Ocean pipe cable damping device

Abstract

The invention discloses a marine pipe cable damping device which comprises a double-layer pipe body, a damping device and a damping device, and the double-layer pipe body is arranged outside a marine pipe cable in a sleeving mode and fixed to the marine pipe cable through a buckling device; the double-layer pipe body comprises an outer-layer pipe and an inner-layer pipe which are coaxially arranged, an interlayer space is arranged between the outer-layer pipe and the inner-layer pipe, a drainage hole communicated with the interlayer space is formed in the outer-layer pipe, an inflation buoyancy module is arranged in the interlayer space, a vibration power generation device is fixed to the outer-layer pipe, and a water pressure sensor is installed on the outer surface of the vibration power generation device; a controller is arranged on the outer surface of the outer-layer pipe, and the vibration power generation device is electrically connected with the controller; the water pressure sensor is electrically connected with the controller, and the controller is electrically connected with the inflatable buoyancy module; and a plurality of vibration reduction fins are irregularly distributed and fixed on the outer surface of the outer-layer pipe. The marine flexible pipe cable can achieve efficient vibration reduction and buoyancy adjustment, and then the stability, durability and safety of the marine flexible pipe cable in a complex dynamic environment are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of marine engineering equipment, and in particular to a marine cable vibration reduction device. Background Art

[0002] Marine flexible cables (such as submarine cables, dynamic umbilicals, and flexible risers) are critical infrastructure for offshore oil and gas development and renewable energy transmission. Under the combined effects of cyclical environmental loads such as ocean eddies and waves, cables are susceptible to complex vortex-induced vibrations and significant low-frequency excursions. Long-term dynamic response can subject cables to high-frequency alternating stresses, significantly increasing the risk of fatigue damage and threatening their long-term operational safety and service life.

[0003] Existing vibration reduction technologies (such as fairings and dampers) are mostly designed for a single vibration mode, lacking adaptability to the coupled effects of time-varying ocean currents and waves, and making it difficult to simultaneously optimize the spatial configuration of the umbilical cable. Furthermore, the buoyancy configuration of the umbilical cable directly affects its dynamic response amplitude and fatigue life. Current buoyancy modules are mostly fixed and cannot be adjusted in real time to changes in the ocean environment, resulting in excessive bending and bottom wear of the umbilical cable under extreme operating conditions. Related patents, such as Chinese Patent CN117268972A, disclose a submarine cable wear test device and test method, which focuses on simulating the static / quasi-static wear process between the cable and seabed sediment. While this technology provides a basis for cable sheath durability design, it has the following limitations: 1. It does not address the vibration suppression mechanism of the umbilical cable in a dynamic ocean environment and cannot address the problem of harmful vibration induced by eddy currents and waves; 2. It lacks the ability to monitor and adjust the umbilical cable's buoyancy in real time, making it unable to adapt to changes in the flow field to optimize dynamic response; and 3. It is a laboratory wear test device and is not suitable for field deployment.

[0004] In summary, there is an urgent need to develop a device that integrates efficient vibration reduction and intelligent buoyancy adjustment functions to improve the stability, durability and safety of marine flexible cables in complex dynamic environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a marine cable vibration reduction device, which can achieve efficient vibration reduction and buoyancy adjustment, thereby improving the stability, durability and safety of marine flexible cables in complex dynamic environments.

[0006] In view of this, the present application provides a marine cable vibration reduction device, comprising: a double-layer pipe body;

[0007] A buckling device is fixed to at least one end of the double-layer tube body;

[0008] The double-layer tube body is sleeved outside the marine umbilical cable and fixed to the marine umbilical cable through the fastening device;

[0009] The double-layer tube body comprises an outer tube and an inner tube arranged coaxially;

[0010] An interlayer space is provided between the outer tube and the inner tube;

[0011] The outer tube is provided with a drainage hole connected to the interlayer space;

[0012] An inflatable buoyancy module is provided in the interlayer space;

[0013] A vibration power generation device is fixedly mounted on the outer tube;

[0014] A water pressure sensor is installed on the outer surface of the vibration power generation device;

[0015] The outer surface of the outer tube is provided with a controller;

[0016] The vibration power generation device is electrically connected to the controller;

[0017] The water pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the inflatable buoyancy module, and is used to control the inflatable buoyancy module to inflate when the pressure is too high, thereby increasing the buoyancy by discharging the water in the interlayer space;

[0018] A plurality of vibration-damping ribs are irregularly arranged and fixed on the outer surface of the outer tube.

