Exoskeleton device and method for a steam pipe crossing

Abstract

The application provides an exoskeleton device and method for steam pipeline crossing, which comprises a plurality of fixed supports, sliding supports and connecting frames, the fixed supports and the sliding supports are arranged on the supporting structure in the crossing area; a plurality of connecting frames are arranged between the supports; the fixed supports and the sliding supports are both provided with connecting frames, each connecting frame is connected through a connecting pipe, the connecting frames and the connecting pipes together form an exoskeleton, and the exoskeleton is used for accommodating the steam pipeline; the exoskeleton device greatly reduces the loss of height of the crossing device and the size of the whole crossing device compared with the truss crossing under the condition of the same span by using the rigidity of the pipeline, and reduces the possibility of interference or mutual influence with surrounding buildings. The exoskeleton device of the application adopts standardized design, greatly reduces the construction process, and thus reduces the construction period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipeline design technology and relates to an exoskeleton device and method for crossing steam pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] In long-distance steam pipeline projects, due to the long pipeline routes, problems such as crossing mountains, rivers, and lakes are often encountered. Due to the long crossing distances, it is difficult to achieve the crossings by relying solely on the rigidity of the pipeline itself. Therefore, measures need to be taken to achieve the crossings. Currently, the traditional methods of steam pipeline crossing mainly include the following forms:

[0004] (1) Using traditional steel trusses as a carrier to achieve crossing, the length that can be crossed is related to the truss height and the size of the steel components;

[0005] (2) Use reinforced concrete structures as carriers to achieve crossing, such as bridge deck or traditional beam.

[0006] (3) Pipeline self-crossing: relying on the pipeline's own rigidity without any reinforcement measures; or adding measures to achieve self-crossing: such as adding stiffening ribs to increase pipeline rigidity and increase pipeline span; or arched pipeline self-crossing;

[0007] (4) Underground crossing: including underground crossing by pipe jacking, underground pipe trenches (corridors) as carriers, and direct burial crossing.

[0008] According to the inventor, the current traditional long-distance pipeline crossing methods have the following drawbacks:

[0009] Firstly, the first method uses traditional steel trusses as the carrier. This method often involves large spans with high truss heights, far exceeding the space required by the pipeline, resulting in wasted space. At the same time, the structural rigidity of the pipeline itself cannot be utilized, resulting in wasted steel. In addition, the large size of the crossing structure makes it easy to interfere with or affect surrounding structures such as high-voltage lines, pipelines, dams, and buildings. Moreover, the pipeline crossing locations are often in complex terrain, making construction and installation difficult, with complex procedures, long construction cycles, and the inability to achieve standardized design and manufacturing, and the inability to reuse the pipeline.

[0010] The second method uses reinforced concrete structures as the carrier for crossing. If ordinary reinforced concrete structures are used, the span length is limited, the structural cross-section and self-weight are large, and it is not aesthetically pleasing. If prestressed concrete structures are used, although the span is increased, the problems of large structural cross-section and heavy self-weight still exist. In addition, prestressed reinforced concrete also has the problem of high cost. The structural stiffness of the pipeline itself cannot be utilized, resulting in waste. This method also cannot achieve standardized design and manufacturing, and cannot be reused.

[0011] The third method, self-crossing of the pipeline, has the following drawbacks: if no measures are taken, relying solely on the pipeline's own rigidity to achieve the crossing results in a limited crossing length and low structural safety. Adding stiffening ribs requires high construction precision, is difficult to implement, and offers limited increase in crossing length. Steam pipeline startup and operation can easily cause fatigue failure of the stiffening rib welds, affecting structural safety. If an arched pipeline is used for self-crossing, the applicable pipeline types and site conditions are limited, construction and manufacturing requirements are high, the pipeline fabrication process is complex, and lateral constraints must be added; otherwise, instability is likely.

[0012] If an underground structure is used for crossing, it is more susceptible to the influence of site conditions. Construction also presents challenges such as excavation disrupting traffic and significantly impacting the surrounding environment. Furthermore, there is the issue of pipeline displacement during startup or operation, and the pipeline's inability to automatically return to its original position. Summary of the Invention

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an exoskeleton device and method for crossing steam pipelines. Utilizing the inherent rigidity of the pipeline, this invention significantly reduces the height loss of the crossing device compared to truss crossings under the same span conditions, thus reducing the overall size of the crossing device and minimizing the possibility of interference or mutual influence with surrounding structures. The exoskeleton device of this invention employs a standardized design, greatly reducing construction steps and thereby shortening the construction period.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0015] An exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes includes multiple fixed supports, sliding supports, and connecting frames, wherein the fixed supports and sliding supports are disposed on a support structure within the crossing area;

[0016] Multiple connecting frames are provided between two adjacent fixed supports, two sliding supports, or a fixed support and a sliding support;

[0017] Both the fixed support and the sliding support are equipped with connecting frames, and the connecting frames are connected by connecting pipes. The connecting frames and connecting pipes together form an exoskeleton, and the exoskeleton is used to accommodate steam pipes.

