A large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure

Abstract

The present invention discloses a large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure, which includes a connector, an elbow and a hinge assembly. The connector and the elbow, and between the elbows are connected through the hinge assembly. The connector is used for connecting with upstream and downstream equipment. The hinge assembly includes a sealing mechanism, a rotating member and a clamp. The sealing mechanism is used for the sealed connection between the connector and the elbow, and between the elbows. The clamp is used for the connection and fixation between the connector and the elbow, and between the elbows. The rotating member is connected between the clamp and the connector or between the clamp and the elbow. The rotating member is a rolling bearing or a sliding bearing. Beneficial effects: Larger diameter, flexible connection, small volume, light weight, and diversified forming methods, meeting the operation requirements of high pressure and large displacement in shale gas, greatly reducing the input cost of operation equipment, optimizing the on-site layout, and being flexibly connected with upstream and downstream equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of manifold connections, and particularly to a large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure. Background Art

[0002] The original movable elbow structure generally has multiple grooves designed. A certain number of rolling elements are installed inside the grooves to achieve relative rotation of the joints at both ends around the axis; the rolling elements in each groove are installed from their respective installation holes, and each installation hole is designed with a plug and a retaining ring to prevent the rolling elements from scattering during rotation. This structure for realizing the rotation function is large in volume, complex in structure, and difficult to assemble, has high requirements for the length of the straight section in the elbow structure, and is applicable to small-size movable elbows. When the size increases, due to the limited forming method and volume requirements of the elbow structure, the structure using rolling elements to realize the rotation function is no longer applicable.

[0003] With the rise of shale gas operations in domestic and foreign oil and gas fields, the characteristics of high pressure, large displacement, and continuous operation have increasingly strict requirements for fracturing equipment. To meet the requirements of shale gas operations, electric-driven fracturing has gradually emerged and been applied, and the displacement of a single pump has increased sharply. The large-diameter manifolds connected by flanges have also emerged as the times require. In order to compensate for the distance difference between large-diameter manifold skids, achieve flexible connection between manifold skids at different heights and distances, and avoid the huge impact and vibration caused by rigid pipeline connection, which may lead to premature damage of manifold components, it is necessary to develop a flexible connection device for connecting large-diameter manifold skids and wellhead manifolds. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure. Through the flexible, fast, simple, and convenient rotary connection of the hinge assembly, it is not restricted by the pipe diameter or the forming method of the elbow structure, enabling the connection head and the elbow to have a larger through diameter, and the wall thickness of the connection head and the elbow can also be flexibly set. This large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure is small in volume and has diverse forming methods, meeting the operation requirements of high pressure and large displacement in shale gas, greatly reducing the input cost of operation equipment, and optimizing the on-site layout; the end is connected by a flange in accordance with API 6A standard, replacing the traditional hammer union connection, making the connection more reliable and improving the safety of on-site operations; in addition, the hinge part of this large-size movable elbow is connected by a clamp, enabling it to achieve a sealing performance while completing a rotary motion, realizing flexible connection between large-size manifolds.

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical measures: A large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure includes a connector, an elbow, and a hinge assembly. The connector and the elbow, and between the elbows are connected by the hinge assembly. The connector is used for connecting to upstream and downstream equipment; the hinge assembly includes a sealing mechanism, a rotating member, and a clamp. The sealing mechanism is used for the sealed connection between the connector and the elbow, and between the elbows. The clamp is used for the connection and fixation between the connector and the elbow, and between the elbows. The rotating member is connected between the clamp and the connector or between the clamp and the elbow. The rotating member is a rolling bearing or a sliding bearing.

[0006] Further, according to actual usage requirements, different numbers of the connectors and elbows are connected.

[0007] Further, the sealing mechanism includes packing and a sealing skeleton. Both ends of the sealing skeleton extend into the adjacent connector and elbow or into the adjacent two elbows respectively. The packing is filled in the counterbores of the connector and the elbow. The sealing skeleton is used to compress the packing.

[0008] Further, when the sealing skeleton compresses the packing, a support block is axially extended at the middle position of the sealing skeleton. The hinge assembly includes a support ring. A support block and a support ring are provided between the two connecting end faces of the adjacent connector and elbow, or between the two connecting end faces of the adjacent elbows.

[0009] Further, an annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the clamp. One end of the support ring contacts the support block, and the other end of the support ring contacts the annular groove.

