A pressure regulating valve and an underwater blowout preventer control box

Abstract

This invention discloses a pressure regulating valve, comprising a valve body, an upper valve cover, a lower valve cover, two first valve seats, two second valve seats, a gate, and a piston. The upper and lower valve covers are located at the upper and lower ends of the valve body, respectively, forming a cavity between the valve body, the upper valve cover, and the lower valve cover. The first valve seats, second valve seats, the gate, and the piston are located within the cavity. The piston is disposed at the bottom of the gate, dividing the cavity into a valve cavity located above the piston and a piston cavity located below the piston. The pressure regulating valve has a pressurizing state and a depressurizing state. In the pressurizing state, the main control pressure channel communicates with the valve cavity and pressurizes the valve cavity, and the lower section of the gate is fitted with the inlet of the depressurizing channel to achieve closure. In the depressurizing state, the upper section of the gate is fitted with the outlet of the main control pressure channel to achieve closure, and the valve cavity communicates with the depressurizing channel to release pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention specifically relates to a pressure regulating valve suitable for use in an underwater blowout preventer (BOP) control box, and an underwater BOP control box including the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve is used to regulate the hydraulic pressure in the fluid circuit. The upstream pressure can be regulated by the valve to appropriately maintain or limit the downstream pressure to meet the different pressure requirements of various functional modules of the BOP assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The pressure regulating valves in the existing technology cannot adjust the main control pressure according to the pressure value of the pilot regulating pressure, cannot achieve precise automatic pressure regulation, and cannot be used for control pressure adjustment in the control box of the underwater blowout preventer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a pressure regulating valve suitable for use in the control box of an underwater blowout preventer.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A pressure regulating valve includes a valve body, an upper valve cover, a lower valve cover, two first valve seats, two second valve seats, a gate, and a piston. The upper and lower valve covers are located at the upper and lower ends of the valve body, respectively, forming a cavity between the valve body, the upper valve cover, and the lower valve cover. The first valve seats, the second valve seats, the gate, and the piston are located within the cavity. The two first valve seats are located on both sides of the gate, and the two second valve seats are located on both sides of the gate. The piston is disposed at the bottom of the gate, dividing the cavity into a valve chamber located above the piston and a piston chamber located below the piston.

[0006] The first valve seat has a main control pressure channel, the second valve seat has a pressure relief channel, and the gate includes an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. The thickness of the upper section is less than or equal to the distance between the two first valve seats, the thickness of the lower section is less than or equal to the distance between the two second valve seats, and the thickness of the middle section is less than the thickness of the upper section.

[0007] The pressure regulating valve has a pressurizing state and a depressurizing state. In the pressurizing state, the main control pressure channel is connected to the valve cavity and pressurizes the valve cavity. The lower section of the gate plate is fitted with the inlet of the depressurizing channel to achieve closure.

[0008] In the depressurization state, the upper section of the gate plate is sealed by fitting with the outlet of the main control pressure channel, and the valve cavity is connected to the depressurization channel to depressurize;

[0009] The gate position in the pressurized state is higher than the gate position in the depressurized state.

[0010] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lower valve cover is provided with a regulating pressure port for introducing pilot regulating pressure into the piston chamber, the regulating pressure port communicating with the piston chamber. When pilot regulating pressure is introduced into the piston chamber, if the pressure in the valve chamber is greater than the pressure in the piston chamber, the gate moves downward, connecting the valve chamber to the pressure relief channel, thus releasing pressure; if the pressure in the valve chamber is less than the pressure in the piston chamber, the gate moves upward, connecting the valve chamber to the main control pressure channel, thus pressurizing.

[0011] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the valve body is provided with a pressure outlet communicating with the valve cavity, the pressure outlet being located between the first valve seat and the second valve seat, and the pressure outlet being used to output the regulated pressure.

