Flexible composite pipe connection apparatus and method

Abstract

The present application provides a flexible composite pipe connecting device, which comprises a tubular body, a first end of the body is provided with a connector, an inner cavity is defined in the body, so that the inner liner of the flexible pipe can extend into the inner cavity, and a winding layer capable of connecting the connector and the reinforcing layer of the flexible pipe is arranged on the outer wall of the body. The flexible composite pipe connecting device of the present application can avoid damaging the reinforcing layer structure of the flexible composite pipe during the connecting process, and does not need to change the through channel and internal structure of the flexible composite pipe.

Description

A flexible composite pipe connection device and method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flexible composite pipe connection device and a method for connecting flexible composite pipes. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible composite pipes are a common type of pipe used in industrial production processes. Due to their advantages such as excellent temperature resistance, good flexibility, light weight, low cost, and outstanding corrosion resistance and impermeability, they are widely used in the petrochemical industry. Flexible composite pipes mainly consist of an inner lining layer, a reinforcing layer, and a protective layer from the inside out. Therefore, when connecting two different flexible composite pipes, the inner lining layer, reinforcing layer, and protective layer must be connected one by one.

[0003] Existing methods for connecting composite material pipes generally fall into two main categories: mechanical clamping and non-mechanical clamping. Mechanical clamping is the most widely used. The principle of mechanical clamping is to mechanically press the layers of the composite pipe onto a fitting, achieving both sealing and axial load transfer. During connection, a pagoda-type fitting of a metal pipe is typically inserted into the composite pipe, and then a metal sleeve is placed over the pipe. Tightening the sleeve compresses the pipe. However, high-pressure flexible composite pipes, due to their reinforcing layers, are susceptible to damage from mechanical clamping. This is especially true for flexible composite pipes with higher pressure resistance and brittle reinforcing layers; damage to the reinforcing layer weakens load transfer, reduces pressure resistance, and increases the risk of leaks.

[0004] Non-mechanical clamping methods primarily involve connecting flexible composite pipes together via electrofusion-thermal fusion. This method mainly uses heating to melt and connect the inner and outer layers of the composite pipe, but the reinforcing layer is often difficult to connect. However, this type of connection usually requires the installation of auxiliary structures inside the pipe, which alters the pipe diameter and limits pipeline cleaning operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems described above, this invention aims to provide a flexible composite pipe connection device. This flexible composite pipe connection device avoids damaging the reinforcing layer structure of the flexible composite pipe during the connection process, and also eliminates the need to alter the pipe's diameter and internal structure.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flexible composite tube connection device is provided, comprising a tubular body, a connector at a first end of the body, an inner cavity defined within the body such that an inner liner of a flexible tube can extend into the inner cavity; and a winding layer disposed on the outer wall of the body for connecting the connector and a reinforcing layer of the flexible tube.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of annular grooves are provided on the inner wall of the body, and a plurality of through holes communicating with the grooves are provided on the outer wall of the body.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, knurling is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the body.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, a casting layer is further provided on the side of the winding layer away from the body to fix the connection between the reinforcing layer and the winding layer.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, fasteners are also fitted onto the outer wall of the casting layer.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a first step is provided on the inner wall of the second end of the body away from the first end, such that the diameter of the second end of the body is smaller than the inner diameter of the body. When the inner liner extends into the inner cavity from the second end of the body, a gap is formed between the inner wall of the body and the inner liner, and a second step is provided on the inner wall of the first end of the body to close the gap.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a slot communicating with the gap and the outside of the body is provided on the second step portion.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a flange groove is provided at the end of the first end of the body, so that the inner lining layer can extend into the flange groove.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a conical surface is further provided at the end of the second end of the body, the conical surface being curved toward the inner cavity.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the winding layer is made of polyester fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber; the casting layer is made of polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene material.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for connecting a flexible composite tube is provided, the method comprising: step one, cleaning the end of the flexible composite tube to expose the inner lining layer and the reinforcing layer, and allowing the inner lining layer to extend beyond the reinforcing layer;

[0017] Step 2: Install a support airbag inside the flexible composite tube, insert the main body between the inner lining layer and the reinforcing layer until the inner lining layer is in contact with the flanged groove;

[0018] Step 3: Heat the inner lining layer so that it extends into the flange groove, sealing the gap between the body and the joint;

[0019] Step 4: Inject adhesive into the body through the through-hole;

[0020] Step 5: A winding layer is provided on the outer wall of the main body, so that the winding layer connects the reinforcing layer and the joint;

[0021] Step six: Install the casting layer on the outside of the winding layer and the reinforcing layer, so that the casting layer is connected to the protective layer of the flexible composite pipe, and fasteners are fitted on the outside of the casting layer. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the flexible composite pipe connection device before it is flipped, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the flexible composite pipe connection device shown in Figure 1.

