A flexible pipe joint and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of petroleum machinery engineering, and particularly relates to a flexible pipe joint and a use method thereof. The flexible pipe joint comprises a first sleeve (1) sleeved on a flexible pipe (2), a flange (3) sleeved on the outer wall of the flexible pipe (2), a second sleeve (4) fixedly connected to the flange (3) and the first sleeve (1), and a compressible and deformable compression plate (5) arranged inside the second sleeve (4), the flexible pipe (2) and the flange (3). The technical scheme provided by the present application has the advantages of easy installation, good sealing performance, strong tensile resistance and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of petroleum machinery engineering, specifically relating to a flexible pipe joint and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Pipeline transportation is the main mode of transporting oil and natural gas, and pipeline connections require the installation of flexible pipe joints.

[0003] The quality of flexible pipe joints is a crucial factor in determining the safety and stability of oil and gas transportation. Currently, the types of flexible pipe joints used are limited, and their complex structures lead to inconvenient installation and limitations in providing superior sealing and tensile strength. Over time, the joint and flexible pipe can easily separate, resulting in poor sealing performance and reduced mechanical properties such as connection strength and bending resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a flexible pipe joint and its usage method.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flexible pipe fitting is provided, comprising: a first sleeve including a first portion sleeved inside a flexible pipe and a second portion connected to the first portion and located outside the flexible pipe; a flange sleeved on the outer wall of the flexible pipe; a second sleeve with its two ends respectively fixed to the outer sides of the second portion of the first sleeve and the flange; and a compression plate, wherein the compression plate is disposed in the area formed by the flexible pipe, the flange and the second sleeve, and can be compressed to produce deformation.

[0006] As an extension and supplement to the above technical solution, the present invention also provides the following embodiments:

[0007] The compression plate includes a first arc surface that fits against the outer wall of the flexible tube, and a second arc surface disposed outside the first arc surface.

[0008] The second arc surface includes a first portion located at the middle of the outer side of the first arc surface, and a second portion and a third portion extending downward from both ends of the first portion to connect with the first arc surface.

[0009] The first and second portions of the second arc surface are fitted to the inner wall of the second sleeve, and the third portion of the second arc surface is fitted to the side wall of the flange.

[0010] The sidewall of the flange is configured as a wedge-shaped portion that can fit into the third portion of the second arc surface.

[0011] Four compression plates are provided and are evenly distributed around the flexible tube in the circumferential direction.

[0012] At least one annular first protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the first part of the first sleeve.

[0013] A first groove for installing a sealing ring is provided on the outer wall of the first part of the first sleeve, which is distributed circumferentially. The first groove is closer to the free end of the first part of the first sleeve in the axial direction than the first protrusion.

[0014] At least one second protrusion is provided on the first arc surface of the compression plate, and the second protrusion is staggered relative to the first protrusion and the first groove.

[0015] The second part of the first sleeve is provided with a first boss that contacts the flexible tube, and a sealing gasket is installed between the flexible tube and the first boss.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of using the above-mentioned flexible pipe joint is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0017] The flange, the second sleeve, and the compression plate are sequentially fitted onto the flexible pipe;

[0018] Insert the first portion of the first sleeve into the flexible tube;

[0019] The flange, the second sleeve, and the compression plate are slid together until they come into contact with the second part of the first sleeve. The second sleeve is fixedly connected to the second part of the first sleeve, and the compression plate is inserted into the inner end of the second sleeve.

[0020] The flange is fixedly connected to the second sleeve, and the compression plate is compressed to complete the installation.

[0021] This method of use may also include the following steps:

[0022] During the process of inserting the first part of the first sleeve into the flexible tube, the installation is assisted by heating the flexible tube.

[0023] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are: after the flexible pipe joint is installed, the compressible compression plate transmits the radial tightening force to the flexible pipe, enhancing the stability of the flexible pipe joint installation. Simultaneously, the special structure of the first protrusion and first groove on the outer wall of the first sleeve, interleaved with the second protrusion on the first arc surface of the compression plate, significantly improves the tensile strength and oil / gas sealing performance of the flexible pipe joint after installation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible pipe joint according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the flange;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the flange;

[0027] Figure 4 This is the left view of the compression plate;

[0028] Figure 5 This is the front view of the compression plate;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the compression plate;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sleeve;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the first sleeve;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second sleeve.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a sectional view of the second sleeve;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible pipe joint according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified view of area A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A magnified view of area B in the middle;

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring structure;

[0038] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing gasket.

