Intelligent integrated flare tower

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of flare tower technology and discloses an intelligent integrated flare tower, including a flare tube. Flanges are fixedly installed at both ends of the flare tube. Grooves are formed on the left and right sides of the top of each flange, and lifting lugs are installed within these grooves. A pipe is fixedly installed on the outer side of the flare tube. An annular groove is formed on the top of the upper flange, and stops are symmetrically fixedly installed within the annular groove. A sliding groove is symmetrically formed on the inner wall of the annular groove near the center of the flare tube, and a sliding rod is fixedly installed within the sliding groove. A slider is fitted around the sliding rod. This invention enables automatic straightening of the flare tube during installation, facilitating better docking. It also features indicator lights for easy lifting operations and automatic lubrication of the ball bearings used during straightening, ensuring smooth ball bearing rotation and guaranteeing the normal operation of subsequent straightening processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of torch tower technology, and specifically relates to an intelligent integrated torch tower. Background Technology

[0002] The flare tower, a unique structure on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, is a device that treats exhaust gases through open-air combustion. Its structure is primarily constructed of welded steel tubing. Due to its structural form and welding process, stress concentration easily occurs at the pipe joints. Furthermore, the flare tower is typically installed on the FPSO deck. Under the induced force of waves, the hull experiences acceleration in six degrees of freedom. This motion is transmitted to the flare tower, which can reach heights of tens of meters. Under this alternating inertial load, fatigue damage easily occurs at the welded pipe joints of the flare tower, reducing its service life. Therefore, the overall connection stability and welding requirements for the flare tower are extremely high, directly impacting its service life.

[0003] During the assembly of existing integrated flare towers, a crane is used to lift the flare tube to be assembled on top. Under the command of the supervisor and with the cooperation of the crane operator, the flange at the bottom of the upper flare tube is aligned with the flange at the top of the lower flare tube. Because the flare tube will swing to a certain extent when it is lifted in the air, when the upper flare tube is lowered to contact the flange on the lower flare tube, the upper flare tube is prone to deflection. This requires continuous lifting and adjustment of the flare tube until it is aligned with the lower flare tube. The whole process is very cumbersome and difficult.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to invent an intelligent integrated torch tower to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an intelligent integrated torch tower to solve the issues raised in the background section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an intelligent integrated flare tower, comprising a flare tube, flanges fixedly installed at both ends of the flare tube, grooves formed on the left and right sides of the top of the flanges, lifting lugs provided in the grooves, pipes fixedly installed on the outer side of the flare tube, an annular groove formed on the top of the upper flange, stops symmetrically fixedly installed in the annular groove, sliding grooves symmetrically formed on the inner wall of the annular groove near the center of the flare tube, sliding rods fixedly installed in the sliding grooves, sliders sleeved on the outside of the sliding rods, push blocks fixedly installed on the outside of the sliders, springs sleeved on the outside of the sliding rods, the springs located on the side of the sliders near the stops, a limiting component for limiting the push blocks provided in the annular groove, and symmetrical arc-shaped plates formed on the bottom end of the lower flange, a rotating groove provided in the middle of the bottom end of the arc-shaped plates, ball bearings rotatably installed in the rotating groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the limiting component includes a pair of carrier plates, which are arc-shaped and respectively disposed on both sides inside the annular groove. The two ends of the carrier plates are respectively attached to the push plate and the stop block. The top of the carrier plate is provided with a sensing area, which occupies half of the top area of ​​the carrier plate. The sensing area is located on the side of the top of the carrier plate away from the push block. The top of the carrier plate and located at the sensing area are provided with a ball groove that cooperates with the ball. The bottom wall of the annular groove is provided with a storage groove for storing the carrier plate. The bottom wall of the storage groove is provided with a pair of mounting grooves. An electric push rod is fixedly installed in the mounting groove. The electric push rod cooperates with the sensing area, and the top of the electric push rod is fixedly connected to the carrier plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the angle between the center line connecting the pair of arc-shaped plates and the center line connecting the pair of lugs is 90 degrees.

[0009] Furthermore, light grooves are equidistantly arranged around the outer side of the upper flange, and indicator lights are fixedly installed in the light grooves, which cooperate with the sensing area.

[0010] Furthermore, the flange below has symmetrically formed cavities inside. The top of the arc-shaped plate extends into the cavity and a stopper plate is fixedly installed therein. The cavity is filled with lubricating oil. The arc-shaped plate and the stopper plate have channels. The two ends of the channels are respectively connected to the rotating groove and the cavity. A one-way valve is installed in the channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the carrier plate is completely separated from the push plate when it is fully retracted into the receiving slot.

[0012] Furthermore, the flare tube can be combined with adjacent flare tubes via flanges.

[0013] Furthermore, when the balls enter the ball groove, the two opposing flanges can fit together.

