A vertical pipeline installation apparatus and method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of petroleum chemical industry, and discloses a kind of installation equipment and method of vertical pipeline, for the installation of the attached tower pipeline of tower body, and installation equipment includes group platform, pipe aligner, guide bracket and driving device, the guide bracket has multiple, multiple guide bracket is arranged on the tower body along vertical direction, each guide bracket is connected with the tower body;The group platform is arranged at the lower end of the tower body, and the driving device is arranged on the group platform, and the driving device is used to drive the pipe aligner to move back and forth in vertical direction.The attached tower pipeline of tower body is installed using the above installation equipment and method, which is convenient for construction, safe and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of petrochemical equipment, and in particular to a vertical pipeline installation device and method. Background Art

[0002] During the installation of petrochemical plants, the installation of auxiliary tower piping is a critical component. This installation is characterized by a significant height difference from the tower base to the top. This is particularly true for large concrete towers like urea granulation towers, where the installation height of auxiliary tower piping is typically over 90 meters. The diameter of the auxiliary tower piping is also relatively large, typically requiring the assistance of a large crane for successful installation. Due to various installation constraints, such as construction space, pipe fitting location, and alignment accuracy, traditional auxiliary tower piping installation is often pre-installed on the fixed tower prior to hoisting the tower equipment. However, when large towers require segmented alignment, the auxiliary tower piping on each segment also requires alignment. This can lead to significant misalignment due to installation errors, making alignment difficult and ensuring installation accuracy difficult. This is especially true when space is limited, crane positioning is difficult, and installation changes are necessary. This increases the number of crane shifts required, significantly increasing construction costs. Furthermore, this construction method requires extensive overhead work and carries significant safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vertical pipeline installation device and method to solve the problem of difficulty in installing existing tower-attached pipelines.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides, on the one hand, a vertical pipeline installation device for installing tower-attached pipelines on a tower body, which includes a pairing platform, a pipe pairing device, a guide bracket and a driving device. There are multiple guide brackets, and the multiple guide brackets are arranged on the tower body in a vertical direction, and each guide bracket is connected to the tower body; the pairing platform is arranged at the lower end of the tower body, and the driving device is arranged on the pairing platform, and the driving device is used to drive the pipe pairing device to move back and forth in the vertical direction.

[0005] Furthermore, each guide bracket is provided with a through hole for allowing the tower-attached pipeline to pass through.

[0006] Furthermore, the driving device includes a winch and a steel wire rope. The winch is arranged on the pipe assembling platform. The winch drives the pipe assembling device to move back and forth in the vertical direction through the steel wire rope.

[0007] Furthermore, a pulley is provided at the upper end of the assembly platform, the winch is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform, one end of the wire rope is connected to the winch, and the other end of the wire rope is connected to the pipe assembling device after passing around the pulley.

[0008] Furthermore, a pipe support base is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform, and the pipe support base is provided directly below the pipe aligner.

[0009] Furthermore, the pipeline support base is provided with a base adjustment bolt.

[0010] Furthermore, the pipe pairing device includes a pipe pairing device body, on which a pipeline lifting hook, a pipe adjustment bolt, a pipe pairing device hinge and a pipe pairing device locking buckle are provided. The lower end of the pipeline lifting hook is hinged to the pipe pairing device body through the hook hinge, and the upper end of the pipeline lifting hook is provided with a lifting hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the pipeline hoisting hook is used to support the pipe, and a gasket is provided on the pipeline hoisting hook.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a method for installing a vertical pipeline, which comprises:

[0013] S1. Measure and mark the axis of the tower-attached pipeline, and install multiple guide brackets on the tower body along the axis of the tower-attached pipeline, where the axis of the tower-attached pipeline is in the vertical direction;

[0014] S2. A pairing platform for lifting and pairing pipelines is built at the lower end of the tower body. The pairing platform is provided with a pipe pairing device and a driving device for driving the pipe pairing device to move back and forth in the vertical direction;

[0015] S3. Lift the first section of pipeline and insert its upper end into the guide bracket at the lowest end. Move the pipe aligner to the bottom of the tower pipeline. Then place the lower end of the first section of pipeline into the pipe aligner. Drive the pipe aligner upwards and move the lower end of the first section of pipeline to the welding position on the assembly platform.