[0039] All accompanying drawings of this invention are schematic diagrams used to illustrate the structure and principle, and are not drawn to actual dimensions and scale.

[0040] The specific meanings of the various labels in the figure are as follows:

[0041] 1. First sleeve; 11. First part of the first sleeve; 12. Second part of the first sleeve; 121. First boss; 122. Second boss; 123. First external thread; 13. First protrusion; 14. First protrusion; 15. First groove; 16. Sealing ring; 17. Sealing gasket; 2. Flexible tube; 3. Flange; 31. Wedge-shaped part; 32. Second external thread; 4. Second sleeve; 41. First end of the second sleeve; 411. First internal thread; 42. Second end of the second sleeve; 421. Second internal thread; 5. Compression plate; 51. First arc surface; 52. Second arc surface; 521. First part of the second arc surface; 522. Second part of the second arc surface; 523. Third part of the second arc surface; 53. Second protrusion; 54. Second protrusion; 55. Second protrusion; 100. Flexible tube joint. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the flexible pipe joint 100 according to the present invention includes a first sleeve 1, a flexible pipe 2, a flange 3, a second sleeve 4, and a compression plate 5.

[0043] According to the present invention, the first sleeve 1 includes a first portion 11 fitted inside the flexible tube 2, and a second portion 12 connected to the first portion 11 and exposed outside the flexible tube 2. A flange 3 is fitted onto the outer side of the flexible tube 2. The two ends of the second sleeve 4 are respectively fixed to the second portion 12 of the first sleeve 1 and the outer wall of the flange 3, thereby forming a region together between the flexible tube 2, the flange 3, and the second sleeve 4. According to the present invention, a compression plate 5 is disposed within the region formed by the flexible tube 2, the flange 3, and the second sleeve 4, and the compression plate 5 is made of an elastic material that can be compressed and deformed. In this way, after other accessories are installed, the compression plate 5 can provide an inward tightening force to the flexible tube 2 in the radial direction, which helps to enhance the firmness of the connection of the flexible tube joint 100.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the compression plate 5 includes a first arc surface 51 that is fitted to the outer wall of the flexible tube 2, and a second arc surface 52 disposed outside the first arc surface 51. The design of the first arc surface 51 fitting to the outer wall of the flexible tube 2 increases the contact area between the compression plate 5 and the flexible tube 2, thereby increasing the force on the flexible tube 2 and making the flexible tube joint 100 more securely installed. Further, the second arc surface 52 includes three parts: a first part 521 located in the middle of the outer side of the first arc surface 51, and a second part 522 and a third part 523 extending downward from both ends of the first part 521 to connect with the first arc surface 51. Further, the first part 521 and the second part 522 of the second arc surface 52 are both fitted to the inner wall of the second sleeve 4, and the third part 523 of the second arc surface 52 is fitted to the side wall of the flange 3. Through this design, from an axial cross-section perspective, the compression plate 5 can completely fit against the outer wall of the flexible pipe 2, the side wall of the flange 3, and the inner wall of the second sleeve 4, further increasing the squeezing effect of the flange 3 and the second sleeve 4 on the compression plate 5 after the flexible pipe joint 100 is installed. This stress condition can be transmitted to the flexible pipe 2 through the compression plate 5, enhancing the tensile strength of the flexible pipe joint 100 and improving the sealing performance after installation. Furthermore, the area of ​​the second part 522 of the second arc surface 52 is set to be larger than the area of ​​the third part 523 of the second arc surface 52. This design is based on the consideration that the area of ​​the inner wall of the second sleeve 4 is larger than the area of ​​the side wall of the flange 3. In a specific embodiment, the number of compression plates 5 is set to 4, and they are evenly distributed around the circumference of the flexible pipe 2.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 12 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sidewall of the flange 3 is constructed as a wedge-shaped portion 31 that can fit into the third portion 523 of the second arc surface 52. By providing the wedge-shaped portion 31, the flange 3 applies an inward pushing force to the compression plate 5 and a downward pressure to the compression plate 5 during installation and fixing, thereby simultaneously achieving the pushing and pressing effect on the compression plate 5, further improving the pressing effect on the flexible tube.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, at least one annular first protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the first portion 11 of the first sleeve 1. In the illustrated embodiment, two first protrusions 13 and 14 are provided. The provision of the first protrusions 13 and 14 increases the friction between the first sleeve 1 and the flexible tube 2, which is beneficial to improving the tensile strength of the flexible tube joint 100. Further, a first groove 15 is also provided on the outer wall of the first portion 11 of the first sleeve 1. According to the present invention, the position of the first groove 15 relative to the first protrusions 13 and 14 is set to be closer axially to the free end of the first portion 11 of the first sleeve 1. Such as Figure 14 The sealing ring 16 is shown. The structure after adding the sealing ring 16 to the first groove 15 can improve the sealing performance of the flexible pipe joint 100.