[0018] Along the extension direction of the exoskeleton, the connecting frame of the fixed support and the sliding support is provided with several fixed components. Each fixed component is provided with a claw. Each claw on the same connecting frame is distributed around the circumference of the steam pipe, and the claw has a certain radial degree of freedom to constrain the steam pipe in the corresponding direction.

[0019] As an alternative implementation, the fixed support and the supporting structure are fixedly connected.

[0020] As an alternative implementation, the fixed support includes a cubic frame, the edges of which are all connecting tubes that make up the frame, and there are two connecting frames on it, both of which are quadrilateral frames, respectively set at both ends of the cubic frame along the extension direction of the exoskeleton.

[0021] As a further alternative implementation, the connection points of each edge of the fixed support are provided with locking devices to ensure that the fixed support does not deform.

[0022] As a further alternative implementation, a diagonal rod is provided between adjacent edges of the fixed support, with each end of the diagonal rod connected to a different adjacent edge and having a certain angle with each edge.

[0023] As a further alternative implementation, the inclined rod is provided with a pawl on its inner side.

[0024] As an alternative implementation, the sliding support includes a support frame and a connecting frame. The support frame is a quadrilateral frame connected to the support structure. The connecting frame is a quadrilateral frame fitted onto the support frame and can slide horizontally along the direction of the support frame that is not the extension direction of the exoskeleton.

[0025] As a further alternative implementation, an elastic cable is provided between the connecting frame of the support frame and the sliding support to limit the range of horizontal movement of the connecting frame.

[0026] As an alternative implementation, the upper and lower claws of several adjacent connecting frames are connected by connectors.

[0027] The jaws are designed to match the outer edge of the steam pipe, and the inner side of the jaws of the fixed support is provided with anti-slip parts, while the inner side of the jaws of the sliding support is provided with ball bearings.

[0028] A method of operating the above-mentioned exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes includes the following steps:

[0029] Based on the length of the spanned area, it is divided into several segments. Fixed supports are installed on the support structures at both ends of each segment, and sliding supports are installed on the support structures in the middle of each segment.

[0030] Set up connecting frames and connect the various connecting frames to form an exoskeleton;

[0031] Claws are installed inside the connecting frame to abut against the steam pipe;

[0032] The horizontal force and bending moment generated by the thermal expansion of the steam pipeline are compensated by the horizontal displacement of the connecting frame on the sliding support.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0034] This invention uses the combination of fixed supports and sliding supports to ensure that the steam pipeline is positioned and fixed at the end of each compensation section, preventing it from moving. Within the compensation section, the sliding supports allow the pipeline to slide and displace in the horizontal direction.

[0035] This invention features claws inside the fixed support, sliding support, and connecting frame. The claws are designed to match the outer edge of the steam pipe in an arc shape, and are radially adjustable and detachable. This ensures a tight fit with the steam pipe. The sliding component in the y-direction reduces friction during the movement of the steam pipe and does not affect the movement of the steam pipe along the extension direction of the exoskeleton, facilitating maintenance.

[0036] The exoskeleton device of the present invention allows the pipe to slide in the x-direction within the exoskeleton at the sliding support, and the pipe can move together with the exoskeleton in the y-direction; the exoskeleton device of the present invention can constrain the pipe in the y-direction, x-direction, and z-direction at the fixed support; it can basically meet the requirements for the start-up and operation of steam pipelines.

[0037] This invention utilizes the inherent rigidity of the pipe to significantly reduce the height loss of the crossing device compared to truss crossing under the same span conditions; moreover, the exoskeleton device is smaller in size, reducing the possibility of interference or mutual influence with surrounding structures compared to traditional truss crossings; the exoskeleton device is mechanically connected to the pipe, avoiding damage to the stiffening ribs and welds caused by displacement during the start-up and operation of the steam pipe.

[0038] The pipe exoskeleton of the present invention works in conjunction with the pipe, and can be pulled back to its original position when the pipe is displaced by elastic cables to avoid lateral instability, while increasing the pipe's crossing capacity.

[0039] This invention makes full use of the vertical stiffness of the pipe, reducing the amount of steel used; the process is simple and easy to implement, greatly reducing construction time; the exoskeleton and the pipe are mechanically connected, which can be easily disassembled and reused.