[0012] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the upper section of the gate is provided with a first mounting hole extending through its thickness direction and / or the lower section of the gate is provided with a second mounting hole extending through its thickness direction. A first seat ring is installed in the first mounting hole, and a second seat ring is installed in the second mounting hole. The first seat ring is used to cooperate with the first valve seat to seal the main control pressure channel, and the second seat ring is used to cooperate with the second valve seat to seal the pressure relief channel.

[0013] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first seat ring is fixed in the first mounting hole by a first seat ring shaft, and the second seat ring is fixed in the second mounting hole by a second seat ring shaft; the first seat ring shaft and / or the second seat ring shaft are hollow structures. Each first valve seat has two main control pressure channels, and four first seat rings are correspondingly arranged on the gate plate, with every two first seat rings fixed in the first mounting hole by a first seat ring shaft. Two second seat rings are correspondingly arranged on the gate plate, and the two second seat rings are fixed in the second mounting hole by a second seat ring shaft.

[0014] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first valve seat and / or the second valve seat are cylindrical, and the axial direction of the cylindrical valve seat is the thickness direction of the gate. That is, the first valve seat or the second valve seat is disposed on both sides of the gate in the thickness direction.

[0015] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first valve seat is provided with a vent hole, which is used to communicate with the first seat ring to release the pressure inside the first seat ring.

[0016] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a venting channel is provided on the lower section of the gate corresponding to the position above the second mounting hole. The venting channel is used to communicate with the pressure relief channel to release the pressure in the valve chamber, thereby improving the speed and time of pressure regulation in the valve chamber.

[0017] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the gate plate is provided with a through hole extending through its thickness direction to balance the pressure on both sides of the gate plate.