[0014] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0015] 1. This invention can automatically straighten the torch tube during installation, enabling better docking of the torch tube, and has an indicator light reminder function to facilitate lifting operations;

[0016] 2. This invention can automatically lubricate the balls used in the straightening process, ensuring smooth rolling of the balls and thus ensuring the normal operation of subsequent straightening processes. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intelligent integrated torch tower according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an intelligent integrated flare tower according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intelligent integrated torch tower according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 5 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intelligent integrated torch tower according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 ;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 ;

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Flame tube; 2. Flange; 3. Lifting lug; 4. Pipe; 5. Stop; 6. Slide groove; 7. Slide rod; 8. Slider; 9. Push block; 10. Carrier plate; 11. Sensing area; 12. Ball groove; 13. Storage groove; 14. Electric push rod; 15. Arc plate; 16. Ball; 17. Indicator light; 18. Cavity; 19. Plug plate; 20. Channel; 21. Check valve; 22. Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0028] This invention provides an intelligent integrated flare tower, such as... Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the device includes a flare tube 1, with flanges 2 fixedly installed at both ends. Grooves are provided on the left and right sides of the top of the flanges 2, and lifting lugs 3 are provided in the grooves. Pipes 4 are fixedly installed on the outside of the flare tube 1. An annular groove is provided on the top of the upper flange 2, and stops 5 are symmetrically fixedly installed in the annular groove. A sliding groove 6 is symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the annular groove near the center of the flare tube 1. A sliding rod 7 is fixedly installed in the sliding groove 6. A slider 8 is sleeved on the outside of the sliding rod 7. A push block 9 is fixedly installed on the outside of the slider 8. A spring 22 is sleeved on the outside of the sliding rod 7. The spring 22 is located on the side of the slider 8 near the stop block 5. A limiting component for limiting the push block 9 is provided in the annular groove. An arc plate 15 is symmetrically provided at the bottom end of the lower flange 2. A rotating groove is provided in the middle of the bottom end of the arc plate 15, and a ball bearing 16 is rotatably installed in the rotating groove.

[0029] Using a crane with lifting lugs 3 and ropes, the flare tube 1 is lifted to a position above the lower flare tube 1. The lifted flare tube 1 is aligned with the lower flare tube 1. While being lifted, the flare tube 1 will sway left and right in the air to a certain extent, with an amplitude between -90 degrees and 90 degrees. This amplitude can be controlled by the crane operator. The flare tube 1 is then slowly lowered using the crane, causing the arc-shaped plate 15 and the ball bearings 16 to descend into the annular groove, thus attaching... Figure 1 From the initial perspective, if torch tube 1 is in the initial state... Figure 1 As the torch descends with the viewpoint tilted to the left, the curved plate 15 and ball bearing 16 fall above the limiting component. At this point, the limiting component is not triggered. The swinging posture of the torch tube 1 can be adjusted using the crane to allow it to... Figure 1As the viewpoint tilts to the right and the device descends, the limiting component is triggered, releasing the restriction on push block 9. The deformed spring 22 releases its force, pushing slider 8 and push block 9 to move. Subsequently, push block 9 abuts against arc plate 15, pushing arc plate 15 and ball bearing 16 along the surface of the limiting component, causing the entire flare tube 1 to rotate. Finally, the upper flare tube 1 is positioned so that its position is aligned with the lower flare tube 1, and the two adjacent flanges 2 are aligned. The adjacent flanges 2 can be connected by bolts to achieve the docking of a pair of flare tubes 1. The number of dockings can be selected according to the actual height of the flare tower. This achieves automatic straightening of the flare tube 1 during installation, enabling better docking of the flare tubes 1.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the limiting component includes a pair of carrier plates 10, which are arc-shaped. The pair of carrier plates 10 are respectively disposed on both sides inside the annular groove. The two ends of the carrier plates 10 are respectively attached to the push block 9 and the stop block 5. The top of the carrier plate 10 is provided with a sensing area 11, which occupies half of the top area of ​​the carrier plate 10. The sensing area 11 is located on the side of the top of the carrier plate 10 away from the push block 9. The top of the carrier plate 10 and located at the sensing area 11 is provided with a ball groove 12 that cooperates with the ball 16. The bottom wall of the annular groove is provided with a storage groove 13 for storing the carrier plate 10. The bottom wall of the storage groove 13 is provided with a pair of mounting grooves. An electric push rod 14 is fixedly installed in the mounting groove. The electric push rod 14 cooperates with the sensing area 11, and the top of the electric push rod 14 is fixedly connected to the carrier plate 10.

