A pipeline inspection connection device that can be quickly replaced online

Abstract

The application discloses a pipeline detection connecting device capable of being rapidly replaced on line, relates to the technical field of pipeline detection, and comprises a process fluid pipe for liquid medium flow, further comprises a connecting detection mechanism for connecting an optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be rapidly replaced on line, and a positioning and fixing mechanism for rapidly positioning an axis of the connecting detection mechanism and facilitating fixed connection. When the pipeline detection connecting device capable of being rapidly replaced on line is used, the optical fiber directly extends into the process fluid pipe and directly contacts with the medium in the pipeline, so that the monitoring of the medium concentration in the pipeline, the pipeline pressure, the medium flow rate and the pipeline leakage and other factors is more accurate. Since there are upper and lower seals and the flexible pipe joint is a connector connected through screw threads, when the optical fiber needs to be replaced due to problems, the optical fiber can be directly taken out, online rapid replacement is realized, and the connecting detection mechanism can be rapidly guided and positioned through the fixing mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline inspection technology, and in particular to a pipeline inspection connection device that can be quickly replaced online. Background Technology

[0002] Underground pipelines transport various industrial and civilian media, serving as a lifeline for economic development. Most of these media possess hazardous properties such as flammability, explosiveness, or toxicity; accidents often result in substantial economic losses, threaten personal safety, and damage the environment. Pipelines traverse vast areas, and are susceptible to unpredictable factors such as leaks, increased flow rates, sudden pressure spikes, and changes in media concentration due to natural disasters and third-party construction. Therefore, monitoring underground pipelines has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. Optical fiber monitoring technology, with its low error rate, high strength yet flexibility, low cost, and resistance to external influences, has seen widespread application in pipeline transportation in recent years.

[0003] Fiber optic monitoring technology has developed rapidly in recent years. Current monitoring techniques involve laying an optical fiber outside the pipeline, with one end connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and an optical path system. When a leak occurs in the pipeline, the noise generated by the leak causes vibrations in nearby optical fibers. These vibrations alter the physical properties of the propagating laser within the fiber. The CPU analyzes the data to determine the location and magnitude of the leak. However, this method can only detect leaks. It is inadequate for detecting uncertainties such as the concentration of the medium within the pipeline, pipeline pressure, and flow velocity. Furthermore, existing detection devices require perpendicular alignment with the pipeline axis to ensure data accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention addresses the problem that existing technical solutions are too simplistic and provides a solution that is significantly different from existing technologies. The present invention provides an online, quickly replaceable pipeline detection connection device to solve the problem that existing monitoring methods can only detect pipeline leaks and cannot achieve good detection results for a series of uncertain factors such as the concentration of the medium in the pipeline, pipeline pressure, and medium flow rate.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: an online quick-replacement pipeline inspection and connection device, including a process fluid pipe for liquid medium flow and an optical fiber, and a connection inspection mechanism for connecting the optical fiber so that it can be quickly replaced online, and a positioning and fixing mechanism for quickly positioning the axis of the connection inspection mechanism to facilitate fixed connection, wherein the process fluid pipe has an installation hole, the axis of the installation hole is perpendicular to the axis of the process fluid pipe, and a guide positioning groove is provided in the inner wall of the installation hole, the axis of the guide positioning groove is perpendicular to the axis of the installation hole.

[0006] Furthermore, the connection detection mechanism includes a connecting flange seat, a locking thread on the top of the connecting flange seat, an oblique hole inside the connecting flange seat, and the connecting flange seat is hollow. A locking seat is provided outside the locking thread, and the locking seat and the connecting flange seat are connected by the locking thread. An optical fiber tube connector is provided in the connecting flange seat, and an O-ring is provided on the outer surface of the optical fiber tube connector. A double-ended locking nut is provided above the optical fiber tube connector, and an O-ring is provided above the double-ended locking nut. A flexible tube connector is threaded to the outer top of the double-ended locking nut. A central hole is provided between the flexible tube connector, the double-ended locking nut, and the optical fiber tube connector. The axes of the flexible tube connector, the double-ended locking nut, and the optical fiber tube connector are on the same axis. A flexible base is provided below the connecting flange seat.

