A portable heat tracing device with detachable heat tracing band

Abstract

The portable heat tracing device with detachable heat tracing band is characterized in that: it comprises a first mounting unit and a second mounting unit, the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are oppositely arranged outside the tank circuit breaker, the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are fixedly connected through fasteners, thereby the peripheral surface of the tank circuit breaker is installed and heat traced, the heat tracing band of the first mounting unit and the heat tracing band of the second mounting unit are respectively electrically connected with the power supply. When the heat tracing band needs to be replaced, the cover of the junction box is opened, the plug connector of the heat tracing band is pulled out, the heat tracing band is pulled out from the first cavity of the protective shell, the first end of the new heat tracing band is inserted into the mouth of the first cavity of the protective shell through the junction box, then the heat tracing band is pushed into the first cavity of the protective shell with appropriate force, the plug connector of the heat tracing band is inserted, the cover of the junction box is buckled, and the replacement of the heat tracing band is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tank-type circuit breaker technology, specifically to a portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable to ensure the normal operation of SF6 tank-type circuit breakers, and is particularly suitable for retrofitting existing heat tracing cables. Background Technology

[0002] Tank-type circuit breakers play a crucial role in substations as essential primary power supply equipment. Therefore, their proper operation directly impacts power supply reliability. Among them, SF6 circuit breakers, commonly known as sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, are a new type of high-voltage circuit breaker that utilizes SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) gas as an insulating and arc-extinguishing medium. SF6 circuit breakers extinguish electric arcs by using a high-pressure SF6 gas stream. SF6 gas is colorless, odorless, and non-flammable, with a melting point of -50.8℃. Therefore, SF6 possesses excellent insulation and arc-extinguishing properties, much higher than air. However, ambient temperature significantly affects the state of SF6 gas. Lower ambient temperatures can reduce the density of SF6 gas, even causing it to liquefy. This reduced density or liquefaction weakens or even eliminates the arc-extinguishing ability during circuit breaker opening, potentially leading to explosions. In cold regions, SF6 tank-type circuit breakers are equipped with heating cables to heat the SF6 gas tank, ensuring normal operation in low-temperature winter conditions.

[0003] In northern winters, the heating cable for SF6 tank-type circuit breakers must operate continuously for 24 hours. The operating status of the heating cable directly affects the normal vaporization of SF6 gas in the storage tank, and consequently, the normal operation of the SF6 tank-type circuit breaker. Existing technology uses a casting method to integrate the heat tracing cable, insulation layer, and outer shell, wrapping it around the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) circuit breaker's casing, and then applying sealant. During substation operation, if the heat tracing cable fails, a new, integrally cast heat tracing cable, along with its insulation layer and outer shell, must be ordered according to the SF6 circuit breaker model. Once the heat tracing cable, insulation layer, and outer shell arrive on site, power must be shut off for replacement. This involves removing the heat tracing cable outer shell, sealant, insulation layer, power cord, etc., replacing it with a new heat tracing cable, insulation layer, and outer shell, and then applying sealant and reconnecting the power. The problem is: 1. Due to the different models of sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, there are no spare parts on site. If the heat tracing cable is damaged, it is necessary to order a heat tracing cable, its insulation layer and shell that are cast as one piece according to the model of the sulfur hexafluoride circuit breaker. This results in a long cycle for ordering the heat tracing cable, untimely replacement and long maintenance time. 2. Due to the different models of sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, there are no spare parts on site. If the heat tracing cable is damaged, it is necessary to order a heat tracing cable, its insulation layer and shell that are cast as one piece according to the model of the sulfur hexafluoride circuit breaker. This results in the shell on site not being able to be reused, causing waste. 3. Existing heat tracing cables and their insulation layers and outer shells require power outages for replacement after arriving on site, resulting in significant economic losses. 4. After the ordered heat tracing cable, its insulation layer and outer shell arrive at the site, it is necessary to shut down the power to replace it. The outer shell, sealant, insulation layer, power cord, etc. of the heat tracing cable need to be removed, and a new heat tracing cable, its insulation layer and outer shell need to be replaced. Then, the sealant needs to be applied and the power needs to be connected. The maintenance time is long and the efficiency is low. 5. When replacing the heat tracing cable, its insulation layer, and its outer shell, at least two people are required to perform the operation. The average replacement time is 60 minutes. Multiple people working together consume a lot of manpower, have long working time, low work efficiency, and high safety requirements and poor operability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable. This device can meet the need for timely replacement of the heat tracing cable without power interruption. After installation, only the damaged heat tracing cable needs to be replaced in time. Its protective shell and insulation layer can be reused for a long time to avoid waste and reduce maintenance costs. It can also reduce the number of operators, improve the safety and operability of the operation, shorten the maintenance time, improve the maintenance efficiency, and reduce economic losses.

