage unit 102 by the underwater dredging pump 232. The sampling unit 103 may include, for example, a washing and sorting device 231 for removing mud or seabed.

[0020] In this example, the transport medium is delivered through the vertical transport system 110 by a charge pump 250 and a positive displacement pump 251. The positive displacement pump 251 may include one or more positive displacement pumps 251. The positive displacement pump 251 may be based on a design similar to a mud pump or slurry pump used, for example, in offshore drilling or mining operations. The transport medium is delivered downward through a second riser pipe 107b. The discharge unit 201 operates to deliver an appropriate amount of extracted resources 222 from the buffer storage unit 102 to the transport medium. The transport medium, containing the delivered resources 222, continues to move upward through the first riser pipe 107a to a separation unit 270 on the vessel 101. In the separation unit 270, the extracted resources 222 and the transport medium are separated, making the transport medium reusable by sending it back to the positive displacement pump 251, and allowing the extracted resources 222 to be stored or further processed. Furthermore, the separation unit 270 can separate valuable resources (e.g., minerals) from mud, silt, or other waste that may be collected at the same time as the collected resources 222, and store the valuable resources in a storage unit 271 such as a tank.

[0021] The underwater mining system 100 may include a hoisting system 266, such as a winch, for lowering and raising the underwater portion of the vertical transport system 110, including a riser 107, a buffer storage unit 102, and a discharge unit 201, as well as a sampling unit 103 having piping 105. This allows the underwater portion to be recovered onto the vessel 101 after the completion of the work or, for example, for maintenance.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of a riser 107 for an underwater mining system, such as the underwater mining system 100 described above. The riser 107 comprises a first riser tube 107a and a second riser tube 107b, and is therefore suitable for the "closed-loop" configuration described above. Optionally, the riser 107 may have only one riser tube, for example, if a gas lift or submersible pump device is used to transport the extracted resources 222.

[0023] A suitable sampling unit 103 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 9. For example, a sampling unit 103 for an underwater mining system such as the underwater mining system 100 described above presents challenging system components in terms of precise positioning on the seabed 210, efficient handling, and reliable operation. Particularly in the deep sea, the sampling unit 103 is required to operate under harsh conditions while extracting resources 222 in high yield for efficiency reasons. For example, it may be necessary to perform precise and dynamic positioning of the sampling unit 103 on the seabed 210, while at the same time providing high stability during drilling processes in which large forces may be applied to the sampling unit 103. Therefore, it is preferable that the sampling unit 103 possesses flexibility, operability, and good stability. Furthermore, a high degree of autonomy is desirable for a sampling unit 103 operating in the deep sea.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a perspective top view of a sampling unit 103 for an underwater mining system according to a first embodiment. The illustrated sampling unit 103 is configured to extract resources 221 from the seabed 210 and comprises a frame 1. The frame 1 may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 4. For example, the length of one side of the frame 1 may be 10m to 40m. According to another embodiment, the frame 1 may have a substantially circular shape. The frame 1 may comprise a lattice-like frame structure with supports to provide a stable and lightweight frame 1. As shown, a tool slide 3 is movably mounted on the frame 1. For this purpose, the frame 1 may comprise at least one frame guide rail 19, and the tool slide 3 may slide horizontally x along the frame 1 on the frame guide rail 19. The illustrated example shows an embodiment in which the tool slide 3 extends between two parallel frame guide rails 19. As shown, the tool slide 3 may comprise a slide track roller 20 to facilitate sliding on the frame guide rail 19. To move the tool slide 3 relative to the frame 1, a drive mechanism such as a motor with a rack and pinion device or chain drive unit, or a hydraulic cylinder can be used.