[0007] Furthermore, the flexible base is made of soft rubber, and the diameter of the flexible base is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole.

[0008] Furthermore, the connecting flange seat has an oblique hole and is hollow.

[0009] Furthermore, the positioning and fixing mechanism includes a guide component and a positioning component. The guide component includes a plurality of liquid outlet grooves, which are formed on the connecting flange seat. A squeezing plate is provided in the hollow layer of the connecting flange seat. A mating squeezing block is provided above the squeezing plate. The top of the mating squeezing block is fixedly connected to the bottom of the locking seat. A squeezing block is provided in a ring at the bottom of the mating squeezing block, and the diameter of the squeezing block is larger than the diameter of the locking thread. A connecting hole is provided in the connecting flange seat.

[0010] Furthermore, the positioning component includes a connecting tube, which is disposed in a connecting hole and is hollow. The connecting tube has several liquid outlet holes, a liquid storage bag is disposed inside the connecting tube, a wedge tube is slidably disposed in the connecting tube and is disposed outside the liquid storage bag, and a limit plate is disposed outside the connecting tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the contact surface between the wedge-shaped tube and the extrusion block is an inclined surface.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0013] Firstly, the connection and detection mechanism allows for rapid connection and disconnection of the optical fiber. Furthermore, it offers more precise monitoring compared to traditional pipeline inspection mechanisms. Existing optical fiber detection devices are often placed outside the pipeline, triggering an alarm only when liquid seeps into the optical fiber after a leak. However, this results in an excessively long alarm time, affecting pipeline operation. This new device, however, uses several connection and detection mechanisms to place the optical fiber directly inside the process fluid pipe, allowing direct contact between the fiber and the liquid. This provides more accurate monitoring of factors such as medium concentration, pressure, flow rate, and leakage compared to previous optical fiber detection devices. Additionally, the device features double seals and flexible pipe joints during operation. Using a threaded connector, when the optical fiber needs replacement due to a problem, the optical fiber can be directly removed for quick online replacement. Furthermore, because this device uses a segmented design, existing equipment often requires laying optical fibers that are the same length and equidistant from the pipe. Since optical fibers cannot be bent, laying them is cumbersome and consumes a large amount of fiber. If a section of fiber breaks, repair is difficult due to its length. However, with this segmented design, a longer optical fiber is not required, allowing for monitoring of the medium inside the pipe. If abnormal flow data is detected in a section, only that section needs repair, enabling precise location of the problem.

[0014] Secondly, the positioning and fixing mechanism can initially position the connecting detection mechanism, and once positioning is complete, it can be promptly connected and fixed, avoiding the impact on positioning accuracy caused by long intervals during connection and fixing. During use, to ensure data detection accuracy, the optical fiber needs to be perpendicular to the pipe axis. This allows for better contact between the medium and the optical fiber, ensuring accurate data detection. However, existing devices cannot quickly achieve vertical positioning during installation. The positioning and fixing mechanism places the connecting detection mechanism onto the process fluid pipe, where the guide positioning block is inserted into the guide positioning groove. Since the guide positioning groove is parallel to the pipe axis, and the guide positioning block is perpendicular to the connecting flange seat, the connecting flange seat is also perpendicular to the axis. To ensure the accuracy of the connection of the connecting flange seat, when connecting the fiber optic connector and the connecting flange seat, a single-component polyurethane sealant can be introduced into the hollow layer of the connecting flange seat. At this time, when connecting through the locking seat, not only can the connection between the fiber optic connector and the connecting flange seat be more secure, but the single-component polyurethane sealant in the connecting flange seat can also be squeezed out. The squeezed single-component polyurethane sealant will automatically fill the gap between the connecting flange seat and the mounting hole, thereby ensuring the tightness of the connection between the connecting flange seat and the mounting hole and preventing leakage. After a certain period of time, the single-component polyurethane sealant will dry, thereby connecting the connecting flange seat and the mounting hole. In use, the connection can be locked by twisting the locking seat, which also serves as a fixation function, simplifying the operation steps.

