Numerical study of the coupling collection flow field and collecting mechanism of swirling flow and negative pressure suction flow in deep sea mining

Abstract

The ore collection mechanism of seafloor massive sulfide has not been paid enough attention. In order to achieve collection efficiency, it is necessary to study the ore collection mechanism. Aiming at the ore collection model of the 'KTII' deep-sea mining vehicle, this paper carried out the analysis of the flow field characteristics of the coupled collection, the swirling flow collection and the negative pressure suction flow collection, and the role of each power source in the ore collection process. Finally, the relationship between swirling flow and negative pressure suction flow in the ore collection process is summarized, and the ore collection mechanism is analyzed. The results show that the rotation of the mining head will produce swirling flow, triggering the "inward winding effect", which can ensnare the ground surface fluid into the virtual cutting rotary cavity. The negative pressure suction flow of the collecting hard pipe can suction the liquid in the small-scale range of the throat surface. However, swirling flow and negative pressure suction flow both have advantages and disadvantages in collecting and the two power sources are complementary and inseparable. The research results of this paper have certain guiding significance for the engineering practice of deep-sea mining.