Ore Particle Lifting Velocity Modeling for Deep-Sea Mining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining the lifting velocity of ore particles in deep-sea mining are inaccurate when dealing with particle groups, as they primarily focus on individual particle resistance and settling velocity, neglecting the complexities of group interactions.

Innovation Solution

A mining planning method that calculates the resistance coefficient of a particle group through numerical simulation, combining it with settling velocity to determine the minimum lifting velocity for hydraulic lifting systems, using a geometric model and fluid-solid domain coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods focusing on individual particle resistance and settling velocity are used, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy of lifting velocity determination deteriorates when dealing with particle groups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting velocity determination accuracyVSAvoidcalculation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical calculation methods with numerical simulation technology. A coupling model combining fluid domain (Navier-Stokes equations) and solid domain (Newton's second law) is established to simulate particle group behavior, enabling accurate determination of resistance coefficients and settling velocities for particle groups without complex manual calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple dynamic parameters including resistance coefficient, settling velocity, and minimum lifting velocity that vary with flow conditions. By changing parameters such as particle group concentration, size distribution, and flow velocity in the numerical simulation, the method accurately captures the complex behavior of particle groups under different lifting conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If numerical simulation with fluid-solid domain coupling is performed, then the accuracy of particle group resistance coefficient calculation is improved, but the computational time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance coefficient calculation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary numerical simulations to establish the mathematical relationship between resistance coefficient and flow velocity before actual mining operations. This preliminary calculation of particle group characteristics allows for direct application of the resistance coefficient formula during operations, avoiding time-consuming real-time simulations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the particle group through numerical simulation, replicating particle interactions and fluid dynamics in a computational model. This virtual replica allows repeated experimentation and parameter optimization without physical trial-and-error, reducing real-world testing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Accurately determines the minimum lifting velocity for smooth ore particle lifting, providing a reliable basis for hydraulic lifting system design and optimization in deep-sea mining.

Implementation Method 1

calculating a resistance coefficient of the ore particle group; performing numerical simulation on the ore particle group to calculate resistance coefficient values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid resistance: Drag

Implementation Method 2

describing fluid domain motion of the ore particles by using Navier-Stokes equation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNavier-Stokes equation:

Implementation Method 3

describing solid domain motion of the ore particles by using Newton's second law

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNewton's second law:

Implementation Method 4

Deep-sea mining involves a process of transporting ores from seabed to sea surface via a hydraulic lifting system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic lifting: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 5

transporting ores from seabed to sea surface via a hydraulic lifting system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20260105225A1Mining planning method, system, storage medium, and device
Publication Date: 2026.04.16 CHINA UNIV OF PETROLEUM (BEIJING)
  • US20260105225A1 patent drawing
  • US20260105225A1 patent drawing
  • US20260105225A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mining planning method is provided. The method includes: acquiring physical characteristics and initial parameters of an ore particle group; performing numerical simulation on the ore particle group based on the physical characteristics and the initial parameters to calculate resistance coefficient values of the ore particle group corresponding to different flow velocity values; establishing a mathematical relationship between a resistance coefficient and a flow velocity; calculating a settling velocity of the ore particle group based on the mathematical relationship; and calculating a minimum lifting velocity of the ore particle group based on the settling velocity, where the minimum lifting velocity is for guiding mining planning. The resistance coefficient and the settling velocity of the particle group are calculated accurately through the numerical simulation, and thus the minimum lifting velocity is determined. A mining planning system, a computer-readable storage medium, and an electronic device are further provided.