[0015] In summary, this device allows the optical fiber to directly extend into the process fluid pipe during use, directly contacting the medium inside the pipe. This provides more accurate monitoring of factors such as medium concentration, pipe pressure, flow rate, and leakage. Due to the double seals and the use of threaded connectors on the flexible pipe joints, the optical fiber can be easily removed for rapid online replacement if needed. Furthermore, the fixing mechanism allows for quick guidance and positioning of the connection detection mechanism, followed by rapid connection and fixation, simplifying the operation process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process fluid pipe of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first perspective structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the guide positioning block structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second perspective structure of the main section of the present invention.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 1. Process fluid pipe; 11. Mounting hole; 12. Guide positioning groove; 2. Connection detection mechanism; 21. Connecting flange seat; 22. Flexible base; 23. Liquid outlet tank; 24. Optical fiber; 25. Flexible tube connector; 26. O-ring one; 27. Double-ended locking nut; 28. Optical fiber tube connector; 29. ​​O-ring two; 210. Locking thread; 211. Locking seat; 3. Positioning and fixing mechanism; 31. Guide positioning block; 32. Matching extrusion block; 33. Extrusion plate; 34. Liquid storage bag; 35. Connecting pipe; 36. Extrusion block; 37. Wedge tube; 38. Liquid outlet hole; 39. Limiting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0027] The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The following is combined Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a pipeline inspection and connection device that can be quickly replaced online, including a process fluid pipe 1 for liquid medium flow and an optical fiber 24, and a connection inspection mechanism 2 for connecting the optical fiber 24 so that it can be quickly replaced online, and a positioning and fixing mechanism 3 for quickly positioning the axis of the connection inspection mechanism 2 to facilitate fixed connection. The process fluid pipe 1 has an installation hole 11, the axis of the installation hole 11 is perpendicular to the axis of the process fluid pipe 1, and a guide positioning groove 12 is provided in the inner wall of the installation hole 11, the axis of the guide positioning groove 12 is perpendicular to the axis of the installation hole 11.

[0032] During operation, the device uses optical fiber 24 to directly extend into the process fluid pipe 1, directly contacting the medium inside the pipe. This allows for more accurate monitoring of factors such as medium concentration, pipe pressure, flow rate, and leakage. Due to the presence of upper and lower seals and the use of threaded connectors on the flexible pipe joints, optical fiber 24 can be easily removed for quick online replacement if it malfunctions. Furthermore, the fixing mechanism allows for rapid guidance and positioning of the connection detection mechanism 2, followed by quick connection and fixation, simplifying the operation process.

[0033] Specifically, the connection detection mechanism 2 includes a connecting flange seat 21, the top of which has a locking thread 210, and the connecting flange seat 21 has an oblique hole and is hollow. A locking seat 211 is provided outside the locking thread 210, and the locking seat 211 and the connecting flange seat 21 are threadedly connected by the locking thread 210. An optical fiber tube connector 28 is provided in the connecting flange seat 21, and an O-ring 2 is provided on the outer surface of the optical fiber tube connector 28. 9. A double-ended locking nut 27 is provided above the optical fiber tube connector 28. An O-ring 26 is provided above the double-ended locking nut 27. A flexible tube connector 25 is threaded to the outer top of the double-ended locking nut 27. A central hole is provided between the flexible tube connector 25, the double-ended locking nut 27 and the optical fiber tube connector 28. The axes of the flexible tube connector 25, the double-ended locking nut 27 and the optical fiber tube connector 28 are on the same axis. A flexible base 22 is provided below the connecting flange seat 21.

[0034] Specifically, the flexible base 22 is made of soft rubber, and the diameter of the flexible base 22 is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 11.

[0035] During operation, when installing the connecting flange seat 21, the flexible base 22 will enter the mounting hole 11 first. Due to the use of soft rubber material, it can enter better. Moreover, the diameter of the flexible base 22 is larger than that of the mounting hole 11, which can prevent the single-component polyurethane sealant from dripping into the pipe when it is fixed with it.

[0036] Specifically, the connecting flange seat 21 has an oblique hole and is hollow.

