Airbag and conduit occlusion device

Abstract

This invention discloses a safety airbag and a pipeline sealing device. The airbag includes a cylindrical body and multiple seals located inside the cylindrical body and sequentially connected to it. It also includes an inflation / deflation device located on the multiple seals. Multiple annular sealing rings are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The multiple seals include a front seal, a first middle seal, a second middle seal, and a rear seal. The front seal and the first middle seal, the first middle seal and the second middle seal, and the second middle seal and the rear seal respectively enclose the cylindrical body to form a first independent compartment, a second independent compartment, and a third independent compartment. This invention solves the problem of water leakage caused by contact between the airbag and the pipeline wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline sealing technology, specifically to a safety airbag and a pipeline sealing device. Background Technology

[0002] New pipelines undergo a water tightness test during acceptance. This involves sealing both ends of the pipeline with airbags and applying water pressure to the middle to measure the leakage rate over a set period. Theoretically, the airbags should be completely leak-proof. However, currently, the airbags and pipe walls only have line contact, which cannot fill in minor unevenness, easily leading to leaks.

[0003] In the prior art, a utility model with patent publication number CN218060680U describes a safety sealing airbag, including a synthetic shell with partitions dividing it into multiple independent sealed chambers. However, in the prior art, the air nozzles for the intermediate chambers are all located in the middle of the partitions. Generally, when the airbag is carried down into the well by a frogman, it is folded for ease of transport. When inflating or deflating the airbag, the air nozzle located in the middle of the partition may be blocked when the airbag is folded, preventing inflation and deflation and causing the airbag sealing to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to solve the problem that the airbag folding blocks the air nozzle during inflation and deflation, causing the airbag to fail and affecting the reliability of the airbag sealing, as well as the problem that the airbag and the tube wall cannot fill small unevenness, which easily leads to water leakage.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An airbag includes a cylinder 100, a plurality of plugs located inside the cylinder 100 and sequentially connected to the cylinder 100, and an inflation / deflation device located on the plurality of plugs;

[0007] Among them, multiple annular sealing rings 110 are provided on the outer surface of the cylinder 100;

[0008] The plurality of plugs includes a front plug 210, a first middle plug 220, a second middle plug 230, and a rear plug 240, and the front plug 210 and the first middle plug 220, the first middle plug 220 and the second middle plug 230, and the second middle plug 230 and the rear plug 240 respectively enclose the cylinder 100 to form a first independent compartment A, a second independent compartment B, and a third independent compartment C;

[0009] The inflation / deflation device includes a first inflation / deflation device 310, and a second inflation / deflation device 320 and a third inflation / deflation device 330 respectively connected to the first inflation / deflation device 310; the first inflation / deflation device 310 is connected to the front plug 210, and the first middle plug 220 and the second middle plug 230 are connected to the second inflation / deflation device 320; the third inflation / deflation device 330 is located on the side of the second inflation / deflation device 320 and is connected to the first middle plug 220.

[0010] Advantages: When the airbag is pressed tightly against the inner wall of the horizontal shaft chamber under inflation pressure, multiple annular sealing rings automatically fill the unevenness caused by unclean pipe walls and pipe corrosion, forming a multi-level seal.

[0011] By forming multiple independent compartments, the sealing capability during normal sealing operations is improved. At the same time, it can prevent the remaining compartments from continuing to seal the pipeline when a single compartment, two adjacent compartments, or multiple compartments (or several compartments in complex environments) are punctured by sharp objects or when high-pressure air leaks and causes sealing failure, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of the sealing.

[0012] The third inflation / deflation device is located on the side of the second inflation / deflation device and is connected to the first middle seal to prevent the airbag from being blocked during folding, thus preventing it from being unable to inflate or deflate.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, each inflation / deflation device includes a fixed flange 301 and a straight-through nozzle 302, wherein the fixed flange 301 is clamped and fixed on the plug; the straight-through nozzle 302 is fixed inside the fixed flange 301 and passes through the plug.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, at the fixing point of the fixed flange 301 and the sealing point, a first mesh fabric 251 and a second mesh fabric 252 are respectively fixed on both sides of the sealing point.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first inflation / deflation devices 310 is determined according to the number of independent compartments; a plurality of the first inflation / deflation devices 310 are located in the middle of the front seal 210 and arranged side by side at the centerline; wherein the first inflation / deflation device 310 located in the middle position is connected to the second inflation / deflation device 320 for inflation / deflation of the third independent compartment (C).