[0010] Further, the inner wall of the clamp is provided with two inner conical surfaces. Outer conical surfaces are provided on the outer wall of the end of the connector and on the outer wall of the end of the elbow. When the connector is connected to the elbow, the inner conical surfaces of the clamp are respectively used in cooperation with the outer conical surfaces of the connector and the elbow. When an elbow is connected to an elbow, the inner conical surfaces of the clamp are respectively used in cooperation with the outer conical surfaces of the two elbows.

[0011] Further, a rotating member is provided between the inner conical surface of the clamp and the outer conical surface of the connector, and a rotating member is provided between the inner conical surface of the clamp and the outer conical surface of the elbow.

[0012] Further, a gap is provided between the clamp and the elbow.

[0013] Further, the gap is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0014] Further, the clamp adopts a split structure. The clamp is positioned and connected by a pin shaft and fastened by a bolt.

[0015] Furthermore, a sealed connection is adopted between the clamp and the connector, and a sealed connection is also adopted between the clamp and the elbow.

[0016] Furthermore, the end of the connector is connected to the upstream and downstream equipment by an API flange.

[0017] Furthermore, an oil injection port is provided on the clamp, and the oil injection port is used for lubricating the relative rotation between the connector and the elbow or between two elbows.

[0018] Furthermore, the elbow is a two-way joint, a three-way joint, a four-way joint, a Y-shaped three-way joint or a bifurcated three-way joint.

[0019] Furthermore, the elbow, the rotating part and the clamp are all made of wear-resistant materials.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Through the flexible, fast, simple and convenient rotary connection of the hinge assembly, the connector and the elbow can be set with a larger diameter, and the wall thickness of the connector and the elbow can also be flexibly set. The large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure has a small volume and diversified forming methods, meeting the operation requirements of high pressure and large displacement of shale gas, greatly reducing the input cost of operation equipment, and optimizing the on-site layout; the end is connected by a flange conforming to API 6A standard, replacing the traditional hammer union connection, making the connection more reliable and improving the safety of on-site operations; in addition, the hinge part of the large-size movable elbow is connected by a clamp, enabling it to achieve a sealing performance while completing a rotating action, realizing a flexible connection between large-size pipe manifolds. During the working process, the free rotation can relieve the vibration generated during the transportation of high-pressure and high-speed fluids in the pipeline and release stress.

[0021] The following will describe the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure.

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the hinge assembly in

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing skeleton.

[0026] Wherein, 1. Connector, 2. Elbow, 3. Hinge assembly, 4. Sealing ring, 5. Rotating part, 6. Support ring, 7. Pin shaft, 8. Clamp, 9. Bolt, 10. Sealing skeleton, 11. Packing, 12. End. Detailed implementation mode

[0027] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, a large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure includes a connector 1, an elbow 2 and a hinge assembly 3. The connector 1 and the elbow 2, and between the elbows 2 are connected by the hinge assembly 3. The connector 1 is used for connecting to upstream and downstream equipment; the hinge assembly 3 includes a sealing mechanism, a rotating member 5 and a clamp 8. The sealing mechanism is used for the sealed connection between the connector 1 and the elbow 2, and between the elbows 2. The clamp 8 is used for the connection and fixation between the connector 1 and the elbow 2, and between the elbows 2. The rotating member 5 is connected between the clamp 8 and the connector 1 or between the clamp 8 and the elbow 2. The rotating member 5 can be deformably designed into various forms of rolling bearings or sliding bearings to reduce various forms of frictional resistance during the rotation of the movable elbow 2. The sealed connection between adjacent connectors 1 and elbows 2, and between the elbows 2 is achieved through the sealing mechanism. Coaxial rotation is achieved through the support ring 6 and the sealing skeleton 10. Better relative rotation is achieved through the cooperation of the inner conical surface, the outer conical surface and the rotating member 5. Fixed connection is achieved through the clamp 8. Through the flexible, fast, simple and convenient rotary connection of the hinge assembly 3 of the large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure, the connector 1 and the elbow 2 can be set with a larger diameter, and the wall thicknesses of the connector 1 and the elbow 2 can also be flexibly set. The large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure is small in volume and diverse in forming methods, meeting the operation requirements of high pressure and large displacement in shale gas, greatly reducing the input cost of operation equipment, optimizing the on - site layout, and realizing the flexible connection between large - specification pipe manifolds. The rotation of the connector 1 relative to the elbow 2 can be more flexible and faster in connecting to upstream or downstream equipment. The free rotation of the elbow 2 relative to the adjacent connector 1 or between two elbows 2 can relieve the vibration generated during the transportation of high - pressure and high - speed fluids in the pipeline and release stress.

