The influence of nodule degradation on the vertical hydraulic transport of manganese nodules

Conference paper (2017)

Authors

J.M. van Wijk Offshore and Dredging Engineering - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering , IHC MTI
Research Group
Offshore and Dredging Engineering (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Marine and Transport Technology

Research Group

Offshore and Dredging Engineering

Abstract

Prospective manganese nodule mining requires vertical transport of the nodules over a few kilometers distance. During hydraulic transport through a riser with centrifugal pump booster stations, the nodules suffer from degradation mainly caused by the pumps. Particle degradation influences the key parameters of the transport process and it directly determines the quality of the produced mixture. The mixture particle size distribution and the associated flowrates of the different fractions is important for the design and operation of the post-processing equipment. In this paper the influence of degradation on the quality of the mixture leaving the vertical transport system is investigated by numerical simulation. Results are presented for the case of rnining manganese nodules in the Clarion Clipperton Zone.