[0018] The present invention also provides an underwater blowout preventer control box including the pressure regulating valve described above.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solutions, compared with the prior art, the pressure regulating valve of the present invention, through the setting of a gate of a specific shape to cooperate with the valve seat, based on the magnitude of the pilot regulating pressure, closes the pressure relief channel when pressurizing the valve cavity and closes the main control pressure channel when depressurizing. Through the continuous floating of the gate, the valve cavity is continuously pressurized and depressurized, so that the pressure in the valve cavity is kept at the same or close to the pilot regulating pressure, thereby achieving the purpose of precise automatic pressure regulation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors of the underwater blowout preventer control box after installation in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors of the underwater blowout preventer control box during installation in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the male head in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of the male head in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the annular fluid flow channel corresponding to the male head in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the female head in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a top view of the liquid supply plate in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector lock device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector locking device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the pilot control valve in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pressure regulating valve in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the pressure regulating valve during pressurization in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the pressure regulating valve in another direction during pressurization in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the pressure regulating valve during pressure relief in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gate in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first valve seat in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] In the attached diagram: Top cover-1, Base plate-2, Male connector-3, First liquid channel-31, Second liquid channel-32, Third liquid channel-33, Fourth liquid channel-34, Mounting cavity-35, Annular liquid flow channel-36, Mounting groove-37, Female connector-4, Connecting channel-41, Supply plate-5, Control hydraulic interface-51, Pilot hydraulic interface-52, Pilot control valve-6, Push rod-61, Elastic element-62, Housing-63, Connecting part-631, Receiving cavity-632, Valve spindle-64, Piston-65, Upper cage sleeve-661, Lower cage sleeve-662, Upward movement Moving cavity-671, lower moving cavity-672, third through port-681, fourth through port-682, first connecting hole-691, second connecting hole-692, third connecting hole-693, partition cylinder-69, spacer ring-610, bottom seal-611, plug-612, connector locking device-7, piston rod-71, body-72, upper connecting part-721, lower connecting part-722, receiving cavity-723, pressure block-73, receiving inclined surface-731, connecting block-74, first rotating pin-751, second rotating pin-752, first piston-76, upper cavity Body-77, Positioning Block-78, Tail-79, Lifting Lug-710, Insertion Angled Surface-91, Sealing Angled Surface-92, Sealing Assembly-10, Conical Seal-101, Sealing Body-1011, Positioning Angled Surface-1012, Limiting Part-1013, Fixing Part-102, Blocking Part-1021, Fixed Connection Part-1022, Positioning Pin-111, Positioning Hole-112, Retaining Ring-12, Sealing Ring-13, Pipeline-14, Pressure Regulating Valve-15, Valve Body-151, Upper Valve Cover-152, Lower Valve Cover-153, Front Valve Cover-154, Side Valve Cover-1 55, First valve seat - 161, Main control pressure channel - 1611, Drain hole - 1612, Second valve seat - 162, Pressure relief channel - 1621, Gate - 17, Upper section - 171, Middle section - 172, Lower section - 173, Drain channel - 174, Connecting hole - 175, First mounting hole - 181, Second mounting hole - 182, First seat ring - 191, Second seat ring - 192, First seat ring shaft - 201, Second seat ring shaft - 202, Second piston - 21, Valve chamber - 221, Piston chamber - 222, Adjusting pressure interface - 23, Pressure outlet - 24. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] The underwater blowout preventer (BOP) control box is mounted on the BOP control system and receives the main supply hydraulic operating pressure and pilot hydraulic control signals from the surface control equipment. Upon receiving the pilot signal, the control box directs the hydraulic operating pressure to various BOP stacks and the lower riser assembly (LMRP) functions. The ports at the bottom of connector 4 transmit hydraulic operating fluid to the downstream BOP stack functions, while the ports at the edges of connector 4 transmit hydraulic operating fluid to the LMRP functions.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 1-11 As shown, the underwater blowout preventer control box of this embodiment includes a top cover 1, a base plate 2, a male connector 3, a female connector 4, a connector locking device 7, a pilot control valve 6, a control hydraulic interface 51, and a pilot hydraulic interface 52. The male connector 3 is mounted on the base plate 2. A pipeline 14 and a pressure regulating valve 15, communicating with the control hydraulic interface 51 or the pilot hydraulic interface 52, are provided between the top cover 1 and the male connector 3. A positioning hole 112 is provided on the base plate 2, and a positioning pin 111 for insertion into the positioning hole 112 is provided on the female connector 4. The pressure-bearing body material of the control box (such as the male connector 3 and the female connector 4) is made of duplex stainless steel, giving the control box good corrosion resistance for underwater use and reducing damage caused by corrosion. The pilot hydraulic interface 52 is connected to the pilot control valve 6 for controlling the opening and closing of the pilot control valve 6. The pilot hydraulic interface 52 includes a pilot regulating pressure interface for communicating with the regulating valve 15. The control hydraulic interface 51 is connected to the pressure regulating valve 15. After adjusting the control hydraulic pressure through the pilot regulating pressure, it is output to the pilot control valve 6. After the pilot control valve 6 is opened, the regulated pressure is transmitted to the downstream blowout preventer to realize the corresponding function.

[0042] The top cover 1 is provided with a liquid supply plate 5, and the liquid supply plate 5 has a control hydraulic interface 51. Figure 8 The information includes the largest diameter circle and the corresponding pilot hydraulic interface 52 for each pilot control valve 6. All function inputs of the control box are connected via pipelines / line banks and centralized on the top supply plate 5. The pipeline function numbers are centralized and uniform, facilitating the connection of hydraulic lines; each function number is clearly marked on the top supply plate 5 for easy identification.

[0043] The male connector 3 has a mounting cavity 35 for installing a pilot control valve 6, and a first liquid channel 31, a second liquid channel 32, a third liquid channel 33, and a fourth liquid channel 34 communicating with the mounting cavity 35. The first liquid channel 31 is horizontally located on the side wall of the mounting cavity 35, and the second liquid channel 32 extends downward from the bottom of the mounting cavity 35. The first liquid channel 31 and the second liquid channel 32 are used to conduct control liquid from the control hydraulic interface 51 or regulated by the pressure regulating valve 15; the third liquid channel 33 is used to introduce the medium from the pilot hydraulic interface 52 that controls the opening of the pilot control valve 6; and the fourth liquid channel 34 communicates with the outside to achieve pressure balance. In this embodiment, the male connector 3 has multiple mounting cavities 35, and an annular liquid flow groove 36 communicating with multiple first liquid channels 31 is formed inside the male connector 3. The control hydraulic interface 51 or the pressure regulating valve 15 communicates with the annular liquid flow groove 36.

