Production system for a submarine cable, method for producing a submarine cable and submarine cable

Abstract

The application provides a submarine cable production system, a submarine cable production method and a submarine cable. The submarine cable production system comprises, which are sequentially arranged: cross-linking production equipment, used for forming a conductor shielding layer, an insulation layer and an insulation shielding layer outside a conductor; lead sleeve and sheath production equipment, used for sequentially forming a lead sleeve and a sheath outside the insulation shielding layer; a ground turntable; and an armoring production equipment, used for forming an armoring layer outside the sheath; wherein the ground turntable comprises a base, an import part and an export part, the import part is used for importing a first submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the lead sleeve and sheath production equipment into the export part, and the export part is used for storing or exporting the first submarine cable semi-finished product; the import part and the export part are rotatably arranged on the base, and the import part is rotatable relative to the export part. In the technical scheme of the application, the lead sleeve and sheath production equipment and the armoring production equipment of the submarine cable production system can be produced synchronously, and the problem of damage to the submarine cable can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of submarine cables, and in particular to a submarine cable production system, a submarine cable production method, and a submarine cable. Background Art

[0002] Based on the rapid development of offshore wind power, future submarine cable products will develop in the direction of green, low-carbon, low-cost, long length, and deep sea.

[0003] At present, the industry's submarine cables need to replace steel wires during the armor production process. Since replacing steel wires often takes several hours, the submarine cables cannot be armored in time after the lead sheath and jacket are extruded. In other words, the lead sheath and jacket production cannot be synchronized with the armor production, resulting in the need for multiple cable reversals during the production process, which can easily cause damage to the submarine cable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a submarine cable production system, a submarine cable production method and a submarine cable. The lead sheath and sheath production equipment and the armor production equipment of the submarine cable production system can produce simultaneously, which can avoid the problem of multiple cable rewinding during the production process, which is easy to cause damage to the submarine cable.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, a production system for submarine cables is provided, the production system comprising: cross-linking production equipment for forming a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer and an insulating shielding layer outside the conductor; lead sheath and sheath production equipment for sequentially forming a lead sheath and a sheath outside the insulating shielding layer; a ground turntable; and armor production equipment for forming an armor layer outside the sheath; wherein the ground turntable comprises a base, an introduction part and a reel-out part, the introduction part being used to introduce a first submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the lead sheath and sheath production equipment into the reel-out part, and the reel-out part being used to store or export the first submarine cable semi-finished product; the introduction part and the reel-out part are both rotatably arranged on the base, and the introduction part is rotatable relative to the reel-out part.

[0006] Furthermore, the introduction part includes: a vertical bracket connected to the base; a transverse bracket fixedly arranged on the vertical bracket, and an introduction piece is provided at one end of the transverse bracket away from the vertical bracket, and the introduction piece is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product into the reel-out part.

[0007] Furthermore, the reel-out portion includes at least two cylindrical structures and at least one turntable. Along the rotation center of the reel-out portion toward the outside, at least two cylindrical structures are arranged in sequence, and a reel outlet is provided on the side wall of each cylindrical structure; a turntable is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical structures, and the turntable is rotatably arranged relative to the base, and the two adjacent cylindrical structures and the corresponding turntables together form a cable reeling space; the introduction member is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product into the cable reeling space located at the innermost side, and the cable reeling space is connected to the reel outlet, and the first submarine cable semi-finished product is discharged through the reel outlet located at the outermost side.

[0008] Furthermore, the production system also includes a rapid degassing device, which is located between the cross-linking production equipment and the lead sheath and jacket production equipment, and is used to quickly degas the second submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the cross-linking production equipment; the rapid degassing device includes: an outer shell, an inlet and an outlet are provided on the outer shell, the outer shell encloses a degassing space, and the inlet and outlet are both connected to the degassing space; at least two guide wheel assemblies are arranged at intervals in the degassing space, and the guide wheel assemblies are used to support the second submarine cable semi-finished product; a heating assembly is arranged in the degassing space, and the heating assembly is used to heat the air in the degassing space.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide wheel assembly is annular, and at least two guide wheel assemblies are arranged in sequence from the center of the guide wheel assembly to the outside, the inlet is arranged corresponding to the guide wheel assembly located on the innermost side, and the outlet is arranged corresponding to the guide wheel assembly located on the outermost side; the heating assembly includes an outer heating structure and an inner heating structure, the outer heating structure is arranged on the outer periphery of the guide wheel assembly located on the outermost side to heat from the outside to the inside, and the inner heating structure is arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly located on the innermost side to heat from the inside to the outside.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer heating structure includes a fan and a heating box, the fan is connected to the heating box, the fan is used to guide the air in the degassing space to the heating box, the heating box is used to heat the air, and the heated air can be discharged into the degassing space through the outlet of the heating box; and / or, the heating assembly includes at least two outer heating structures, and at least two outer heating structures are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the guide wheel assembly located at the outermost side.

[0011] Furthermore, the rapid degassing equipment also includes an inner shell, which is arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly located at the innermost side. The inner shell and the outer shell together form a degassing space. An air outlet is provided on the inner shell, and the inner cavity of the inner shell is connected to the degassing space through the air outlet; the inner heating structure is arranged on the inner shell to provide hot air to the inner cavity of the inner shell.