[0025] The tool slide 3 may extend between two opposing frame sections and be configured to move horizontally in the x direction within the frame 1. As shown in the figure, the tool platform 16 is movably mounted on the tool slide 3. For this purpose, the tool slide 3 may be provided with at least one slide guide rail 21 to which the tool platform 16 can be mounted. The illustrated example shows an embodiment with two parallel slide guide rails 21. For example, the slide guide rails 21 may allow the tool platform 16 to slide along the tool slide 3 as shown by the horizontal y direction in Figure 4. As shown in the figure, the tool platform 16 may be provided with platform track rollers 22 (or something equivalent) to facilitate rolling or sliding on the slide guide rails 21. The tool platform 16 may form a substantially flat base and be configured to move horizontally in the y direction within the tool slide 3. Optionally, the tool slide 3 may be provided with a plurality of movable tool platforms 16.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the tool platform 16 may be equipped with tool bearings 23 so that a drilling tool 6 having a drilling tool shaft 4 can be movably, for example, slidably mounted on the tool platform 16. Thus, the drilling tool shaft 4 having the drilling tool 6 can be lowered and raised relative to the frame 1 in the vertical z direction. This provides vertical axial movement of the drilling tool 6, which may be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal frame plane of the frame 1. According to an alternative embodiment, the drilling tool 6 and / or the drilling tool shaft 4 may be fixed to the tool platform 16 in a non-movable manner. The drilling tool 6 may be a drilling tool such as a drill bit. Other drilling tools 6 are also possible, such as a drum cutter, a helical cutter head, a shearing machine, other conventional cutting tools, or a shovel.

[0027] The drilling tool shaft 4 may be an elongated shaft oriented substantially vertically during use and thus extending through a horizontal frame plane defined by the frame 1. The drilling tool shaft 4 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. In the illustrated example, if the drilling tool 6 is realized as a drill bit, the drilling tool shaft 4 may surround a drive shaft (not shown) which is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis in order to rotate the drilling tool 6. According to an alternative embodiment, the drilling tool 6 may be realized as a drilling shovel or other drilling tool, and thus may perform other trajectories or additional trajectories other than rotation by the drive shaft and / or the drilling tool 6 surrounded by the drilling tool shaft 4. In general, the drilling tool 6 is configured to drill resources 221 from the seabed 210 and may have any shape and mechanism suitable for extracting material from the ground.

[0028] In the context of this application, the term “movable” can generally refer to translational and rotational mobility. For example, the tool slide 3, the tool platform 16, and the drilling tool shaft 4 may be slidable along a translational trajectory according to the illustrated embodiment, but generally, a pivot bearing may be provided between, for example, the tool slide 3 and the tool platform 16 to allow rotation of the platform.

[0029] The frame 1 may be attached to a frame support 2 configured to support the frame 1 on the seabed 210. The frame support 2 may include, for example, support legs positioned at the corners of a rectangular frame 1. Preferably, the frame 1 is attached to the frame support 2 in a movable manner. According to the example shown in Figure 4, the frame 1 is attached to substantially vertical support legs in a slidable manner so that the frame 1 can be moved relative to the frame support 2. It may be particularly advantageous if the individual lengths and / or orientations (described in more detail below) of the support legs are individually adjustable, and therefore it is possible to horizontally position the frame 1 even on uneven ground structures to improve balance. For example, the frame support 2 may include support legs that are adjustable in length and / or can be tilted for this purpose. With an adjustable frame support 2 realized by adjustable support legs, for example, the frame 1 gains additional vertical mobility in the vertical direction z, in addition to the optional vertical mobility of the drilling tool shaft 4.

[0030] The sampling unit 103 described above significantly improves the mobility of the drilling equipment for extracting the resource 221, at least horizontally. Within the frame 1, the drilling tool 6 can be positioned at a continuously variable location within the horizontal frame plane defined by the frame 1. Thus, the drilling tool 6 can be easily moved from one position to another for, for example, precise positioning, position correction, a continuous drilling process in a target area, or test drilling to identify the optimal drilling location. This beneficially improves the flexibility and efficiency of the sampling unit 103. At the same time, the frame 1 provides a stable and durable structure for underwater work, thus ensuring the operability of the sampling unit 103. In addition to the horizontal mobility of the sampling unit 103, the optional vertical mobility of the frame support 2, or the optional vertical mobility of the drilling tool 6 and / or drilling tool shaft 4, provides further optional degrees of freedom, thus providing even greater operational flexibility for the sampling unit 103 and its components.

