Inverse Hydrocyclone Separation for Seabed Mining Plume Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seabed mining technologies face challenges in efficiently separating nodules from sediment-laden water, leading to significant sediment plumes that pose environmental risks, particularly due to the inefficiencies in the hydraulic pickup and transport systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-stage gravity separation system using inverse hydrocyclones and gravity separators to separate nodules from sediment and water, combined with controlled pressure differentials and clean water upflows to prevent sediment from entering the riser system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic suction is used to remove nodules from the seabed, then nodule recovery efficiency is improved, but sediment plume generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes sediment-laden water from the nodule collection system before it can be discharged into the ocean. A separate suction system selectively removes sediment and water from the collection area, preventing them from forming plumes while allowing nodules to be recovered and transported separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sediment removal system that acts as a mediator between the nodule collection process and the ocean environment. This intermediate system captures and processes sediment-laden water, preventing direct discharge while maintaining efficient nodule recovery operations.
2Ease of operation
If sediment-laden water is discharged back into the ocean, then the system operates continuously without complex treatment, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts sediment-laden water from the discharge stream and removes it from the system before ocean discharge. This selective extraction eliminates the harmful sediment component while maintaining the operational continuity of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful sediment-laden water that would otherwise be discharged into a beneficial resource by redirecting it for separate processing. The sediment is removed and potentially reused, while the cleaned water can be safely discharged, transforming an environmental problem into an operational advantage.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If 90% of sediment-laden water is removed before surface discharge, then sediment discharge is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the water treatment process into distinct functional zones: a primary collection area for nodules, a separate sediment removal zone with targeted suction, and a discharge area for cleaned water. This segmentation achieves effective sediment separation (90% removal) while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively separates nodules from sediment, reducing sediment plumes and minimizing environmental impact by ensuring nearly all sediment is discharged back into the ocean, thereby enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of seabed mining operations.
Implementation Method 1
an inverse hydrocyclone having a cylindrical chamber with a pipe connecting the gravity separator underflow to the top of the cylindrical chamber, and two openings tangential to the outer circumference of the cylindrical chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first pump with an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is exposed to the outside environment and an outlet which is connected the first tangential opening in the cylindrical chamber
Implementation Method 3
a first pipe connecting a pickup head to a diffuser and an inlet of a first gravity separator, the gravity separator having an overflow and an underflow
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure addresses the problem of preventing sediment laden water (“sediment slurry”) resulting from hydraulic collection of nodules from the seabed from entering the riser and lift system that carries the nodules to the surface as a slurry. An example includes collecting nodules from the seabed by hydraulic suction, separating the nodules utilizing an inverse hydrocyclone.