[0005] The solution to the technical problem of the present invention is: a portable heat tracing and insulation device with a detachable heat tracing cable, characterized in that: it includes a first installation unit and a second installation unit, the first installation unit and the second installation unit are placed opposite each other outside the tank-type circuit breaker, the first installation unit and the second installation unit are fixedly connected by fasteners, thereby being installed on the outer peripheral surface of the tank-type circuit breaker to insulate the tank-type circuit breaker, and the heat tracing cables of the first installation unit and the second installation unit are respectively electrically connected to a power source.

[0006] The first installation unit includes a protective shell, lugs, a junction box, an insulation layer, and a heating cable. The lugs are respectively provided at the first and second ends of the outer surface of the protective shell. The junction box is located at the second end channel of the protective shell, between the two lugs. One side wall of the junction box is simultaneously fixed to the outer wall of the protective shell and the partition, forming a sealed structure in the second cavity of the protective shell. The other side wall of the junction box is fixed to the inner wall of the protective shell, and the other two side walls are simultaneously fixed to the outer wall, the partition, and the inner wall of the protective shell, allowing the first cavity of the protective shell to communicate with the outside through the junction box. Fasteners pass through the lugs on the outer surface of the first installation unit and the lugs on the outer surface of the second installation unit, fixing the first installation unit and the second installation unit together. The insulation layer is placed inside the second cavity of the protective shell, and the heating cable is placed inside the first cavity of the protective shell and can be installed or removed as needed.

[0007] The protective shell includes a shell and a partition. The shell is an arc-shaped body, and the radius of curvature of the inner sidewall of the arc-shaped body is the same as the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the tank-type circuit breaker. The first and second ends of the outer sidewall of the shell are respectively provided with the lugs. The first end of the shell and the two sides of the shell are respectively sealed. The second end of the shell is sealed on both sides and a channel is provided in the middle. The arc-shaped partition is axially arranged inside the shell to divide the interior of the shell into two axial cavities. The first cavity is closer to the inner sidewall of the shell and is used to accommodate the heat tracing cable. The second cavity is closer to the outer sidewall of the shell and is used to accommodate the insulation layer.

[0008] The junction box of the first installation unit includes a box body and a box cover. The box body consists of a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall connected in sequence. A connector is provided on the first side wall of the box body. The first side wall of the junction box is simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall and the partition of the housing, thereby sealing the second cavity. The second and fourth side walls of the junction box are simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall, the partition, and the inner side wall of the housing, respectively. The third side wall of the junction box is fixed to the inner side wall of the housing. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls connected in sequence form a channel for the first cavity to communicate with the outside. The box cover is fastened to the box body and fixed.

[0009] The heating cable of the first installation unit includes an electric heating cable and a substrate. The substrate is disposed on one side of the electric heating cable, and the electric heating cable and the substrate are fixedly connected as one unit.

[0010] The substrate is a metal plate, preferably an aluminum plate.

[0011] The electric heating band of the first mounting unit is fixed to the substrate by compression bonding.

[0012] The connection structure between the heating cable of the first installation unit or the heating cable of the second installation unit and the power supply is as follows: the first end of the heating cable is located in the first cavity of the protective shell, the second end of the heating cable is fixedly connected to one end of the plug and forms a reliable electrical connection, the other end of the plug is electrically connected to the second wire, and the second wire passes through the connector provided in the junction box and is electrically connected to the power supply.

[0013] The connector is an aviation plug.

[0014] The second mounting unit has the same structure and connection relationship as the first mounting unit.

