Abstract: This disclosure addresses the problem of preventing sediment laden water (“sediment slurry”) resulting from hydraulic collection of nodules from the seabed from entering the riser and lift system that carries the nodules to the surface as a slurry. An example includes collecting nodules from the seabed by hydraulic suction, separating the nodules utilizing an inverse hydrocyclone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation of gas and liquid-solid slurry under pressure, and passage of the liquid-solid slurry to an atmospheric discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a slurry from the surface of the subsea floor, separating that slurry into multiple slurries, and pumping the desired slurry to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation of gas and liquid-solid slurry under pressure, and passage of the liquid-solid slurry to an atmospheric discharge.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering and concentrating rare earth elements from seabed sediment deposits using seabed excavators and shipboard processing systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering and concentrating rare earth elements from seabed sediment deposits using seabed excavators and shipboard processing systems.

Abstract: Novel subsea excavation apparatus and methods that exert force between a subsea anchor point and an excavator using a subsea actuator. In some examples the subsea actuator is attached to an anchor point on the seabed and the excavator directly. In other examples, a guide frame is anchored to the seabed to provide anchor points fixed relative to the seabed and the subsea actuators are attached to the guide frame and the excavator. In further examples, the subsea actuators can be attached to the excavator through a carrier frame or other excavator guides rather than directly to the excavator.

Abstract: Novel subsea excavation apparatus and methods that exert force between a subsea anchor point and an excavator using a subsea actuator. In some examples the subsea actuator is attached to an anchor point on the seabed and the excavator directly. In other examples, a guide frame is anchored to the seabed to provide anchor points fixed relative to the seabed and the subsea actuators are attached to the guide frame and the excavator. In further examples, the subsea actuators can be attached to the excavator through a carrier frame or other excavator guides rather than directly to the excavator.

Abstract: Novel subsea excavation apparatus and methods that exert force between a subsea anchor point and an excavator using a subsea actuator. In some examples the subsea actuator is attached to an anchor point on the seabed and the excavator directly. In other examples, a guide frame is anchored to the seabed to provide anchor points fixed relative to the seabed and the subsea actuators are attached to the guide frame and the excavator. In further examples, the subsea actuators can be attached to the excavator through a carrier frame or other excavator guides rather than directly to the excavator.