[0016] S4. Lift the second section of pipeline, insert the upper end of the second section of pipeline into the pipe aligner, align the first section of pipeline and the second section of pipeline up and down, and weld the first section of pipeline and the second section of pipeline;

[0017] S5. Drive the pipe aligner downward to the lower end of the second section of the pipeline, and the pipe aligner drives the lower end of the second section of the pipeline upward to the welding position of the assembly platform;

[0018] S6. Repeat steps S4 and S5 to weld the remaining sections of the pipeline in sequence until the welding of the vertical sections of the tower-attached pipeline is completed.

[0019] Furthermore, a pipeline support base coaxial with the tower-attached pipeline is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform, and the pipeline support base is used to position the lower end of each section of the pipeline.

[0020] The above technical solution provides an installation device and method for vertical pipelines. Compared with the existing technology, its beneficial effect is that: the upper and lower sections of the pipeline to be welded are aligned before welding by the pipe alignment device. After welding is completed, the pipe alignment device drives the welded pipeline to move upward as a whole, leaving space at the bottom, and then the next section of the pipeline is added below and continues to be aligned and welded by the pipe alignment device. The installation of the tower-attached pipeline is extended from bottom to top in a cycle. Each time a pipeline section is added, it only needs to be at the assembly platform at the lower end of the tower body, without the participation of a large crane. It can adapt to narrower spaces, easily position the pipeline, avoid high-altitude operations, improve safety, and make the installation of the tower-attached pipeline easier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a vertical pipeline installation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an assembly platform and a driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a pipe alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 2. It is a top view of the pipe alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a pipe alignment device and a pipe support base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 It is a top view of the pipe alignment device and the pipe support base according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Among them, 1-tower body, 2-assembly platform, 3-attached tower pipeline, 4-pipe clamp, 41-pipe clamp body, 42-pipeline lifting hook, 43-pipe clamp adjustment bolt, 44-pipe clamp hinge, 45-pipe clamp locking buckle, 46-hook hinge, 47-lifting hole, 48-gasket, 5-guide bracket, 6-winch, 7-wire rope, 8-pulley, 9-pipe support base, 91-base adjustment bolt, 10-electric hoist. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" used in the present invention to indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended only to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides, on one hand, a vertical pipeline installation device for installing a tower-attached pipeline 3 of a tower body 1, which includes an assembly platform 2, a pipe aligner 4, a guide bracket 5 and a driving device. There are multiple guide brackets 5, and multiple guide brackets 5 are arranged on the tower body 1 in a vertical direction. Each guide bracket 5 is connected to the tower body 1; the assembly platform 2 is provided at the lower end of the tower body 1, and the driving device is provided on the assembly platform 2, and the driving device is used to drive the pipe aligner 4 to move back and forth in the vertical direction.

[0032] Based on the above scheme, the upper and lower sections of the pipeline to be welded are aligned before welding by the pipe alignment device 4. After welding is completed, the pipe alignment device 4 drives the welded pipeline to move upward as a whole, leaving space at the bottom, and then the next section of the pipeline is added below and continued to be aligned and welded by the pipe alignment device 4. The installation of the tower pipeline 3 extending from bottom to top is realized in a cycle. Each time a pipeline section is added, it is only necessary to assemble the platform 2 at the lower end of the tower body 1 without the participation of a large crane. It can adapt to narrower spaces, easily position the pipeline, avoid high-altitude operations, improve safety, and make the installation of the tower pipeline 3 easier.

[0033] Among them, each guide bracket 5 is provided with a through hole for the tower-attached pipeline 3 to pass through. The tower-attached pipeline 3 passes through each guide bracket 5 in sequence from bottom to top. The guide bracket 5 is used to position the tower-attached pipeline 3 to ensure that the overall force on the pipeline is uniform and to keep it vertical.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the driving device includes a winch 6 and a wire rope 7. The winch 6 is installed on the assembly platform 2. The winch 6 drives the pipe aligner 4 to move back and forth in the vertical direction through the wire rope 7. When the pipe aligner 4 moves upward, it is used to move the lowest section of the pipeline up.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, a pulley 8 is provided at the upper end of the assembly platform 2, a winch 6 is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform 2, one end of a wire rope 7 is connected to the winch 6, and the other end of the wire rope 7 is connected to the pipe aligner 4 after passing through the pulley 8.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, a pipe support base 9 is also provided at the lower end of the assembly platform 2, located directly below the pipe alignment device 4. The tower-attached pipeline 3, pipe alignment device 4, and pipe support base 9 are coaxially arranged to ensure smooth upward movement of the tower-attached pipeline 3 through the guide bracket 5. The pipe support base 9 is used to position the lowest section of the tower-attached pipeline 3.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the pipeline support base 9 is provided with a base adjustment bolt 91. The base adjustment bolt 91 is used to adjust and fix the position of the pipeline support base 9 so that it is arranged opposite to the lower end of the tower pipeline 3 to ensure that the tower pipeline 3 is installed vertically.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pipe jack 4 includes a pipe jack body 41, on which are provided a pipeline lifting hook 42, a pipe adjusting bolt 43, a pipe jack hinge 44 and a pipe jack locking buckle 45. The lower end of the pipeline lifting hook 42 is hinged to the pipe jack body 41 through a hook hinge 46, and the upper end of the pipeline lifting hook 42 is provided with a lifting hole 47.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the upper and lower sections of tower-attached pipeline 3 are inserted into the pipe alignment device 4 from the upper and lower directions. Because the inner surface of the pipeline lifting hook 42 is a beveled structure, as the upper pipeline descends, it is squeezed by the lower pipe section, causing the hook to slowly open outward, eventually dropping the upper and lower pipelines into the weld gap. The upper and lower pipelines are aligned using the pipe adjustment bolts 43, and then the spot welds are assembled.