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes, according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixed support according to one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exoskeleton structure at the fixed support in one embodiment;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a fixed support according to one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sliding support according to one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame and connecting frame structure of a sliding support according to one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the distribution of the connector frame in one embodiment.

[0049] Among them, 1. Support structure, 2. Fixed support, 3. Connecting frame, 4. Steam pipe, 5. Connecting pipe, 6. Diagonal rod, 7. Diagonal arc-shaped claw, 8. Y-axis arc-shaped claw, 9. Z-axis arc-shaped claw, 10. Reinforcing plate, 11. Cube frame, 12. Clamping device, 13. Support frame, 14. Elastic cable device. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0051] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0052] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 7As shown, the exoskeleton device for steam pipeline crossing includes a pipeline support and a connecting frame 3. In this embodiment, the pipeline support (serving as the pipeline anchor point) includes a fixed support 2 and a sliding support. The fixed support 2 is characterized by not allowing relative displacement between the pipeline and the supporting structure 1. It experiences large horizontal forces and bending moments. The sliding support bears the vertical load of the pipeline and allows the pipeline to slide horizontally. Its structural characteristics include low horizontal forces, providing friction for pipeline sliding.

[0054] Steam pipe 4 experiences horizontal forces and bending moments due to thermal expansion. Dividing the pipe into several compensation sections and performing thermal compensation on each section ensures the proper functioning of the compensator.

[0055] For ease of description, the direction along the pipeline is defined as the x-direction, the horizontal radial direction of the pipeline is defined as the y-direction, and the vertical radial direction of the pipeline is defined as the z-direction.

[0056] In this embodiment, the exoskeleton device includes multiple fixed supports 2, sliding supports and connecting frames 3, wherein the fixed supports 2 and sliding supports are disposed on the support structure 1 in the cross-domain area;

[0057] Multiple connecting frames 3 are provided between two adjacent fixed supports 2, two sliding supports, or fixed supports 2 and sliding supports;

[0058] Both the fixed support 2 and the sliding support are equipped with connecting frames 3. Each connecting frame 3 is connected by a connecting pipe 5. The connecting frame 3 and the connecting pipe 5 together form an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is used to accommodate the steam pipe 4.

[0059] Along the extension direction of the exoskeleton, the connecting frame 3 of the fixed support 2 and the sliding support is provided with several fixed components. Each fixed component is provided with a claw. Each claw on the same connecting frame 3 is distributed around the circumference of the steam pipe 4, and the claw has a certain radial degree of freedom to constrain the steam pipe 4 in the corresponding direction.

[0060] The exoskeleton is a rigid steel frame 11, and the members are made of round tubes or other uniformly symmetrical cross sections. The attached drawings of this embodiment use round tubes as an example.

[0061] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the fixed support 2 and the supporting structure 1 are fixedly connected. The fixed support 2 includes a cube-shaped frame 11. The edges of the cube are all connecting pipes 5 that make up the frame 11. There are two connecting frames 3 on it, both of which are quadrilateral frames, respectively set at both ends of the cube frame 11 along the extension direction of the exoskeleton.

[0062] The fixed support 2 is equipped with locking devices 12 at the connection points of each edge to ensure that the fixed support 2 does not deform. An inclined rod 6 is provided between adjacent edges of the fixed support 2, with each end of the inclined rod 6 connecting to a different adjacent edge and having a certain angle with each edge.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the locking claws of the fixed support 2 include a z-axis arc-shaped locking claw 9 with a reinforcing plate 10, a y-axis arc-shaped locking claw 8, and an oblique arc-shaped locking claw 7. The z-axis arc-shaped locking claw 9 is arranged vertically along the z-axis and is mounted on the connecting frame 3; the y-axis arc-shaped locking claw 8 is arranged horizontally along the horizontal radial direction and is mounted on the connecting frame 3; the oblique arc-shaped locking claw 7 is mounted on the oblique rod 6 and is arranged obliquely along the radial direction. All of the above arc-shaped locking claws can be adjusted radially.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the sliding support's claws include a z-direction arc-shaped claw 9 with a reinforcing plate 10 and a y-direction arc-shaped claw 8.

[0065] The arc-shaped claws of the sliding support can also be adjusted radially, and ball bearings can be provided on the inner side, which can be replaced according to maintenance and functional needs.

[0066] To ensure the stability of the steam pipeline in the z-direction, reinforcing ribs / reinforcing plates 10 can be installed between adjacent z-direction arc-shaped clamps 9 for connection.