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a pipe guard spring 350 is provided on the connecting pipe 340 between the first inflation / deflation device 310, the second inflation / deflation device 320, and the third inflation / deflation device 330.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the multiple annular sealing rings 110 is located at the connection between the cylinder 100 and the multiple seals.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sides of the first middle block 220 and the second middle block 230 are arranged in an arc shape, and the arc protrusion directions of the two are symmetrical.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inflation sequence of the first independent compartment A, the second independent compartment B, and the third independent compartment C is as follows: the third independent compartment C is inflated first, followed by the first independent compartment A. After the third independent compartment C and the first independent compartment A are inflated to the rated pressure, the second independent compartment B is then inflated.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust sequence of the first independent compartment A, the second independent compartment B, and the third independent compartment C is: first the second independent compartment B, then the third independent compartment C, and then the first independent compartment A.

[0021] A pipe sealing device includes the aforementioned airbag and a fixing frame 400; the fixing frame 400 is located on a vertical shaft 610, and the airbag is located in a horizontal shaft chamber 620.

[0022] On the side of the fixed frame 400 facing the vertical well 610, a limiting leg 410 and a lifting ring 420 are provided; the limiting leg 410 fits against the inner wall of the vertical well 610; a hanging ring 120 is provided on the cylinder 100, and the lifting ring 420 is connected to the hanging ring 120 by a traction rope 700.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] By using a shared second inflation / deflation device for the rear and front sealing of the first and third independent compartments, the overall length of the airbag is reduced while ensuring the realization of multiple independent compartments, making it easier to carry and enter / exit the horizontal well chamber, as well as to integrate with the downhole robot.

[0025] Under normal circumstances, during a water tightness test, if water leaks in the pipe after it has been sealed with an airbag, researchers cannot determine whether the leak is from the airbag itself or from a failure to properly seal it, making it impossible to pinpoint the problem. By adding multiple annular sealing rings, the contact pressure is increased, improving the sealing performance and achieving a completely leak-proof seal, thus allowing for the tracing of any leaks.

[0026] The sealing of the gas filling and defilling device installation area uses a three-layer adhesive to increase tensile strength, reduce the size of the fixed flange, and make the structure compact and minimize the volume after folding.

[0027] The layout of the inflation / deflation device on the sealing surface minimizes the volume of the airbag after folding from both sides. A tracheal spring protects against tracheal abrasion and reduces compression resistance during the airbag's deflation and folding process. The sides of both the first and second sealing devices are rounded, reducing assembly difficulty.

[0028] Following the prescribed inflation sequence ensures that after the second independent compartment is inflated, the pressure, shape, and space of the first and third independent compartments remain unchanged. If the pressure in any of the first or third independent compartments, or any two of the second independent compartments, decreases, it will not affect the pressure of the remaining independent compartments, thus guaranteeing a safe seal. Otherwise, a sudden pressure drop in adjacent independent compartments could cause depressurization and expansion, leading to seal failure.

[0029] Releasing air in the correct order can prevent the first and second seals from deforming in the opposite direction due to premature pressure reduction, which could lead to damage.

[0030] The traction rope is fixed outside the manhole and assists the airbag in withstanding water pressure thrust during the airbag sealing and pressure-maintaining state. When the airbag sealing is completed and the pressure is released, the airbag is still inflated, but the friction between it and the pipe wall is close to zero. The airbag is subjected to the highest water pressure thrust, and the traction rope holds the airbag to prevent it from being swept away by the water flow. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inflation / deflation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 3 to 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the first to third inflation / deflation devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the annular sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the independent compartment being punctured according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figures 8 to 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing deformation in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a pipe sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art, the technical solution of the present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an airbag, including a cylinder 100, and a plurality of plugs located inside the cylinder 100 and sequentially connected to the cylinder 100, and also includes an inflation / deflation device located on the plurality of plugs.

