A ducted cable connector and method of use

Abstract

A kind of pipeline optical cable connector and method for using, the pipeline optical cable connector includes hollow connecting flange, the lower outer periphery of the connecting flange is used to be welded with pipeline opening, the hollow interior of the connecting flange has sensing optical cable seat, sealing between the sensing optical cable seat and the connecting flange, the hollow interior of the sensing optical cable seat is sensing optical cable hole for sensing optical cable to pass, the upper part of the sensing optical cable seat has upper protruding part protruding from the top of the connecting flange, the lower part of the upper protruding part is fixed with the outer periphery of the upper part of the connecting flange by upper locking nut.The pipeline optical cable connector and method for using of the present application can quickly and conveniently realize the sealing between sensing optical cable in pipeline and pipeline, and the construction is simple;And can be repeatedly used, if sealing ring is aged, just replace sealing ring.If sensing optical cable needs to expand the number of optical fibers, or replace, repair sensing optical cable, it is very convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector for securing and sealing sensor optical cables for pipeline risk monitoring, as well as its manufacturing and usage methods. It is applicable to the laying and replacement of sensor optical cables in existing buried pipelines in industries such as heating, water supply, oil and gas, and chemicals. Background Technology

[0002] my country has a vast territory, and since the founding of the People's Republic, it has built a massive network of buried pipelines. Over time, various leaks and explosions have occurred due to corrosion, weld cracking, settlement deformation, vehicle damage, and human-caused construction damage. The resulting casualties, environmental pollution, and road collapses are also increasing. Therefore, it is essential to implement risk monitoring and early warning systems for all existing buried pipelines, especially those exceeding their service life or those that have experienced multiple problems. Laying sensor optical cables inside pipelines and other storage and transportation facilities reduces the difficulty of excavation compared to laying the entire pipeline; it also shortens the construction period, lowers the project cost, and allows for construction during maintenance periods, minimizing the impact on production, daily life, and transportation. However, laying sensor optical cables inside pipelines presents the following problems:

[0003] 1. To lay the sensor fiber optic cable inside a pressure pipeline, holes need to be drilled in the pipeline. If a pipeline valve is encountered, another hole needs to be drilled to guide the fiber optic cable out of the pipeline, bypass the valve, and then another hole needs to be drilled before it enters the pipeline. Therefore, there are issues related to sealing the pipeline holes, especially the sealing between the sensor fiber optic cable and the fiber optic cable connector in the pipeline.

[0004] 2. Pipelines can be classified into normal temperature, high temperature, and cryogenic pipelines based on the temperature of the medium. However, ordinary pipeline fiber optic connectors are prone to sealing failure due to thermal expansion and contraction.

[0005] 3. Pipelines rely on pressure to transport the medium inside, and existing connectors cannot yet meet the long-term pressure resistance requirements.

[0006] 4. Since the medium transported in the pipeline may be acid, alkali, or even strong acid or alkali, the optical cable connector in the pipeline is susceptible to acid and alkali corrosion.

[0007] 5. Connectors must meet the mechanical strength requirements for safe operation of the pipeline.

[0008] 6. It is necessary to address the welding issues arising from the different materials used in manufacturing the fiber optic cable connector base and the steel pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the above problems, this invention provides a duct optical cable connector and its manufacturing and usage method, which achieves sealing of holes in the duct and sealing and fixing between the duct sensing optical cable connector and the sensing optical cable.

[0010] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0011] A duct optical cable connector, characterized in that it includes a hollow connecting flange, the lower outer periphery of which is used for welding to a duct opening, a sensing optical cable holder is provided inside the hollow connecting flange, the sensing optical cable holder is sealed to the connecting flange, the hollow interior of the sensing optical cable holder is a sensing optical cable hole through which the sensing optical cable passes, and the upper part of the sensing optical cable holder has an upper protrusion that protrudes from the top of the connecting flange, the lower part of the upper protrusion and the outer periphery of the upper part of the connecting flange are jointly fixed by an upper locking nut.

[0012] Preferably, a hollow double-ended locking nut is connected to the upper outer periphery of the protruding part, a flexible tube joint is connected above the double-ended locking nut, and a joint nut is above the flexible tube joint.

[0013] More preferably, the hollow portion inside the connector nut has an outwardly extending flexible sleeve for protecting the optical cable.

[0014] Preferably, the pipe connector is made of carbon steel and / or stainless steel.

[0015] Preferably, the base of the sensing optical cable holder embedded in the connecting flange has a frustum-shaped structure with a cross-sectional diameter that decreases from top to bottom.

[0016] More preferably, the diameter of the upper protruding part of the sensing optical cable base is smaller than the base of the connecting flange, a platform is formed between the upper protruding part and the base, and the upper end of the upper locking nut is bent horizontally along the platform.

[0017] More preferably, the base of the sensing optical cable holder has a downwardly protruding portion, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the base, and the lower protruding portion has a lower locking nut covering the lower side and bottom surface of the lower protruding portion.

[0018] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the connecting flange and the sensing optical cable holder to ensure a seal within the connector, and two seals are used to ensure a seal between the optical cable and the connector.