[0067] The z-axis arc-shaped clamp 9 fits tightly against the steam pipe, which not only strengthens the pipe's rigidity in the z-direction but also constrains the steam pipe in the z-direction, thereby making full use of the vertical rigidity of the steam pipe.

[0068] The z-axis arc-shaped claw 9 fits tightly against the steam pipe 4, and the friction is reduced by the ball bearings in the groove, without affecting the relative sliding of the pipe in the x-axis inside the device; the y-axis arc-shaped claw 8 is used to achieve horizontal constraint on the pipe, and according to the characteristics of the steam pipe during start-up and operation, the pipe and the exoskeleton device can be made to move together as a whole in the y-axis.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, the sliding support includes a support frame 13 and a connecting frame 3. The support frame 13 is a quadrilateral frame and is connected to the support structure 1. The connecting frame 3 is a quadrilateral frame and is sleeved on the support frame 13, and can slide horizontally along the direction of the support frame 13 that is not the extension direction of the exoskeleton.

[0070] The connecting frame 3 can slide on the support frame 13, enabling the exoskeleton device and the pipeline to move horizontally together, which is used to release the horizontal displacement along the y direction when the pipeline starts or runs.

[0071] In this embodiment, not only is an oblique arc-shaped claw 7 added to the fixed support 2, but an anti-slip strip is also provided on the inner side of the arc-shaped claw at the fixed support 2. The arc-shaped claw is adjusted and tightened radially to fix the pipe and transmit horizontal force and bending moment, thereby realizing the function of the fixed support 2.

[0072] All jaws can be adjusted radially to meet the needs of pipeline maintenance and disassembly. Meanwhile, the inner edge of the jaws is equipped with ball bearings or anti-slip strips for maintenance and replacement.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, an elastic cable device 14 is provided between the support frame 13 and the connecting frame 3 of the sliding support to tension the exoskeleton. When the combined structure formed by the exoskeleton and the pipe is displaced, it is pulled back to its original position. The elastic cable device 14 is symmetrically arranged, with the middle section located in the middle of the connecting pipe 5 in the y direction of the connecting frame 3, and the two ends connected to the ends of the support frame 13.

[0074] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes, characterized in that, It includes multiple fixed supports, sliding supports and connecting frames, wherein the fixed supports and sliding supports are disposed on the support structure in the cross-domain area; Multiple connecting frames are provided between two adjacent fixed supports, two sliding supports, or a fixed support and a sliding support; Both the fixed support and the sliding support are equipped with connecting frames, and the connecting frames are connected by connecting pipes. The connecting frames and connecting pipes together form an exoskeleton, and the exoskeleton is used to accommodate steam pipes. Along the extension direction of the exoskeleton, the connecting frame of the fixed support and the sliding support are provided with several fixed components. Each fixed component is provided with a claw. Each claw on the same connecting frame is distributed around the circumference of the steam pipe, and the claw has a certain radial degree of freedom to constrain the steam pipe in the corresponding direction. The sliding support includes a support frame and a connecting frame. The support frame is a quadrilateral frame and is connected to the support structure. The connecting frame is a quadrilateral frame and is sleeved on the support frame, allowing it to slide horizontally along the direction of the support frame that is not the extension direction of the exoskeleton. Based on the length of the spanned area, it is divided into several segments. Fixed supports are installed on the support structures at both ends of each segment, and sliding supports are installed on the support structures in the middle of each segment. Set up connecting frames and connect the various connecting frames to form an exoskeleton; Claws are installed inside the connecting frame to abut against the steam pipe; The horizontal force and bending moment generated by the thermal expansion of the steam pipeline are compensated by the horizontal displacement of the connecting frame on the sliding support.

2. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed support and the supporting structure are fixedly connected.

3. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fixed support includes a cubic frame, the edges of which are connecting tubes that make up the frame. There are two connecting frames on it, both of which are quadrilateral frames, respectively set at both ends of the cubic frame along the extension direction of the exoskeleton.

4. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed support is equipped with locking devices at the connection points of each edge.

5. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, An inclined rod is provided between adjacent edges of the fixed support. The two ends of the inclined rod are respectively connected to different adjacent edges and have a certain angle with each edge. The inclined rod is provided with a pawl on the inward side.

6. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic cable is provided between the connecting frame of the support frame and the sliding support.

7. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower claws of several adjacent connecting frames are connected by connectors.

8. The exoskeleton device for crossing steam pipes as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The jaws are designed to match the outer edge of the steam pipe, and the inner side of the jaws of the fixed support is provided with anti-slip parts, while the inner side of the jaws of the sliding support is provided with ball bearings.

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