WO2023063831A1 - Method and apparatus for sampling subsea mineral nodules - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for sampling subsea mineral nodules Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023063831A1
WO2023063831A1 PCT/NO2022/050228 NO2022050228W WO2023063831A1 WO 2023063831 A1 WO2023063831 A1 WO 2023063831A1 NO 2022050228 W NO2022050228 W NO 2022050228W WO 2023063831 A1 WO2023063831 A1 WO 2023063831A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
box
nodules
nodule
sampling
skid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2022/050228
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tore Halvorsen
Original Assignee
Loke Marine Minerals As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Loke Marine Minerals As filed Critical Loke Marine Minerals As
Publication of WO2023063831A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023063831A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/04—Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C50/00—Obtaining minerals from underwater, not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/48—Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/001—Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/04—Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
    • G01N1/08—Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting involving an extracting tool, e.g. core bit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/001—Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations
    • B63G2008/002—Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations unmanned
    • B63G2008/004—Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations unmanned autonomously operating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N2001/021—Correlating sampling sites with geographical information, e.g. GPS

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for sampling manganese nodules from the seabed, as well as a system for carrying out the method.
  • Manganese nodules also called deep - ocean polymetallic nodules
  • the largest and economically most important deposit is located in the so - called manganese nodule belt of the Clarion - Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the equatorial North Pacific between Hawaii and Mexico.
  • CCZ Clarion - Clipperton Zone
  • the nodules Apart from manganese, nickel, copper and cobalt, the nodules also contain other metals of economic interest in significant quantities such as molybdenum, titanium, lithium, vanadium and rare earth elements.
  • the invention instead proposes to use modern high resolution sonar scanning technology to create a volume image of nodules within a predefined area at the seabed (for example 50 x 50cm box) and grab only one nodule from this area for sample recovery and scanning calibration.
  • the purpose of the invention is to find a method that is less expensive and time-consuming but preserves the quality of the samples. This is achieved by choosing a location to be mapped, scanning a defined area within the location for nodules using a high-resolution sonar, selecting a nodule within this area, collecting selected nodule and storing the selected nodule in a storage magazine on a skid for later analysis of mineral content.
  • steps are performed to monitor the operation.
  • the method includes recording of a video of the sampling site.
  • the method includes recording the coordinates of the sample site and sample storage location.
  • the invention also comprises an apparatus for carrying out the invention that comprises an ROV or AUV, a skid attached to the ROV or AUV, the skid including a box with an open bottom and having sonar equipment for surveying the area within the box and means for sampling nodules.
  • FIG.1 ] 1 is a drawing of the apparatus
  • FIG.2 is a drawing showing a section of the seabed
  • FIG.3 is a drawing of the sampling apparatus
  • FIG.4 is a drawing of the sampling storage.
  • Fig 1 there is shown an ROV 2 in a position above a seabed 1 .
  • a skid 3 with equipment for carrying out the sampling process.
  • the skid includes a box-like structure 4 with an open end facing downwards.
  • a sonar scanner 5 is located in the upper part of the box.
  • the skid may also include lights 6 and camera equipment 7.
  • control equipment for determining position and recording the operation.
  • the ROV may be free swimming AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) or connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical.
  • AUV Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
  • Fig. 2 shows a section of the seabed contained within the box. In the seabed there are a number of nodules 8. The sonar will create a volumetric model of the nodules by scanning the box window 9. Also shown in Fig. 2 is a crane 10 or similar structure that can move in two axes to pick up a sample nodule.
  • Fig. 3 shows the equipment for module sampling including a grab 1 1 or similar that moves on the crane 10 to pick up a nodule.
  • the camera is used to identify possible nodules with the control equipment guiding the grab.
  • Fig. 4 shows a storage unit 12.
  • the storage unit is a rack system that is located around the periphery of the box.
  • the crane is arranged so that it can grab a nodule and then move to the storage rack 12 to deposit the nodule sample.
  • the system also includes means for taking sediment samples.
  • the grab has means for taking a sediment sample and place it on the storage rack along with the sample nodules.
  • the apparatus for taking sediment samples is located on the skid outside the box and having a separate storage arrangement.
  • the scanning will ensure an accurate determination of nodule abundance and density (kg/m2) within a predetermined area at the seabed.
  • the size of the box is 50 x 50 cm. However, other sizes are possible within the capacity of the sonar equipment.
  • a nodule is selected for sampling I collection. In this step it is important to select a nodule that can be linked to its “3D twin” from the window.
  • the sample(s) are placed in a storage area within the skid before it is taken to the surface vessel for determination of minerals content. A record is made of the sampling location and the location of the sample within the storage rack.
  • a record of the geographic location of each skid position at the seabed is made during the operation.
  • Intention is to use the physical nodule to calibrate the 3D scanned model.
  • the ROV skid should also be able to perform a shear strength test of the sediments at the box coring site and other geotechnical or environmental measures.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for sampling of nodules on the seabed comprising attaching a skid (3) to a ROV (2), the skid comprising a box (4) with an open bottom; - lowering the assembled ROV and skid towards the seabed. - Choosing a location to be mapped; - Further lowering the assembly until the box rests on the seabed; - Scanning the area within the box for nodules using a high-resolution sonar (5); - Selecting a nodule (8) within this area; - Collecting selected nodule; and - Storing the selected nodule in a storage rack in the box for later analysis of mineral content