[0031] In the context of this application, horizontal mobility may refer to a direction of movement substantially parallel to the seabed 210, while vertical mobility may refer to a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to the seabed 210.

[0032] The extraction unit 103 may further comprise a drive unit 5 for driving a drilling tool 6, for example, by a rotatable drive shaft surrounded by a drilling tool shaft 4. Thus, the drilling tool 6 can be driven directly at the level of the extraction unit 103, thereby improving the autonomy of the extraction unit 103 and reducing the complexity of the underwater mining system 100. The drive unit 5 may comprise a motor that is controlled and powered via a supply and processing unit 25 mounted on a frame 1, which will be further described with reference to Figure 5.

[0033] Next, refer to Figures 5 and 6. Referring to Figure 5, a perspective top view of the sampling unit 103 for the underwater mining system according to the second embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 6, a perspective detail view of the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 is shown. The sampling unit 103 presented by the second embodiment is largely based on the sampling unit 103 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, but provides further advantageous components and functions to further optimize the sampling unit 103.

[0034] For example, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 comprises a frame 1, frame support 2, tool slide 3, drilling tool shaft 4, drive unit 5, and drilling tool 6, which are basically the same components as those described with reference to Figure 4.

[0035] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 includes a cover unit 7 configured to contain the sediment plume during the drilling process. The cover unit 7 may include a deployable flexible blanket configured to at least partially cover the frame area. The blanket may, for example, be housed within the frame structure and deployed by trigger signals. The trigger signals may be, for example, issued when a critical plume value is detected, for example, by an environmental sensor, or automatically issued at the start of the drilling process, or issued by a remote control command received by the control module 18 of the sampling unit 103 (see Figure 6). In addition, the cover unit 7 may include a shutter 7a that may be selectively extended at least partially over the tool slide 3 to cover, for example, the space between the slide guide rails 21. Thus, the environmental impact caused by the sediment plume generated during the drilling process can be mitigated, and the equipment of the sampling unit can be efficiently protected from clogging.

[0036] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes a suction unit 8 for sampling the resources 221 drilled by the drilling tool 6. The resources 221 can be easily sampled and transported by the suction unit 8, which may be configured to generate a suitable negative pressure, pressure difference, or liquid flow for transporting the material. The suction unit 8 may include a tube 24 for transporting the sampled resources 222, which may be implemented as a flexible hose. The tube 24 may be connected to the drilling tool shaft 4, which may surround a lift tube for transporting the drilled material released from the seabed 210 by the drilling tool 6.

[0037] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figures 5 and 6 may include a pre-treatment unit 9 for the extracted resources 222. The resources 221, which are excavated from the seabed 210 and brought forth as extracted resources 222, may generally be target material mixed with untreated seabed material, such as seabed soil containing further organic or inorganic materials. This can be done by the pre-treatment unit 9, which may include, for example, a sieve (such as a grizzly screen), a cone crusher 9a for crushing the extracted resources 222 to a desired size, and / or a separation stage 9b for separating the extracted resources 222 from the waste. In this way, the extracted resources 222 can be prepared for intermediate storage or further transport to a location of interest, such as a surface vessel 101 or buffer storage unit 102, via piping 105. Thus, pre-treatment, for example, can facilitate the transport of the extracted resources 222 and effectively prevent clogging of the riser pipes 107a, 107b. According to an alternative embodiment, the underwater mining system 100 and the extraction unit 103 may be configured to deliver the excavated resources 221 directly to the desired location without intermediate storage or pretreatment.

