Influence of Different Particle Parameters and Operating Conditions on Flow Characteristics and Performance of Deep-Sea Mining Pump

Abstract

A key piece of equipment in deep-sea mineral particle transportation systems, the deep-sea mining pump can be affected by factors such as different mineral particle parameters as well as its operating conditions. In this study, the influence of different particle parameters—such as particle size, concentration, and density—and different operating conditions—such as flow rate and speed—on the pressure and particle velocity distribution in a mining pump, as well as the movement trajectory of the particles in it, were analyzed. The reduction in the head and efficiency of the mining pump were obtained, and a comparison between experimental results and numerical calculations was conducted. The experimental and numerical analysis results showed good agreement, verifying the analytical results and the performance of the mining pump.