Description

Description
Title Of Invention: ^Method for sampling subsea mineral nodules
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for sampling manganese nodules from the seabed, as well as a system for carrying out the method.
Background Art
[0002] Manganese nodules (also called deep - ocean polymetallic nodules) are composed of iron and manganese oxides and include numerous minor and trace metals originating from seawater and sediment pore water and grow to a size between 1 and 15 cm in diameter on top or within the first 10 cm of deep - sea sediments in water depths from 4000 to 6000m. The largest and economically most important deposit is located in the so - called manganese nodule belt of the Clarion - Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the equatorial North Pacific between Hawaii and Mexico.
[0003] Apart from manganese, nickel, copper and cobalt, the nodules also contain other metals of economic interest in significant quantities such as molybdenum, titanium, lithium, vanadium and rare earth elements.
Summary of Invention
[0004] Exploration of Mn nodules requires the investigation of vast seafloor areas, as the nodules form a two - dimensional deposit on the surface of deep - sea sediments. One license for Manganese Nodules can be up to 75.000 km2.
[0005] Exploration of nodule fields can be efficiently carried out using vessel - based hydroacoustic bathymetry and backscatter data. The most important parameters for the economic assessment of Mn nodule fields are the metal content and the nodule abundance (i.e. mass per unit area). These two parameters can only be derived with sufficient accuracy from samples. [0006] One current method used for sampling is called “Box Coring”. This entails dropping a 50 x 50cm box into the seabed, closing off the bottom of the box and retrieving the box content to the surface vessel for investigation of content (weight, size, minerals content). Today’s requirements for a reliable sampling are box cores every 3 km of the field.
[0007] This method is time consuming and requires a stable work platform, i.e vessel size, meaning todays box coring method is unnecessary expensive and slow.
[0008] The invention instead proposes to use modern high resolution sonar scanning technology to create a volume image of nodules within a predefined area at the seabed (for example 50 x 50cm box) and grab only one nodule from this area for sample recovery and scanning calibration.
[0009] The purpose of the invention is to find a method that is less expensive and time-consuming but preserves the quality of the samples. This is achieved by choosing a location to be mapped, scanning a defined area within the location for nodules using a high-resolution sonar, selecting a nodule within this area, collecting selected nodule and storing the selected nodule in a storage magazine on a skid for later analysis of mineral content.
[0010] Preferably steps are performed to monitor the operation.
[001 1 ] In an embodiment of the invention the method includes recording of a video of the sampling site.
[0012] In another embodiment the method includes recording the coordinates of the sample site and sample storage location.
[0013] The invention also comprises an apparatus for carrying out the invention that comprises an ROV or AUV, a skid attached to the ROV or AUV, the skid including a box with an open bottom and having sonar equipment for surveying the area within the box and means for sampling nodules.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0014] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings.
[0015] [Fig.1 ] 1 is a drawing of the apparatus, [0016] [Fig.2] is a drawing showing a section of the seabed
[0017] [Fig.3] is a drawing of the sampling apparatus, and
[0018] [Fig.4] is a drawing of the sampling storage.
Description of Embodiments
[0019] In Fig 1 there is shown an ROV 2 in a position above a seabed 1 . Under the ROV there is attached a skid 3 with equipment for carrying out the sampling process. The skid includes a box-like structure 4 with an open end facing downwards. A sonar scanner 5 is located in the upper part of the box. The skid may also include lights 6 and camera equipment 7. In addition, there is control equipment for determining position and recording the operation.
[0020] The ROV may be free swimming AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) or connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical.
[0021 ] Fig. 2 shows a section of the seabed contained within the box. In the seabed there are a number of nodules 8. The sonar will create a volumetric model of the nodules by scanning the box window 9. Also shown in Fig. 2 is a crane 10 or similar structure that can move in two axes to pick up a sample nodule.
[0022] Fig. 3 shows the equipment for module sampling including a grab 1 1 or similar that moves on the crane 10 to pick up a nodule. The camera is used to identify possible nodules with the control equipment guiding the grab.
[0023] Fig. 4 shows a storage unit 12. Preferably, the storage unit is a rack system that is located around the periphery of the box. The crane is arranged so that it can grab a nodule and then move to the storage rack 12 to deposit the nodule sample.
[0024] The system also includes means for taking sediment samples. In one embodiment, the grab has means for taking a sediment sample and place it on the storage rack along with the sample nodules. In another embodiment the apparatus for taking sediment samples is located on the skid outside the box and having a separate storage arrangement.
[0025] For carrying out the invention, the following steps are used: 1 . Select location
2. Position and land on target area,
3. Perform a high-resolution scanning of the selected area to establish a 3D volumetric model of all visible nodules within the Box Core window, and
4. Calculate accumulated Nodule Volume from Box Core Window
[0026] The scanning will ensure an accurate determination of nodule abundance and density (kg/m2) within a predetermined area at the seabed. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the box is 50 x 50 cm. However, other sizes are possible within the capacity of the sonar equipment.
[0027] After the scanning a nodule is selected for sampling I collection. In this step it is important to select a nodule that can be linked to its “3D twin” from the window. The sample(s) are placed in a storage area within the skid before it is taken to the surface vessel for determination of minerals content. A record is made of the sampling location and the location of the sample within the storage rack.
[0028] Preferably a record of the geographic location of each skid position at the seabed is made during the operation.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment a minimum of 200 areas are scanned with storage of samples without returning to the surface
[0030] Intention is to use the physical nodule to calibrate the 3D scanned model.
[0031 ] After the transfer of the collected sample nodule for storage it is important to ensure traceability; i.e which position within the box it was collected from and position within the window. This can either be done by a storage rack system that provides this traceability or alternative traceability methods for “Bulk Storage” of Nodule Samples.
[0032] In addition to the sampling of nodules, it is of value to sample the sediments in the sampling area. One sediment sample should be taken per Box Core location. The sediment sample can be stored together with nodule sample. A typical sample size is a cylinder with 5cm diameter and 10cm length, but also other sizes can be used. [0033] A normal requirement for “Box Coring” samples is every 3 km of a field. This method enables higher density of Box Cores with minimum extra cost.
[0034] Preferably, only visible nodules - upper 10 cm of upper sediment layer is sampled.
[0035] In addition to nodule abundance and collection of samples, the ROV skid should also be able to perform a shear strength test of the sediments at the box coring site and other geotechnical or environmental measures.
In addition to the sampling, it is of interest to following monitoring during the operation, this should consist of making a video of coring site