[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, at least one second protrusion is provided on the first arc surface of the compression plate 5. In the illustrated embodiment, three second protrusions 53, 54, and 55 are provided, and the second protrusions 53, 54, and 55 are staggered relative to the first protrusions 13 and 14 and the first groove 15. Through this special structure, the first protrusions 13 and 14, the second protrusions 53, 54, and 55, and the sealing ring 16 installed in the first groove 15 form a stress-reinforcing part with a certain depth between the upper and lower walls of the flexible tube 2, so that the flexible tube 2 can achieve a tight connection with the first part 11 of the first sleeve 1 and the compression plate 5, and is not prone to axial displacement, which significantly enhances the tensile strength and sealing performance of the flexible tube joint 100.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1 is provided with a first boss 121 that contacts the flexible tube 2. This arrangement facilitates the positioning of the flexible tube 2 during installation and also makes the appearance of the installed flexible tube joint 100 more flat and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, a [missing information - likely a device or structure] is installed between the flexible tube 2 and the first boss 121. Figure 15 The sealing gasket 17 shown provides a buffer between the flexible tube 2 and the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1, and also increases the sealing performance of the flexible tube joint 100. Furthermore, a second boss 122 is provided at the free end of the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1. The second boss 122 is annular. The purpose of providing the second boss 122 is to facilitate gripping and applying force when screwing the first sleeve 1 into the flexible tube 2.

[0049] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 10As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, a first external thread 123 is provided on the outer wall of the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1. A second external thread 32 is provided on the outer wall of the flange 3. The second sleeve 4 includes a first end 41 and a second end 42. A first internal thread 411 corresponding to the first external thread 123 is provided on the inner wall of the first end 41 of the second sleeve 4, and a second internal thread 421 corresponding to the second external thread 32 is provided on the inner wall of the second end 42 of the second sleeve 4. With this arrangement, the second sleeve 4, the first sleeve 1, and the flange 3 can be fastened together by threaded connection, which is convenient to install and has better firmness. Furthermore, the thread length of the first internal thread 411 is equal to that of the first external thread 123, and the thread length of the second internal thread 421 is equal to that of the second external thread 32. With this design, after the threaded connection is completed, no excess threads are exposed on the outside of the flexible pipe joint 100, which enhances the aesthetics of the flexible pipe joint 100. Furthermore, since the connection between the first end 41 of the second sleeve 4 and the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1 is in the installation of the flexible pipe joint 100, compared with the installation of the second end 42 of the second sleeve 4 and the flange 3, which is in a more basic installation position, in order to enhance the firmness of the installation, the thread length of the first internal thread 411 is set to be greater than the thread length of the second internal thread 421.

[0050] According to the flexible pipe joint 100 of the present invention, a compression plate 5 with compressible deformation function is provided in the area surrounded by the flexible pipe 2, flange 3 and second sleeve 4. After the flexible pipe joint 100 is installed, the compression plate 5 applies a radial tightening force to the flexible pipe 2, so that the flexible pipe joint 100 can be firmly assembled. At the same time, at least one annular first protrusion, a first groove 15 with a sealing ring installed, and at least one second protrusion on the first arc surface 51 of the compression plate 5 are staggered on the outer wall of the first part 11 of the first sleeve 1, so that the flexible pipe joint 100 has good oil and gas sealing performance and tensile strength.

[0051] This invention also provides a method for using a flexible pipe joint, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0052] The first step is to sequentially mount flange 3, second sleeve 4, and compression plate 5 onto flexible pipe 2;

[0053] The second step is to insert the first part 11 of the first sleeve 1 into the flexible tube 2;

[0054] The third step is to slide the flange 3, the second sleeve 4 and the compression plate 5 together until they come into contact with the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1, fix the second sleeve 4 to the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1, and insert the compression plate 5 into the inner end of the second sleeve 4.