[0019] Optionally, the inflatable buoyancy module includes an inflating device and an air bag;

[0020] The inflation device is connected to the airbag and is used to inject gas into the airbag to expand it and generate buoyancy;

[0021] The inflation device is electrically connected to the controller via a connecting line.

[0022] Optionally, the inflation device includes a high-pressure gas tank for storing compressed gas and an inflation valve provided in an air path between the high-pressure gas tank and the airbag.

[0023] Optionally, there are multiple inflatable buoyancy modules;

[0024] A plurality of the inflatable buoyancy modules are evenly arranged in the interlayer space.

[0025] Optionally, the outer surface of the outer tube is further provided with a temperature sensor for real-time monitoring of temperature changes in the surrounding environment;

[0026] The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to store data.

[0027] Optionally, the outer tube is made of a rigid material;

[0028] The inner tube is made of flexible material.

[0029] Optionally, the airbag is a foldable structure.

[0030] Optionally, a positioning beacon is further provided on the outer surface of the outer tube.

[0031] Optionally, the vibration power generation device is arranged close to the buckling device.

[0032] Optionally, the fastening device is a clamp.

[0033] It can be seen from the above technical solutions that the embodiments of the present application have the following advantages: by irregularly arranging multiple vibration-damping ribs on the outer surface of the outer tube, the present device can effectively reduce the complex vortex-induced vibrations and large low-frequency offsets generated by the pipe and cable under the combined action of periodic environmental loads such as ocean eddies and waves. Compared with existing vibration reduction technologies designed for a single vibration mode, it has stronger adaptability under the coupling of time-varying ocean currents and waves. The inflatable buoyancy module in the interlayer space can adjust the inflation volume in real time through the controller according to the pressure value detected by the water pressure sensor, change the drainage conditions of the interlayer space to accurately adjust the buoyancy, and solve the problem that traditional fixed buoyancy modules cannot be adjusted in real time according to changes in the ocean environment. It ensures the buoyancy stability of the pipe and cable at the same depth, avoids excessive bending or bottoming wear caused by extreme working conditions, optimizes the spatial configuration and dynamic response amplitude of the pipe and cable, and reduces the risk of fatigue damage caused by high-frequency alternating stress. A vibration power generation device mounted on the outer tube captures the vibration energy of the cable and converts it into electricity, providing continuous power to the water pressure sensor, controller, and inflatable buoyancy module. This enables the device to operate independently for a long time without relying on external power, enhancing the system's adaptability and durability in various marine environments. The overall device integrates efficient vibration reduction and intelligent buoyancy adjustment functions, improving the stability, durability, and safety of the marine flexible cable in complex and dynamic environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a marine cable vibration reduction device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the front end of the marine cable vibration reduction device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the marine cable vibration reduction device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the marine cable vibration reduction device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Wherein, the accompanying drawings are marked as follows:

[0039] 1-fastening device, 2-vibration power generation device, 3-temperature sensor, 4-vibration damping rib, 5-drain hole, 6-controller, 7-water pressure sensor, 201-airbag, 202-inflating valve, 203-high-pressure gas tank, 204-connecting line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to help those skilled in the art better understand the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application.

[0043] This application provides an embodiment of a marine cable vibration reduction device. Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0044] The marine cable vibration reduction device in this embodiment includes: a double-layer tube body, at least one end of the double-layer tube body is fixed with a fastening device 1, the double-layer tube body is sleeved on the outside of the marine cable and fixed to the marine cable by the fastening device 1; the double-layer tube body includes a coaxially arranged outer tube and an inner tube, an interlayer space is provided between the outer tube and the inner tube, the outer tube is provided with a drainage hole 5 connected to the interlayer space, an inflatable buoyancy module is provided in the interlayer space, a vibration power generation device 2 is sleeved and fixed on the outer tube, a water pressure sensor 7 is installed on the outer surface of the vibration power generation device 2, a controller 6 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tube, and the vibration power generation device 2 is electrically connected to the controller 6; the water pressure sensor 7 is electrically connected to the controller 6, and the controller 6 is electrically connected to the inflatable buoyancy module for controlling the inflatable buoyancy module to be inflated when the pressure is too high, thereby increasing the buoyancy by discharging the water in the interlayer space; the outer surface of the outer tube is fixed with a plurality of vibration-damping ribs 4 in an irregular arrangement.

