A subsea pipeline deformation monitoring apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a seabed pipeline deformation monitoring device, which comprises an attitude sensor array, a control base point and a positioning ring; the attitude sensor array is provided with two attitude sensor arrays, one of which is arranged between the control base point and the seabed pipeline and is used for monitoring the overall settlement state of the seabed pipeline monitoring area, and the other is arranged on the seabed pipeline to be measured and is used for monitoring the surface deformation state of the seabed pipeline; the control base point is used for collecting the data of the attitude sensor array and uploading the data to the water surface host computer interface through a communication module to display the obtained seabed pipeline surface deformation state data and seabed settlement state data; the application can realize the deformation monitoring of the seabed pipeline, is convenient to carry and lay, is simple and convenient to operate and low in cost, has strong scientific research benefit and economic benefit, and can provide early warning for pipeline settlement deformation through seabed pipeline displacement monitoring technology service and monitoring of long-term displacement change process of the seabed pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of submarine pipeline monitoring technology, and in particular to a submarine pipeline deformation monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing national emphasis on developing and utilizing offshore oil and gas resources, the laying of subsea pipelines, the lifeline for offshore oil and gas transportation, is gradually increasing. Subsea pipelines play a crucial role in offshore oil and gas field development as a primary form of offshore oil and gas gathering and transportation system. Due to harsh operating conditions, subsea pipelines are subjected to environmental loads such as external wave currents, as well as corrosion and pressure from oil and gas inside the pipeline, and unexpected loads such as impacts from falling objects at sea and dragging by fishing nets. Their failure probability is high, and operational risks are significant. To avoid substantial economic losses and adverse social impacts caused by subsea pipeline failures, effective measures must be taken to prevent subsea pipeline failures, making the safe operation of subsea pipelines increasingly important.

[0003] Submarine pipeline monitoring is a crucial means of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of submarine pipelines. Regularly observing their settlement and displacement, and promptly collecting data on these parameters, allows for timely feedback on pipeline status and facilitates prompt emergency response in case of anomalies. However, current methods primarily rely on underwater exploration and traditional monitoring techniques for direct pipeline monitoring, which are characterized by high operational difficulty, high cost, and inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It can realize the deformation monitoring of subsea pipelines, is easy to carry and deploy, simple and convenient to operate with low cost, and has strong scientific research and economic benefits. Through the subsea pipeline displacement monitoring technology service, it can monitor the long-term displacement change process of subsea pipelines and provide early warning for pipeline settlement and deformation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0006] This invention provides a subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device, comprising an attitude sensor array, a control base point, and a positioning ring;

[0007] The attitude sensor array is provided in two arrays. One array is arranged between the control base point and the subsea pipeline to monitor the overall settlement status of the subsea pipeline monitoring area. The other array is arranged along the laying direction of the subsea pipeline on the subsea pipeline to be tested to monitor the surface deformation status of the subsea pipeline.

[0008] The control base point is used to collect data from the attitude sensor array and upload the data to the surface computer interface via the communication module to display the obtained surface deformation data of the subsea pipeline and seabed subsidence data.

[0009] The positioning ring is disposed on the subsea pipeline and is used to fix the attitude sensor array on the subsea pipeline.

[0010] Preferably, the attitude sensor includes multiple MEMS sensor units arranged in an array, a sleeve, and a watertight cable. Each MEMS sensor unit is connected in series in a flexible manner through the watertight cable to form a MEMS sensor array. The entire MEMS sensor array runs through the sleeve, and the MEMS sensor array is connected to the control base point through the watertight cable.

[0011] Preferably, the MEMS sensor unit includes a sensor housing and a MEMS sensor disposed at the axis of the sensor housing. The sensor housing is made of 316L stainless steel. The MEMS sensor is fixed to the sensor housing by positioning bolts. Watertight connectors are provided at both ends of the MEMS sensor unit for connecting the watertight cable.

[0012] Preferably, the sleeve is composed of alternating aluminum alloy tubes and rubber hoses connected in series, and the MEMS sensor unit is disposed at the rear end of the aluminum alloy tube.

[0013] Preferably, each section of the aluminum alloy tube has an inner diameter of 40mm, an outer diameter of 50mm, and a length of 1000mm, and adjacent aluminum alloy tubes are flexibly connected by the rubber hose.

[0014] Preferably, the control base point includes an electronic cabin and a cement block. The electronic cabin is embedded in the cement block, and one end of each of the two attitude sensor arrays is connected to the electronic cabin via a watertight cable. The electronic cabin is equipped with a lithium battery, a control board, a data acquisition board, and a communication module. The lithium battery powers the control board, data acquisition board, communication module, and MEMS sensors. The control board controls the data acquisition board to acquire MEMS sensor data, and the communication module uploads the data to a surface computer interface to display the obtained surface deformation data of the subsea pipeline and seabed subsidence data.