[0042] Multiple annular sealing rings 110 are provided on the outer surface of the cylinder 100. The annular sealing rings 110 have high toughness and elasticity. The multiple annular sealing rings 110 with different spacings are integrated with the cylinder 100. When the airbag is pressed against the inner wall of the horizontal well chamber under the pressure of inflation, it automatically fills the unevenness caused by unclean pipe walls and pipe corrosion, forming a multi-level seal.

[0043] Multiple sealing devices include a front sealing device 210, a first intermediate sealing device 220, a second intermediate sealing device 230, and a rear sealing device 240. The front sealing device 210, the first intermediate sealing device 220, the first intermediate sealing device 220, the second intermediate sealing device 230, the second intermediate sealing device 230, and the rear sealing device 240, respectively, enclose the cylinder 100 to form a first independent compartment A, a second independent compartment B, and a third independent compartment C. By forming multiple independent compartments, the sealing capability during normal sealing operations is improved. Simultaneously, it prevents sealing failure in complex environments where several compartments may be punctured by sharp objects or high-pressure air leakage may occur, ensuring the remaining compartments can continue to seal the pipeline and guaranteeing the safety and reliability of the sealing process. Figure 7 As shown.

[0044] The inflation / deflation device includes a first inflation / deflation device 310, and a second inflation / deflation device 320 and a third inflation / deflation device 330, which are respectively connected to the first inflation / deflation device 310 via pipes. The first inflation / deflation device 310 is connected to the front plug 210 and is used to connect to the gas source above the well to inflate / deflate the first independent compartment A, and indirectly to inflate / deflate the second independent compartment B and the third independent compartment C. The first middle plug 220 and the second middle plug 230 are both connected to the second inflation / deflation device 320 for inflating / deflating the third independent compartment C. By having the rear and front plugs of the first independent compartment A and the third independent compartment C share a single second inflation / deflation device 320, the overall length of the airbag is reduced while ensuring the realization of multiple independent compartments, making it easier to carry and enter / exit the horizontal well chamber, and to integrate with the downhole robot. The third inflation / deflation device 330 is located on the side of the second inflation / deflation device 320 and is connected to the first middle seal 220. It is used to inflate and deflate the second independent compartment B and can prevent the airbag from being blocked during folding, which would prevent inflation and deflation from being impossible.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, each inflation / deflation device includes a fixed flange 301 and a straight-through nozzle 302. The fixed flange 301 is clamped and fixed on the plug, and the straight-through nozzle 302 is fixed inside the fixed flange 301 and passes through the plug, thus the straight-through nozzle 302 of each inflation / deflation device is pipe-connected. At the fixing point between the fixed flange 301 and the plug, a first mesh fabric 251 and a second mesh fabric 252 are respectively fixed on both sides of the plug. That is, the plug at the installation part of the inflation / deflation device adopts a three-layer adhesive bonding, which increases the tensile strength, reduces the size of the fixed flange 301, and makes the structure compact and minimizes the volume after folding.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the number of first inflation / deflation devices 310 is determined by the number of independent compartments. In this embodiment, the number of independent compartments is 3, so the number of first inflation / deflation devices 310 is also 3. Multiple first inflation / deflation devices 310 are located in the middle of the front seal 210 and arranged side-by-side along the centerline. A second inflation / deflation device 320 is located at the center of the first middle seal 220, and a third inflation / deflation device 330 is located along the centerline of the first middle seal 220, arranged side-by-side with the second inflation / deflation device 320, facilitating the minimization of the airbag's volume after folding from both sides. The first inflation / deflation device 310 located in the middle position is connected to the second inflation / deflation device 320 for inflation / deflation of the third independent compartment C. The first inflation / deflation device 310 on the same side as the third inflation / deflation device 330 is also connected to it.