Claims

Claims
[Claim 1] 1 Method for sampling of metal-containing nodules from the seabed, comprising the following steps:
- Choosing a location to be mapped;
- Scanning a defined area within the location for nodules using a high- resolution sonar;
- Selecting a nodule within this area;
- Collecting selected nodule; and
- Storing the selected nodule in a storage magazine on a skid for later analysis of mineral content.
2. Method according to claim 1 comprising the additional steps of monitoring the operation.
3. Method according to claim 2 comprising the additional steps of by recording a video of the sampling site.
4. Method according to claim 2 comprising the additional steps of recording the coordinates of the sample site and sample storage location
5. Method according to claim 2 comprising the additional steps of performing a shear strength test of the sediments at the site.
6. Method according to claim 1 comprising the additional steps of moving to another location for further scanning
7. Method according to claim 1 comprising the additional steps of accurately recording the position of the retrieved sample on the storage rack.
8. Apparatus for carrying out the invention as claimed in claim 1 - 7, characterized in that it comprises an ROV or AUV, a skid attached to the ROV or AUV, the skid including a box with an open bottom, sonar equipment for surveying the area within the box and means for sampling nodules.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the box comprises a storage rack.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means for identifying the samples in the storage rack.!
PCT/NO2022/050228 2021-10-14 2022-10-07 Method and apparatus for sampling subsea mineral nodules WO2023063831A1 (en)

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NO20211239A NO347643B1 (en) 2021-10-14 2021-10-14 Method for sampling subsea mineral nodules
NO20211239 2021-10-14

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Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023183651A1 (en) * 2022-03-25 2023-09-28 Impossible Metals Inc. Method and apparatus for retrieving deep-sea nodules

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US20210088687A1 (en) * 2018-05-23 2021-03-25 Blue Ocean Seismic Services Limited Autonomous data acquisition system and method
WO2021036169A1 (en) * 2019-08-30 2021-03-04 长沙矿冶研究院有限责任公司 In-situ abundance assessment device and system for seabed polymetallic nodules
CN113187483A (en) * 2021-06-30 2021-07-30 金奥深海装备技术(深圳)有限责任公司 Underwater mining vehicle

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023183651A1 (en) * 2022-03-25 2023-09-28 Impossible Metals Inc. Method and apparatus for retrieving deep-sea nodules

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