[0044] Specifically, the male connector 3 adopts a circular structure. It is equipped with 21 3 / 4-inch pilot control valves 6 and 14 1-inch pilot control valves 6, as well as multiple spare function ports. The mounting cavities 35 are evenly distributed, which facilitates processing and can realize multiple blowout preventer control functions. At the same time, the structure is very compact, which greatly saves the installation space of the control box.

[0045] An annular flow channel 36 is formed inside the male connector 3, connecting multiple mounting chambers 35 and enabling communication between each control valve and the valve chamber. This allows for precise and independent control of the function of each blowout preventer through different control valves. The annular flow channel 36 is connected to the control hydraulic interface 51 or the pressure regulating valve 15 through one or more interfaces. The dimensions of the annular flow channel 36 are designed to be consistent with or close to the dimensions of the flow channels (first liquid channel 31, second liquid channel 32), thereby ensuring that the flow rate from the valve chamber to each control valve is consistent.

[0046] The female connector 4 has a connecting channel 41, which connects the second liquid channel 32 and the downstream blowout preventer. A pilot control valve 6 is used to open or close the first liquid channel 31 and the second liquid channel 32. A connector locking device 7 is used to lock the male connector 3 and the female connector 4 together.

[0047] The male connector 3 has an insertion bevel 91, and the inner wall of the female connector 4 has a sealing bevel 92 that mates with the insertion bevel 91. A sealing assembly 10 is disposed between the insertion bevel 91 and the sealing bevel 92. The sealing assembly 10 includes a conical seal 101 and a fixing member 102 that mates with it. The conical seal 101 includes a sealing body 1011, and its inner wall has a positioning bevel 1012. The fixing member 102 consists of a blocking portion 1021 that mates with the positioning bevel 1012 and a fixing connection portion 1022 for fixing in the liquid channel. The fixing member 102 has a hollow structure. The fixing connection portion 1022 is used for threaded connection with the end of the second liquid channel 32. The end of the second liquid channel 32 has a mounting groove 37 for installing the sealing assembly 10.

[0048] Since the sealing connection between the male connector 3 and the female connector 4 is a conical surface, the conical surface seal 101 is directly attached to the sealing surface of the female connector 4. The pre-tightening force of the male connector 3 and the locking of the connector lock ensure that the sealing assembly 10 and the metal conical surface are tightly attached to achieve a seal. In addition, based on the difference between the horizontal and vertical directions of the conical surface, the conical surface seal 101 is designed with an outwardly extending metal limiting part 1013 to ensure the accuracy and stability of the installation.

[0049] The following details the structure of the pilot control valve 6, the connector locking device 7, and the pressure regulating valve 15:

[0050] (1) Pilot control valve 6

[0051] like Figure 1-2 As shown in Figure 11, the pilot control valve 6 includes a housing 63, a valve spindle 64, a push rod 61, an elastic element 62, a plug 612, and a drive mechanism. The housing 63 has a receiving cavity 632 for accommodating the elastic element 62. The bottom of the housing 63 is connected to the inner wall of the mounting cavity 35. The bottom of the push rod 61 is connected to the valve spindle 64, and the top of the push rod 61 penetrates the bottom of the housing 63 and extends into the receiving cavity 632. The elastic element 62 is located above the push rod 61 and provides an elastic force to drive the push rod 61 and the valve spindle 64 to move downward. The valve spindle 64 and the drive mechanism are disposed within the mounting cavity 35. The drive mechanism drives the valve spindle 64 to move upward to open the first liquid passage 31 and the second liquid passage 32. The plug 612 is disposed at the top of the housing 63. One end of the elastic element 62 acts on the push rod 61, and the other end of the elastic element 62 acts on the plug 612. The elastic element 62 is preferably a spring.