[0040] In addition, the pipeline hoisting hook 42 is used to support the pipe, and a gasket 48 is provided on the pipeline hoisting hook 42. The gasket 48 is located at the welding gap, and the upper and lower pipelines fall on the gasket 48. The thickness of the gasket 48 can be replaced and adjusted according to the gap of the weld.

[0041] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing a vertical pipeline, which is implemented using the installation equipment of the above-mentioned solution, and includes:

[0042] S1. Measure and mark the axis of the auxiliary tower pipeline 3, and install multiple guide brackets 5 on the tower body 1 along the axis of the auxiliary tower pipeline 3, wherein the axis of the auxiliary tower pipeline 3 is in the vertical direction;

[0043] Specifically, in order to ensure the correct installation position of the tower-attached pipeline 3 and the smooth installation of the pipeline, it is necessary to install the tower-attached pipeline 3 guide bracket 5 before the pipeline is installed. First, use a theodolite to mark the vertical center line of the position of the tower-attached pipeline 3 on the tower, and then weld and fix the guide bracket 5.

[0044] Before welding the vertical pipes, guide brackets 5 are pre-welded and installed on each section of the tower-attached pipeline 3 to ensure uniform stress distribution throughout the pipe. The brackets are positioned along the centerline determined by the layout to ensure smooth passage of the tower-attached pipeline 3 during inversion. For concrete towers, embedded plates are pre-buried during construction, and the brackets are welded directly to the embedded plates to secure them.

[0045] S2. A pairing platform 2 for lifting and pairing pipelines is built at the lower end of the tower body 1. The pairing platform 2 is provided with a pipe pairing device 4 and a driving device for driving the pipe pairing device 4 to move back and forth in the vertical direction;

[0046] Specifically, before installing the tower-attached pipeline 3, a working platform for lifting and assembling the pipeline is pre-built at an appropriate location on the tower, based on the specifications of the pipes used for the tower-attached pipeline 3. A winch 6 and an electric hoist 10 for lifting the pipeline are also installed. The electric hoist 10 is located on the assembly platform 2 and is used to lift the pipeline, allowing the pipeline on the ground to be lifted onto the pipe assembling device 4. The pipe assembling device 4 can simultaneously perform the functions of lifting and assembling the pipeline (the pipe assembling device 4 is manufactured to accommodate a range of pipe diameters. Considering the reuse of the pipe assembling device 4, it can be manufactured in several specifications according to different pipe diameters).

[0047] S3. Lift the first section of pipeline and insert its upper end into the guide bracket 5 at the lowest end. Move the pipe aligner 4 to the position directly below the tower-attached pipeline 3. Then, place the lower end of the first section of pipeline into the pipe aligner 4. Drive the pipe aligner 4 upwards. The pipe aligner 4 moves the lower end of the first section of pipeline to the welding position of the assembly platform 2.

[0048] Among them, a pipeline support base 9 coaxial with the tower pipeline 3 is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform 2, and the pipeline support base 9 is used to position the lower end of each section of the pipeline.