[0037] During operation, it is convenient to inject single-component polyurethane sealant into the connecting flange seat 21, thereby facilitating its connection and fixation.

[0038] Specifically, the positioning and fixing mechanism 3 includes a guide component and a positioning component. The guide component includes a plurality of liquid outlet grooves 23, which are formed on the connecting flange seat 21. A squeezing plate 33 is provided in the hollow layer of the connecting flange seat 21. The squeezing plate 33 is connected to a mating squeezing block 32. A mating squeezing block 32 is provided above the squeezing plate 33. The top of the mating squeezing block 32 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the locking seat 211. A squeezing block 36 is provided in a ring at the bottom of the mating squeezing block 32, and the diameter of the squeezing block 36 is larger than the diameter of the locking thread 210. A connecting hole is provided in the connecting flange seat 21.

[0039] Specifically, the positioning component includes a connecting tube 35, which is disposed in a connecting hole and is hollow. The connecting tube 35 has several liquid outlet holes 38. A liquid storage bag 34 is disposed inside the connecting tube 35. A wedge-shaped tube 37 is slidably disposed in the connecting tube 35 and is disposed outside the liquid storage bag 34. A limit plate 39 is disposed outside the connecting tube 35.

[0040] Specifically, the contact surface between the wedge tube 37 and the extrusion block 36 is an inclined surface.

[0041] During operation, when the locking seat 211 is installed, the pressing block 36 and the wedge tube 37 will drive the guide positioning block 31 to move, thereby inserting it into the guide positioning groove 12 and making it play a positioning role.