[0052] The drive mechanism includes a piston 65, an upper cage sleeve 661, and a lower cage sleeve 662, all sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve spindle 64. A moving cavity for the piston 65 is formed between the upper cage sleeve 661 and the lower cage sleeve 662. The movement of the valve spindle 64 is controlled by filling the moving cavity with a medium. The upper cage sleeve 661 and the lower cage sleeve 662 are located between the valve spindle 64 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 35, and the piston 65 is located between the valve spindle 64 and the upper cage sleeve 661. An upper retaining ring 12 and a lower retaining ring 12 are provided circumferentially on the valve spindle 64, and the piston 65 is fixed between the upper retaining ring 12 and the lower retaining ring 12. Sealing rings 13 are provided between the piston 65 and the valve spindle 64 and the upper cage sleeve 661, between the upper cage sleeve 661 and the valve spindle 64 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 35, and between the lower cage sleeve 662 and the valve spindle 64 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 35.

[0053] Specifically, the piston 65 divides the moving chamber into an upper moving chamber 671 and a lower moving chamber 672. The upper cage 661 has a first through-hole and a second through-hole that penetrate its wall thickness. The first through-hole connects the lower moving chamber 672 and the third liquid channel 33, and the second through-hole connects the upper moving chamber 671 and the fourth liquid channel 34. The medium is filled into the lower moving chamber 672 through the third liquid channel 33 and the first through-hole.

[0054] The valve spindle 64 has an inner cavity that communicates with the second liquid channel 32 and a first connecting hole 691 that communicates with the inner cavity; a partition cylinder 69 and a partition ring 610 are provided between the bottom of the housing 63 and the upper cage sleeve 661. The bottom of the housing 63 has a connecting part 631 that connects with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 35 and the partition cylinder 69. A second connecting hole 692 is provided on the connecting part 631, and a third connecting hole 693 is provided on the partition cylinder 69. The first connecting hole 691, the second connecting hole 692, and the third connecting hole 693 communicate with each other to connect the inner cavity of the valve spindle 64 and the external space.

[0055] In actual use, after the medium is filled into the downward moving chamber 672 through the third liquid channel 33 and the first through port, the piston 65 drives the valve core shaft 64 to move upward together, and the first liquid channel 31 and the second liquid channel 32 are connected, controlling the liquid to flow into the downstream blowout preventer to achieve the corresponding function. At the same time, the top of the first connecting hole 691 is blocked by the bottom of the partition cylinder 69.

[0056] Once the downstream blowout preventer completes its operation, the pilot control valve 6 releases pressure. Under the restoring force of the elastic element 62, the valve spindle 64 moves downward. Simultaneously, the top of the first connecting hole 691 disengages from the bottom of the partition cylinder 69. The first connecting hole 691, the second connecting hole 692, and the third connecting hole 693 are connected to connect the inner cavity of the valve spindle 64 with the external space. The remaining control fluid in the second liquid passage 32 and the inner cavity of the valve spindle 64 is discharged through the second connecting hole 692 and directed to seawater.

[0057] The lower cage sleeve 662 has a third through-hole 681 extending through its thickness, which connects to the first liquid channel 31. The bottom of the mounting cavity 35 has a bottom seal 611 located below the valve spindle 64. The bottom seal 611 has a fourth through-hole 682, which connects to the inner cavity of the valve spindle 64 and the second liquid channel 32.

[0058] The underwater pilot control valve 6 with the above structure adopts one-way control by a hydraulic piston cylinder; no nut is required, the end of the push rod 61 contacts the valve core shaft 64, and the pre-tightening force is provided by the elastic element 62, resulting in a compact structure; the discharge outlet (second connection hole 692) is located in the middle and directly contacts the seawater, which facilitates pressure discharge monitoring; the internal components of the mounting cavity 35 adopt a stacked direct insertion type, and the external parts adopt a threaded connection, which makes disassembly and assembly convenient.