[0015] Preferably, the positioning ring is an annular structure, comprising two semi-circular stainless steel rings, a bolt fixing structure, and a pipe clamp; the two semi-circular stainless steel rings are hinged at one end and connected at the other end by the bolt fixing structure, the pipe clamp is fixed to the positioning ring, and the outer sleeve of the attitude sensor array passes through the pipe clamp and is fixed to the positioning ring by the pipe clamp.

[0016] Preferably, there are two positioning rings, and the pipeline between the two positioning rings is the subsea pipeline monitoring area; one end of the attitude sensor array arranged between the control base point and the subsea pipeline is connected to one of the positioning rings, and the other end is connected to the control base point; the other attitude sensor array is connected between the two positioning rings.

[0017] Preferably, the attitude sensor array arranged between the control base point and the subsea pipeline is perpendicular to the subsea pipeline.

[0018] The present invention achieves the following beneficial technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0019] 1. The submarine pipeline deformation monitoring device provided by this invention is easy to carry and deploy, simple and convenient to operate with low cost, and has strong scientific research and economic benefits. Through submarine pipeline displacement monitoring technology, it monitors the long-term displacement change process of submarine pipelines and provides early warning for pipeline settlement and deformation. The overall structure of the device is simple and does not require additional ROV, drilling motor and other equipment, which can greatly reduce costs.

[0020] 2. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device provided by this invention, based on the protection of the casing, allows the originally flexible monitoring device to be placed above a designated pipe section. To ensure the waterproof, pressure-resistant, and corrosion-resistant performance of the MEMS sensor array at a depth of 40m underwater, the sensor housing size is designed according to the MEMS sensor structure, using 316L stainless steel material. This better improves the sensor housing's adaptability to the environment; excessively high or low temperatures will not affect the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel, ensuring the stability of long-term monitoring by the sensor array.

[0021] 3. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device provided by the present invention uses multiple MEMS sensor units composed of MEMS sensors enclosed and protected by a sensor cabin. After being installed and fixed at the designated pipe section position, the MEMS sensor module acquires the initial angle position data. When the pipe section at the device location is displaced and deformed, the MEMS sensor module also generates a displacement angle change, and then collects and stores the data of its own displacement change through the acquisition circuit board, realizing long-term displacement change monitoring of the subsea pipeline, and setting up a pipeline displacement early warning system through the monitoring data.

[0022] 4. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device provided by the present invention uses cement blocks as control base points and positioning rings as attitude sensors to set monitoring base points. It can calculate the surface deformation of the subsea pipeline and the overall subsidence change of the seabed in the monitoring area based on the relative attitude change with the base points, thus ensuring the reliability of the monitoring data. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the submarine pipeline deformation monitoring device in this invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the attitude sensor array in this invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control base point structure in this invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the MEMS sensor unit in this invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning ring in this invention;

[0029] In the diagram: 1 is the attitude sensor array; 1-1 is the MEMS sensor unit; 1-2 is the sleeve; 1-3 is the watertight connector cable; 1-1-1 is the sensor cabin; 1-1-2 is the MEMS sensor; 1-1-3 is the watertight connector; 1-2-1 is the aluminum alloy pipe; 1-2-2 is the rubber hose; 2 is the control base point; 2-1 is the electronics cabin; 2-2 is the cement block; 3 is the positioning ring; 3-1 is the stainless steel ring; 3-2 is the bolt fixing structure; 3-3 is the pipe clamp; 4 is the subsea pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The purpose of this invention is to provide a deformation monitoring device for subsea pipelines to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device in this embodiment, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, it includes an attitude sensor array 1, a control base point 2, and a positioning ring 3;

[0034] Two attitude sensor arrays 1 are provided. One attitude sensor array 1 is arranged between the control base point 2 and the subsea pipeline 4 to monitor the overall settlement status of the monitoring area of ​​the subsea pipeline 4. The other attitude sensor array 1 is arranged along the laying direction of the subsea pipeline 4 on the subsea pipeline 4 to be tested to monitor the surface deformation status of the subsea pipeline 4.

[0035] Control base point 2 is used to collect data from attitude sensor array 1 and upload the data to the host computer interface on the water surface through the communication module to display the obtained surface deformation status data and seabed settlement status data of the subsea pipeline 4.

[0036] The positioning ring 3 is set on the subsea pipeline 4 to fix the attitude sensor array 1 on the subsea pipeline 4.