[0047] Please see Figures 1 to 6As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a pipe spring 350 is fitted onto the connecting pipe 340 between the first inflation / deflation device 310 and the second inflation / deflation device 320 and the third inflation / deflation device 330. The pipe spring 350 prevents wear on the pipe and compression / blockage during the deflation and folding of the airbag. At least one of the multiple annular sealing rings 110 is located at the connection points between the cylinder 100 and multiple plugs, further reinforcing the connection points. The sides of the first and second intermediate plugs 220 and 230 are arc-shaped, and their arc protrusion directions are symmetrical. Furthermore, the sides of the front plug 210 and the rear plug 240 are arc-shaped, facilitating connection with the cylinder 100 and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0048] Please see Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inflation sequence of the first independent compartment A, the second independent compartment B, and the third independent compartment C is as follows: the third independent compartment C is inflated first, followed by the first independent compartment A. After the third independent compartment C and the first independent compartment A are filled to their rated pressures, the second independent compartment B is then inflated. The airbag is lowered into the well in a folded state. It is only inflated after being placed in the horizontal well chamber for sealing operations. At the minimum folded size, the third independent compartment C is inflated first to facilitate airbag expansion and extension when the pipe diameter space is small. The third independent compartment C and the first independent compartment A are filled to their rated pressures first, followed by the second independent compartment B. This ensures that after the second independent compartment B is inflated, the pressure, shape, and space of the first independent compartment A and the third independent compartment C remain unchanged. If the air pressure in any of the first independent compartment A and the third independent compartment C, or any two of the second independent compartment B, decreases, it will not affect the pressure of the remaining independent compartments, thus ensuring safe sealing. Otherwise, a sudden drop in pressure in an adjacent compartment could cause the seal to fail due to depressurization and expansion.

[0049] The exhaust sequence for the first independent compartment A, the second independent compartment B, and the third independent compartment C is as follows: first the second independent compartment B, then the third independent compartment C, and finally the first independent compartment A. Exhausting the second independent compartment B first prevents the first and second intermediate seals 220 from deforming in the opposite direction due to premature pressure reduction, which could lead to damage.

[0050] If the inflation and deflation of multiple independent compartments are not performed according to regulations and in the correct order, it will cause the airbags to deform.

[0051] 1. For example Figure 8 As shown, if the inflation sequence is first independent compartment A, second independent compartment B, and third independent compartment C, and the deflation sequence is third independent compartment, second independent compartment B, and first independent compartment A, then the second middle seal 230 will deform.

[0052] 2. For example Figure 9As shown, if the inflation sequence is first independent compartment A, second independent compartment B, and third independent compartment C during inflation, and the deflation sequence is first independent compartment A, second independent compartment B, and third independent compartment C during deflation, then the first middle seal 220 will deform.

[0053] 3. For example Figure 10 As shown, if the inflation sequence is: second independent compartment B, first independent compartment A, and third independent compartment C, or second independent compartment B, third independent compartment C, and first independent compartment A, and the deflation sequence is: third independent compartment C, first independent compartment A, and second independent compartment B, or first independent compartment A, third independent compartment C, and second independent compartment B, then the first middle plug 220 and the second middle plug 230 will deform.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] Please see Figures 1 to 11 As shown, when the airbag is inflated in the horizontal well chamber 620, it bears the thrust of water pressure from the vertical well 610. Furthermore, when the airbag deflates, the friction between the airbag and the inner wall of the horizontal well chamber 620 is close to zero, at which point the airbag experiences the highest water pressure thrust, and the airbag may be washed away by the water flow. This invention also provides a pipe sealing device to solve this technical problem.

[0056] The pipe sealing device includes the airbag as described in Embodiment 1, and also includes a fixing frame 400. The fixing frame 400 is located on the vertical well 610, and the airbag is connected to the fixing frame 400. The airbag is located in the horizontal well chamber 620 and is connected to the air source device on the well via an inflation / deflation pipe 700. On the side of the fixing frame 400 facing the vertical well 610, a limiting leg 410 and a lifting ring 420 are provided. The limiting leg 410 fits against the inner wall of the vertical well 610. A hanging ring 120 is provided on the cylinder 100, and the lifting ring 420 is connected to the hanging ring 120 via a traction rope 700. The hanging ring 420 is located near the side connecting the vertical well 610 and the horizontal well chamber 620, while the hanging ring 120 is located near the front sealing 210. The traction rope 700 is fixed outside the well and, in the airbag sealing and pressure-holding state, assists the airbag in bearing the water pressure thrust. The traction force of the traction rope 700 = water pressure thrust - friction between the airbag and the pipe wall. When the airbag is sealed and begins to release pressure, the airbag is still inflated, but the friction between it and the pipe wall is close to zero. The airbag is subjected to the highest water pressure thrust, and the traction rope 700 holds the airbag to prevent it from being swept away by the water flow. Because the tension of the traction rope 700 and the water pressure thrust on the airbag are in different directions, the traction rope 700 must have a safety factor of more than 5 times.