[0049] Specifically, two entire sections of pipeline are assembled on the ground to form the uppermost section of the tower-attached pipeline 3. A short tapered tube (the larger end has the same diameter as the installed pipe, facilitating the insertion of the pipe section into the guide bracket 5) is welded to one of the upwardly directed ends to form the first pipeline section. This section of pipeline is longer than the height of the first, lowest guide bracket 5. The first section of pipeline is hoisted using an electric hoist 10, with the upper portion of the pipeline, including the short tapered portion, inserted into the lowermost guide bracket 5. Simultaneously, a self-made pipe aligner 4 is hoisted using a winch 6 and placed on a ground-mounted pipe support base 9 directly opposite the tower-attached pipeline 3. (The self-made pipe aligner 4 is equipped with a lifting hole 47 and a pipeline lifting hook 42, the size of which is calculated based on the lifting weight.) The lower portion of the pipeline is then aligned and placed into the self-made pipe aligner 4, which supports the pipeline. The lifting hook of the electric hoist 10 is removed, and the self-made pipe aligner 4 is then lifted using the winch 6 to lift the pipeline onto the assembly platform 2.

[0050] It should be noted that in order to reduce the workload of high-altitude operations and ensure construction quality, the pipeline can be pre-treated with sandblasting for rust removal and paint for anti-corrosion. The vertical pipe sections are basically made of whole pipes, so only the weld section needs to be left untreated and the joints need to be patched after assembly, installation, and inspection. After the pipeline is on site, the material is first cut on the ground and the welding groove is opened. For larger pipe diameters, there will be a certain deviation in the pipe joint after cutting. Therefore, before cutting the pipe, mark the joints at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270. When straight seam pipes are joined, the straight welds must be staggered by 180°. When assembling, adjust the upper and lower pipe markings to reduce the joint deviation caused by cutting. After the joint welding is completed, a straightness check should be carried out. The straightness should meet the requirements of relevant specifications and can be welded.

[0051] S4, lift the second section of pipeline, put the upper end of the second section of pipeline into the pipe aligner 4, align the first section of pipeline and the second section of pipeline up and down, and weld the first section of pipeline and the second section of pipeline;

[0052] Specifically, use the electric hoist 10 to lift the upper part of the second section of the pipeline and insert it into the homemade pipe alignment device 4. At this time, pay attention to staggering the vertical welds of the upper and lower pipelines by 180 degrees, and align the 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270 marks at the interface. At the same time, ensure that the lower part of the second section of the pipeline is aligned and placed into the pipeline support base 911. Then slowly lower the pipe alignment device 4 to insert the upper part of the second section of the pipeline into it. Use the pipe adjustment bolts 43 to align the upper and lower pipelines. Since the inner side of the pipeline lifting hook is a sloped structure, when the upper pipeline is lowered, it will be squeezed by the lower pipe section, and the lifting hook will slowly open outward, eventually allowing the upper and lower pipelines to fall on the weld gap adjustable gasket 483 (the thickness of the adjustment gasket 48 can be replaced and adjusted according to the gap between the welds). After adjusting the alignment of the upper and lower pipelines, assemble the spot welds.

[0053] S5. Drive the pipe aligner 4 downward to the lower end of the second section of the pipeline. The pipe aligner 4 drives the lower end of the second section of the pipeline upward to the welding position of the assembly platform 2; prepare to assemble and weld the next section of the pipeline;

[0054] S6. Repeat steps S4 and S5 to weld the remaining sections of the pipeline in sequence until the welding of the vertical sections of the tower-attached pipeline 3 is completed.

[0055] When disassembling the pipe aligner 4, the pipeline lifting hook 42 on the pipe aligner 4 is moved to remove the gasket 48 with adjustable weld gap. The pipe aligner locking buckle 45 is loosened, and the pipe aligner 4 is lowered onto the pipeline support base 9. At the same time, the welding of the joints is completed.

[0056] In addition, after the vertical section of the tower pipeline 3 is assembled, the fixed bracket is installed to fix the vertical section pipeline. Finally, the winch 6 and electric hoist 10 are used to assist in the assembly and installation of the elbow and horizontal pipeline until the tower pipeline 3 of the tower is installed. Finally, the welds of the pipeline are subjected to non-destructive testing and touch-up painting.

[0057] In summary, an embodiment of the present invention provides an installation device and method for a vertical pipeline, which uses a self-made pipe-pairing device 4 to complete the hoisting and pairing: the hoisting of the tower pipeline 3 does not require the participation of a large crane, and is not affected by the installation height of the tower pipeline 3 and the narrow site. The hoisting and pairing of the tower pipeline 3 can be completed using only the self-made pipe-pairing device 4 through the winch 6 and the electric hoist 10.

[0058] Assemble on fixed assembly platform 2: The assembly and installation of pipelines are carried out on a fixed working platform, using a self-made pipe aligner 4 for assembly, and the installation of tower pipeline 3 is carried out from top to bottom by inverted installation.

