Underwater X-ray Spectrometer

这项应用旨在提高水下X射线光谱仪(UXRS)的技术准备水平(TRL)，并迅速将该仪器推向市场。UXRS是一种新型的、坚固耐用的工业仪器，它利用X射线荧光(XRF)光谱在水下原位测量材料的元素组成。它对水下检查、沉船勘探、研究和打捞、国防和安全以及海洋采矿(OM)具有重要价值。英国在水下机器领域拥有千载难逢的机会。2013年，时任英国首相戴维·卡梅伦表示，OM将成为英国的一个GB 40B机会。自那以后，该行业继续快速发展。OM不会取代原住民。它不需要修建新的道路或永久基础设施。与陆地采矿相比，它每生产一吨金属产生的二氧化碳排放量更少。矿石的质量比陆地上的任何矿石都要好。世界需要在海底发现的金、银、钴、铜、钛、锰、镍和稀土元素，以便高科技产业和清洁增长取得成功。这些矿物是电动汽车电池、风力涡轮机乃至所有现代电子产品的必需品。该项目将生产两艘UXR原型，每艘都安装在小型商用ROV上，在实验室进行测试，然后进行海上试验。该项目还将准备在项目后将UXRS推向市场；首先用于浅水应用，然后用于深水应用。这将给英国带来技术、科学和经济利益。

This application proposes to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of an underwater X-ray spectrometer (UXRS) and bring the instrument to market rapidly. UXRS is a novel and robust industrial instrument that uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to measure the elemental composition of materials in situ underwater. It is valuable for underwater inspection, shipwreck exploration, research, and salvage, defence and security, and ocean mining (OM). The UK has a golden opportunity in underwater machines. In 2013, then Prime Minister David Cameron said OM would emerge as a £40B opportunity for the UK. Development of the industry has continued apace since then. OM does not displace indigenous people. It does not require building of new roads or permanent infrastructure. It results in less CO2 emission per tonne of metal produced than land mining. The quality of the ores is better than any on land. The world needs the Au, Ag, Co, Cu, Ti, Mn, Ni, and rare earth elements found on the seafloor in order for high tech industry and clean growth to succeed. The minerals are essential for electric car batteries, wind turbines, and indeed all modern electronics. The project will produce two prototype UXRS, attach each to a small commercial ROV, test them in the laboratory, and then conduct sea trials. The project will also prepare to bring UXRS to market post project; first for shallow water applications and then later for deep water applications. This will bring technological, scientific, and economic benefits to the UK.