[0019] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the top of the upper protrusion and the double-ended locking nut.

[0020] More preferably, the sealing ring is made of fluororubber or silicone rubber, ensuring resistance to temperatures ranging from -20°C to 150°C. This guarantees the sealing reliability of the connector under both low and high temperature conditions.

[0021] Preferably, the fiber optic connector for the pipeline has a pre-installed interface for installing temperature, pressure, and flow sensors for the pipeline.

[0022] The aforementioned method of using a duct optical cable connector is characterized in that, through the optical cable inlet and outlet holes opened on the duct, a cable catcher is used to pull the duct optical cable to the outside of the duct hole, and then the cable passes through the optical cable limiting hole in the middle of the duct optical cable connector. The connecting flange is then welded to the optical cable inlet and outlet hole, and the nuts are tightened.

[0023] The beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0024] This invention discloses a pipeline optical cable connector and its usage method. By drilling holes in existing online pipelines, a pipeline risk monitoring and early warning sensing optical cable can be easily and quickly laid inside the pipeline. This fundamentally solves the problem of not being able to install distributed linear sensors to monitor and warn of pipeline risks because it is not possible to excavate the entire length of existing online pipelines. In addition, solving the sealing problem between the optical cable and the pipeline solves the pipeline leakage problem. At the same time, the reliable detachable pipeline optical cable connector provides a practical guarantee for the future expansion, replacement and maintenance of optical cables inside the pipeline.

[0025] Moreover, by using this invention to lay sensing optical cables inside pipelines, the unrealistic problem of laying distributed fiber optic sensors by excavating the entire pipeline is avoided, while also saving the huge costs required for construction of the entire pipeline. At the same time, laying optical cables inside pipelines solves various problems that need to be addressed when excavating existing pipelines, such as pipeline crossings, crossings, and ground encroachment. This facilitates the rapid construction of risk monitoring and early warning systems for existing buried pipeline networks, providing strong protection for the safe operation of pipelines and ensuring normal production, living, and traffic order.

[0026] Furthermore, the method of using this invention only requires the simultaneous installation of micro-tubes while laying the pipeline. The micro-tubes can be cut and spliced ​​at any time, resolving the contradictions that often arise when multiple pipelines are being constructed simultaneously or in a skip-construction manner, requiring waiting for the installation of sensor optical cables. It avoids various conflicts and mutual interferences between pipeline construction and micro-tube installation. The micro-tubes not only effectively protect the sensor optical fiber units but also maximize construction time savings and significantly reduce construction costs. It has significant economic benefits and broad social benefits.

[0027] The pipeline optical cable connector of the present invention is ingeniously designed, has a good sealing and leak-stopping effect, and can also meet the needs of fixing and sealing of sensing optical cables in various hazardous chemical pipelines.

[0028] The duct optical cable connector and its usage method of the present invention can quickly and conveniently achieve sealing between the sensing optical cable and the duct, with simple construction; it can also be reused repeatedly, and if the sealing ring ages, it only needs to be replaced. It is also very convenient to increase the number of optical fibers, replace, or repair the sensing optical cable.

[0029] In summary, the pipeline optical cable connector and its usage method of the present invention provide a scientific and long-term solution for sealing and fixing the sensing optical cable used for risk monitoring and early warning of pipelines in industries such as heating, water supply, oil and gas, and chemicals. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a duct optical cable connector according to the present invention;

[0031] The labels in the diagram are listed below:

[0032] 1-Connecting flange, 2-Sealing ring, 3-Upper protrusion, 4-Anti-loosening structure, 5-Sensing optical cable holder, 6-Sensing optical cable, 7-Connector nut, 8-Flexible tube connector, 9-Washer, 10-Lower protrusion, 11-Double-ended locking nut, 12-Upper locking nut, 13-Lower locking nut, 14-Pipe, 15-Soft sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To better understand the present invention, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a duct optical cable connector includes a hollow connecting flange 1. The lower outer periphery of the connecting flange 1 is used for welding to the opening of the duct 14. The hollow interior of the connecting flange 1 is a sensing optical cable seat 5. The sensing optical cable seat 5 is sealed to the connecting flange 1. The hollow interior of the sensing optical cable seat 5 is a sensing optical cable hole through which the sensing optical cable 6 passes. The upper part of the sensing optical cable seat 5 has an upper protruding portion 3 that protrudes from the top of the connecting flange 1. The lower part of the upper protruding portion 3 and the outer periphery of the upper part of the connecting flange 1 together have an upper locking nut 12.

[0036] Furthermore, a double-ended locking nut 11 is connected to the upper part of the protruding portion 3, and a flexible tube connector 8 is connected above the double-ended locking nut 11. A connector nut 7 is located above the flexible tube connector 8. The hollow part inside the connector nut has an outwardly extending soft sleeve 15 made of epoxy resin and glass fiber to protect the optical cable. Because the microtubes of the optical cable have high rigidity, if a connector is needed when bypassing the valve, adding another layer of soft sleeve 15 can protect the optical fiber.

[0037] The pipe connector is made of carbon steel and / or stainless steel.