[0031] The sensing area 11 can sense objects that come into contact with it from above. The sensing area 11 is a touch-sensitive panel in the prior art. The specific working principle is the prior art and will not be described in detail here. In use, the carrier plate 10 and the stop block 5 limit the push block 9, so that the push block 9 cannot move. At this time, the spring 22 is in a compressed deformation state. When the ball 16 on the arc plate 15 comes into contact with the sensing area 11, the sensing area 11 controls the electric push rod 14 to shorten and bring the carrier plate 10 down, so that the carrier plate 10... The contents are collected into the storage slot 13. Finally, the carrier plate 10 and the push block 9 separate, and the push block 9 can move freely. The deformed spring 22 releases its force to push the slider 8 and the push block 9 to move. After the push block 9 comes into contact with the arc plate 15, it pushes the arc plate 15 and rotates the torch tube 1. Finally, the arc plate 15 comes into contact with the corresponding stop block 5. At this time, the torch tube 1 is straightened and aligned with the torch tube 1 below. The ball 16 falls into the ball groove 12. At this time, the two opposing flanges 2 are in contact and can be fixed later.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 6As shown, the angle between the center line connecting the two curved plates 15 and the center line connecting the two lugs 3 is 90 degrees.

[0033] This ensures that when the lifting lug 3 is used in conjunction with the lifting rope to lift the torch tube 1, the pair of arc-shaped plates 15 below will fall into the sensing area 11 as the torch tube 1 swings to the right and falls.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, light slots are equidistantly arranged around the outer side of the upper flange 2, and indicator lights 17 are fixedly installed in the light slots. The indicator lights 17 are matched with the sensing area 11.

[0035] When the ball bearing 16 lands above the sensing area 11, the control indicator light 17 of the sensing area 11 will light up. At this time, the commander can inform the crane operator that the position of the torch tube 1 is correct and there is no need to make further adjustments through the crane, which facilitates the lifting operation.

[0036] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the flange 2 below has symmetrically opened cavities 18 inside. The top of the arc plate 15 extends into the cavity 18 and a plug plate 19 is fixedly installed. The cavity 18 is filled with lubricating oil. The arc plate 15 and the plug plate 19 are provided with channels 20. The two ends of the channels 20 are connected to the rotating groove and the cavity 18 respectively. A one-way valve 21 is provided in the channels 20.

[0037] When the torch tube 1 descends, the arc plate 15 and the ball bearing 16 descend accordingly. After the ball bearing 16 comes into contact with the carrier plate 10 located in the receiving groove 13, the descending torch tube 1 causes the mating plug plate 19 to squeeze the lubricating oil in the cavity 18 outward. At this time, the one-way valve 21 located in the channel 20 opens, and the lubricating oil falls onto the surface of the ball bearing 16 through the channel 20, which can lubricate the ball bearing 16. This ensures that when the arc plate 15 is pushed by the push block 9, the ball bearing 16 can roll more smoothly along the surface of the carrier plate 10, ensuring the normal operation of subsequent adjustments.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the carrier plate 10 is fully retracted into the storage slot 13, it is completely separated from the pusher block 9.

[0039] This ensures that once the carrier plate 10 is fully retracted into the storage slot 13, the restriction on the push block 9 can be removed, guaranteeing the normal movement of the push block 9.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the flare tube 1 can be combined with an adjacent flare tube 1 via a flange 2.

[0041] The flare tubes 1 can be assembled according to the height requirements of the flare tower. Two opposing flanges 2 are fixed with bolts to form a connection between the two flare tubes 1.

[0042] like Figure 1and Figure 6 As shown, when the ball 16 enters the ball groove 12, the two opposing flanges 2 can fit together.

[0043] This ensures that after adjustment, the two opposing flanges 2 fit together, facilitating assembly.

