DEEP SEA MINING VEHICLE.

Abstract

A deep-sea mining vehicle is described for suctioning mineral sediments from a deep seabed and optionally transporting those sediments to a floating device. The vehicle comprises a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward on the seabed, with at least one suction head having an open suction side directed towards the seabed and along which the mineral sediments and surrounding water are suctioned, and with a temporary storage, connected via a suction conduit to the at least one suction head, for the aspirated mineral sediments.The temporary storage comprises a container with a front wall, a back wall, side walls, a top wall and a bottom, the temporary storage further comprising, at the top wall position and connected to the front wall, a first connection part for the suction duct, and substantially at the same height and connected to the back wall a second connection part for a discharge duct for substantially discharging the suctioned water, the temporary storage further comprising, at the bottom position and connected to the interior of the container, a third connection part for a discharge duct for substantially discharging the mineral sediments.

Description

DEEP SEA MINING VEHICLE Field of Invention The invention relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle for collecting mineral sediments from the seabed at great depths and transporting the sediments to a floating device or other above-water storage facility. The invention also relates to a method for collecting mineral sediments at great depths with the deep-sea mining vehicle, and to a suction head for use on a deep-sea mining vehicle. The mineral sediments may comprise polymetallic nodules, such as manganese nodules. Background of the Invention Given the growing global population and increasing scarcity of natural resources, there is a growing need for innovative technologies for deep-sea mining. Polymetallic nodules are found on the ocean floors of various oceans and contain essential raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. After extraction, the metals present in polymetallic nodules can be used, for example, in stainless steel, batteries, wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, and other useful applications. In deep-sea mining, the CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi Ref. 335898 The seabed can be at a distance of 4000-6000m or more from the surface of the sea, so underwater mining devices must be able to withstand the high pressures and other difficult conditions that prevail at such depths in the vicinity of the seabed. A deep-sea mining vehicle (DSM) is typically lowered to the seabed from an underwater mining vessel. Specially designed launching devices can be used for this purpose and, if desired, adapted to the DSM's design. A riser pipe or set of risers positioned between the DSM and the underwater mining vessel ensures that the mineral sediments collected by the DSM are transported from the seabed to a storage facility on the surface. The underwater mining vessel is equipped with suitable pumping equipment for this purpose. If desired, pumps can also be incorporated into the riser pipe set at specific water depths.A flexible connection between the elevator tube set and the deep-sea mining vehicle ensures that the vehicle is able to move with relative freedom over the seabed. CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi US patent 3971593A describes a mining vehicle for collecting mineral sediments from a seabed. An intermediate station, separate from the mining vehicle, serves as temporary storage for the collected minerals. The temporary storage unit comprises a container with a front wall, a back wall, side walls, a top wall, and a bottom. An inlet is provided, connected to a suction pipe from the mining vehicle. An outlet connects to a container for discharging the collected minerals. Documents CN 108194085A and CN 108045988A both describe a similar system that also includes an intermediate station for temporary storage. This temporary storage is not part of the mining vehicle itself. It will be evident that the collection of polymetallic nodules and then transporting the collected polymetallic nodules to a floating device on the water's surface must take place as efficiently as possible, taking into account the difficult conditions on site. Brief Description of the Invention The present invention aims, among other things, to provide a deep-sea mining vehicle by means of which mineral sediments can be GaOοηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ collected at great depths with greater efficiency relative to the previous state of the art. For this purpose, the invention comprises a deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1. The deep-sea mining vehicle for suctioning mineral sediments from a deep seabed, and optionally transporting the sediments to a floating device, comprises a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward on the seabed in a direction of movement, with at least one suction head having an open suction side directed towards the seabed along which the mineral sediments and surrounding water are suctioned, and with a temporary storage, connected by way of a suction conduit to the at least one suction head, for the aspirated mineral sediments, the temporary storage comprising a container with a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, a top wall and a bottom,wherein the temporary storage further comprises, in the position of the upper wall and connected to the front wall, a first connection part for the suction conduit, and substantially at the same height, and connected to the rear wall, a second connection part for a discharge conduit for substantially discharging the suctioned water, wherein the temporary storage comprises, CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi also in the bottom position and with connection to the inside of the container, a third connection part for a discharge conduit to substantially discharge the mineral sediments. The curvature of the wall section, among other factors, in combination with the crevice feed opening and its outlet angle, provides more efficient suction of mineral sediments, such as manganese nodules, from the seabed. The outlet angle of the crevice feed opening is preferably between 0° and 45° relative to the horizontal plane, and ideally between 20° and 40°. One embodiment of the invention relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle in which a cross-section of the first connecting part is arced in a plane that extends parallel to the direction of movement. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a deep-sea mining vehicle is provided in which the second connecting piece has an elongated tubular shape and extends in a direction that is parallel to a width direction of the deep-sea mining vehicle. An additional modality is obtained by means of a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the second The CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi connection part comprises an internal lattice covering a flow circulation area of ​​the second connection part, and is configured to stop relatively small mineral sediments or fragments thereof. Another modality refers to a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the internal lattice can be positioned from the outside in positions between a closed position, in which the lattice covers the flow circulation area, and an open position in which the lattice covers only a part of the flow circulation area. Yet another modality relates to a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the side walls narrow towards the third connection part for the discharge conduit to substantially discharge the mineral sediments. In a further improved embodiment, a deep-sea mining vehicle is provided which further comprises means for transporting high-pressure water through the third connecting part and into the discharge conduit. Yet another modality provides a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the temporary storage also includes an outlet valve in the bottom position and which connects to the interior of the CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi container. According to yet another embodiment, the production of the deep-sea mining vehicle can be improved when the vehicle comprises a series of suction heads arranged parallel to one another. The suction heads can form a connected unit that can be operated collectively. Preferably, it is also possible to allow the individual operation of the suction heads. It is advantageous here that the deep-sea mining vehicle is characterized according to a modality in which the suction ducts that are attached to the respective suction heads that are arranged parallel to each other are connected to the first connecting part. Yet another modality provides a deep-sea mining vehicle in which the suction head or plurality of suction heads are height adjustable in relation to the seabed. Another aspect of the invention relates to temporary storage for a deep-sea mining vehicle according to the invention. The temporary storage comprises a container with a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, a top wall, and a bottom, wherein the temporary storage further comprises, at the top wall position and connected to the front wall, a first connection part for the suction pipe, and at substantially the same height and connected to the rear wall, a second connection part for a discharge pipe for substantially discharging the suctioned water and sediment, wherein the temporary storage further comprises, at the bottom position and connected to the interior of the container, a third connection part for a discharge pipe for substantially discharging the mineral sediments. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for aspirating mineral sediments on a deep seabed and, optionally, transporting the sediments to a floating device. The method consists of providing a deep-sea mining vehicle according to the invention, connecting the deep-sea mining vehicle to a suspension cable provided between the floating device and the deep-sea mining vehicle, lowering the deep-sea mining vehicle to a seabed, moving the deep-sea mining vehicle forward on or over the seabed in order to aspirate the mineral sediments, and optionally hoisting the deep-sea mining vehicle back to the floating device after the collection of the mineral sediments. The embodiments of the invention described in this patent application may be combined in any possible combination of these embodiments, and each embodiment may individually constitute the subject matter of a divisional patent application. Brief Description of the Figures The invention will now be further elucidated on the basis of the following figures and the description of a preferred embodiment, without being otherwise limited to them. In the figures: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an assembly of a floating vessel and a riser pipe connected to it, to a lower part of which is connected a deep-sea mining vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective front view of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective front view of a hopper of the deep-sea mining vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective rear view of a hopper as shown in Figure 4; CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section through the centerline of the hopper shown in Figures 4 and 5. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to Figure 1, a portion of a typical setup used in the deep-sea mining of mineral sediments, such as polymetallic nodules, is shown. The setup typically comprises a transport system in the form of a set of tubular riser pipes 2 (which may be several thousand meters long and is connected to a floating vessel 1) to which mining equipment such as a deep-sea mining vehicle 3 is attached. A flexible connecting hose assembly 4 may be arranged between the lower end 7 of the riser pipe 2 and the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, which is adapted to move along a seabed 5 and collect mineral sediments from it. The connection assembly 4 comprises a flexible underwater hose 40 adapted to transport mineral nodules collected by the vehicle 3 to the rigid riser pipe 2. The hose 40 may be provided with floating blocks 41 that counteract the self-weight of the components and generate an upward force on a portion of the hose, creating an S-shape. The flexible connection assembly 4 