Analysis of vertical transport systems in deep-sea mining using variable-speed lifting electric pump

Deep-sea mining plays a crucial role in addressing the scarcity of metallic mineral resources. A pivotal component of the deep-sea mining system is the vertical transport system, which comprises a lifting electric pump and a vertical pipeline. This paper investigates the performance of a variable-speed lifting electric pump within this system through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental methods. It specifically emphasises flow conversion points, operational efficiency, and mode transition characteristics of two-stage pumps at varying speeds, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for optimising pump operations in deep-sea mining. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis elucidates the effects of speed variations on ore concentration and highlights distinctions between the two-stage impeller and diffuser. Water and slurry tests corroborate these CFD findings. This study provides significant insights into the application of variable speed control to improve pump efficiency and performance in the realm of deep-sea mining.