[0045] It should be noted that: by irregularly arranging multiple vibration-damping ribs 4 on the outer surface of the outer tube, this device can effectively reduce the complex vortex-induced vibrations and large low-frequency offsets generated by the pipe and cable under the combined action of periodic environmental loads such as ocean eddies and waves. Compared with existing vibration reduction technologies designed for a single vibration mode, it has stronger adaptability under the coupling of time-varying ocean currents and waves. The inflatable buoyancy module in the interlayer space can adjust the inflation volume in real time through the controller 6 according to the pressure value detected by the water pressure sensor 7, change the drainage conditions of the interlayer space to accurately adjust the buoyancy, and solve the problem that traditional fixed buoyancy modules cannot be adjusted in real time according to changes in the ocean environment. It ensures the buoyancy stability of the pipe and cable at the same depth, avoids excessive bending or bottoming wear caused by extreme working conditions, optimizes the spatial configuration and dynamic response amplitude of the pipe and cable, and reduces the risk of fatigue damage caused by high-frequency alternating stress. A vibration power generation device 2 mounted on the outer tube captures the cable's vibration energy and converts it into electricity, providing continuous power to the water pressure sensor 7, controller 6, and inflatable buoyancy module. This enables the device to operate independently for a long time, eliminating the need for external power supply and enhancing the system's adaptability and durability in various marine environments. The integrated device combines efficient vibration reduction with intelligent buoyancy regulation, enhancing the stability, durability, and safety of the flexible marine cable in complex and dynamic environments.

[0046] The above is the first embodiment of a marine cable vibration reduction device provided by the embodiment of the present application. The following is the second embodiment of a marine cable vibration reduction device provided by the embodiment of the present application. For details, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 .

[0047] The marine cable vibration reduction device in this embodiment includes: a double-layer tube body, at least one end of which is fixed with a fastening device 1, the double-layer tube body is sleeved on the outside of the marine cable and fixed to the marine cable by the fastening device 1; the double-layer tube body includes a coaxially arranged outer tube and inner tube, an interlayer space is provided between the outer tube and the inner tube, the outer tube is provided with a drainage hole 5 connected to the interlayer space, an inflatable buoyancy module is provided in the interlayer space, a vibration power generation device 2 is sleeved and fixed on the outer tube, a water pressure sensor 7 is installed on the outer surface of the vibration power generation device 2, a controller 6 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tube, and the vibration power generation device 2 is electrically connected to the controller 6; the water pressure sensor 7 is electrically connected to the controller 6, and the controller 6 is electrically connected to the inflatable buoyancy module for controlling the inflatable buoyancy module to inflate when the pressure is too high, thereby increasing the buoyancy by draining the water in the interlayer space; the outer surface of the outer tube is fixed with a plurality of vibration-damping ribs 4 arranged irregularly and evenly. Specifically, the vibration-damping ribs 4 are in an isosceles trapezoidal shape. When the ocean current flows through the device, the multiple vibration-damping ribs 4 on the outer surface of the outer tube act as a flow disturber, which can effectively reduce the impact of vortex-induced vibration, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude of the ocean cable.

[0048] It is understood that the vibration-damping fins 4 are distributed on the outer tube surface in a non-periodic manner (the position, spacing, or angle of the fins are non-periodic and repeated), maintaining uniform density in the axial and circumferential directions of the tube. By breaking the geometric symmetry, they interfere with the vortex generation frequency of incoming flows from different directions, thereby suppressing multimodal vibrations (such as vortex-induced vibration and wave-induced vibration). At the same time, they avoid the concentrated release of vortices in local areas due to the absence of fins, achieving global dissipation of vibration energy. The vibration power generation device 2 is a prior art technology that converts captured vibration energy (the movement of waves, tides, or currents) into electrical energy to provide power for sensors, controller 6, and inflatable buoyancy modules.

[0049] The inflatable buoyancy module includes an inflatable device and an airbag 201 . The inflatable device is connected to the airbag 201 and is used to inject gas into the airbag 201 to expand it and generate buoyancy. The inflatable device is electrically connected to the controller 6 via a connecting line 204 .

[0050] The inflation device includes a high-pressure gas storage tank 203 for storing compressed gas and an inflation valve 202 provided in the gas path between the high-pressure gas storage tank 203 and the airbag 201 .

[0051] It should be noted that: when in use, the water pressure sensor 7 performs pressure detection and feeds the detection value back to the controller 6. The controller 6 determines whether the pressure value exceeds the critical value. If it exceeds the critical value, the controller controls the inflation buoyancy module to adjust the buoyancy. At this time, the compressed gas in the high-pressure gas tank 203 begins to be released, and the inflation valve 202 is opened at the same time to inflate the air bag 201. The air bag 201 is inflated and expanded, and the water inside the interlayer space is discharged from the drainage hole 5, thereby achieving buoyancy.

[0052] There are multiple inflatable buoyancy modules, and the multiple inflatable buoyancy modules are evenly distributed in the interlayer space.