[0037] In this specific embodiment, the attitude sensor includes multiple MEMS sensor units 1-1 arranged in an array, a sleeve 1-2, and a watertight connector cable 1-3. Each MEMS sensor unit 1-1 is connected in series via the watertight connector cable 1-3 in a flexible connection manner to form a MEMS sensor 1-1-2 array. The entire MEMS sensor 1-1-2 array extends through the sleeve 1-2. The MEMS sensor 1-1-2 array is connected to the control base point 2 via the watertight connector cable 1-3. Each MEMS sensor unit 1-1 includes a sensor housing 1-1-1 and a MEMS sensor 1-1-2 located at the axis of the sensor housing 1-1-1. The sensor housing 1-1-1 is made of 316L stainless steel. The MEMS sensor 1-1-2 is fixed inside the sensor housing 1-1-1 by positioning bolts. Watertight connectors 1-1-3 are provided at both ends of the MEMS sensor unit 1-1 for connecting the watertight connector cable 1-3.

[0038] The sleeve 1-2 is composed of alternating aluminum alloy tubes 1-2-1 and rubber hoses 1-2-2 connected in series. The MEMS sensor unit 1-1 is located at the rear end of the aluminum alloy tubes 1-2-1 (the end furthest from the control base point 2 is the rear end). Each section of the aluminum alloy tube 1-2-1 has an inner diameter of 40mm, an outer diameter of 50mm, and a length of 1000mm. Adjacent aluminum alloy tubes 1-2-1 are flexibly connected by rubber hoses 1-2-2 with a tensile strength of 400kg. The MEMS sensor array is located inside the sleeve 1-2 to improve the tensile, compressive, and corrosion resistance of the MEMS sensor array. Depending on the required monitoring area range under actual working conditions, an attitude sensor array 1 of appropriate length can be arranged.

[0039] In this specific embodiment, the control base point 2 includes an electronic cabin 2-1 and a cement block 2-2, with the electronic cabin 2-1 embedded within the cement block 2-2. One end of each of the two attitude sensor arrays 1 is connected to the electronic cabin 2-1 via a watertight cable 1-3. The electronic cabin 2-1 is equipped with a lithium battery, a control board, a data acquisition board, and a communication module. The lithium battery powers the control board, the data acquisition board, the communication module, and the MEMS sensor 1-1-2. The control board controls the data acquisition board to acquire data from the MEMS sensor 1-1-2, and the communication module uploads the data to the surface computer interface, displaying the obtained surface deformation data and seabed subsidence data of the subsea pipeline 4. The use of cement blocks 2-2 to cover the electronic compartment 2-1 effectively ensures that the electronic compartment 2-1 is not affected by underwater environments such as sand burial or ocean current scouring, thus ensuring the stability and penetration of data transmission. At the same time, the cement blocks 2-2 are used as the monitoring base point of the attitude sensor array 1, and the obtained relative attitude change is the deformation state change of the subsea pipeline 4, ensuring the stability of the monitoring data while also ensuring the reliability of the data.

[0040] In this specific embodiment, the positioning ring 3 is an annular structure, comprising two semi-circular stainless steel rings 3-1, a bolt fixing structure 3-2, and a pipe clamp 3-3; one end of the two semi-circular stainless steel rings 3-1 is hinged together, and the other end is connected by the bolt fixing structure 3-2. The pipe clamp 3-3 is fixed on the positioning ring 3, and the outer sleeve 1-2 of the attitude sensor array 1 passes through the pipe clamp 3-3 and is fixed on the positioning ring 3 by the pipe clamp 3-3.

[0041] In this specific embodiment, two positioning rings 3 are provided, and the pipeline between the two positioning rings 3 is the monitoring area of ​​the subsea pipeline 4; one end of the attitude sensor array 1 arranged between the control base point 2 and the subsea pipeline 4 is connected to one of the positioning rings 3, and the other end is connected to the control base point 2; another attitude sensor array 1 is connected between the two positioning rings 3. The attitude sensor array 1 arranged between the control base point 2 and the subsea pipeline 4 is perpendicular to the subsea pipeline 4.

[0042] The method of using the subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device of this invention is as follows:

[0043] The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device of this invention is carried by a research vessel to the vicinity of the monitoring area of ​​the subsea pipeline 4. The attitude sensor array 1, control base point 2 and positioning ring 3 are assembled on the deck of the vessel. After the operation begins, the crane on the vessel lowers the positioning ring 3 and installs it on the monitoring area of ​​the subsea pipeline 4. Divers go into the water and tighten the bolts on the positioning ring 3 to fix the structure 3-2, thereby realizing the underwater installation of the two positioning rings 3. After the underwater installation of the positioning rings 3 is completed, the divers return to the deck.

