Energy loss of deep-sea mining pump for polymetallic nodule particles transport based on entropy production method

• Published in: Powder technology 2024-09, Vol.445, p.120080, Article 120080
• Main Authors: Xie, Baoqi, Cheng, Yangrui, Tang, Peng, Wang, Teng, Ma, Wenbo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CFD-DEM; Deep-sea mining pump; Energy loss; Entropy production; Solid-fluid two-phase flow
• ISSN: 0032-5910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.120080

Since energy dissipation caused by the complex solid-liquid two-phase flow is the main reason for deep-sea mining pump efficiency degradation, this paper uses the entropy generation method and CFD-DEM method to evaluate energy loss under different conditions. Firstly, the energy loss percentage of each component was recognized under design condition. Then, the effect of energy loss for transporting different polymetallic nodules volume concentrations and different sizes was investigated. The results reveal that more than 70% of the total energy dissipation comes from the space guide vane under design condition, followed by the impeller. The maximum decrease in head and efficiency under different particle volumetric concentrations is 13.39% and 6.48%, respectively. The maximum reduction in head and efficiency under different particle sizes is 18.06% and 9.33%, respectively. Particle collisions and the slip velocity between the particle and fluid influence the high energy loss. These research findings offer valuable guidance for developing a cost-effective deep-sea mining system. [Display omitted] •Entropy production method is used to evaluate flow loss of deep-sea mining pump.•Effects of volume concentration and size of particle on entropy production are analyzed.•Space guide vanes have the highest total entropy production, followed by the impeller.•Particle collision frequency and particle-fluid slip velocity are the key factors affecting entropy production.