[0053] The outer surface of the outer tube is also equipped with a temperature sensor 3 for real-time monitoring of ambient temperature changes. This sensor is electrically connected to a controller 6 and stores data to help determine seawater temperature fluctuations. Specifically, the controller 6 includes a built-in storage module, and the temperature sensor 3 stores the detected temperature data in the storage module to support subsequent research on ocean temperature changes.

[0054] Preferably, the outer tube is made of a rigid material and the inner tube is made of a flexible material, which can better protect the marine cable while providing rigid support.

[0055] The airbag 201 is a foldable structure and quickly unfolds into a cylindrical shape after being inflated.

[0056] The outer surface of the outer tube is also provided with a positioning beacon to facilitate the positioning of the device.

[0057] Preferably, the vibration power generation device 2 is arranged close to the fastening device 1 so as to better obtain vibration energy.

[0058] The fastening device 1 can be a clamp.

[0059] During specific implementation, the vibration damping device is put on the surface of the marine cable during the installation and laying stage of the cable, and is firmly fixed to the surface of the marine cable by a clamp to ensure a close connection between the vibration damping device and the marine cable. The vibration power generation device 2 continuously obtains the vibration energy brought by the ocean current movement and converts it into electrical energy to power the entire device. The temperature sensor 3 and the water pressure sensor 7 perform real-time detection. When the water pressure sensor 7 detects that the pressure is too high, it means that the marine cable has sunk. At this time, the controller 6 controls the inflatable buoyancy module to inflate, and increases the buoyancy by discharging seawater from the inside of the interlayer space, pushing the cable to float to the target depth, thereby keeping the buoyancy of the cable within the set range.

[0060] It is understood that in actual operation, after all components are installed, the entire vibration reduction device needs to be placed in a marine environment for testing. During the test, the data from each sensor and the operating status of the inflatable buoyancy module are recorded. Based on the actual marine environmental conditions, such as water flow velocity, temperature changes, and water depth, the design parameters of the vibration reduction ribs 4 and the inflation and deflation strategies of the inflatable buoyancy module are adjusted to optimize the vibration reduction effect. At the same time, the output power and durability of the vibration power generation device 2 are evaluated to ensure that the device can maintain stable operation during long-term operation. The operating status of each component of the vibration reduction device is regularly checked, especially the tightness of the snap-fit ​​device 1, the wear of the vibration reduction ribs 4, and the sealing of the inflatable buoyancy module. During use, the installed data feedback control system continuously monitors the temperature, pressure, and buoyancy change data, analyzes the device's operating status, and allows for timely adjustment of the vibration reduction strategy. At the same time, the data analysis results can also provide a reference for further optimization design.

[0061] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A marine cable vibration reduction device, characterized in that: include: Double-layer tube body; A buckling device is fixed to at least one end of the double-layer tube body; The double-layer tube body is sleeved outside the marine umbilical cable and fixed to the marine umbilical cable through the fastening device; The double-layer tube body comprises an outer tube and an inner tube arranged coaxially; An interlayer space is provided between the outer tube and the inner tube; The outer tube is provided with a drainage hole connected to the interlayer space; An inflatable buoyancy module is provided in the interlayer space; A vibration power generation device is fixedly mounted on the outer tube; A water pressure sensor is installed on the outer surface of the vibration power generation device; The outer surface of the outer tube is provided with a controller; The vibration power generation device is electrically connected to the controller; The water pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the inflatable buoyancy module, and is used to control the inflatable buoyancy module to inflate when the pressure is too high, thereby increasing the buoyancy by discharging the water in the interlayer space; A plurality of vibration-damping ribs are irregularly arranged and fixed on the outer surface of the outer tube.

2. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inflatable buoyancy module includes an inflating device and an air bag; The inflation device is connected to the airbag and is used to inject gas into the airbag to expand it and generate buoyancy; The inflation device is electrically connected to the controller via a connecting line.

3. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inflation device includes a high-pressure gas storage tank for storing compressed gas and an inflation valve arranged in an air path between the high-pressure gas storage tank and the airbag.

4. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple inflatable buoyancy modules; A plurality of the inflatable buoyancy modules are evenly arranged in the interlayer space.

5. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the outer tube is also provided with a temperature sensor for real-time monitoring of temperature changes in the surrounding environment; The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to store data.

6. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer tube is made of a rigid material; The inner tube is made of flexible material.

7. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The airbag is a foldable structure.

8. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the outer tube is also provided with a positioning beacon.

9. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibration power generation device is arranged close to the buckling device.

10. The marine cable vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening device is a clamp.

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