[0025] In this application, all drawings are schematic and are used only to illustrate the principles of the invention, and are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the connection between a flexible composite pipe connecting device 100 and a flexible composite pipe 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the flexible composite pipe connecting device 100 includes a body 10. The body 10 is configured as a cylindrical tube, and an inner cavity 20 is defined within the body 10. Thus, when the end of the flexible composite pipe 30 is cleaned to expose the inner lining layer 32 and the reinforcing layer 34 of the flexible composite pipe, the body 10 can be inserted between the inner lining layer 32 and the reinforcing layer 34 of the flexible composite pipe 30, such that the inner lining layer 32 extends into the inner cavity 20, and the reinforcing layer 34 is located outside the body 10, thereby forming a connection between the flexible composite pipe and the body 10.

[0028] Meanwhile, a connector 15 is provided at the first end 11 of the body 10, and the connector 15 may be, for example, a flange. Multiple bodies 10 can be connected together through the connector 15, thereby realizing the connection between multiple flexible composite pipes.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the flexible composite pipe connection device 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of annular grooves 22 are provided on the inner wall of the body 10, and the plurality of annular grooves 22 are evenly arranged along the axial direction of the body 10. At the same time, a plurality of through holes 24 connecting the grooves 22 to the outside of the body 10 are provided on the outer wall of the body 10. Thus, after a connection is formed between the flexible composite pipe and the body 10, the operator can inject an adhesive layer 35 into the grooves 22 through the through holes 24, thereby fixing the inner lining layer 32 of the flexible composite pipe to the body 10 together.

[0030] Necessarily, when cleaning the end of the flexible composite tube, it is necessary to ensure that the inner lining layer 32 extends beyond the reinforcing layer 34 (i.e., the length of the inner lining layer 32 is longer than that of the reinforcing layer 34). Thus, when the inner lining layer 32 extends into the inner cavity 20, there is a certain distance between the reinforcing layer 34 and the connector 15 axially, and the through hole 24 is located on the outer wall of the body 10 between the reinforcing layer 34 and the connector 15 axially. This arrangement prevents the through hole 22 from being covered by the reinforcing layer 34 after the flexible composite tube and the body 10 are connected, thus avoiding blockage of the through hole 22 and preventing the normal injection of the adhesive layer 35.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, in a preferred embodiment, a conical surface 18 is further provided at the end of the second end 12 of the body 10. The conical surface 18 is bent towards the inner wall of the body 10. Thus, during the connection of the body 10 and the flexible composite tube 30, compared with a normal flat surface, the conical surface 18 is more conducive to separating the inner lining layer 32 and the reinforcing layer 34 of the flexible composite tube 30, so that the inner lining layer 32 and the reinforcing layer 34 are smoothly separated on both radial sides of the body 10.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a first step portion 26 is provided on the inner wall of the second end 12 of the body 10 away from the first end 11, such that the diameter of the second end 12 of the body 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the body 10. Due to the obstruction effect of the first step portion 26, when the inner lining layer 32 extends into the inner cavity 20, the inner lining layer 32 will not contact the inner wall of the body 10, and an annular gap 27 will be formed radially between the inner lining layer 32 and the body 10. The gap 27 can expand the volume of the groove 22. Simultaneously, the gap 27 can prevent the upper end face 221 of the groove 22 from being tightly attached to the inner lining layer 32, ensuring that the adhesive layer 35 can enter between the upper end face 221 and the inner lining layer 32, thereby increasing the contact area between the adhesive layer 35 and the inner lining layer 32, and thus improving the fixing ability of the adhesive layer 35.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, a second step portion 28 is provided on the inner wall of the body 10 near the first end 11. The second step portion 28 is used to close the gap 27. Simultaneously, a slot 281 communicating between the gap 27 and the outside of the body is also provided on the second step portion 28. During the injection of the adhesive layer 35 into the gap 27, the slot 281 can form a channel for gas flow, allowing gas within the gap 27 to escape from the slot 281. This arrangement ensures pressure balance within the gap 27, preventing the formation of localized high pressure within the gap 27 that could hinder the injection of the adhesive layer 35.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, in a preferred embodiment, a flanged groove 111 is further provided at the end of the first end 11 of the body 10. Thus, during the connection of the flexible composite tube 30 to the body 10, the inner lining layer 32 can bend and cover the flanged groove 111 after reaching the first end 11 of the body 10. In the process of connecting multiple flexible composite tubes together, the adhesive layer 35 can also seal the connection points of the flexible composite tubes, thereby improving the sealing performance of the connection.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, a winding layer 36 is also provided on the outer wall of the body 10. The winding layer 36 is made of interwoven polyester fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers or carbon fibers. The two ends of the winding layer 36 are respectively connected to the connector 15 and the reinforcing layer 34, thereby fixing the connector 15 and the reinforcing layer 34 together.

[0036] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, knurling 191 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 19 of the body 10. The knurling 191 can form a fixed connection with the winding layer 36, so that the winding layer 36 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface 19 of the body 10.

[0037] Furthermore, a casting layer 50 is provided on the outer side of the winding layer 36 and the reinforcing layer 34 away from the body 10. The casting layer 50 is made of polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene material, and can be cast onto the winding layer 36 and the reinforcing layer 34 using a suitable mold. It is readily understood that the casting layer 50 connects the winding layer 36 and the reinforcing layer 34 as a single unit, thereby strengthening the connection between them and preventing them from separating.