[0038] The sampling unit 103 shown in Figures 5 and 6 may further comprise a supply and processing unit 25 mounted on the frame 1. The supply and processing unit 25 comprises a power module 10 for supplying power to the sampling unit 103. The power module 10 is configured to receive power from a remote location, such as a surface vessel 101, via piping 105 or another conduit. Furthermore, the supply and processing unit 25 comprises a control module 18 for controlling the sampling unit 103 according to a predetermined control scheme and / or by remote control signals. For example, the power module 10 and the control module 18 may be configured to supply energy and control signals to the drive unit 5 of the sampling unit 103. For example, the power module 10 and the control module 18 may be configured to supply energy and control signals to a tool slide drive unit (not shown) and / or a tool platform drive unit (not shown) and / or a drilling tool shaft drive unit (not shown) and / or a frame support drive unit (not shown) to move these components relative to the frame 1. Furthermore, Figure 5 shows an instrumentation 13 which may include at least one sensor, such as an environmental sensor, a camera, or other sensor, that may be configured to assist in the control of the sampling unit 103.

[0039] Generally, the sampling unit 103 is configured to be connected to the vertical transport system 110, for example, by piping 105. The vertical transport system 110 may be configured, for example, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the sampling unit 103 may comprise the vertical transport system 110 by providing, for example, an integrally connected air-lift system or other suitable vertical transport mechanism. Optionally, the sampling unit 103 and / or the vertical transport system 110 may include a buffer storage unit 102.

[0040] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 is equipped with an auxiliary handling tool 15 (also shown in Figure 7). The auxiliary handling tool 15 may be configured to assist maintenance processes, such as maintenance or repair work, including, for example, changing the drilling tool 6. In this way, the autonomy of the sampling unit 103 can be further enhanced. As illustrated, the auxiliary handling tool 15 may be implemented as a robotic arm, thus providing a highly flexible, versatile, and precisely controllable auxiliary handling tool 15. For example, the robotic arm may be equipped with sensing equipment and / or cameras to assist in-situ and / or remote control. As illustrated, the auxiliary handling tool 15 can be mounted on the tool platform 16. According to an alternative embodiment, it may be located on the tool slide 3, or in or on the frame 1 at another suitable location.

[0041] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 includes a support platform 11 (also shown in Figure 7) configured to house auxiliary tool equipment. This improves the autonomy and efficiency of the sampling unit 103. The support platform 11 may be housed within a frame structure and may be extended by trigger signals. For example, the support platform 11 can provide spare parts, such as tool bits as drill bits, repair tools, and other equipment for maintenance, repair, or changing drilling conditions and operations. In one example, a drilling tool 6 may be mounted on a drilling tool shaft 4 in a releasable manner, and an auxiliary handling tool 15 or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for work assistance may be configured to assist in removing the drilling tool 6 from the drilling tool shaft 4 and attaching another drilling tool 6 to the drilling tool shaft 4.

[0042] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 includes a power member 12 (also shown in Figure 7) that can operate to move the sampling unit 103 relative to the seabed 210. The power member 12 can further enhance the overall maneuverability of the sampling unit 103. As shown, the power member 12 may include thrusters that can operate to rotate the sampling unit 103 about a vertical axis and / or to move the sampling unit 103 laterally. The power member 12 may be used, for example, to orient the unit 103 before it settles on the seabed 210 for resource 221 extraction. Optionally, the thrusters may be swivelable to provide positioning assistance in all six degrees of freedom, for example. In the illustrated example, one power member 12 is mounted at each corner of the rectangular frame 1. According to alternative examples, the sampling unit 103 may have more or fewer thrusters, or thrusters may be located at different positions on the sampling unit 103.

