Research on reflux in deep-sea mining pump based on DEM-CFD

Abstract

The complex circumstances of deep-sea mining result in unexpected accidents. When a pump abruptly stops working during mining in deep seas, several tons of minerals need to be refluxed. The commonly used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method cannot simulate the required reflux because the volume of particles is neglected. However, this parameter can be calculated using Discrete Element Method-computational fluid dynamics (DEM-CFD). Using this method, the movement of particles and the location of the blockage becomes evident. In this study, DEM-CFD was used to simulate the reflux of nodules of diameter d ≤ 10, d ≤ 20, and d ≤ 50 mm with a volume concentration of 8%. The results indicated that particles of diameter d ≤ 50 mm cannot be refluxed and they are likely to accumulate at the junction of the impeller and vanes. Thus, the diameter of the particles needs to be controlled for effective functioning of the lifting pumps, and prevent deep-sea mining accidents.