[0012] Furthermore, a fan is provided on the top wall of the outer shell, and the fan is used to blow the hot air above the degassing space downward; and / or, seals are provided at the inlet and outlet, and the submarine cable is sealed with the seals when passing through the inlet and outlet.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a submarine cable is provided. The method adopts the above-mentioned submarine cable production system to produce the submarine cable, and the method comprises: a cross-linking production step of forming a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer, and an insulating shielding layer outside the conductor; a lead sheathing and sheathing production step of sequentially forming a lead sheath and a jacket outside the insulating shielding layer; a turntable circulation step of storing or transporting a first submarine cable semi-finished product via a turntable; and an armoring production step of forming an armor layer outside the jacket, so that the submarine cable includes a conductor, a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer, an insulating shielding layer, a lead sheath, a jacket, and an armor layer arranged in sequence from the inside out; wherein, in the cross-linking production step, a fast-degassing insulating material is used to form the insulation layer.

[0014] Furthermore, when the armor production step requires replacement of the armor wire for processing into the armor layer of the submarine cable, the turntable circulation step includes: making the introduction part and the reel-out part rotate synchronously, and performing a first adjustment step at the same production speed as the lead extrusion and sheath production steps to store the first submarine cable semi-finished product in the reel-out part.

[0015] Furthermore, after the armoring production step completes the replacement of the armoring wire, the turntable circulation step includes: a second adjustment step of making the output speed of the reel-out part the same as the production speed of the armoring production step, and making the sum of the production speed of the lead extrusion sheath and the sheath production step and the introduction speed of the introduction part equal to the output speed of the reel-out part, so as to guide the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part during the replacement of the armoring wire to the armor production step for armor production.

[0016] Furthermore, after the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out section during the replacement of the armor wire is completely exported, in the continuous production process, the production speed of the lead sheath and sheath production steps, the introduction speed of the introduction section, the export speed of the reel-out section and the production speed of the armor production step are the same.

[0017] Furthermore, the production method of the submarine cable also includes a conductor pay-off step, a wrapping production step and a finished cable take-up step. Along the production line direction, the conductor pay-off step is located before the cross-linking production step, the wrapping production step is located between the cross-linking production step and the lead sheath and jacket production step, and the finished cable take-up step is located after the armor production step; and / or, the fast degassing insulation material is cross-linked polyethylene.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a submarine cable is provided. The submarine cable is manufactured using the above-mentioned submarine cable production method.

[0019] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, the cross-linking production equipment is used to form a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer and an insulating shielding layer outside the conductor. The lead sheath and sheath production equipment is used to sequentially form a lead sheath and a sheath outside the insulating shielding layer. The armor production equipment is used to form an armor layer outside the sheath. Since the armor wire replacement process requires a replacement cycle, the first submarine cable semi-finished product needs to be circulated and stored through a turntable after production is completed to ensure that the lead sheath and sheath production equipment can still operate normally during the armor wire replacement process of the armor production equipment, so that the cross-linking production equipment, the lead sheath and sheath production equipment and the armor production equipment can produce synchronously, without the need to separate the submarine cable cross-linking production, the lead sheath and sheath production, and the armor production, thereby avoiding the problem of multiple cable reversals during the production process, which easily causes damage to the submarine cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this application, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart showing an embodiment of a production system for submarine cables according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Another flow chart of a submarine cable production system;

[0023] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A main view of the ground turntable of the submarine cable production system;

[0024] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 A top view of the turntable;

[0025] Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a rapid degassing device for a submarine cable production system;

[0026] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A top view of the rapid degassing equipment;

[0027] Figure 7 Shown Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a submarine cable guide wheel structure of a rapid degassing device; and

[0028] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a submarine cable according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0030] 10. Turntable; 11. Inlet; 111. Vertical support; 112. Horizontal support; 12. Outlet; 121. Cylindrical structure; 122. Turntable; 13. Cable winding space; 21. Outer shell; 211. Inlet; 212. Outlet; 213. Degassing space; 22. Guide wheel assembly; 23. Heating assembly; 231. External heating structure; 232. Internal heating structure; 233. Fan; 234 , heating box; 24, inner shell; 25, fan; 26, submarine cable guide wheel structure; 261, guide wheel bracket; 262, limiting guide wheel; 263, supporting guide wheel; 31, water-blocking conductor; 32, conductor shielding layer; 33, insulation layer; 34, insulation shielding layer; 35, water-blocking tape layer; 36, lead sheath; 37, sheath; 38, PE strip; 39, optical unit; 40, inner lining layer; 41, steel wire; 42, outer layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0033] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the directional words used, such as "up, down, top, bottom", usually refer to the directions shown in the drawings, or to the components themselves in the vertical, perpendicular or gravity direction; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself, but the above directional words are not used to limit the present invention.

[0034] Based on the rapid development of offshore wind power, future submarine cable products will develop in the direction of green, low-carbon, low-cost, long length, and deep sea.

[0035] Currently, submarine cables in the industry have the following problems:

[0036] 1. Degassing is required after cross-linking production, which increases the production cycle and production cost of submarine cables;

[0037] 2. The steel wire needs to be replaced during the armor production process. Since it often takes several hours to replace the steel wire, the submarine cable cannot be armored in time after the lead sheath and jacket production is extruded. That is, the lead sheath and jacket production cannot be synchronized with the armor production. The cross-linking production of the submarine cable, the lead sheath production, and the armor production are carried out separately, resulting in the need for multiple cable rewinds during the production process. The surface of the submarine cable is easily damaged during the cable rewinding process, resulting in a long production cycle and seriously restricting the production capacity of the submarine cable.

