Quantification of rheological parameters in deep-sea mining plumes

Abstract

Comprehending the flow behavior of deep-sea mining plumes is paramount for precise predictions of their propagation range and holds immense significance in advancing the commercial exploitation of deep-sea minerals. As deep-sea mining plumes propagate, they can transition from high-density non-Newtonian fluids to low-density Newtonian fluids. However, a comprehensive rheological model capable of accurately describing this intricate evolutionary process is currently lacking. This study explores the variations in rheological properties observed during the propagation of deep-sea mining plumes, utilizing rheological test data obtained from kaolin clay plumes. Utilizing the Power Law model, we established a power exponential function correlating the plume rheological parameters (consistency index and flow behavior index) with a density range from 1.00 to 1.50 g/cm³ through data fitting, developing a rheological model of deep-sea mining plumes considering the variations in plume density. Subsequently, taking into account the differences in sediment properties, the effects of clay content and clay mineral composition on the rheological parameters of natural sediment plumes were compared and analyzed. This model provides a reference for understanding the rheological properties of deep-sea mining plumes during their propagation.

Keywords

deep-sea mining plume / kaolin clay / mechanism / natural seafloor sediments / Power Law model / rheological properties

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