[0059] No need to weld lifting lugs: The lifting of the pipeline is completed by the lifting hook on the self-made pipe device 4, and the weight of the pipeline during the lowering process is used to achieve automatic unhooking. There is no need to weld lifting lugs on the pipe, and the pipe base material will not be damaged.

[0060] Adjustable gasket 48 in the weld gap: The weld gap adjustable gasket 48 on the self-made pipe-pairing device lifting hook can be replaced according to the needs of pipeline welding to adjust the required weld gap at any time.

[0061] The pipe aligner 4 and the assembling platform 2 are reusable: the manufactured pipe aligner 4 and the assembling platform 2 are modularized tooling and are universal.

[0062] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and substitutions should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertical pipeline installation device for installing tower pipelines, characterized in that: The invention comprises a pairing platform, a pipe aligner, a guide bracket and a driving device, wherein the guide brackets are multiple and arranged on the tower body in a vertical direction, and each guide bracket is connected to the tower body; the pairing platform is arranged at the lower end of the tower body, and the driving device is arranged on the pairing platform, and the driving device is used to drive the pipe aligner to move back and forth in the vertical direction; the driving device comprises a winch and a wire rope, and the winch is arranged on the pairing platform, and the winch drives the pipe aligner to move back and forth in the vertical direction through the wire rope; the pipe aligner comprises a pipe aligner body, and the pipe aligner body is provided with a pipeline hoisting hook, a pairing hook and a wire rope. Pipe adjusting bolt, pipe pair hinge and pipe pair locking buckle, the lower end of the pipeline lifting hook is hinged to the pipe pair body through the hook hinge, and the upper end of the pipeline lifting hook is provided with a lifting hole; the upper and lower sections of tower-attached pipelines are respectively inserted into the pipe pair from the upper and lower directions, and the inner side surface of the pipeline lifting hook is an inclined surface structure inclined up and down, and the distance between the upper end of the inclined surface structure and the center line of the pipe pair is smaller than the distance between the lower end of the inclined surface structure and the center line of the pipe pair. When the upper pipeline descends, the inclined surface structure is squeezed by the lower pipeline, so that the pipeline lifting hook opens outward, and finally the upper pipeline is able to fall into the weld gap.

2. The installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each guide bracket is provided with a through hole for allowing the tower-attached pipeline to pass through.

3. The installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that A pulley is provided at the upper end of the assembly platform, and the winch is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform. One end of the wire rope is connected to the winch, and the other end of the wire rope is connected to the pipe aligner after passing around the pulley.

4. The installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that A pipe supporting base is further provided at the lower end of the assembly platform, and the pipe supporting base is arranged directly below the pipe aligner.

5. The installation device according to claim 4, characterized in that The pipeline support base is provided with a base adjustment bolt.

6. The installation device according to claim 5, characterized in that The pipeline hoisting hook is used to support the pipeline, and a gasket is provided on the pipeline hoisting hook.

7. A method for installing a vertical pipeline, using the installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: S1. Measure and mark the axis of the tower-attached pipeline, and install multiple guide brackets on the tower body along the axis of the tower-attached pipeline, where the axis of the tower-attached pipeline is in the vertical direction; S2. A pairing platform for lifting and pairing pipelines is built at the lower end of the tower body. The pairing platform is provided with a pipe pairing device and a driving device for driving the pipe pairing device to move back and forth in the vertical direction; S3. Lift the first section of pipeline and insert its upper end into the guide bracket at the lowest end. Move the pipe aligner to the bottom of the tower pipeline. Then place the lower end of the first section of pipeline into the pipe aligner. Drive the pipe aligner upwards and move the lower end of the first section of pipeline to the welding position on the assembly platform. S4. Lift the second section of pipeline, insert the upper end of the second section of pipeline into the pipe aligner, align the first section of pipeline and the second section of pipeline up and down, and weld the first section of pipeline and the second section of pipeline; S5. Drive the pipe aligner downward to the lower end of the second section of the pipeline, and the pipe aligner drives the lower end of the second section of the pipeline upward to the welding position of the assembly platform; S6. Repeat steps S4 and S5 to weld the remaining sections of the pipeline in sequence until the welding of the vertical sections of the tower-attached pipeline is completed.

8. The installation method according to claim 7, characterized in that: A pipeline support base coaxial with the tower-attached pipeline is provided at the lower end of the assembly platform, and the pipeline support base is used to position the lower end of each section of the pipeline.

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