[0038] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention and its embodiments provide a submarine cable production system, a submarine cable production method and a submarine cable.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the production system of the submarine cable includes a cross-linking production equipment, a lead sheath and sheath production equipment, a ground turntable 10 and an armor production equipment which are arranged in sequence, the cross-linking production equipment is used to form a conductor shielding layer, an insulation layer and an insulation shielding layer outside the conductor; the lead sheath and sheath production equipment is used to sequentially form a lead sheath and a sheath outside the insulation shielding layer; the armor production equipment is used to form an armor layer outside the sheath; wherein, the ground turntable 10 includes a base, an introduction part 11 and a reel-out part 12, the introduction part 11 is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the lead sheath and sheath production equipment into the reel-out part 12, the reel-out part 12 is used to store or export the first submarine cable semi-finished product; the introduction part 11 and the reel-out part 12 are both rotatably arranged on the base, and the introduction part 11 is rotatable relative to the reel-out part 12.

[0040] In the above setup, the cross-linking equipment is used to form the conductor shield, insulation layer, and insulation shield layer over the conductor. The lead sheathing and jacketing equipment is used to sequentially form the lead sheath and jacket over the insulation shield. The armoring equipment is used to form the armor layer over the jacket.

[0041] Since the replacement of armor wire (such as steel wire) during the armor production process requires a replacement cycle, the first submarine cable semi-finished product needs to be circulated and stored through the turntable 10 after the production is completed to ensure that the lead sheath extrusion and sheath production equipment can still operate normally during the replacement of the armor wire in the armor production equipment, so that the cross-linking production equipment, lead sheath extrusion and sheath production equipment and armor production equipment can produce synchronously, and there is no need to separate the submarine cable cross-linking production, lead sheath extrusion and sheath production, and armor production, thereby avoiding the need to turn the cable multiple times during the production process, which can easily cause damage to the submarine cable.

[0042] After the armoring wires are replaced, the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored at the ground turntable 10 is transferred to the armoring production equipment for armoring production.

[0043] In addition, the base serves to mount and support the inlet 11 and the reel-out 12. The inlet 11 can introduce the first semi-finished submarine cable into the reel-out 12. The reel-out 12 can store the first semi-finished submarine cable during armoring wire replacement. After the armoring wire is replaced, the reel-out 12 can output the first semi-finished submarine cable, allowing it to flow to the armoring production equipment for armoring production.

[0044] After the production of the first submarine cable semi-finished product is completed, it enters the reel-out portion 12 through the introduction portion 11 and is led out from the outside of the reel-out portion 12.

[0045] The inlet portion 11 and the tray outlet portion 12 are both rotatable relative to the base, and relative rotation can occur between the inlet portion 11 and the tray outlet portion 12. In this way, the rotation speed of the inlet portion 11 and the tray outlet portion 12 can be controlled according to actual conditions and actual needs, thereby improving production flexibility and adaptability. For example, during the process of replacing the armor wire, the first submarine cable semi-finished product needs to be stored in the reel-out part 12. At this time, the introduction part 11 and the reel-out part 12 can be rotated synchronously, and the production speed can be the same as that of the lead sleeve and sheath production equipment, so that the first submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the lead sleeve and sheath production equipment can be stored in the reel-out part 12; or, after the armor wire is replaced, when the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part 12 needs to be unloaded, the rotation speed of the reel-out part 12 can be made the same as the production speed of the armor production equipment, and the introduction part 11 can be rotated relative to the reel-out part 12, so that the sum of the production speed of the lead sleeve and sheath production equipment and the rotation speed of the introduction part 11 relative to the reel-out part 12 is equal to the production speed of the armor production equipment, thereby gradually unloading the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part 12 for armor production.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, cross-linking production, lead sheath and jacket production, and armor production can be carried out simultaneously, thereby reducing the submarine cable production cycle, reducing the submarine cable reeling process, reducing the submarine cable production risk, improving production efficiency and production capacity, and avoiding the problem of cable surface quality being damaged due to multiple reelings.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first submarine cable semi-finished product is a sheathed wire core product whose outermost layer is a sheath produced after being processed by lead extrusion and sheath production equipment.

[0048] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the cross-linking production equipment, the lead extrusion sheath and jacket production equipment, and the armor production equipment can all be conventional equipment in the art.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the introduction part 11 includes a vertical bracket 111, a horizontal bracket 112 and an introduction piece, the vertical bracket 111 is connected to the base; the horizontal bracket 112 is fixedly arranged on the vertical bracket 111, and the end of the horizontal bracket 112 away from the vertical bracket 111 is provided with an introduction piece, which is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product into the reel-out part 12.

[0050] In this arrangement, the vertical support 111 rotates relative to the base, driving the horizontal support 112 and the guide member to rotate, thereby enabling the guide portion 11 to rotate relative to the base. The vertical support 111 and the horizontal support 112 support the guide member. The guide member enables the first semi-finished submarine cable to be introduced into the reel-out portion 12.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide member is a crisscross wheel. The crisscross wheel is provided at the front end of the transverse support 112. The crisscross wheel is welded from four iron guide wheels of at least 0.5 m in length. This ensures that the first submarine cable semi-finished product is in contact with the guide wheels during its entry into the turntable, thus preventing damage to the first submarine cable semi-finished product.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the reel-out portion 12 includes at least two cylindrical structures 121 and at least one turntable 122. Along the rotation center of the reel-out portion 12 toward the outside, at least two cylindrical structures 121 are sequentially arranged, and a reel outlet is provided on the side wall of each cylindrical structure 121; a turntable 122 is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical structures 121, and the turntable 122 is rotatably arranged relative to the base. The two adjacent cylindrical structures 121 and the corresponding turntable 122 together form a cable winding space 13; the introduction member is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product into the cable winding space 13 located at the innermost side, and the cable winding space 13 is connected to the reel outlet, and the first submarine cable semi-finished product is discharged through the reel outlet located at the outermost side.