[0043] Furthermore, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 5 is equipped with wire connecting means 14 for lowering, positioning, and / or retrieving the sampling unit 103. Thus, easy and accurate handling of the sampling unit 103 can be beneficially ensured. For example, the wire connecting means 14 can be configured to which a wire or wire hook can be attached, which will allow the sampling unit 103 to be lowered and / or raised underwater. The wire or wire hook may be connected to, for example, a surface vessel 101, or to another base location, such as a fixed surface platform or support vessel. The wire connecting means 14 may be equipped with eyelets, hooks, or other suitable attachment means for attaching the lifting means as a wire or wire hook. According to a convenient embodiment, the wire connecting means 14 is equipped with a floating element to provide a floating lifting sling that can be easily captured by the lifting means, for example with the help of an ROV 188. Optionally, the sampling unit 103 may be connected to the surface vessel 101 via a wire throughout the entire underwater operation. The wire can be optionally used, with the help of other equipment such as the power member 12 and / or instrumentation 13, to reposition the sampling unit 103 at regular intervals during the underwater mining process.

[0044] Next, we refer to Figure 7, which shows a perspective top view of a sampling unit 103 for an underwater mining system according to a third embodiment. The sampling unit 103 presented by the third embodiment is largely based on the sampling unit 103 according to the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, but provides further advantageous components and functions to further optimize the sampling unit 103. As shown, the sampling unit 103 further comprises an auxiliary sampling tool 17 configured to collect material from seawater surrounding the sampling unit 103. For example, the auxiliary sampling tool 17 may include a suction mechanism and a voluntarily movable sampling arm and / or a flexible tube 24 for collecting material. The material collected by the auxiliary sampling tool 17 may include resources 222 that can be sent to a vertical transport system 110, or may include plumes, pollutants, or other hazardous substances that can be collected from seawater to reduce the environmental impact caused by the drilling process. Thus, the auxiliary sampling tool 17 may also represent a cleaning tool for the sampling unit 103. According to the convenient embodiment shown in Figure 7, the auxiliary sampling tool 17 can be operated by the auxiliary handling tool 15 and guided, for example, through seawater, thereby expanding the range of the auxiliary sampling tool 17.

[0045] Figure 8 shows another example of the sampling unit 103. The sampling unit 103 may have any combination of the features described in relation to the above example. In addition, the sampling unit 103 shown in Figure 8 includes a second tool slide 3b in addition to the first tool slide 3a. Each of the tool slides 3a and 3b may be of a similar design to the tool slide 3 and have their respective associated components as described above. Thus, the second tool slide 3b, like the first tool slide 3a, has a movable tool platform 16 and a drilling tool 6 configured to drill resources 221 from the seabed 210.

[0046] Each drilling tool 6 can be connected via tubes 24 to transport the extracted resources, as described above. Equipment for processing and / or transporting the extracted resources may be common (i.e., shared) between the two drilling tools.

[0047] In Figure 8, each excavation tool 6 may be independently movable within the frame 1 and can operate in parallel, thus improving the flexibility and capability of operation.

[0048] Furthermore, Figure 8 shows that the drilling tool 6 may be equipped with a plurality of removable weights 26, which is applicable to any example or embodiment described herein. The weights 26 may be removably fixed to the drilling tool 6, for example, the shaft 4, for example, to impart a downward force to the drilling tool 6 by the gravity of the weights 26. The sampling unit 103 may be configured to vary the number of weights 26 used, thereby allowing for the selection of an appropriate number based on the operating conditions in any given case.

[0049] Figure 8 further shows ROV 188 being operated from extraction unit 103 to support underwater mining operations.

[0050] Figure 9 shows a sampling unit 103 in another example. The sampling unit 103 can have any combination of the features described in relation to the above example. In the sampling unit 103 of Figure 9, the frame support 2 is fixed to the frame 1 in a tiltable manner. In this example, the frame support 2 comprises a plurality of support legs, each of which can be tilted relative to the frame 1. In this way, the sampling unit 103 can be easily positioned on sloped or uneven parts of the seabed 210. Conveniently, the tiltable frame support 2 can be combined with a vertically movable and / or extendable frame support 2, such as vertically movable and / or extendable support legs as described above.

