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<p>The extraction of polymetallic nodules from the deep sea offers a promising source of critical metals, but the hydrodynamic process of in-situ ore pre-concentration remains a significant challenge. This study proposes an integrated pre-separation system that combines a hydrocyclone with a buffer station to achieve efficient mineral enrichment underwater through multiphase flow separation. Using an orthogonal experimental design and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we systematically investigate the influence of key geometric parameters—cone angle, vortex finder length, and cylindrical section length—on the internal flow field and separation performance. Results demonstrate that a cone angle of 20° effectively minimizes fine particle entrainment by stabilizing the vortex core and suppressing short-circuit flow. An optimized configuration (80&#xa0;mm overflow depth, 90&#xa0;mm cylinder length) achieves a separation efficiency of 85.1%, balancing particle residence time and turbulent dissipation. Flow field analysis reveals that the tangential velocity profile and axial pressure gradient are the primary mechanisms governing particle classification. Smaller cone angles enhance separation selectivity by intensifying the centrifugal force field and sharpening the distinction between free and forced vortices. Experimental validation using an air-lift system confirms that the pre-concentration stage significantly improves hydraulic transport efficiency, reducing slurry lifting energy consumption by over 50% due to decreased solid load and frictional pressure drop in the vertical pipeline. This work establishes a fluid-mechanical basis for the application of hydrocyclone-based pre-separation in deep-sea mining, supporting more energy-efficient and sustainable resource recovery.</p>

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Flow mechanism study on underwater mineral preliminary separation system for deep-sea mining

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月2日

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  • Xiaoyao Li,
  • Hai Lin,
  • Mengdi Fu,
  • Meng Li,
  • Yijun Shen,
  • Yanlian Du

摘要

The extraction of polymetallic nodules from the deep sea offers a promising source of critical metals, but the hydrodynamic process of in-situ ore pre-concentration remains a significant challenge. This study proposes an integrated pre-separation system that combines a hydrocyclone with a buffer station to achieve efficient mineral enrichment underwater through multiphase flow separation. Using an orthogonal experimental design and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we systematically investigate the influence of key geometric parameters—cone angle, vortex finder length, and cylindrical section length—on the internal flow field and separation performance. Results demonstrate that a cone angle of 20° effectively minimizes fine particle entrainment by stabilizing the vortex core and suppressing short-circuit flow. An optimized configuration (80 mm overflow depth, 90 mm cylinder length) achieves a separation efficiency of 85.1%, balancing particle residence time and turbulent dissipation. Flow field analysis reveals that the tangential velocity profile and axial pressure gradient are the primary mechanisms governing particle classification. Smaller cone angles enhance separation selectivity by intensifying the centrifugal force field and sharpening the distinction between free and forced vortices. Experimental validation using an air-lift system confirms that the pre-concentration stage significantly improves hydraulic transport efficiency, reducing slurry lifting energy consumption by over 50% due to decreased solid load and frictional pressure drop in the vertical pipeline. This work establishes a fluid-mechanical basis for the application of hydrocyclone-based pre-separation in deep-sea mining, supporting more energy-efficient and sustainable resource recovery.