1. Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Shenhaishiziyu
The deep-sea ROV system is designed for maximum working depths of 4,500 meters. It serves as a universal platform designed to meet the needs of deep-sea scientific research, with scientific exploration as its primary objective. It combines the technical features of commonly used unmanned underwater vehicles, allowing it to move to specific operation points as required by various tasks in complex deep-sea conditions.
The platform provides strong support and a stable operational base to complete diverse tasks effectively. Additionally, it includes multiple electrical, hydraulic, and communication interfaces, as well as operational tools and modules, facilitating a wide range of engineering operations for deep-sea scientific exploration.
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Shenhaishiziyu
Technical parameters:
| Operating depth | 6000 m |
| Size | Length: 3.36m, Breadth: 2.12m, Height: 2.35m |
| Weight (in air) | 3.8 t |
| Payload | >200 kg |
| Propeller | 4 horizontal electric thrusters, 2 vertical hydraulic thrusters |
| Propulsive force | Longitudinal: 250kgf, lateral: 200kgf, vertical: 200kgf |
| Controllability | Fixed height, orientation and depth. Automatic positioning |
| Manipulators |
2 7-function manipulators. End load: 50Kg |
| Cruise speed | 1.0kn max |
2. Deep-sea crawling operating system
The deep-sea crawling operating system is designed for heavy-duty underwater operations and can be equipped with modules such as rock-crushing heads, drilling rigs, chain cutters, and robotic arms to complete tasks such as underwater walking, rock crushing, trenching, and rock sample collection. The platform mainly uses lightweight materials such as titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, and plastic. Additionally, it includes electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical interfaces, and is equipped with various camera lighting fixtures, which can achieve high-definition real-time monitoring from multiple angles.
Deep-sea crawling operating system
Technical parameters:
| Operating depth | 6000 m |
| Size | Length: 4.1m, Breadth: 3.5m, Height: 2.4m |
| Weight (in air) | 1.675 t |
| Power | >85 kW |
| Voltage | 3000VAC |
| Maximum climbing angle | >15° |
| Traction force | 30kN |
| Speed |
>0.52m/s |
| Manipulators | 7-function manipulator 5-function manipulator |
3. Deep-sea multifunctional grabber
The deep-sea multifunctional grabber is used for visualizing the grabbing of deep seabed rock samples at a maximum working depth of 6000 meters. The split-type design makes the electrical basket of the device decoupled from the body, ensuring that the grab can smoothly carry out offshore operations within the third-level sea conditions. The multifunctional grabber participated in the "Tansuoyihao" TS09 voyage and completed the visualization of grabbing rocks underwater at eight stations in the back-arc fissure area of the Mariana Trench at an operating depth of 3535 meters.
Deep-sea multifunctional grabber
Technical parameters:
| Operating depth | 6000 m |
| Size (medium) | Length: 2.42m, Breadth: 1.3m, Height: 1.1m |
| Weight (in air) | 1.71 t |
| Size (grab bucket) | 1.232m x 0.846m |
| Maximum sampling volume | 0.3m3 |
| Propeller | 2 horizontal thrusters |
| Controllability | Left/right fixed rotation |
| Basic sensors | Depth gauge, attitude gauge, leakage sensor, thermometer, etc. |
4. In-situ testing device for deep-sea engineering geology
The in-situ testing device for deep-sea engineering geology is primarily used to measure the mechanical properties of seabed sediments. By analyzing and processing the collected raw data, we can calculate various engineering geological parameters, such as sediment penetration resistance, sidewall friction, pore water pressure, and shear strength in the designated sea area. This information provides essential support for marine engineering construction. The independently developed series of digital static penetration probes work stability and reliably, its design includes an electrical monitoring system, a hydraulic system, and a supporting observation system, and it is equipped with multiple sensor interfaces.
In-situ testing device for deep-sea engineering geology
Technical parameters:
| Operating depth |
6000m |
| Weight (in air) | 2 t |
| Counterweight | 10 t |
| Power | 15kW |
| Static penetration depth | 10m max |
| Penetration speed | 15-25 mm/s adjustable |
| Propulsion capacity | 10-100kN |
| Shear depth |
1 m |
| Pressure range | 300 kPa max |
5. Large-scale sampling device for deep-sea cobalt crusts
The large-scale sampling device for deep-sea cobalt crusts is designed for stripping, crushing, and collection of 500kg of cobalt-rich crust minerals per hour at a maximum depth of 4500m. The device conducted sea trials at a depth of 2500m in the South China Sea in April 2018 and obtained samples of cobalt-rich crust ore, verifying its operational functions which include the automatic directional function during deployment and recovery, seabed walking function, and seabed ore crushing and collection function. It has operational capabilities in extremely complex seabed terrain.
Large-scale sampling device for deep-sea cobalt crusts
Technical parameters:
| Operating depth |
4500m |
| Weight (air) | 4.1 t |
| Weight (water) | 3.0 t |
| Size | Length: 4.3m, Breadth: 2.3m, Height: 1.6m |
| Installed capacity | 70kW |
| Power configuration | Deep-sea hydraulic motor 50.0kW, 3.0kV Deep-sea water pump motor 18.6kW, 3.0kV Control system transformer 2.0kW, 2.0kV |
| Camera configuration | 3 High-definition cameras 3 Analog cameras 1 Pan tilt zoom camera |
| Speed | 0.5 kn |
| Single sample collection weight | 200 kg |
6. Research and development of deep-sea universal components
In the development of large-scale deep-sea research and development equipment, we identified several challenges, including the reliance on imported components, high costs, and lengthy lead times. To address these issues, we have independently developed a range of essential deep-sea components. Our lineup includes lighting fixtures, flashlights, analogue cameras, network cameras, SDI cameras, high-definition cameras, gimbals, rotary encoders, and magnetic switches. These components have been installed in deep-sea equipment and have successfully undergone multiple deep-sea tests. Some of these components can operate at depths of up to 11000 meters.
Deep-sea universal components
Copyright © Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering,CAS