[0015] The present invention discloses a portable heat tracing and insulation device with a detachable heat tracing cable. The method of use is as follows: During installation, place the first and second installation units opposite each other outside the tank-type circuit breaker. Then, pass fasteners through the lugs on the outer surface of the protective shell of the first and second installation units, thereby fixing the first and second installation units together. Connect the second wire to the power supply through the connector in the junction box, and then plug in the heat tracing cable connector to complete the installation and provide heat insulation for the tank-type circuit breaker. When the heat tracing cable needs to be replaced, open the junction box cover, unplug the heat tracing cable connector, pull the heat tracing cable out of the first cavity of the protective shell, insert the first end of the new heat tracing cable through the junction box body into the opening of the first cavity of the protective shell, push the heat tracing cable into the first cavity of the protective shell with appropriate force, plug in the heat tracing cable connector, and close the junction box cover to complete the heat tracing cable replacement.

[0016] The advantages of this portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable are as follows: it can be used for the installation of new tank-type circuit breakers, and is especially suitable for the retrofitting of existing heat tracing cables, thus providing favorable conditions for future replacement of the heat tracing cable. It meets the need for timely replacement of the heat tracing cable without power interruption, and allows for immediate replacement of damaged heat tracing cables after initial installation. Its protective shell and insulation layer can be reused for a long time, avoiding waste. It adopts a split structure with a first installation unit and a second installation unit, fastened to the outside of the tank-type circuit breaker, which simplifies the installation process, improves installation speed, and facilitates transportation and storage, fully embodying its portable characteristics. Its protective shell structure allows for one-time installation and long-term reuse; the first cavity of the protective shell allows for replacement of the heat tracing cable by pulling and inserting, while the second cavity of the protective shell provides insulation and cold protection. Its heat tracing cable has a base plate structure, with aluminum plate being the preferred base plate. This structure gives the heat tracing cable a certain degree of rigidity for pulling and retracting, while also giving it a certain degree of flexibility, creating an arc shape similar to the protective shell. This meets the need for the heat tracing cable to be replaced promptly without power interruption by pulling and inserting it. Its aviation plug allows for quick connection to the power supply.

[0017] This invention solves the problems of inconsistent sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) circuit breaker models, lack of on-site spare parts, and the need to pre-order integrally cast heating tape, insulation layer, and outer shell according to the SF6 circuit breaker model when the heating tape is damaged. This results in long pre-ordering cycles, untimely replacement, lengthy maintenance times, low efficiency, and waste due to the inability to reuse the on-site outer shell. The invention meets the need for timely replacement of heating tape without power interruption. Simultaneously, it reduces the number of personnel required for heating tape replacement from two to one, and the average replacement time for one set of heating tape decreases from 60 minutes to 10 minutes. It addresses the issues of high manpower consumption, long working times, low efficiency, high safety requirements, and poor operability associated with multi-person operations. It reduces maintenance costs, shortens maintenance time, improves maintenance efficiency, reduces economic losses, and enhances operational safety and operability. It has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, high utilization rate, simple operation, significant effect, and high efficiency with time and labor savings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top-view sectional view of AA; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A left-view diagram; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A diagram showing the view from the right. Figure 5 for Figure 1 A diagram showing the view from below; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first installation unit structure of the portable heat tracing and insulation device with a detachable heat tracing cable of the present invention; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Part I enlarged schematic diagram; Figure 9 This is a front view schematic diagram of the protective shell of the portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable of the present invention; Figure 10 for Figure 9 A top-view sectional view of the BB; Figure 11 This is a front view schematic diagram of the heat tracing cable of the portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable of the present invention; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A top-down view; Figure 13for Figure 11 K-direction diagram; Figure 14 for Figure 13 A magnified schematic diagram of part II.

[0019] In the diagram: 1 Nut, 2 Lug, 3 First mounting unit, 4 Box body, 5 Connector, 6 Box cover, 7 Second mounting unit, 8 Outer side wall, 9 Inner side wall, 10 Partition, 11 Insulation layer, 12 Heating tape, 13 First side wall, 14 Connector, 15 Third side wall, 16 Connection point, 17 First wire, 18 Substrate, 19 Electric heating tape. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0021] See Figures 1-14 Example 1: This embodiment describes a portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable for use when installing a new tank-type circuit breaker. It includes a first installation unit 3 and a second installation unit 7. The first installation unit 3 and the second installation unit 7 are positioned opposite each other outside the tank-type circuit breaker. The first installation unit 3 and the second installation unit 7 are fixedly connected by bolts and nuts 1, thereby being installed on the outer peripheral surface of the tank-type circuit breaker to insulate the tank-type circuit breaker. The heat tracing cable 12 of the first installation unit 3 and the heat tracing cable 12 of the second installation unit 7 are both electrically connected to a power source.

