Abstract The mining of polymetallic nodules from the seafloor at depths down to 6000 m requires the excavation of nodules with a seafloor mining tool, the transport of nodules as a slurry through a jumper hose connecting the mining tool to a vertical hydraulic transport system and the transport of the nodules through the vertical lifting pipe. We focus on a concept with conventional hydraulic transport, using a series of centrifugal pump booster stations. The nodules will be transported in different flow regimes, ranging from a sliding bed (in the jumper hose) to a homogeneous suspension (vertical flow). Each regime gives rise to degradation of the nodules in a different way. It is important to understand the degradation mechanisms in detail in order to predict the particle size distribution of the slurry leaving the riser. This particle size distribution is a key design parameter for design of processing equipment and for environmental impact assessment. In this article we present the results of experimental work on abrasive wear (particle-wall interaction) and attrition (particle-particle interaction) of polymetallic nodules from the Clarion Clipperton Zone and we discuss its applicability to engineering practice.

中文翻译：

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颗粒-壁和颗粒-颗粒相互作用影响下水力输送过程中多金属结核的降解

摘要 从海底开采深达 6000 m 的多金属结核需要使用海底采矿工具挖掘结核，通过将采矿工具连接到垂直液压运输系统的跨接软管将结核作为泥浆运输的结核通过垂直提升管。我们专注于传统液压运输的概念，使用一系列离心泵增压站。结核将在不同的流动状态下运输，从滑动床（在跨接软管中）到均质悬浮液（垂直流动）。每种状态都以不同的方式引起结核的降解。重要的是要详细了解降解机制，以便预测离开提升管的浆料的粒度分布。该粒度分布是加工设备设计和环境影响评估的关键设计参数。在本文中，我们介绍了克拉里昂克利珀顿区多金属结核的磨料磨损（颗粒-壁相互作用）和磨损（颗粒-颗粒相互作用）实验工作的结果，并讨论了其在工程实践中的适用性。