Suspension principle of deep-ocean nodule collector
来源期刊：中南大学学报(英文版)2014年第3期
论文作者：ZHENG Hao(郑皓) LIU Shao-jun(刘少军) 胡琼
文章页码：920 - 925
Key words：deep-ocean mining; suspension principle; nodule; collector; sinking
Abstract: To make sure that the nodule collector can walk on the soft sediments of seafloor effectively, suspension principle of deep-ocean nodule collector is proposed. The supporting and driving mechanisms are separated to avoid collector sinking. The supporting mechanism is a streamlined body with large and smooth supporting area. The grounding pressure is reduced to 0.5- 1 N/cm2 to make sure that the sinkage is limited. The impellers serve as the driving mechanism to supply enough driving power. The position between the supporting mechanism and the driving mechanism can be adjusted according to the operating condition to decrease the walking resistance and to increase driving efficiency. The test results indicate that the collector can walk on the surface of the soft sediments with the limited sinkage. The traction forces were up to 800 kg and the sinkage of the impeller was under the limitation.
ZHENG Hao(郑皓)1, 2, LIU Shao-jun(刘少军)1, 2, HU Qiong(胡琼)1, 2
(1. School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China;
2. State Key Laboratory of Deep Sea Mineral Resources Development and Utilization Technology
(Changsha Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy), Changsha 410012, China)
Abstract:To make sure that the nodule collector can walk on the soft sediments of seafloor effectively, suspension principle of deep-ocean nodule collector is proposed. The supporting and driving mechanisms are separated to avoid collector sinking. The supporting mechanism is a streamlined body with large and smooth supporting area. The grounding pressure is reduced to 0.5- 1 N/cm2 to make sure that the sinkage is limited. The impellers serve as the driving mechanism to supply enough driving power. The position between the supporting mechanism and the driving mechanism can be adjusted according to the operating condition to decrease the walking resistance and to increase driving efficiency. The test results indicate that the collector can walk on the surface of the soft sediments with the limited sinkage. The traction forces were up to 800 kg and the sinkage of the impeller was under the limitation.
Key words:deep-ocean mining; suspension principle; nodule; collector; sinking
