Under the overcast sky, the waves carried gray-white foam, crashing against the rocks.
Perfikot and Sanderion were standing on the pier, holding the design plans of the underwater mining unit, conducting final checks.
In front of them, an underwater mining unit that resembled a giant steel whale quietly floated on the sea surface, its tallic shell emitting a gray iron sheen, rivets giving it a distinctive steampunk aesthetic.
"The cutter head uses high-strength alloy, capable of slicing through seabed rock layers," Sanderion straightened up, pointing to the rotating sawtooth device at the mining unit's front end, "But the deep-sea pressure tests aren't finished yet; if it encounters a hard mineral vein, the wear on the cutter will be severe."
"Then let the steam power system output more pressure," Perfikot said calmly, his eyes scanning the paraters on the design plans, "As long as the steam core's power is sufficient, the cutting efficiency of the cutter can still be improved."
Sanderion nodded but still frowned: "The steam core's power is already nearing its limit. Increasing it further might cause the cooling system to fall behind. While the deep-sea environnt is cold, the boiler's internal pressure would sharply rise, potentially leading to an explosion."
"Then adjust the layout of the cooling system," Perfikot suggested, pointing at the cooling pipes on the design plans, "Extend the cooling fins to the exterior shell, using seawater for cooling. Although it will add so resistance, it's preferable to a boiler explosion."
Sanderion thought for a mont and agreed: "Alright, I'll get soone to make the adjustnts."
The two quickly divided responsibilities, with Sanderion directing technicians to modify the cooling system and Perfikot personally checking the steam boiler's output paraters.
After a series of tense adjustnts, the underwater mining unit was finally prepared.
With a low hum, the steel whale slowly sank into the sea.
Perfikot and Sanderion returned to the Floating City's control room, monitoring the mining unit's operations in real-ti via underwater cara equipnt.
The seabed scenery soon appeared on the screen—dark red iron ore embedded in pitch-black rock layers like veins, the cutter at the mining unit's front rapidly accelerating its rotation, the steam power system's roar transmitted through the seawater, causing the screen to quiver lightly.
"The cutter has entered the rock layer," Sanderion watched the screen, a hint of tension in his voice, "Cutting efficiency is higher than expected, but the steam boiler's pressure is rising."
"Is the cooling system functioning properly?" Perfikot asked calmly.
"Currently normal, seawater cooling is working well," Sanderion quickly scanned the data, "But the cutter's temperature is rising too fast; prolonged operation may damage the blade."
Perfikot frowned, quickly inputting commands on the console: "Lower the cutter's rotation speed, increase steam pressure for smoother cutting. Although it will reduce efficiency, it can extend the blade's lifespan."
Sanderion nodded and followed suit, the cutter's speed gradually slowed while its cutting force beca more consistent.
The crushed ore was drawn into the storage tank by the rear pump system, creating a murky whirlpool on the sea surface.
"Efficiency is still decent," Sanderion stared at the data on the screen, "But the cutter's temperature remains high, probably requiring periodic surfacing to replace the blade."
"Then design a rapid replacent system," Perfikot responded without hesitation, "Modularize the blade, allowing the mining unit to surface periodically for replacent by the Floating City's chanical arm. Although it will increase downti, it's better than the blade lting."
Sanderion nodded in agreent: "Alright, I'll design it."
As the two discussed improvent plans, the screen suddenly showed an anomaly.
Without warning, the seabed rock layer split open with a crack, a strong current erupted from the crevice, instantly knocking the mining unit off its intended course.
"What's happening?" Sanderion imdiately grew tense, "Geological instability beneath the sea?"
Perfikot swiftly adjusted the cara's angle, discovering the current from the crevice mixed with large amounts of mud and gravel, the mining unit's cutter stuck in the rock layer, unable to operate further.
"The cutter is jamd, the steam power system is overloaded!" Sanderion focused on the data, his voice urgent, "At this rate, the boiler might explode!"
"Imdiately cut off steam supply, shut down the boiler, activate the backup propulsion system, and pull the mining unit out!" Perfikot calmly issued commands, his fingers deftly operating on the console.
Sanderion swiftly executed the orders, the mining unit's steam boiler gradually ceased operation, the backup propulsion system activated, attempting to pull the mining unit from the rock layer.
However, the current from the crevice grew stronger, the mining unit's shell began emitting heavy creaking sounds under pressure.
"The shell can't withstand the water pressure anymore!" Sanderion's voice carried a trace of urgency.
"Activate ergency surfacing procedure!" Perfikot decisively commanded, "Abandon this mining operation, prioritize equipnt safety!"
As the ergency surfacing procedure activated, the mining unit's shell released nurous bubbles, rapidly ascending to the sea surface.
Minutes later, the steel whale breached the water, showing a large crack on its shell with severe cutter damage.
"The loss is significant," Sanderion sighed, "But at least the equipnt is preserved."
"This test revealed nurous issues," Perfikot analyzed calmly, "The cutter's strength is inadequate, and the shell's pressure resistance needs enhancent. Additionally, we hadn't accounted for the seabed's geological instability."
Sanderion nodded: "I'll redesign the cutter and shell, increasing pressure resistance. Regarding the geological issues, we might need to conduct seabed surveys first to avoid unstable areas."
"Alright, improve as soon as possible," Perfikot glanced at the faintly visible blood-red clouds on the distant horizon, "We don't have much ti; the gods' armies could arrive at any mont."
Sanderion took a deep breath, eyes resolute, "Understood, I'll complete the improvents swiftly."
The two began focusing on their respective tasks, everything proceeding thodically.
Even though this test exposed many issues, overall, the outlook remained promising. The revealed problems were within Perfikot and Sanderion's expectations. As long as these issues are carefully addressed, the future potential of the underwater mining unit remains considerable.
Previous surveys of coastal regions confird that Langton's offshore area wasn't rich in mineral resources, but surrounding sea areas held abundant resources, both common tal deposits and rarer ones. The seabed offers more than what the land does.
Thus both Perfikot and Sanderion hold imnse expectations for the underwater mining unit.
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