[0053] In the above arrangement, the two adjacent cylindrical structures 121 and the corresponding turntable 122 together form a cable winding space 13, which is connected to the reel outlet. The turntable 122 rotates relative to the base, driving the first submarine cable semi-finished product located in the cable winding space 13 to move, and finally leading it out through the reel outlet, thereby achieving the purpose of storing or leading out the first submarine cable semi-finished product in the reel outlet 12.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present invention, the height of the cylindrical structure 121 is greater than the outer diameter of the sheath. In other words, the height of the cylindrical structure 121 is greater than the outer diameter of the single-layer first submarine cable semi-finished product. This arrangement can significantly reduce the height of the turntable and reduce production costs.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, there are two cylindrical structures 121 and one turntable 122. The two cylindrical structures 121 form an annular space, and the turntable 122 is an annular turntable. Of course, in alternative embodiments of the present application, the number of cylindrical structures 121 can be at least three, and correspondingly, the number of turntables 122 can be at least two, according to actual needs. For example, there are three cylindrical structures 121 and correspondingly, there are two turntables 122. The radial dimensions of the three cylindrical structures 121 increase sequentially, and the radial dimensions of the two turntables 122 increase sequentially. Along the rotation center of the disk outlet 12 toward the outside, the three cylindrical structures 121 and the two turntables 122 are alternately arranged in sequence. The two turntables 122 are independent of each other and are both rotatable relative to the base.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the production system further includes a rapid degassing device located between the crosslinking production equipment and the lead jacketing and sheathing production equipment. The rapid degassing device is used to rapidly degas the second submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the crosslinking production equipment. The rapid degassing device can rapidly degas the second submarine cable semi-finished product produced by the crosslinking production equipment, thereby improving the quality of the submarine cable.

[0057] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second submarine cable semi-finished product is an insulated wire core product produced after being processed by a cross-linking production device, the outermost layer of which is an insulating shielding layer.

[0058] Preferably, the turntable 10 further includes a first driving structure for driving the vertical bracket 111 to rotate relative to the base and a second driving structure for driving the turntable 122 to rotate relative to the base.

[0059] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the rapid degassing device includes an outer shell 21, at least two guide wheel assemblies 22 and a heating assembly 23. The outer shell 21 is provided with an inlet 211 and an outlet 212. The outer shell 21 encloses a degassing space 213, and the inlet 211 and the outlet 212 are both connected to the degassing space 213; at least two guide wheel assemblies 22 are arranged at intervals in the degassing space 213, and the guide wheel assemblies 22 are used to support the second submarine cable semi-finished product; the heating assembly 23 is arranged in the degassing space 213, and the heating assembly 23 is used to heat the air in the degassing space 213.

[0060] In the above configuration, the second semi-finished submarine cable enters the degassing space 213 through the inlet 211 and, after degassing, exits through the outlet 212. Within the degassing space 213, the guide wheel assembly 22 supports the second semi-finished submarine cable to facilitate degassing. At least two guide wheel assemblies 22 are spaced apart to provide stable support for the second semi-finished submarine cable. The heating assembly 23 is used to heat the air within the degassing space 213, thereby increasing the temperature of the air and degassing the second semi-finished submarine cable. This allows the rapid degassing equipment to rapidly degas the second semi-finished submarine cable.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the guide wheel assembly 22 is annular, and at least two guide wheel assemblies 22 are arranged in sequence from the center of the guide wheel assembly 22 to the outside, the inlet 211 is arranged corresponding to the guide wheel assembly 22 located on the innermost side, and the outlet 212 is arranged corresponding to the guide wheel assembly 22 located on the outermost side.

[0062] In the above arrangement, the second submarine cable semi-finished product enters the degassing space 213 through the inlet 211, and is gradually conducted to the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the outermost side through the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the innermost side. The second submarine cable semi-finished product is spread over a larger area in the degassing space 213, which can improve the degassing efficiency. The second submarine cable semi-finished product supported on the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the outermost side is finally discharged through the outlet 212.

[0063] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the guide wheel assembly 22 includes multiple submarine cable guide wheel structures 26, which are spaced apart around the central axis of the guide wheel assembly 22 to form an annular guide wheel assembly 22. The submarine cable guide wheel structures 26 include a guide wheel bracket 261, a limiting guide wheel 262, and a supporting guide wheel 263. The limiting guide wheel 262 and the supporting guide wheel 263 work together to form a guide space. The limiting guide wheel 262 is used to limit the position of the second submarine cable semi-finished product, preventing it from deviating from the guide space during production, ensuring that the second submarine cable semi-finished product moves along the guide space. All submarine cable guide wheel structures 26 are placed in sequence within the outer shell 21 in a circular shape around the inner shell 24. A support guide wheel 263 is horizontally mounted on a guide wheel bracket 261 and is rotatable relative to the guide wheel bracket 261. A position-limiting guide wheel 262 is vertically mounted on the guide wheel bracket 261 and is rotatable relative to the guide wheel bracket 261. Each guide wheel bracket 261 is provided with a corresponding support guide wheel 263, and each guide wheel bracket 261 is provided with four position-limiting guide wheels 262. The four position-limiting guide wheels 262 are arranged in rows, with the support guide wheel 263 located between two rows of position-limiting guide wheels 262. The second semi-finished submarine cable is in sliding engagement with the support guide wheel 263 and the position-limiting guide wheel 262 to prevent damage.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the production speed of the cross-linking production equipment is x meters / hour, and the time required for rapid degassing of the second submarine cable semi-finished product is n1 hours, that is, the rapid degassing equipment needs to meet the storage capacity of the second submarine cable semi-finished product of at least x*n1 meters. The production speeds of cross-linking production of different submarine cables are inconsistent, and the time required for rapid degassing is also inconsistent. The number of guide wheel assemblies 22 and / or submarine cable guide wheel structures 26 in the rapid degassing equipment can be increased or decreased according to different submarine cables.