[0028] According to actual usage needs, different numbers of the connectors 1 and elbows 2 are connected. In this technical solution, the connectors 1 are respectively arranged at both ends of the large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure. Between the two connectors 1, different numbers of elbows 2 are connected according to actual needs. After being normally connected, each elbow 2 in the large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure can rotate relatively with the assistance of the rotating member 5. Different combinations of the number of elbows 2 can form different layouts and shapes. 1 and 3 in this drawing are only two of the embodiments.

[0029] In this technical solution, the hinge assembly 3 is an important mechanism of the large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure. This hinge can freely rotate 360° around the central axis, realizing the change of the connection direction of the pipe assembly. Different combinations can achieve various forms of pipe assembly connections. During the working process, the free rotation can relieve the vibration generated during the transportation of high - pressure and high - speed fluids in the pipeline and release stress.

[0030] The sealing mechanism includes packing 11 and a sealing skeleton 10. The two ends of the sealing skeleton 10 respectively extend into the adjacent connector 1 and elbow 2 or into two adjacent elbows 2. The packing 11 is filled in the counterbore of the connector 1 and elbow 2. The sealing skeleton 10 is used to compress the packing 11. The packing 11 is an elastic sealing element, which can prevent the internal medium of the large - specification high - pressure movable elbow structure from leaking. After the sealing skeleton 10 is assembled and fastened, it compresses the packing 11 to realize the sealing between the adjacent connector 1 and elbow 2, and between two adjacent elbows 2, and provides guidance and positioning for the adjacent connector 1 and elbow 2, or for two adjacent elbows 2, ensuring coaxial installation and coaxial rotation.

[0031] When the sealing skeleton 10 compresses the packing 11, a support block extends axially at the middle position of the sealing skeleton 10. The hinge assembly 3 includes a support ring 6. A support block and a support ring 6 are arranged between the two connecting end faces of the adjacent connector 1 and elbow 2, or between the two connecting end faces of the adjacent elbows 2. The support block and the support ring 6 ensure that the adjacent connector 1 and elbow 2, and the adjacent elbows 2 rotate coaxially when rotating.

[0032] An annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the clamp 8. One end of the support ring 6 contacts the support block, and the other end of the support ring 6 contacts the annular groove and the support ring 6 is positioned in the annular groove of the clamp 8, providing support and positioning for the two elbows 2 and the sealing skeleton 10, or for the connector 1, elbow 2 and the sealing skeleton 10, and bisecting the gap.

[0033] The inner wall of the clamp 8 is provided with an inner conical surface. There are 2 inner conical surfaces, and the 2 inner conical surfaces are symmetrically distributed. The inner conical surface can be designed as 25° or other more suitable angles. Outer conical surfaces are provided on the outer wall of the end 12 of the connector 1 and on the outer wall of the end 12 of the elbow 2. When the connector 1 is connected to the elbow 2, the inner conical surfaces of the clamp 8 are respectively used in cooperation with the outer conical surfaces of the connector 1 and elbow 2. When the elbow 2 is connected to the elbow 2, the inner conical surfaces of the clamp 8 are respectively used in cooperation with the outer conical surfaces of the two elbows 2.

[0034] A rotating part 5 is arranged between the inner conical surface of the clamp 8 and the outer conical surface of the connector 1, and a rotating part 5 is arranged between the inner conical surface of the clamp 8 and the outer conical surface of the elbow 2.

[0035] A gap is provided between the clamp 8 and the elbow 2. The gap is less than or equal to 1 mm, so that the elbow 2 can rotate freely 360° around the central axis of the clamp 8.

[0036] The clamp 8 adopts a split structure, and the clamp 8 is positioned and connected by a pin 7, such as a cylindrical pin.

[0037] Positioning, matching processing and use are achieved through cylindrical pins, making the installation of the split clamp 8 faster.

[0038] The clamp 8 is fastened by bolts 9 .