[0055] The fourth step is to fix flange 3 to the second sleeve 4, compress the compression plate 5, and complete the installation.

[0056] In the second step described above, the installation can be assisted by heating the flexible tube 2 during the process of inserting the first part 11 of the first sleeve 1 into the flexible tube 2.

[0057] After the second step described above, a sealing gasket 17 can be placed at the end face of the first boss 121 of the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1.

[0058] In the third step above, the second sleeve 4 can be fixedly connected to the second part 12 of the first sleeve 1 by a threaded connection.

[0059] In the fourth step above, the flange 3 and the second sleeve 4 can be fixedly connected by a threaded connection.

[0060] The method of using the flexible pipe joint in this embodiment can achieve the technical effect of the flexible pipe joint 100 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] 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, substitutions, combinations, 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 pipe fitting, comprising: The first sleeve (1) includes a first part (11) sleeved inside the flexible tube (2) and a second part (12) connected to the first part (11) and located outside the flexible tube (2). A flange (3) fitted onto the outer wall of the flexible tube (2); A second sleeve (4) with its two ends fixed to the second part (12) of the first sleeve (1) and the outside of the flange (3), respectively; and Compression plate (5); The flange (3) has a second external thread (32) on its outer wall, and the second sleeve (4) has a second end (42) on its inner wall, which is provided with a second internal thread (421) corresponding to the second external thread (32). The compression plate (5) is disposed within the area surrounded by the flexible tube (2), the flange (3), and the second sleeve (4), and can be compressed to produce deformation. The compression plate (5) includes a first arc surface (51) that is fitted to the outer wall of the flexible tube (2). At least one annular first protrusion (13, 14) is provided on the outer wall of the first part (11) of the first sleeve (1). A first groove (15) for installing a sealing ring (16) is provided on the outer wall of the first part (11) of the first sleeve (1) in a circumferentially distributed manner. The first groove (15) is closer to the free end of the first part (11) of the first sleeve (1) in the axial direction than the first protrusion (13, 14). At least one second protrusion (53, 54, 55) is provided on the first arc surface (51) of the compression plate (5). The second protrusion (53, 54, 55) is constructed in an arc shape and is staggered relative to the first protrusion (13, 14) and the first groove (15).

2. A flexible pipe joint according to claim 1, characterised in that: The compression plate (5) includes a second arc surface (52) disposed outside the first arc surface (51).

3. The flexible pipe joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second arc surface (52) includes a first portion (521) located in the middle of the outer side of the first arc surface (51), and a second portion (522) and a third portion (523) extending downward from both ends of the first portion (521) to connect with the first arc surface (51).

4. The flexible pipe joint according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first part (521) and the second part (522) of the second arc surface (52) are fitted to the inner wall of the second sleeve (4), and the third part (523) of the second arc surface (52) is fitted to the side wall of the flange (3).

5. The flexible pipe joint according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sidewall of the flange (3) is configured as a wedge-shaped portion (31) that can fit into the third part (523) of the second arc surface (52).

6. The flexible pipe joint according to claim 5, characterized in that: Four compression plates (5) are provided and are evenly distributed around the flexible tube (2) in the circumferential direction.

7. The flexible pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second part (12) of the first sleeve (1) is provided with a first boss (121) that contacts the flexible tube (2), and a sealing gasket (17) is installed between the flexible tube (2) and the first boss (121).

8. A method for installing a flexible pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: The flange (3), the second sleeve (4) and the compression plate (5) are sequentially fitted onto the flexible pipe (2); Insert the first part (11) of the first sleeve (1) into the flexible tube (2); The flange (3), the second sleeve (4) and the compression plate (5) are slid together to contact the second part (12) of the first sleeve (1), the second sleeve (4) is fixedly connected to the second part of the first sleeve (1), and the compression plate (5) is inserted into the inner end of the second sleeve (4); The flange (3) is fixedly connected to the second sleeve (4), and the compression plate (5) is compressed to complete the installation.

9. The installation method of a flexible pipe joint according to claim 8, characterized in that: During the process of inserting the first part (11) of the first sleeve (1) into the flexible tube (2), the installation is assisted by heating the flexible tube (2).

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