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the heating assembly 23 includes an outer heating structure 231 and an inner heating structure 232. The outer heating structure 231 is arranged on the outer periphery of the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the outermost side to heat from the outside to the inside, and the inner heating structure 232 is arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the innermost side to heat from the inside to the outside.

[0066] In the above arrangement, heating from the outside to the inside is performed by the outer heating structure 231 , and heating from the inside to the outside is performed by the inner heating structure 232 , so that the degassing efficiency can be improved.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the outer heating structure 231 includes a fan 233 and a heating box 234. The fan 233 is connected to the heating box 234 and is used to guide the air in the degassing space 213 to the heating box 234. The heating box 234 is used to heat the air. The heated air can be discharged into the degassing space 213 through the outlet of the heating box. The heated air can heat and degas the second submarine cable semi-finished product from the outside to the inside.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present invention, the specific structure of the inner heating structure 232 is the same as the specific structure of the outer heating structure 231 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, the heating assembly 23 includes at least two outer heating structures 231, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the outermost guide wheel assembly 22. This arrangement can improve the efficiency of heating from the outside inward, thereby improving degassing efficiency.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present invention, at least two outer heating structures 231 are evenly spaced apart.

[0071] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the rapid degassing device also includes an inner shell 24, which is arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the innermost side. The inner shell 24 and the outer shell 21 together form a degassing space 213, and an air outlet is provided on the inner shell 24. The inner cavity of the inner shell 24 is connected to the degassing space 213 through the air outlet; the inner heating structure 232 is arranged on the inner shell 24 to provide hot air to the inner cavity of the inner shell 24.

[0072] In the above arrangement, the inner heating structure 232 blows the heated air into the inner cavity of the inner shell 24, and the hot air in the inner shell 24 is discharged to the degassing space 213 through the air outlet. Since the inner shell 24 is arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly 22 located at the innermost side, the hot air blown out from the air outlet can heat and degas the second submarine cable semi-finished product from the inside to the outside.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fan 233 and the heating box 234 cooperate to provide a hot air flow to the degassing space 213, and the temperature can be adjusted according to different types of submarine cables. Four groups of fans 233 and heating boxes 234 are placed around the guide wheel assembly 22 located in the outer shell 21, and one group of fans 233 and heating boxes 234 is placed above the inner shell 24.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, a fan 25 is provided on the top wall of the outer shell 21 , and the fan 25 is used to blow the hot air above the degassing space 213 downward to keep the hot air in the degassing space 213 flowing.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present invention, sealing members are provided at both the inlet 211 and the outlet 212 , and the submarine cable is sealed with the sealing members when passing through the inlet 211 and the outlet 212 .

[0076] Specifically, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the degassing space 213 is a vacuum space, and the inner heating structure 232 blows hot air into the inner shell 24 from above. The hot air in the inner shell 24 flows from the inside to the outside through the air outlet, ensuring that the second submarine cable semi-finished product near the inner shell 24 maintains the degassing temperature.

[0077] An inlet 211 is located above the outer shell 21. Silicone sheets of varying specifications are selected based on the size of the second semi-finished submarine cable and placed at the inlet 211 as a seal. The silicone sheet has a central opening slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second semi-finished submarine cable. The second semi-finished submarine cable enters the degassing space 213 through the silicone sheet. Because the outer diameter of the opening in the silicone sheet is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second semi-finished submarine cable, there is no gap between the second semi-finished submarine cable and the silicone sheet, preventing hot air from escaping from the degassing space 213 and causing a temperature drop therein.

[0078] An outlet 212 is located above the outer shell 21. Silicone sheets of varying specifications are selected based on the size of the second semi-finished submarine cable product and placed at the outlet 212 as a seal. The silicone sheet has a central opening slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second semi-finished submarine cable product. The second semi-finished submarine cable product flows out of the degassing space 213 through the silicone sheet. Because the outer diameter of the opening in the silicone sheet is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second semi-finished submarine cable product, there is no gap between the second semi-finished submarine cable product and the silicone sheet, preventing hot air from escaping from the degassing space 213 and causing a temperature drop therein.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a submarine cable adopts the above-mentioned submarine cable production system to produce a submarine cable, and the production method includes the following steps, which are performed sequentially along the production line direction: a cross-linking production step of forming a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer and an insulating shielding layer outside the conductor; a lead sheath and sheath production step of sequentially forming a lead sheath and a jacket outside the insulating shielding layer; a turntable circulation step of storing or transporting a first submarine cable semi-finished product through a turntable 10; and an armoring production step of forming an armor layer outside the jacket, so that the submarine cable includes a conductor, a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer, an insulating shielding layer, a lead sheath, a jacket and an armor layer arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; wherein, in the cross-linking production step, a fast degassing insulating material is used to make the insulation layer.

[0080] In the above arrangement, the conductor shielding layer, the insulating layer and the insulating shielding layer can be formed in sequence outside the conductor through the cross-linking production step; the lead sheath and the sheath can be formed in sequence outside the insulating shielding layer through the lead extrusion and sheath production steps; and the armoring layer can be formed outside the sheath through the armoring production step; thereby, the conductor shielding layer, the insulating layer, the insulating shielding layer, the lead sheath, the sheath and the armoring layer of the submarine cable are formed in sequence.