[0039] The clamp 8 is sealed to the connector 1, and the clamp 8 is sealed to the elbow 2. In normal use, annular sealing grooves are respectively provided at both ends of the inner wall of the clamp 8, and a sealing ring 4, such as an O-ring, is filled in the annular sealing groove to prevent external impurities or dust from entering the hinge assembly 3.

[0040] The end 12 of the connector 1 is connected to the upstream and downstream equipment by using an API flange. The API flange is universal and interchangeable, and can be directly and seamlessly connected to other similar equipment used in oil and gas fields.

[0041] The clamp 8 is provided with an oil filling port, which is used for lubrication of the rotation between the connector 1 and the elbow 2 or between two elbows 2 to reduce the rotation resistance. Oil circuits can be provided on the clamp 8, the rotating member 5, the support ring 6 and the elbow 2. Of course, one oil circuit can meet the rotation lubrication requirements for adjacent connected parts that rotate with each other.

[0042] In order to be suitable for different occasions, the elbow 2 is a two-way joint or a three-way joint or a four-way joint or a Y-type three-way joint or a forked three-way joint, so that the large-size high-pressure movable elbow 2 structure has a wider applicability.

[0043] When the movable elbow 2 rotates, relative rotational motion occurs between the clamp 8, the rotating member 5 and the elbow 2. In order to maximize the service life of the product, the elbow 2, the rotating member 5 and the clamp 8 are all made of wear-resistant materials.

[0044] Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention to be protected. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure, Characterized in that: It includes a connector, an elbow, and a hinge assembly. The connector and the elbow, and between the elbows are connected through the hinge assembly. The connector is used for connecting to upstream and downstream equipment; the hinge assembly includes a sealing mechanism, a rotating member, and a clamp. The sealing mechanism is used for the sealed connection between the connector and the elbow, and between the elbows. The clamp is used for the connection and fixation between the connector and the elbow, and between the elbows. The rotating member is connected between the clamp and the connector or between the clamp and the elbow. The rotating member is a rolling bearing or a sliding bearing; the sealing mechanism includes packing and a sealing skeleton. Both ends of the sealing skeleton extend into the adjacent connector and elbow or into two adjacent elbows respectively. Packing is filled in the counterbore of the connector and the elbow. The sealing skeleton is used to compress the packing; when the sealing skeleton compresses the packing, a support block extends axially at the middle position of the sealing skeleton. The hinge assembly includes a support ring. Between the two connecting end faces of the adjacent connector and elbow, or between the two connecting end faces of the adjacent elbows, a support block and a support ring are provided; an annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the clamp. One end of the support ring contacts the support block, and the other end of the support ring contacts the annular groove; an inner conical surface is provided on the inner wall of the clamp, and there are 2 inner conical surfaces. Outer conical surfaces are provided on the outer wall of the end of the connector and on the outer wall of the end of the elbow. When the connector is connected to the elbow, the inner conical surfaces of the clamp are respectively used in cooperation with the outer conical surfaces of the connector and the elbow. When the elbow is connected to the elbow, the inner conical surfaces of the clamp are respectively used in cooperation with the outer conical surfaces of the two elbows; a rotating member is provided between the inner conical surface of the clamp and the outer conical surface of the connector, and a rotating member is provided between the inner conical surface of the clamp and the outer conical surface of the elbow.

2. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, Characterized in that: According to actual usage requirements, different numbers of the connectors and elbows are connected.

3. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, Characterized in that: A gap is provided between the clamp and the elbow.

4. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 3, Characterized in that: The gap is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

5. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, Characterized in that: The clamp adopts a split - type structure, the clamp is positioned and connected by a pin shaft, and the clamp is fastened by bolts.

6. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, Characterized in that: A sealed connection is adopted between the clamp and the connector, and a sealed connection is adopted between the clamp and the elbow.

7. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, Characterized in that: The end of the connector is connected to upstream and downstream equipment by an API flange.

8. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, Characterized in that: An oil injection port is provided on the clamp. The oil injection port is used for the lubrication of the relative rotation between the connector and the elbow or between two elbows.

9. The large - scale high - pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, It is characterized in that: The elbow is a two-way joint, a three-way joint, a four-way joint, a Y-shaped three-way joint or a bifurcated three-way joint.

10. The large-size high-pressure movable elbow structure according to claim 1, It is characterized in that: For the elbow, the rotating part and the clamp are both made of wear-resistant materials.

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