[0022] The first installation unit 3 includes a protective shell, lugs 2, a junction box, an insulation layer 11, and a heating cable 12. The lugs 2 are respectively provided at the first and second ends of the outer surface of the protective shell. The junction box is located at the second end channel of the protective shell and between the two lugs 2. One side wall of the junction box body 4 is simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall 8 of the protective shell and the partition 10, forming a sealed structure in the second cavity of the protective shell. The other side wall of the junction box body 4 is fixed to the inner side wall 9 of the protective shell, and the other two side walls... All are simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall 8, partition 10 and inner side wall 9 of the protective shell, so that the first cavity of the protective shell is connected to the outside through the junction box. The bolt passes through the lug 2 on the outer surface of the protective shell of the first mounting unit 3 and screws the lug 2 on the outer surface of the protective shell of the second mounting unit 7 with the nut 1, fixing the first mounting unit 3 and the second mounting unit 7 into one unit. The heat insulation layer 11 is placed in the second cavity of the protective shell, and the heat tracing cable 12 is placed in the first cavity of the protective shell and can be installed or removed as needed.

[0023] The protective shell of the first installation unit 3 includes a shell and a partition 10. The shell is an arc-shaped body. The radius of curvature of the inner sidewall 9 of the arc-shaped body is the same as the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the tank-type circuit breaker. The first and second ends of the outer sidewall 8 of the shell are respectively provided with the lugs 2. The first end of the shell and the two sides of the shell are respectively sealed. The second end of the shell is sealed on both sides and a channel is provided in the middle. The arc-shaped partition 10 is axially arranged inside the shell to divide the interior of the shell into two axial cavities. The first cavity is near the inner sidewall 9 of the shell and is used to accommodate the heating cable 12. The second cavity is near the outer sidewall 8 of the shell and is used to accommodate the insulation layer 11.

[0024] The junction box of the first installation unit 3 includes a box body 4 and a box cover 6. The box body 4 consists of a first side wall 13, a second side wall, a third side wall 15, and a fourth side wall connected in sequence. A connector 5 is provided on the first side wall 13 of the box body 4. The first side wall 13 of the junction box is simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall 8 and the partition 10 of the housing, thereby sealing the second cavity. The second side wall and the fourth side wall of the junction box are simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall 8, the partition 10, and the inner side wall 9 of the housing, respectively. The third side wall 15 of the junction box is fixed to the inner side wall 9 of the housing. The first side wall 13, the second side wall, the third side wall 15, and the fourth side wall connected in sequence form a channel for the first cavity to communicate with the outside. The box cover 6 is fastened to the box body 4 and fixedly connected.

[0025] The heating tape 12 of the first mounting unit 3 includes an electric heating tape 19 and a substrate 18. The substrate 18 is disposed on one side of the electric heating tape 19, and the electric heating tape 19 and the substrate 18 are fixedly connected as one unit.

[0026] The substrate 18 is a metal plate, preferably an aluminum plate.

[0027] The electric heating band 19 of the first mounting unit 3 is fixed to the substrate 18 by compression bonding.

[0028] The connection structure between the heat tracing cable 12 of the first installation unit 3 or the heat tracing cable 12 of the second installation unit 7 and the power supply is as follows: the first end of the heat tracing cable 12 is located in the first cavity of the protective shell, the second end of the heat tracing cable 12 is fixedly connected to one end of the plug 14 at the connection point 16 through the first wire 17, and a reliable electrical connection is formed. The other end of the plug 14 is electrically connected to the second wire, and the second wire passes through the connector 5 provided in the junction box and is electrically connected to the power supply.

[0029] The connector 14 is an aviation plug.

[0030] The second mounting unit 7 has the same structure and connection relationship as the first mounting unit 3.

[0031] This embodiment is manufactured using existing technology, and the aviation plug is a commercially available product based on existing technology.

[0032] The method of use in this embodiment is as follows: During installation, place the first installation unit 3 and the second installation unit 7 opposite each other outside the tank-type circuit breaker, then pass the bolt through the lug 2 on the outer surface of the protective shell of the first installation unit 3 and the lug 2 on the outer surface of the protective shell of the second installation unit 7 and screw them together with the nut 1, thereby fixing the first installation unit 3 and the second installation unit 7 into one unit. Pass the second wire through the connector 5 set in the junction box and connect it to the power supply. Then plug in the connector 14 of the heating tape 12 to complete the installation and provide heat preservation for the tank-type circuit breaker.