allows the mining vehicle 3 to have a CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi determined degree of freedom to move along the seabed 5, and ensures that the vehicle is not affected by the movements of the riser pipe 2. In order to support and lift the steel vehicle 3, steel riser cables (not shown) can be provided between the ship 1 and the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. If desired, the conveying system, consisting of a set of long tubular riser pipes 2, may also include a series of pumping modules 10 arranged longitudinally. The pumping modules 10 are adapted to pump mineral sediments (nodules) from the seabed 5 in an upward direction 6, oriented away from the seabed 5 towards the sea surface. It is also possible to provide a pumping station (not shown) at the bottom of the riser pipe set 2. Figure 2 shows a deep-sea mining vehicle 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The deep-sea mining vehicle 3 typically comprises a support frame 300 that is provided with means 301 to allow the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 to be moved, for example, over the seabed. Such means may take the form of tracks 301, wheels, or other means of movement. pRoonn / zznz / E / YiAi In order to aspirate the mineral sediments, the support frame 300 is typically equipped with a nodule collector head 8, a hopper 32, and an outlet 33. A mixture of, among other things, water and mineral sediment, which is drawn in by the nodule collector head 8, is conveyed from the seabed into the deep-sea mining vessel 3. In the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, particularly in the separation space 31, the mixture is divided into at least two parts, for example, by placing a filter 311 at an inlet of the outlet 33. The mineral nodules are thus separated from most of the water and several finer particles in the mixture. The water and finer particles are expelled through the outlet 33 back into the surrounding area. The cross-section of the outlet 33 increases toward the outer end to reduce the velocity of the mixture exiting the rear of the deep-sea mining vessel. The mineral nodules are captured in hopper 32, which in this case serves as storage or temporary storage. When the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 is part of a subsea mining configuration as shown in Figure 1, the mineral nodules are optionally pumped via this temporary storage, or optionally via a central discharge pipe of the subsea mining vehicle. CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi deep 3, to hose 40. The hopper is provided with sloping walls (10°-40°) on both sides, optionally provided with jet feed openings to concentrate the nodules towards the central discharge pipe. A central water flow at the bottom of the hopper, created by a feed pump, ensures that the nodules are guided towards the central discharge pipe. In another configuration, the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 may be equipped with a nodule container (not shown) for collecting mineral nodules. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective front view of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. From this perspective, it can be seen once again that the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 comprises the support frame 300 and the tracks 301. This perspective shows in particular that the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 may, in addition to one, also comprise a plurality of nodule collector heads 8 arranged relatively parallel to one another. In a usage situation, such nodule collecting heads 8 spray water onto the seabed at a high speed to mix the mineral sediment located there with the supplied and surrounding water. CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi These nodule collection heads 8 typically consist of a pump 81, which, via one or more supply lines, provides high-pressure water to the suction head 80. The pump 81 can also be shared between two or more nodule collection heads, thus supplying water to both heads. From the suction head 80, water is sprayed at high speed onto the seabed, mixing any minerals present with the supplied and surrounding water. This mixture of water and seabed is drawn by the nodule collection heads into the deep-sea mining vehicle 3, where it is processed as described above with reference to Figure 2. From the head 80, the mixture is received via the suction line 84 in the nodule collection head 8. The one or more nodule collector heads 8 can be controlled on the basis of measurements made in the surrounding area by way of a measuring installation mounted on a measuring installation frame 83. Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of a temporary storage unit that can form part of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. The temporary storage unit comprises a container which, in this configuration, is formed by the hopper 32. Located on an upper part of the front wall 327 of the hopper 32 are CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi contains the connection parts 312, wherein the number of connection parts 312 corresponds to the number of suction ducts 84 to which they are connected. In this embodiment, the connection parts 312 have an elongated tubular shape and extend in a direction parallel to a width direction of the deep-sea mining vehicle 3. In any case, the shape of the connection parts 312 must be such that they can be sealed to the suction ducts 84. The separator space 31 is located at the top of the hopper 32, and on the sides of this is shown the shaft 313, which is connected to an internal lattice 311 arranged inside the hopper 32 and which can be controlled or moved by drive 314 between a partially open position and a closed position. In this embodiment, the front wall 327 and the opposite rear wall (not shown in this figure) of the hopper 32 taper downwards to a point and are joined together by their respective side walls 321. Where the side walls 321 converge at the bottom, the hopper 32 is further provided with a connecting portion which, in this embodiment, is attached to a discharge chute 322 having a round cross-section. The discharge chute 322 is provided with a feed opening. CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi 323, a discharge opening 326 and an outlet valve 324, wherein the outlet valve is controlled by the drive 325. Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the hopper 32. In this view, it can be seen once again that the temporary storage container consists of the hopper 32. This view shows in particular that the hopper 32 also comprises a top wall 329 and a rear wall 328. The top wall 329 completely encloses the temporary storage and follows a curved shape at the front to connect continuously to the connecting parts 312. By this means, the cross-section of the connecting part 312 is arced in a plane that extends parallel to the direction of movement. The top wall 329 is also provided with a sliding hatch 316 that is controlled by the drive 315. The sliding hatch 316 is configured to open in the so-called splash zone, which is defined as the transition zone between air and water on the surface. The sliding hatch 316 functions as a vent cover.The 316 sliding cover can also be opened when the deep-sea mining vehicle is brought aboard the ship, so that negative pressure cannot form or is less when water flows out of the hopper. Located at the top of the rear wall 328 of the hopper 32 are additional connection parts 317 to which a discharge conduit from outlet 33 can be connected. The flow of water supplied via the suction conduit 84 is optimized when the connection openings 312 and 317 are at approximately the same height, preferably at the top of their respective walls, in the direction of the upper wall 329. These connection parts 317 can also be elongated and tubular, extending in a direction parallel to the width of the deep-sea mining vehicle. The lattice 311 can be arranged on these connection parts 317. The discharge opening 326 of the discharge conduit 322 is also visible in this view. A portion extending obliquely from the back wall 328 helps to improve the flow circulation of mineral sediments to the discharge pipe 326. Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section through the centerline of the hoppers 32 in accordance with Figures 4 and 5. In this cross-section it can be seen once again that the hopper 32 consists of the front wall 327, the rear wall 328, the top wall 329 and is joined at the bottom to the discharge chute 322 by way of an additional connecting part. The mixture of water and mineral sediments drawn in through the suction pipe 84 is received via the connecting parts 312 arranged on the front wall 327 in the separation space 31 (Px), which is located at the top of the hopper 32. Located on the rear wall 328, opposite the connecting parts 312, are one or more connecting parts 317. The mineral nodules are thus separated from most of the water and various finer particles in the mixture. The water and finer particles flow out of the separation space 31 via the filter 311 (P2). These particles are discharged through the outlet 33. The finer particles in the mixture can also be stored in the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 and / or pumped upwards through the riser pipe set. In the separation space, mineral nodules will fall out of the water flow from connection part 312 to connection part 317 (P3) due to gravity. An internal lattice 311 can also be arranged in the upper water flow, the position of which can be controlled by means of a shaft 313. This lattice can be placed in a closed position, in which the inner lattice can be oriented from the outside to positions between a closed position, where the lattice covers the entire flow circulation area and thus forces the mineral nodules out of the upper water flow, and an open position, where the lattice covers only a portion of the flow circulation area. In the open position, the lattice 311 can be washed, meaning that undesirable materials, such as clay and other unwanted materials, are removed from the lattice. Due to the shape of the hopper 32, these mineral nodules collect towards the lower connection opening and the discharge conduit 322. To further discharge the mineral nodules, an underground flow is provided through the discharge conduit 322. For this purpose, fresh process water is pumped into the feed opening 323 (P5), resulting in a suction effect in the longitudinal direction of the deep-sea mining vehicle, which will draw the mineral nodules falling into the hopper (P4) and transport them to the discharge pipe or alternative storage in the deep-sea mining vehicle 3 (Pe). When an obstruction occurs and it is necessary to open the outlet valve, the nodule collector head 8 is adjusted so that a maximum volume of liquid can be received. The invention is not limited to the modality described above, and also includes modifications thereto to the extent that they fall within the scope of the appended claims below. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant to put the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A deep-sea mining vehicle for suctioning mineral sediments from a deep seabed, characterized in that it comprises a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward on the seabed in a direction of movement, with at least one suction head having an open suction side directed towards the seabed and along which the mineral sediments and surrounding water are suctioned and conveyed to a suction conduit of the vehicle, and with a temporary storage, connected via the suction conduit to the at least one suction head, for the aspirated mineral sediments, wherein the temporary storage comprises a container with a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, a top wall and a bottom, wherein the temporary storage further comprises, at the position of the top wall and connected to the front wall,a first connecting part for the suction conduit and, substantially at the same height and connected to the rear wall, a second connecting part for a discharge conduit for substantially discharging the suctioned water, wherein the temporary storage further comprises, in the bottom position and connected to the interior of the container, a third connecting part for a discharge conduit for substantially discharging the mineral sediments, wherein the second connecting part has an elongated tubular shape and extends in a direction that is parallel to a width direction of the deep-sea mining vehicle.

2. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting part has an elongated tubular shape and extends in a direction that is parallel to a width direction of the deep-sea mining vehicle.

3. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a cross-section of the first connecting part is arced in a plane that is parallel to the direction of movement.

4. A deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting part comprises an internal lattice covering a flow circulation area of ​​the second connecting part and configured to retain relatively small mineral sediments or fragments thereof. CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi 5. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the internal lattice can be positioned from the outside in positions between a closed position, in which the lattice covers the flow circulation area, and an open position in which the lattice covers only a part of the flow circulation area.

6. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls narrow towards the third connection part for the discharge conduit to substantially discharge the mineral sediments.

7. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for transporting water at a high flow rate and outlet velocity through the third connecting part and into the discharge conduit.

8. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temporary storage further comprises an outlet valve in the bottom position and connecting to the interior of the container.

9. CAOQnn / zznz / E / YiAi deep-sea mining vehicle in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a series of suction heads arranged relatively parallel to each other.

10. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction ducts that are attached to the respective suction heads that are arranged relatively parallel to each other connect to the first connecting part.

11. Deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction head or plurality of suction heads are height adjustable in relation to the seabed.

12. A deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further configured to transport such sediments to a floating device.

13. A method for vacuuming mineral sediments from a deep seabed, characterized in that it comprises providing a deep-sea mining vehicle according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 12, connecting the deep-sea mining vehicle to a suspension cable provided between the floating device and the deep-sea mining vehicle, lowering the deep-sea mining vehicle onto a seabed, and moving the deep-sea mining vehicle forward on or over the seabed in order to vacuum the mineral sediments. 5 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the step of transporting these sediments to a floating device 15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it further comprises the step of pulling 10 the deep-sea mining vehicle towards the floating device.

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