[0081] The first submarine cable semi-finished product can be circulated, transported or stored through the ground turntable circulation step, ensuring that the lead sheath extrusion and sheath production equipment can still operate normally during the process of replacing the armor wire of the armor production equipment, so that the cross-linking production equipment, lead sheath extrusion and sheath production equipment and armor production equipment can produce synchronously, and there is no need to carry out the submarine cable cross-linking production, lead sheath extrusion and sheath production, and armor production separately, thereby avoiding the need to turn the cable multiple times during the production process, which is easy to cause damage to the submarine cable.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention, a fast degassing insulating material is used to form the insulating layer in the cross-linking production step, and the produced submarine cable does not need to be subsequently degassed for a long time, thereby reducing the submarine cable production cycle.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fast degassing insulation material is cross-linked polyethylene.

[0084] It should be noted that since the production method of the submarine cable of the present application adopts the production system of the submarine cable of the present application to produce the submarine cable, the production method of the submarine cable of the present application also has the above-mentioned advantages of the production system of the submarine cable of the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the armor production step requires replacement of the armor wire for processing into the armor layer of the submarine cable, the turntable circulation step includes making the introduction part 11 and the reel-out part 12 rotate synchronously, and a first adjustment step with the same production speed as the lead extrusion and sheath production steps to store the first submarine cable semi-finished product in the reel-out part 12.

[0086] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, it can be ensured that the lead sheath extrusion and sheath production steps can still operate normally during the process of replacing the armor wire in the armor production step, so that the cross-linking production step, the lead sheath extrusion and sheath production step and the armor production step can be produced synchronously, and there is no need to carry out the cross-linking production step, the lead sheath extrusion and sheath production step and the armor production step separately, thereby avoiding the need for multiple cable reversals during the production process, which can easily cause damage to the submarine cable.

[0087] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the armoring production step replaces the armoring wire, the turntable circulation step includes a second adjustment step of making the output speed of the reel-out part 12 the same as the production speed of the armoring production step, and making the sum of the production speed of the lead sheath and sheath production step and the introduction speed of the introduction part 11 equal to the output speed of the reel-out part 12, so as to guide the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part 12 during the replacement of the armoring wire to the armor production step for armor production.

[0088] In the above arrangement, the sum of the production speed of the lead sheath and sheath production steps and the introduction speed of the introduction part 11 is equal to the output speed of the reel-out part 12, and the output speed of the reel-out part 12 is the same as the production speed of the armor production step. By adjusting the above speeds, the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part 12 during the replacement of the armor wire can be gradually guided to the armor production step for armor production, so that the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part 12 during the replacement of the armor wire can be consumed to avoid backlog.

[0089] In this embodiment of the present invention, the steel wire needs to be replaced during the armor production process, and this replacement time is n2 hours. The production speed of the lead jacket and sheath production steps is consistent with the production speed of the cross-linking production step, which is x meters / hour. This means that during the steel wire replacement, the turntable needs to store x*n2 meters of the first submarine cable semi-finished product. After the steel wire replacement is completed, armor production continues. In this case, the production speed of the armor production step needs to be slightly faster than the production speed of the lead jacket and sheath production steps, which is y meters / hour.

[0090] During the armor production process after the steel wire is replaced, since the production speed of the armor production step does not match the production speed of the lead sheath and sheath production steps, the rotation speed of the reel-out unit 12 is made consistent with the production speed of the armor production step to ensure that the first submarine cable semi-finished product is not subjected to radial tension or pressure during the armor production process. The introduction unit 11 changes its rotation speed. The running speed of the introduction unit 11 relative to the reel-out unit 12 is (yx) meters / hour, that is, the production speed of the lead sheath and sheath production steps plus the running speed of the introduction unit 11 is consistent with the rotation speed of the reel-out unit 12 to ensure that the first submarine cable semi-finished product is not subjected to radial tension or pressure during the winding process. After m hours, the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out unit 12 during the armor wire replacement process is completely discharged. At this time, the production speed of the armor production step is reduced to x meters / hour. The first submarine cable semi-finished product maintains one layer of winding during the rotation of the ground turntable. The ground turntable must meet the winding length of the first submarine cable semi-finished product of x*(n+m) meters.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part 12 during the replacement of the armor wire is completely exported, in the continuous production process, the production speed of the lead sheath and sheath production steps, the introduction speed of the introduction part 11, the export speed of the reel-out part 12 and the production speed of the armor production step are the same.

[0092] In this embodiment of the present invention, after the ground turntable 10 begins winding, the turntable 122 of the reel-out section 12 operates at the production speed, ensuring that the speed of the reel-out section 12 is consistent with the production speed of the armoring production step. The rotational speed of the inlet section 11 is consistent with that of the reel-out section 12, meaning that the inlet section 11 and the reel-out section 12 remain relatively stationary, ensuring that the first semi-finished submarine cable is not subjected to radial tension or pressure during the winding process. After winding several turns of the cable, the ground turntable 10 can pull the end of the first semi-finished submarine cable out of the reel-out section 12 and into the armoring production equipment for armoring production.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present invention, the production method of the submarine cable further includes a conductor pay-off step, a wrapping production step and a finished cable take-up step. Along the production line direction, the conductor pay-off step is located before the cross-linking production step, the wrapping production step is located between the cross-linking production step and the lead sheath and jacket production step, and the finished cable take-up step is located after the armoring production step.