[0038] Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 1, the casting layer 50 connects the joint 15 to the protective layer 38 of the flexible composite pipe 30, allowing the protective layer 38 to adhere to the outside of the winding layer 36. This connects the entire flexible composite pipe 30 to the connecting device 100.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a fastener 55 is also fitted on the outside of the casting layer 50. The fastener 55 may be, for example, a clamp. The fastener 55 can further secure the connection between the connecting device 100 and the flexible composite pipe 30 in the axial direction, reducing the probability of them separating.

[0040] The following is a brief description of the operation of the flexible composite pipe connection device 100 according to the present invention.

[0041] The flexible composite pipe connecting device 100 of the present invention is used to connect multiple flexible composite pipes together. During the connection process, the ends of the flexible composite pipe 30 are first cleaned to expose the inner liner 32 and the reinforcing layer 34, with the inner liner 32 extending beyond the reinforcing layer 34. Then, a support airbag is installed inside the flexible composite pipe 30, and the body 10 is inserted between the inner liner 32 and the reinforcing layer 34 until the inner liner 32 contacts the flanged groove 111. At this point, the inner liner 32 can be heated, causing it to bend and extend into the flanged groove 111, sealing the gap between the body 10 and the connector 15. Subsequently, the operator can inject liquid adhesive through the through-hole 24 into the groove 22. After the adhesive cools, it forms an adhesive layer 35 that fixes the connection between the inner liner 32 and the body 10.

[0042] After the inner lining layer 32 and the main body 10 are connected, the winding layer 36 can be fixed to the knurled surface 191 on the outer wall of the main body 10, and the reinforcing layer 34 and the connector 15 can be connected together through the winding layer 36. Finally, the casting layer 50 is installed on the outside of the winding layer 36 and the reinforcing layer 34, and the connector 15 and the protective layer 35 of the flexible composite pipe 30 can be connected together through the casting layer 50. At this point, the entire flexible composite pipe connecting device 100 can be connected to the flexible composite pipe 30.

[0043] After the flexible composite pipe connecting device 100 is connected to the flexible composite pipe 30, the two different flexible composite pipes 30 can be connected together through the connector 15. At this point, the connection operation of the entire flexible composite pipe 30 is completed.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible composite pipe connection device, comprising: A tubular body (10) has a connector (15) at its first end, and an inner cavity (20) defined within the body, allowing the inner lining (32) of the flexible composite tube (30) to extend into the inner cavity. A winding layer (36) is provided on the outer wall of the body to connect the connector and the flexible composite tube reinforcing layer (34). Multiple annular grooves (22) are provided on the inner wall of the body, and multiple through holes (24) communicating with the grooves are provided on the outer wall of the body. A first step (26) is provided on the inner wall of the second end of the body away from the first end, such that the diameter of the second end (12) of the body is smaller than the inner diameter of the body. When the inner lining extends from the body... When the second end extends into the inner cavity, a gap (27) is formed between the inner wall of the body and the inner liner. A second step (28) capable of closing the gap is provided on the inner wall of the first end of the body. A slot (281) connecting the gap and the outside of the body is provided on the second step. The slot (281) is configured to allow gas in the gap (27) to be discharged after the flexible composite tube (30) with the supporting airbag is inserted into the inner cavity (20) and when the adhesive is injected into the groove (22) and the gap (27) through the through hole (24), so as to form an adhesive layer (35) between the inner liner (32) and the body (10).

2. The flexible composite pipe connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Knurling (191) is provided on the outer peripheral surface (19) of the body.

3. The flexible composite pipe connection device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, A casting layer (50) is also provided on the side of the winding layer away from the main body to fix the connection between the reinforcing layer and the winding layer.

4. The flexible composite pipe connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Fasteners (55) are also fitted on the outer wall of the casting layer.

5. The flexible composite pipe connection device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, A flange groove (111) is provided at the end of the first end of the body, so that the inner lining layer can extend into the flange groove.

6. The flexible composite pipe connection device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, A conical surface (18) is also provided at the end of the second end (12) of the body, the conical surface being curved toward the inner cavity.

7. The flexible composite pipe connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The winding layer is made of polyester fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber; the casting layer is made of polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene material.

8. A method for connecting flexible composite pipes, performed using the flexible composite pipe connecting device of claim 5, the method comprising: Step 1: Clean the ends of the flexible composite tube to expose the inner lining and reinforcing layer, with the inner lining extending beyond the reinforcing layer. Step 2: Install a support airbag inside the flexible composite tube, inserting the main body between the inner lining and reinforcing layer until the inner lining connects with the flanged groove. Step 3: Heat the inner lining, causing it to extend into the flanged groove and seal the gap between the main body and the connector. Step 4: Inject adhesive into the main body through a through-hole. Step 5: Install a winding layer on the outer wall of the main body, connecting the reinforcing layer and the connector. Step 6: Install a casting layer on the outside of the winding layer and reinforcing layer, connecting the casting layer to the protective layer of the flexible composite tube, and attach fasteners to the outside of the casting layer.

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