Conceptual design of a hybrid pick-up device for deep ocean mining

Abstract

The pick-up device, which is collecting manganese nodules, is one of the most important components of the collector (or miner). Three types of pick-up system have been suggested so far. They are mechanical, hydraulic and hybrid pick-up system. In this paper, the design and manufacturing process of hybrid pick-up system have been described. For the design of the pick-up system, the subsystems have to be designed according to the predetermined environmental conditions and mining strategy. The pick-up system was composed of frame, scraper/conveyor belt, water jet and altitude control system. The manganese nodules are loosened and lifted by a pair of water jets and transported to the conveyor belt. The pick-up head was designed to maintain the altitude and attitude to the undulating sea floor. Two cylinders for motion control of the pick-up head are driven by hydraulic power. The hybrid pick-up model for the tank test was manufactured and has been proven to work properly. Also the hydraulic system for motion control of pick-up head has been shown to have good control capability to maintain the distance between pick-up head and sinusoidal bottom. ？ 1997 Proceedings of the ISOPE Ocean Mining Symposium. All rights reserved.