[0094] In the above arrangement, the conductor pay-off step is used to pay out the conductor for cross-linking production. The wrapping step is used to wrap the second submarine cable semi-finished product with water-blocking tape to form a water-blocking tape layer on the outer periphery of the second submarine cable semi-finished product. The finished cable take-up step is used to take up the finished submarine cable.

[0095] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the conductor pay-off step is performed by the conductor pay-off equipment. The wrapping production step is performed by the wrapping production equipment. The finished cable take-up step is performed by the finished cable take-up equipment. The wrapping production step is located between the rapid degassing step using the rapid degassing equipment and the lead sheathing and jacketing production steps, so that the water-blocking tape can be wrapped around the degassed second submarine cable semi-finished product.

[0096] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the conductor pay-off equipment, the wrapping production equipment and the finished cable take-up equipment can all be conventional equipment in the art.

[0097] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the submarine cable conductor is laid out, it enters the cross-linking production line for co-extrusion production of the conductor shielding layer, the rapid degassing insulation layer, and the insulation shielding layer. After the production of the second submarine cable semi-finished product is completed, the water-blocking tape is wrapped. Since the insulation layer is made of rapid degassing insulation material, the lead sheath and the sheath are extruded after the water-blocking tape is wrapped. Since the armor wire (such as steel wire) needs to be replaced during the armor production process, the first submarine cable semi-finished product needs to be circulated through the ground turntable 10 after the production is completed. The first submarine cable semi-finished product is transferred to the armor production equipment via the ground turntable 10 for armor production, and the finished submarine cable is wound after the armor production is completed.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present invention, the production system and method of submarine cables have the following advantages:

[0099] 1. No long-term degassing is required after cross-linking of submarine cables, which improves the production efficiency of submarine cables.

[0100] 2. Cross-linking production, lead extruded sheath production, and armor production can be carried out simultaneously, which improves the production efficiency of submarine cables and reduces the production costs of submarine cables.

[0101] 3. There are fewer cable rewinding processes during the production process, which reduces the risk of submarine cable production.

[0102] like Figure 8 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the submarine cable is prepared by using the above-mentioned submarine cable production method.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present invention, the submarine cable consists of 12 main parts: a water-blocking conductor 31, a conductor shield 32, a fast-degassing insulation layer 33, an insulation shield 34, a water-blocking tape layer 35, a lead sheath 36, a jacket 37, PE (polyethylene) strips 38, an optical element 39, an inner liner 40, steel wires 41, and an outer jacket 42. The PE strips 38, optical element 39, inner liner 40, steel wires 41, and outer jacket 42 form the armor layer.

[0104] Preferably, the water-blocking conductor 31 may be a copper conductor or an aluminum conductor, and the water-blocking material between the conductors is a water-blocking glue, which meets the water-blocking requirements at large water depths.

[0105] In an embodiment of the present invention, the insulating material used for the rapid degassing insulating layer 33 is a rapid degassing insulating material. In theory, the second submarine cable semi-finished product made of the rapid degassing insulating material (such as cross-linked polyethylene) does not need to be degassed. Infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography analysis are performed on the undegassed second submarine cable semi-finished product. The content of cross-linking by-products methylstyrene, acetophenone and benzyl alcohol in the second submarine cable semi-finished product is very low, and the subsequent processes can be directly carried out.

[0106] The technical solution of the present application is applicable to the design and production of submarine cables, and can meet the design and production of single-core submarine cables of different voltage levels.

[0107] From the above description, it can be seen that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects: the cross-linking production equipment is used to form a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer and an insulating shielding layer outside the conductor. The lead sheath and sheath production equipment is used to sequentially form a lead sheath and a sheath outside the insulating shielding layer. The armor production equipment is used to form an armor layer outside the sheath. Since the replacement of the armor wire during the armor production process requires a replacement cycle, the first submarine cable semi-finished product needs to be circulated and stored through a turntable after production is completed to ensure that the lead sheath and sheath production equipment can still operate normally during the replacement of the armor wire in the armor production equipment, so that the cross-linking production equipment, the lead sheath and sheath production equipment and the armor production equipment can be produced simultaneously, without the need to separate the cross-linking production of the submarine cable, the lead sheath and sheath production, and the armor production, thereby avoiding the problem of multiple cable reversals during the production process, which easily causes damage to the submarine cable.

[0108] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, tasks, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0109] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A submarine cable production system, characterized in that: The production system includes: Cross-linking production equipment for forming conductor shielding layers, insulating layers, and insulating shielding layers outside conductors; Lead sheath and jacket production equipment, used for sequentially forming the lead sheath and jacket outside the insulating shielding layer; Ground turntable (10); Armor production equipment for forming an armor layer outside the sheath; The turntable (10) comprises a base, an introduction portion (11) and a reel-out portion (12), wherein the introduction portion (11) is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the lead extrusion sheath and jacket production equipment into the reel-out portion (12), and the reel-out portion (12) is used to store or export the first submarine cable semi-finished product; The introduction portion (11) and the output portion (12) are both rotatably arranged on the base, and the introduction portion (11) is rotatable relative to the output portion (12); When it is necessary to replace the armor wire used to be processed into the armor layer of the submarine cable, the introduction part (11) and the reel-out part (12) are rotated synchronously and are the same as the production speed of the lead extrusion sleeve and sheath production equipment, so that the first submarine cable semi-finished product is stored in the reel-out part (12); after the armor wire is replaced, the rotation speed of the reel-out part (12) is the same as the production speed of the armor production equipment, and the sum of the production speed of the lead extrusion sleeve and sheath production equipment and the rotation speed of the introduction part (11) relative to the reel-out part (12) is equal to the production speed of the armor production equipment, so that the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out part (12) is led out for armor production.