[0044] Working principle: A crane, along with lifting lugs 3 and ropes, lifts the flare tube 1, positioning it above the lower flare tube 1. The lifted flare tube 1 faces the same direction as the lower flare tube 1. While being lifted, the flare tube 1 will sway left and right in the air to a certain extent, with an amplitude between -90 degrees and 90 degrees. This amplitude can be controlled by the crane operator. The crane then slowly lowers the flare tube 1, causing the arc-shaped plate 15 and the ball bearings 16 to descend into the annular groove, thus securing it. Figure 1 From the initial perspective, if torch tube 1 is in the initial state... Figure 1 As the torch falls with its viewing angle tilted to the left, the curved plate 15 and the ball bearing 16 land above the carrier plate 10. Since they do not land on the sensing area 11, the electric push rod 14 is not triggered. At this point, the swinging posture of the torch tube 1 can be adjusted using a crane to make it... Figure 1As the camera tilts to the right and descends, the ball bearing 16 lands on the sensing area 11. The sensing area 11 then controls the electric push rod 14 to shorten, lowering the carrier plate 10 into the receiving slot 13. Simultaneously, the position of the flare tube 1 is adjusted so that it descends with the carrier plate 10. Finally, the carrier plate 10 separates from the push block 9, allowing the push block 9 to move freely. The deformed spring 22 releases its force, pushing the slider 8 and push block 9. After the push block 9 contacts the arc plate 15, it pushes the arc plate 15, causing the flare tube 1 to rotate. Finally, the arc plate 15 contacts the corresponding stop block 5, at which point the flare tube 1 is straightened and aligned with the lower flare tube 1. The ball bearing 16 falls into the ball bearing groove 12, and the two opposing flanges 2 are now in contact. Adjacent flanges 2 can be connected with bolts to connect a pair of flare tubes 1. The number of connections can be selected according to the actual height of the flare tower. This enables automatic straightening of the flare tube 1 during installation, allowing for better docking. When the ball bearing 16 lands above the sensing area 11, the control indicator light 17 of the sensing area 11 illuminates, allowing the operator to inform the crane operator that the flare tube 1 is in the correct position, eliminating the need for further crane adjustments and facilitating the lifting operation. As the flare tube 1 descends, the arc plate 15 and the ball bearing 16 descend accordingly. After the ball bearing 16 contacts the carrier plate 10 located in the receiving groove 13, the descending flare tube 1 causes the stopper plate 19 to push the lubricating oil in the cavity 18 outward. At this time, the one-way valve 21 located in the channel 20 opens, allowing the lubricating oil to fall onto the surface of the ball bearing 16 through the channel 20, thus lubricating the ball bearing 16. This ensures that when the arc plate 15 is pushed by the pusher block 9, the ball bearing 16 can roll more smoothly along the surface of the carrier plate 10, ensuring the normal operation of subsequent adjustments.

[0045] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. An intelligent integrated flare tower, comprising a flare tube (1), characterized in that: Flanges (2) are fixedly installed at both ends of the flare tube (1). Grooves are provided on the left and right sides of the top of the flange (2), and lifting lugs (3) are provided in the grooves. Pipes (4) are fixedly installed on the outside of the flare tube (1). An annular groove is provided on the top of the upper flange (2), and stops (5) are symmetrically fixedly installed in the annular groove. Sliding grooves (6) are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the annular groove near the center of the flare tube (1), and sliding rods (7) are fixedly installed in the sliding grooves (6). A slider (8) is sleeved on the outside of the slide rod (7), and a push block (9) is fixedly installed on the outside of the slider (8). A spring (22) is sleeved on the outside of the slide rod (7), and the spring (22) is located on the side of the slider (8) near the stop block (5). A limiting component for limiting the push block (9) is provided in the annular groove. An arc plate (15) is symmetrically provided at the bottom end of the flange (2) below. A rotating groove is provided in the middle of the bottom end of the arc plate (15), and a ball bearing (16) is rotatably installed in the rotating groove. The flange (2) below has symmetrically opened cavities (18) inside. The top of the arc plate (15) extends into the cavity (18) and a plug plate (19) is fixedly installed. The cavity (18) is filled with lubricating oil. The arc plate (15) and the plug plate (19) are provided with channels (20). The two ends of the channels (20) are respectively connected to the rotating groove and the cavity (18). A one-way valve (21) is provided in the channels (20).

2. The intelligent integrated flare tower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting component includes a pair of carrier plates (10), which are arc-shaped. The pair of carrier plates (10) are respectively disposed on both sides inside the annular groove. The two ends of the carrier plates (10) are respectively attached to the push block (9) and the stop block (5). The top of the carrier plate (10) is provided with a sensing area (11), which occupies half of the top area of ​​the carrier plate (10). The sensing area (11) is located on the top of the carrier plate (10) away from the push block (9). On the side, the top of the carrier plate (10) and located in the sensing area (11) is provided with a ball groove (12) that cooperates with the ball (16). The bottom wall of the annular groove is provided with a storage groove (13) for storing the carrier plate (10). The bottom wall of the storage groove (13) is provided with a pair of mounting grooves. An electric push rod (14) is fixedly installed in the mounting groove. The electric push rod (14) cooperates with the sensing area (11). The top of the electric push rod (14) is fixedly connected to the carrier plate (10).

3. The intelligent integrated flare tower according to claim 2, characterized in that: The angle between the center line connecting the two arc plates (15) and the center line connecting the two lugs (3) is 90 degrees.

4. The intelligent integrated flare tower according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flange (2) above is provided with light slots at equal intervals around its outer side, and an indicator light (17) is fixedly installed in the light slot. The indicator light (17) cooperates with the sensing area (11).

5. The intelligent integrated flare tower according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the carrier plate (10) is fully inserted into the receiving slot (13), it is completely separated from the pusher block (9).

6. The intelligent integrated flare tower according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flare tube (1) can be combined with an adjacent flare tube (1) via a flange (2).

7. The intelligent integrated flare tower according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the ball (16) enters the ball groove (12), the two opposing flanges (2) can fit together.

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