[0042] Working principle: During use, a bevel is first machined on the connecting flange seat 21, and a similar bevel is machined on the fiber optic tube connector seat 28. Two O-ring grooves are machined on the bevel of the fiber optic tube connector seat 28, and the two O-rings are installed on the fiber optic tube connector seat 28. Threads are machined on the connecting flange seat 21. To ensure the sealing of the process fluid pipe 1, threads are machined at the lower end of the fiber optic tube connector seat 28, and the inner hole is chamfered. O-rings and washers are installed on top, and the seal is tightened by the lower locking nut. After tightening, it is fixed with the set screw to prevent the lower locking nut from loosening and causing leakage at the seal. Threads are also machined at the upper end of the fiber optic tube connector seat 28, and the inner hole is chamfered. It is tightened by the double-ended locking nut 27, and then fixed with the set screw. The upper end of the double-ended locking nut 27 is also threaded. A flexible tube connector is installed on it and tightened with a connector nut. When the optical fiber 24 passes through the connector, there are upper and lower seals to ensure the connector's airtightness. When connecting the connecting flange seat 21 to the process flow pipe, firstly, a single-component polyurethane sealant is injected into the hollow layer of the connecting flange seat 21. Then, the locking seat 211 is installed on the locking thread 210. When installing the locking seat 211, it also serves as a connection between the connecting flange seat 21 and the optical fiber tube connector 28. At the same time, when installing the locking seat 211, it will drive the extrusion quota and extrusion block 36 to move downwards. This, in conjunction with the downward movement of the extrusion block 32, drives the extrusion plate 33 to move downwards. The extrusion block 36 moves downward, squeezing the wedge tube 37 and causing it to move. As the wedge tube 37 moves, it comes into contact with the liquid storage bag 34, causing it to rupture. Simultaneously, the wedge tube 37 moves the connecting pipe 35 and the guide positioning seat, inserting the guide positioning seat into the guide positioning groove 12, thus positioning the connecting flange seat 21. At this time, the single-component polyurethane sealant in the liquid storage bag 34 seeps out through the outlet hole 38 on the connecting pipe 35, filling the gap between the guide positioning groove 12 and the guide positioning block 31. Furthermore, as the extrusion plate 33 moves downward, it forces the single-component polyurethane sealant in the connecting flange seat 21 to seep out from the outlet groove 23, thus securing the connecting flange seat. The gap between the connecting flange seat 21 and the mounting hole 11 is filled to ensure a tight connection. Once the single-component polyurethane sealant has hardened, it can fix the connecting flange seat 21. Since the connecting flange seat 21 is segmented within the process fluid pipe 1, if the optical fiber 24 fails, simply loosen the connector nut and replace the optical fiber 24 directly, achieving rapid online replacement – ​​simple and convenient. During monitoring, since one end of the optical fiber 24 extends into the process fluid pipe 1 and the other end is connected to the central processing unit (CPU), which includes fiber optic sensors, a signal receiving module, a circuit diagram storage and marking module, an analysis module, an alarm, and a display screen, changes in the concentration, pressure, or flow rate of the medium in a certain section of the process fluid pipe 1, or a leak in a certain section of the pipe, can be detected.The optical fiber 24 transmits the signal to the central processing unit (CPU), which analyzes it and displays it on the screen, enabling precise location and facilitating timely repairs.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipeline inspection and connection device that can be quickly replaced online, comprising a process fluid pipe (1) for liquid medium flow and an optical fiber (24), characterized in that; It also includes several connection detection mechanisms (2) for connecting optical fibers (24) so ​​that they can be quickly replaced online, and a positioning and fixing mechanism (3) for quickly positioning the axis of the connection detection mechanism (2) to facilitate its fixed connection. The process fluid pipe (1) is provided with an installation hole (11), the axis of the installation hole (11) is perpendicular to the axis of the process fluid pipe (1), and a guide positioning groove (12) is provided in the inner wall of the installation hole (11), the axis of the guide positioning groove (12) is perpendicular to the axis of the installation hole (11). The connection detection mechanism (2) includes a connecting flange seat (21), the top of which is provided with a locking thread (210), the connecting flange seat (21) is provided with an oblique hole, and the connecting flange seat (21) is hollow. A locking seat (211) is provided outside the locking thread (210), and the locking seat (211) and the connecting flange seat (21) are threaded together by the locking thread (210). An optical fiber tube connector (28) is provided in the connecting flange seat (21), and an O-ring (29) is provided on the outer surface of the optical fiber tube connector (28). A double-ended locking nut (27) is provided above the optical fiber connector (28), and an O-ring (26) is provided above the double-ended locking nut (27). A flexible pipe connector (25) is threaded to the outer top of the double-ended locking nut (27). A central hole is provided between the flexible pipe connector (25), the double-ended locking nut (27) and the optical fiber connector (28), and the axes of the flexible pipe connector (25), the double-ended locking nut (27) and the optical fiber connector (28) are on the same axis. A flexible base (22) is provided below the connecting flange seat (21). The positioning and fixing mechanism (3) includes a guide component and a positioning component. The guide component includes several liquid outlet grooves (23). Several liquid outlet grooves (23) are opened on the connecting flange seat (21). A squeezing plate (33) is provided in the hollow layer of the connecting flange seat (21). A mating squeezing block (32) is provided above the squeezing plate (33). The top of the mating squeezing block (32) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the locking seat (211). A squeezing block (36) is provided in a ring at the bottom of the mating squeezing block (32). The diameter of the squeezing block (36) is larger than the diameter of the locking thread (210). A connecting hole is opened in the connecting flange seat (21).

2. The pipeline inspection and connection device that can be quickly replaced online according to claim 1, characterized in that; The flexible base (22) is made of soft rubber, and the diameter of the flexible base (22) is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole (11).

3. The pipeline inspection and connection device that can be quickly replaced online according to claim 1, characterized in that; The connecting flange seat (21) has an oblique hole and is hollow.

4. The pipeline inspection and connection device that can be quickly replaced online according to claim 1, characterized in that; The positioning component includes a connecting tube (35), which is disposed in a connecting hole and is hollow. The connecting tube (35) has several liquid outlet holes (38). A liquid storage bag (34) is disposed inside the connecting tube (35). A wedge tube (37) is slidably disposed in the connecting tube (35) and is disposed outside the liquid storage bag (34). A limit plate (39) is disposed outside the connecting tube (35).

5. The pipeline inspection and connection device that can be quickly replaced online according to claim 4, characterized in that; The contact surface between the wedge tube (37) and the extrusion block (36) is an inclined surface.

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