[0033] Example 2 is basically the same as Example 1, except that it is used to replace the damaged heat tracing cable 12. The method of use is as follows: open the cover 6 of the junction box, unplug the connector 14 of the heat tracing cable 12, pull the heat tracing cable 12 out of the first cavity of the protective shell, insert the first end of the new heat tracing cable 12 through the junction box body 4 into the opening of the first cavity of the protective shell, push the heat tracing cable 12 into the first cavity of the protective shell with appropriate force, plug in the connector 14 of the heat tracing cable 12, and close the cover 6 of the junction box to complete the replacement of the heat tracing cable 12.

[0034] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable, characterized in that: The portable heat tracing device includes a first mounting unit and a second mounting unit. The first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are positioned opposite each other outside the tank circuit breaker. The first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are fixed together by fasteners, thereby installing on the outer peripheral surface of the tank circuit breaker to insulate the tank circuit breaker. The heat tracing cables of the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are both electrically connected to the power supply. The first installation unit includes a protective shell, lugs, a junction box, an insulation layer, and a heating cable. The lugs are respectively provided at the first and second ends of the outer surface of the protective shell. The junction box is placed in the channel at the second end of the protective shell and is located between the two lugs. One side wall of the junction box is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the protective shell and the partition, so that the second cavity of the protective shell forms a sealed structure. The other side wall of the junction box is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the protective shell. The other two side walls of the junction box are respectively fixedly connected to the outer wall of the protective shell, the partition, and the inner wall of the protective shell, so that the first cavity of the protective shell is connected to the outside through the junction box. Fasteners pass through the lugs on the outer surface of the protective shell of the first installation unit and the lugs on the outer surface of the protective shell of the second installation unit to fix the first installation unit and the second installation unit into one unit. The insulation layer is placed in the second cavity of the protective shell, and the heating cable is placed in the first cavity of the protective shell and can be installed or removed as needed. The protective shell includes a shell and a partition. The shell is an arc-shaped body. The radius of curvature of the inner sidewall of the arc-shaped body is the same as the radius of curvature of the outer circumferential surface of the tank-type circuit breaker. The first and second ends of the outer sidewall of the shell are respectively provided with the lugs. The first end of the shell and the two sides of the shell are respectively sealed. The second end of the shell is sealed on both sides and a channel is provided in the middle. The arc-shaped partition is axially arranged inside the shell to divide the interior of the shell into two axial cavities. The cavity closer to the inner sidewall of the shell is the first cavity, which is used to accommodate the heat tracing cable. The cavity closer to the outer sidewall of the shell is the second cavity, which is used to accommodate the insulation layer.

2. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The junction box includes a box body and a box cover. The box body consists of a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall connected in sequence. A connector is provided on the first side wall of the box body. The first side wall of the junction box is simultaneously fixed to the outer side wall of the housing and the partition, thereby sealing the second cavity. The second and fourth side walls of the junction box are respectively fixed to the outer side wall of the housing, the partition, and the inner side wall of the housing. The third side wall of the junction box is fixed to the inner side wall of the housing. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the junction box, connected in sequence, form a channel connecting the first cavity to the outside. The box cover is fastened onto the box body and fixedly connected.

3. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heating tape includes an electric heating tape and a substrate. The substrate is disposed on one side of the electric heating tape, and the electric heating tape and the substrate are fixedly connected as one unit.

4. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The substrate is an aluminum plate.

5. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The electric heating band is fixed to the substrate by compression bonding.

6. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connection structure between the heating cable of the first installation unit or the heating cable of the second installation unit and the power supply is as follows: the first end of the heating cable is located in the first cavity of the protective shell, the second end of the heating cable is fixedly connected to one end of the plug and forms a reliable electrical connection, the other end of the plug is electrically connected to the second wire, and the second wire passes through the connector provided in the junction box and is electrically connected to the power supply.

7. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The connector is an aviation plug.

8. The portable heat tracing device with a detachable heat tracing cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second mounting unit has the same structure and connection relationship as the first mounting unit.

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