[0038] The base of the sensing optical cable holder 5, which is embedded in the connecting flange 1, is a frustum-shaped structure with a cross-sectional diameter that decreases from top to bottom.

[0039] The diameter of the upper protruding part 3 of the sensing optical cable base 5 is smaller than that of the base embedded in the connecting flange 1. A platform is formed between the upper protruding part 3 and the base. The upper end of the upper locking nut 12 is bent horizontally along the platform and has an anti-loosening structure 4.

[0040] The base of the sensing optical cable base 5 has a downwardly protruding lower protrusion 10, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the base, and a lower locking nut 13 covering the lower side and bottom of the lower protrusion 10.

[0041] Two sealing rings 2 are provided between the connecting flange 1 and the sensing optical cable base 5 to ensure a seal within the connector. A sealing ring 2 and a washer 9 are also provided between the top of the upper protruding part 3 and the double-ended locking nut 11. The sealing rings 2 are made of fluororubber or silicone rubber, ensuring resistance to temperatures from -20°C to 150°C. This ensures the reliable sealing of the connector under both low and high temperature conditions.

[0042] The fiber optic connector for the pipeline can also have an interface reserved for installing pipeline temperature, pressure, and flow sensors.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment is Example 1, a method for using a pipeline optical cable connector, applicable to the connection of newly added sensing optical cables in process hot water pipes with DN≥200, designed according to GB150.1-4 "Pressure Vessels". The design pressure is 2.5MPa and the design temperature is 160 degrees Celsius.

[0045] Through the optical cable inlet and outlet holes on the pipe 14, the sensing optical cable 6 is pulled to the outside of the pipe hole using a cable catcher, and then passes through the sensing optical cable hole in the middle of the optical cable connector in the pipe. The connecting flange 1 is then welded to the optical cable inlet and outlet hole, and the nuts are tightened.

[0046] The weld seam adopts a full penetration structure, and the electrode type and specifications comply with GB / T47015. Weld inspection is performed using MT testing, and the weld seam meets the NB / T47013.4 Class I standard. The connecting flange 1 is welded and fixed to pipe 14, ensuring that their axes are perpendicular.

[0047] After inserting the sensing optical cable 6 into the sensing optical cable holder 5, install the sealing ring 10 and washers 9 (one each, upper and lower) in sequence. Tighten the double-ended locking nut 11 and the lower locking nut 13 respectively to fix and seal the sensing optical cable 6. After placing the sealing ring 2 into the groove of the sensing optical cable holder 5, install the connecting flange 1 as a whole and screw in and tighten the upper locking nut 12. If necessary, install the connector nut 7 and the flexible tube connector 8 into the double-ended locking nut 11, connect and fix them. During installation, ensure that the minimum bending radius R of the sensing optical cable 6 is not less than 20.

[0048] When this device is used for other process fluids, the connecting flange 1 should be matched with the material of the pipe 14 to meet the requirements of the process fluid.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any techniques that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A duct optical cable connector, characterized in that... The device includes a hollow connecting flange, the lower outer periphery of which is used for welding to the pipe opening. The hollow interior of the connecting flange contains a sensor fiber optic cable holder, which is sealed to the connecting flange. The hollow interior of the sensor fiber optic cable holder is a sensor fiber optic cable hole through which the sensor fiber optic cable passes. The upper part of the sensor fiber optic cable holder has an upper protrusion that protrudes beyond the top of the connecting flange. The lower part of the upper protrusion and the outer periphery of the upper part of the connecting flange are both fixed by an upper locking nut. The base of the sensor fiber optic cable holder, which is embedded in the connecting flange, has a frustum-shaped structure with a cross-sectional diameter decreasing from top to bottom. The base of the sensor fiber optic cable holder has a lower protrusion that protrudes downwards, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the base of the sensor fiber optic cable holder. The lower protrusion has a lower locking nut covering its lower side and bottom surface.

2. A duct optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that... The upper outer periphery of the protruding part is connected to a hollow double-headed locking nut, and a flexible tube joint is connected above the double-headed locking nut. A joint nut is located above the flexible tube joint.

3. A duct optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that... The hollow part inside the connector nut has a soft sleeve that extends outward to protect the optical cable.

4. A duct optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that... The diameter of the upper protruding part of the sensing optical cable holder is smaller than the diameter of the base of the sensing optical cable holder embedded in the connecting flange, and the upper end of the upper locking nut is bent horizontally along the upper surface platform of the base of the sensing optical cable holder.

5. A duct optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that... A sealing ring is provided between the connecting flange and the sensing optical cable base.

6. A duct optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that... A sealing ring is provided between the top of the upper protrusion and the double-ended locking nut.

7. A duct optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that... The fiber optic connector for the pipeline has a reserved interface for installing temperature, pressure, and flow sensors for the pipeline.

8. A method of using a duct optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that... Using a cable catcher, the optical cable is pulled out of the pipe through the optical cable inlet and outlet holes. Then, it passes through the optical cable limiting hole in the middle of the optical cable connector and the connecting flange is welded to the optical cable inlet and outlet holes. Finally, all nuts are tightened.

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