2. The submarine cable production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The introduction part (11) comprises: A vertical support (111) connected to the base; A transverse support (112) is fixedly arranged on the vertical support (111), and an end of the transverse support (112) away from the vertical support (111) is provided with an introduction piece, and the introduction piece is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product into the reel-out portion (12).

3. The submarine cable production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The disk outlet portion (12) comprises at least two cylindrical structures (121) and at least one rotating disk (122), and at least two cylindrical structures (121) are arranged in sequence outward from the rotation center of the disk outlet portion (12), and a disk outlet is provided on the side wall of each cylindrical structure (121); A turntable (122) is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical structures (121), and the turntable (122) is rotatably arranged relative to the base. The two adjacent cylindrical structures (121) and the corresponding turntable (122) together form a cable winding space (13); The introduction member is used to introduce the first submarine cable semi-finished product into the innermost cable winding space (13), the cable winding space (13) is connected to the winding outlet, and the first submarine cable semi-finished product is led out through the outermost winding outlet.

4. The submarine cable production system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The production system further includes a rapid degassing device, which is located between the cross-linking production equipment and the lead extrusion and sheath production equipment, and is used to rapidly degas the second submarine cable semi-finished product processed by the cross-linking production equipment; the rapid degassing device includes: An outer shell (21), wherein the outer shell (21) is provided with an inlet (211) and an outlet (212), the outer shell (21) encloses a degassing space (213), and the inlet (211) and the outlet (212) are both in communication with the degassing space (213); At least two guide wheel assemblies (22) are arranged at intervals in the degassing space (213), and the guide wheel assemblies (22) are used to support the second submarine cable semi-finished product; A heating component (23) is arranged in the degassing space (213), and the heating component (23) is used to heat the air in the degassing space (213).

5. The submarine cable production system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide wheel assembly (22) is annular, and at least two guide wheel assemblies (22) are sequentially spaced apart from each other from the center of the guide wheel assembly (22) toward the outside. The inlet (211) is corresponding to the innermost guide wheel assembly (22), and the outlet (212) is corresponding to the outermost guide wheel assembly (22). The heating assembly (23) comprises an outer heating structure (231) and an inner heating structure (232), wherein the outer heating structure (231) is arranged on the outer periphery of the guide wheel assembly (22) located at the outermost side so as to heat from the outside to the inside, and the inner heating structure (232) is arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly (22) located at the innermost side so as to heat from the inside to the outside.

6. The submarine cable production system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer heating structure (231) includes a fan (233) and a heating box (234), the fan (233) is connected to the heating box (234), the fan (233) is used to guide the air in the degassing space (213) to the heating box (234), the heating box (234) is used to heat the air, and the heated air can be discharged into the degassing space (213) through the outlet of the heating box; and / or, The heating assembly (23) comprises at least two outer heating structures (231), and the at least two outer heating structures (231) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the guide wheel assembly (22) located at the outermost side.

7. The submarine cable production system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rapid degassing device further comprises an inner shell (24), the inner shell (24) being arranged in the annular cavity of the guide wheel assembly (22) located at the innermost side, the inner shell (24) and the outer shell (21) together enclosing the degassing space (213), an air outlet being provided on the inner shell (24), and the inner cavity of the inner shell (24) being communicated with the degassing space (213) through the air outlet; The inner heating structure (232) is provided on the inner shell (24) to provide hot air into the inner cavity of the inner shell (24).

8. The submarine cable production system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A fan (25) is provided on the top wall of the outer shell (21), and the fan (25) is used to blow the hot air above the degassing space (213) downwards; and / or, The inlet (211) and the outlet (212) are both provided with sealing members, and the submarine cable is in sealing cooperation with the sealing members when passing through the inlet (211) and the outlet (212).

9. A method for producing a submarine cable, characterized in that: The production method uses the submarine cable production system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to produce the submarine cable, and the production method comprises: A cross-linking production step of forming a conductor shielding layer, an insulating layer and an insulating shielding layer outside the conductor; a lead extrusion sheath and a sheath production step of sequentially forming a lead sheath and a sheath outside the insulating shielding layer; A turntable circulation step of storing or transporting the first submarine cable semi-finished product through the turntable (10); and an armoring production step of forming an armor layer outside the sheath, so that the submarine cable includes a conductor, the conductor shielding layer, the insulating layer, the insulating shielding layer, the lead sheath, the sheath, and the armor layer arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside; Wherein, in the cross-linking production step, a fast degassing insulating material is used to make the insulating layer.

10. The method for producing a submarine cable according to claim 9, characterized in that: After the first submarine cable semi-finished product stored in the reel-out portion (12) during the replacement of the armor wire is completely exported, in the continuous production process, the production speed of the lead extrusion sheath and sheath production steps, the introduction speed of the introduction portion (11), the export speed of the reel-out portion (12) and the production speed of the armor production step are the same.

11. The method for producing a submarine cable according to claim 9, characterized in that: The method for producing a submarine cable further comprises a conductor pay-off step, a wrapping production step, and a finished cable take-up step. Along the production line direction, the conductor pay-off step is located before the cross-linking production step, the wrapping production step is located between the cross-linking production step and the lead sheath and jacket production step, and the finished cable take-up step is located after the armor production step; and / or, The fast degassing insulation material is cross-linked polyethylene.

12. A submarine cable, characterized in that: The submarine cable is produced by the submarine cable production method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

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