Seabed Mining Suction Head Geometry for Nodule Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep-sea mining technologies face challenges in efficiently collecting and transporting polymetallic nodules from great depths to the surface due to high pressures and difficult seabed conditions, necessitating improved collection and transport systems.
Innovation Solution
A deep-sea mining vehicle equipped with a support frame, suction heads, and a temporary storage system with specific geometric configurations and conduits for efficient mineral deposit collection and separation, including adjustable suction heads and latticework for enhanced collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional suction head design is used for collecting polymetallic nodules, then the collection process is simple, but the collection efficiency is low due to poor take-up of mineral deposits from the seabed
Solution Approach 1:
The suction head incorporates a curved wall part with specific geometry (arcuate cross-section in the direction of movement) that optimizes the flow of mineral deposits from the seabed into the suction conduit. This curved geometry improves the take-up efficiency of nodules compared to traditional straight-walled designs, directly addressing the low collection efficiency problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction head design features a gap-like feed opening with specific dimensions and orientation (exit angle between 0° and 45° relative to the horizontal plane) at the critical suction entrance region. This localized geometric optimization enhances the capture of mineral deposits without requiring complete redesign of the entire suction system, balancing improved productivity with controlled complexity.
2Productivity
If mineral deposits are collected and stored in a simple container, then the device structure is simple, but the separation of mineral deposits from surrounding water is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary storage container is divided into functionally distinct regions: a separation space with latticework for water-mineral separation, and a storage space for collected nodules. This segmentation allows efficient separation of mineral deposits from surrounding water while maintaining a compact overall structure, directly addressing the separation efficiency problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation space incorporates latticework (porous structure) that allows water to pass through while retaining mineral deposits. This porous element enables efficient separation without requiring complex mechanical separation devices, achieving high separation efficiency with controlled structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suction head is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different seabed conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction head is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to be moved vertically and horizontally relative to the seabed. This dynamic adjustment enables the suction head to adapt to varying seabed conditions and nodule distributions, significantly improving versatility while using relatively simple adjustment mechanisms.
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
The system enables more efficient collection and transport of mineral deposits by optimizing the take-up and separation process, allowing for increased efficiency and adaptability under deep-sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
with at least one suction head with an open suction side which is directed toward the seabed and along which the mineral deposits and surrounding water are taken up
Implementation Method 2
a separation space (31) situated in the upper part of the container (327, 328, 329, 330)
Data Source
AI summary
A deep-sea mining vehicle for taking up mineral deposits from a seabed at great depth, the vehicle includes a support frame provided with means for moving the vehicle forward on the seabed, with at least one suction head with an open suction side which is directed toward the seabed and along which the mineral deposits and surrounding water are taken up, and with a temporary storage, connected via a suction conduit to the at least one suction head, for the mineral deposits taken up, temporary storage includes a container with a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, an upper wall, and a bottom, at the position of the upper wall and connecting to the front wall a first connecting part for the suction conduit, and at substantially the same height and connecting to the rear wall a second connecting part for a discharge conduit for discharge of substantially the sucked-up water.