(1. 佛山科学技术学院 机电工程与自动化学院，佛山 528000；
2. 中南大学 深圳研究院，深圳 518000；
3. 深海矿产资源开发利用技术国家重点实验室，长沙 410012；
4. 湖南大学 机械与运载工程学院，长沙 410082；
5. 湖南开放大学 网络与技术学院，长沙 410004)
摘 要: 将多金属结核从数千米的海底提升到水面是采矿作业的关键环节。本文阐述了深海多金属结核商业开采对水下垂直提升系统的要求，总结了气力和水力两种提升方式的工作原理，研究了主要提升参数对系统的性能影响，从系统结构可靠性、经济性、能效指标、产能实现等方面全面分析了两种提升方式的优劣，通过对比认为，水力提升方式更适合深海多金属结核商业开采。在此基础上，开展了深海多金属结核商业开采水下垂直提升系统的设计研究，提出了提升系统基本技术方案。结合提升泵试验样机的清水试验和矿浆输送试验，验证了深海多金属结核商业开采水下垂直提升系统方案及设计方法的可行性。该研究为深海采矿技术和装备的研发提供了参考和指导。
关键字: 多金属结核；商业开采；气力提升；水力提升；提升系统设计
（1. School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China;
2. Shenzhen Research Institute of Central South University, Shenzhen 518000, China;
3. National Key Laboratory of Deep Sea Mineral Researches Development and Utilization Technology, Changsha 410012, China;
4. School of Mechanical and Transportation Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China;
5. College of Network Technology, Hunan Open University, Changsha 410004, China）
Abstract:Elevating polymetallic nodules from thousands of meters of seabed to the supportive vessel is a crucial part of mining operations. Firstly, this paper elaborates on the requirements of the deep-sea polymetallic nodules commercial exploitation for the conveying system. Then, the working principles and performance indicators of the current air and hydraulic lifting methods were summarized. Furthermore, the influence of the leading lifting parameters on the system’s performance was presented, and the two lifting methods were compared within the aspects of system structure reliability, economy, energy efficiency index and capacity realization. Through comparative analysis, it is concluded that hydraulic lifting method is more suitable for commercial mining of deep-sea polymetallic nodules. On this basis, the design and research of underwater vertical lifting system for commercial mining of deep-sea polymetallic nodules are carried out, and the basic technical scheme of underwater vertical lifting system for commercial mining of deep-sea polymetallic nodules is proposed. Finally, the technical feasibility and the applicability of the design theory and method of underwater vertical lifting system for commercial mining of deep-sea polymetallic nodules are analyzed and verified by the water test and slurry transport test of the lifting pump prototype. This study provides reference and guidance for the research and development of deep-sea mining technology and equipment.
Key words: polymetallic nodules; commercial exploitation; air lifting; hydraulic lifting; lifting system design