[0044] On the ship's deck, the attitude sensor array 1 is connected to the electronic cabin 2-1 on the control base point 2. Using a crane, the attitude sensor array and control base point 2 are lowered together to approximately 90° in front of one of the positioning rings 3. A diver descends into the water and vertically pulls the attitude sensor array 1 to the 90° positioning ring 3. One end of the attitude sensor array 1 is passed through the pipe clamp 3-3, and the attitude sensor array 1 is fixed to the positioning ring 3 using the clamping structure of the pipe clamp 3-3. After completing the deployment of one attitude sensor array 1, the seabed subsidence monitoring system is complete. Upon returning to the deck, the diver carries a second attitude sensor array 1. Both ends of the attitude sensor array 1 are fixed to the two installed positioning rings 3 using the clamping structure of the pipe clamp 3-3. After completing the deployment of the surface deformation monitoring system for the subsea pipeline 4, the diver returns to the deck, completing the overall deployment of the subsea pipeline 4 deformation monitoring device.

[0045] Through the communication module, the operator can collect attitude data with the shore-based real-time monitoring and control acquisition board, and display the in-situ monitoring data in real time on the host computer interface.

[0046] This invention has illustrated its principles and implementation methods using specific examples. The descriptions of these embodiments are merely illustrative of the method and its core ideas; furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the principles of this invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. A deformation monitoring device for subsea pipelines, characterized in that: This includes an attitude sensor array, control base points, and a positioning loop; The attitude sensor array is provided in two arrays. One array is arranged between the control base point and the subsea pipeline to monitor the overall settlement status of the subsea pipeline monitoring area. The other array is arranged along the laying direction of the subsea pipeline on the subsea pipeline to be tested to monitor the surface deformation status of the subsea pipeline. The attitude sensor includes multiple MEMS sensor units arranged in an array, a sleeve, and a watertight cable. Each MEMS sensor unit is connected in series in a flexible manner through the watertight cable to form a MEMS sensor array. The entire MEMS sensor array runs through the sleeve, and the MEMS sensor array is connected to the control base point through the watertight cable. The control base point is used to collect data from the attitude sensor array and upload the data to the surface computer interface via a communication module, displaying the obtained surface deformation data and seabed subsidence data of the subsea pipeline. The control base point includes an electronic cabin and a cement block. The electronic cabin is embedded in the cement block, and one end of each of the two attitude sensor arrays is connected to the electronic cabin via a watertight cable. The electronic cabin is equipped with a lithium battery, a control board, a data acquisition board, and a communication module. The lithium battery powers the control board, data acquisition board, communication module, and MEMS sensors. The control board controls the data acquisition board to collect MEMS sensor data, and the communication module uploads the data to the surface computer interface, displaying the obtained surface deformation data and seabed subsidence data of the subsea pipeline. The positioning ring is disposed on the subsea pipeline and is used to fix the attitude sensor array on the subsea pipeline.

2. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The MEMS sensor unit includes a sensor housing and a MEMS sensor located at the axis of the sensor housing. The sensor housing is made of 316L stainless steel. The MEMS sensor is fixed to the sensor housing by positioning bolts. The MEMS sensor unit has watertight connectors at both ends for connecting the watertight cable.

3. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sleeve is composed of alternating aluminum alloy tubes and rubber hoses connected in series, and the MEMS sensor unit is located at the rear end of the aluminum alloy tube.

4. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each section of the aluminum alloy tube has an inner diameter of 40mm, an outer diameter of 50mm, and a length of 1000mm. Adjacent aluminum alloy tubes are flexibly connected by the rubber hose.

5. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning ring is a ring structure, comprising two semi-circular stainless steel rings, a bolt fixing structure, and a pipe clamp; one end of the two semi-circular stainless steel rings is hinged together, and the other end is connected by the bolt fixing structure. The pipe clamp is fixed to the positioning ring, and the outer sleeve of the attitude sensor array passes through the pipe clamp and is fixed to the positioning ring by the pipe clamp.

6. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Two positioning rings are provided, and the pipeline between the two positioning rings is the subsea pipeline monitoring area; one end of the attitude sensor array arranged between the control base point and the subsea pipeline is connected to one of the positioning rings, and the other end is connected to the control base point; the other attitude sensor array is connected between the two positioning rings.

7. The subsea pipeline deformation monitoring device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The attitude sensor array, positioned between the control base point and the subsea pipeline, is perpendicular to the subsea pipeline.

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