[0051] In addition to or instead of this, the drilling tool 6 may be tilted relative to the frame 1. For example, the tool platform 16 can be tiltably fixed to the tool slide 3, or the tool shaft 4 of the drilling tool 6 can be tiltably fixed to the tool platform 16. Figure 9 shows the drilling tool 6 in two orientations, with the tilted orientation indicated by a dashed outline. In this way, the sampling unit 103 can be operated more easily in sloping or uneven areas of the seabed 210, and the drilling tool 6 operates substantially perpendicular to the soil even when the frame 1 is tilted.

[0052] The aforementioned underwater mining system and sampling tools beneficially improve the precise positioning, efficient handling, and reliable operation of system components placed on the seabed. Particularly in the deep sea, the proposed features can provide accurate and dynamic positioning of the sampling unit, as well as high flexibility and operability. Furthermore, the presented sampling unit can provide a high degree of autonomy.

Claims

1. A extraction unit (103) for an underwater mining system (100) configured to extract resources (221, 222) from the seabed (210), Frame (1), A frame support (2) configured to support the frame (1) on the seabed (210), A tool slide (3) is movably attached to the frame (1), A tool platform (16) is movably attached to the tool slide (3), A drilling tool (6) is attached to the tool platform (16) and configured to drill resources (221, 222) from the seabed (210), and A sampling unit (103) is provided.

2. The sampling unit (103) according to claim 1, wherein the excavation tool (6) is movable, such as being movable in the vertical direction, and is attached to the tool platform (16).

3. The sampling unit (103) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (1) is attached to the frame support (2) so as to be movable, such as being movable in the vertical direction.

4. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a suction unit (8) for sampling resources (221, 222) excavated by the excavation tool (6), wherein the suction unit (8) is connected to the excavation tool (6) in relation to the fluid via a tube (24).

5. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a buffer reservoir and / or pre-processing unit (9) for the collected resources (222).

6. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drilling tool (6) is a drilling tool or a cutting tool.

7. A sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an auxiliary handling tool (15).

8. The sampling unit (103) according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary handling tool (15) comprises a robotic arm and / or the auxiliary handling tool (15) is attached to the tool platform (16).

9. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an auxiliary sampling tool (17) configured to collect material from seawater surrounding the sampling unit (103).

10. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a support platform (11) configured for housing auxiliary tool equipment.

11. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a drive unit (5) for driving the drilling tool (6).

12. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one power member (12), such as a thruster, which is capable of moving the sampling unit (103) relative to the seabed (210).

13. A sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, configured to be connected to a vertical transport system (110) or comprising a vertical transport system (103).

14. A sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a wire connecting means (14) for suspending the sampling unit (103) from a surface vessel (101), for example, lowering, positioning, and / or retrieving the sampling unit (103).

15. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a cover unit (7) configured to surround the excavation tool (6) and contain the sediment plume.

16. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the tool slide (3) is a first tool slide (3a), and the sampling unit (103) comprises a second tool slide (3b), a second tool platform (16) movably attached to the second tool slide (3b), and a second drilling tool (6) attached to the second tool platform (16) and configured to drill resources (221, 222) from the seabed (210).

17. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the excavation tool (6) comprises a plurality of removable weights (26).

18. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the tool slide (3) is movable relative to the frame (1) in a first direction (x), and the tool platform (16) is movable relative to the tool slide (3) in a second direction (y), and the first and second directions (x, y) intersect at a right angle.

19. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the frame support (2) is fixed to the frame (1) so as to be tiltable, and for example, the frame support (2) comprises a plurality of support legs, each of which is tiltable relative to the frame (1).

20. The sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the drilling tool (6) is tiltable relative to the frame (1), for example, the tool platform (16) is fixed to the tool slide (3) in a tiltable manner, or the tool shaft (4) of the drilling tool (6) is fixed to the tool platform (16) in a tiltable manner.

21. A method for extracting resources (221, 222), Operating the sampling unit (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 on or adjacent to the seabed (210), The collected resources (221, 222) will be transported to the short base location. A method that includes this.

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