[0057] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0058] The above embodiments are merely examples of implementation methods of the invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An airbag, characterized in that, It includes a cylinder (100), and a plurality of plugs located inside the cylinder (100) and sequentially connected to the cylinder (100), and also includes a gas filling and defilling device located on the plurality of plugs; Multiple annular sealing rings (110) are provided on the outer surface of the cylinder (100). The plurality of plugs include a front plug (210), a first middle plug (220), a second middle plug (230), and a rear plug (240), and the front plug (210) and the first middle plug (220), the first middle plug (220) and the second middle plug (230), and the second middle plug (230) and the rear plug (240) respectively enclose the cylinder (100) to form a first independent compartment (A), a second independent compartment (B), and a third independent compartment (C); The inflation / deflation device includes a first inflation / deflation device (310), and a second inflation / deflation device (320) and a third inflation / deflation device (330) respectively connected to the first inflation / deflation device (310); the first inflation / deflation device (310) is connected to the front plug (210), and the first middle plug (220) and the second middle plug (230) are connected to the second inflation / deflation device (320); the third inflation / deflation device (330) is located on the side of the second inflation / deflation device (320) and is connected to the first middle plug (220); Multiple first inflation / deflation devices (310) are located in the middle of the front plug (210) and arranged side by side at the centerline; a second inflation / deflation device (320) is located at the center of the first middle plug (220), and a third inflation / deflation device (330) is located at the centerline of the first middle plug (220) and is arranged side by side with the second inflation / deflation device (320); the first middle plug (220) and the second middle plug (230) are connected together with the second inflation / deflation device (320); the third inflation / deflation device (330) is located on the side of the second inflation / deflation device (320) and is connected to the first middle plug (220); A pipe guard spring (350) is fitted on the connecting pipe (340) between the first inflation / deflation device (310), the second inflation / deflation device (320), and the third inflation / deflation device (330). The inflation sequence of the first independent compartment (A), the second independent compartment (B), and the third independent compartment (C) is as follows: the third independent compartment (C) is inflated first, followed by the first independent compartment (A). After the third independent compartment (C) and the first independent compartment (A) are inflated to the rated pressure, the second independent compartment (B) is then inflated. The exhaust sequence of the first independent compartment (A), the second independent compartment (B), and the third independent compartment (C) is as follows: first the second independent compartment (B), then the third independent compartment (C), and then the first independent compartment (A).

2. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each inflation / deflation device includes a fixed flange (301) and a straight-through nozzle (302), the fixed flange (301) being clamped and fixed on the plug; the straight-through nozzle (302) being fixed inside the fixed flange (301) and passing through the plug.

3. The airbag according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing flange (301) and the fixing point of the plug are respectively fixed with a first mesh fabric (251) and a second mesh fabric (252) on both sides of the plug.

4. The airbag according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of the first inflation / deflation device (310) depends on the number of independent compartments; wherein the first inflation / deflation device (310) located in the middle is connected to the second inflation / deflation device (320) to inflate / deflate the third independent compartment (C).

5. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that, Of the multiple annular sealing rings (110), at least one annular sealing ring (110) is located at the connection between the cylinder (100) and the multiple plugs.

6. The airbag according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sides of the first middle block (220) and the second middle block (230) are arranged in an arc shape, and the arc protrusion directions of the two are symmetrical.

7. A pipe sealing device, characterized in that, The airbag includes any one of claims 1-6 and further includes a mounting bracket (400); the mounting bracket (400) is located on a vertical shaft (610) and the airbag is located in a horizontal shaft chamber (620). On the side of the fixed frame (400) facing the vertical well (610), there is a limiting leg (410) and a lifting ring (420); the limiting leg (410) fits against the inner wall of the vertical well (610); a hanging ring (120) is provided on the cylinder (100), and the lifting ring (420) is connected to the hanging ring (120) by a traction rope (700).

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