[0059] (2) Connector Locking Device 7

[0060] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 9-10 As shown, the connector locking device 7 for an underwater blowout preventer control box in this embodiment includes a body 72, a piston rod 71, a first piston 76, a connecting block 74, a pressure block 73, a positioning block 78, and a tail 79. The body 72 has a receiving cavity 723 for accommodating the pressure block 73. The pressure block 73 is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity 723 of the body 72. The connecting block 74 is disposed between the pressure block 73 and the piston rod 71. The lower end of the piston rod 71 is accommodated within the receiving cavity 723. The lower end of the piston rod 71 is rotatably connected to the pressure block 73 via the connecting block 74. The piston rod 71 moves downward to drive the pressure block 73 to extend outward. One end of the connecting block 74 is rotatably connected to the pressure block 73, and the other end of the connecting block 74 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the piston rod 71. The piston rod 71 moves downward, causing one end of the connecting block 74 to move downward, while the other end pushes the pressure block 73 outward.

[0061] Two pressure blocks 73 and two corresponding connecting blocks 74 are provided on both sides of the piston rod 71 to smoothly lift the female seat 4. The piston rod 71 and the body 72 are coaxially arranged; a lifting lug 710 is provided at the top of the piston rod 71. The lifting lug 710 is provided after the top of the piston rod 71 passes through the male head 3 upwards to facilitate hoisting.

[0062] The pressure block 73 is rotatably connected to the body 72 via the first rotating pin 751. The pressure block 73 is rotatably connected to the connecting block 74 via the second rotating pin 752. When the pressure block 73 extends outward from the receiving cavity 723, the position of the second rotating pin 752 gradually decreases and eventually falls below the position of the first rotating pin 751, so that the pressure block 73 extends outward and abuts against the lower surface of the female seat 4. As the piston rod 71 moves downward, the top surface of the pressure block 73 continuously rises, lifting the female seat 4 upward and locking it with the male head 3.

[0063] A first piston 76 is located between the piston rod 71 and the inner wall of the body 72. The first piston 76 is fixed to the outer periphery of the piston rod 71. Above the first piston 76 is an upper cavity 77 formed by the male head 3, the connecting part 721 on the body 72, and the piston rod 71. By injecting a medium into the upper cavity 77, the piston rod 71 is moved downward. A retaining ring 12 is provided outside the piston rod 71 to fix the first piston 76 to the piston rod 71. A sealing ring 13 is provided between the first piston 76 and the inner wall of the body 72.

[0064] The positioning block 78 is located below the piston rod 71. The positioning block 78 is used to limit the downward movement of the piston rod 71 to the extreme position, preventing damage caused by excessive lifting. The lifting position of the pressure block 73 can be set by adjusting the position of the upper surface of the positioning block 78. Preferably, the pressure block 73 has a receiving ramp 731, so that when the pressure block 73 is stored in the receiving cavity 723, the top of the positioning block 78 is accommodated in the space between the receiving ramps 731 of the two pressure blocks 73.

[0065] The main body 72 has an upwardly extending upper connecting portion 721 and a downwardly extending lower connecting portion 722. The upper connecting portion 721 is used to connect with the male connector 3 of the underwater blowout preventer control box. The upper connecting portion 721 has an external thread in the circumferential direction, and the male connector 3 has a corresponding matching internal thread. The main body 72 is threadedly connected to the male connector 3. The threaded connection between the two is achieved through the external thread of the upper connecting portion 721 and the corresponding internal thread of the male connector 3. A tail portion 79 is connected to the lower connecting portion 722. The bottom of the positioning block 78 is fixed between the lower connecting block 74 and the tail portion 79, and the top extends upward to below the piston rod 71. The bottom surface of the tail portion 79 is spherical to avoid injury caused by contact when passing through the female seat 4.

[0066] In practical use, first connect the main body 72 to the male connector 3 of the underwater blowout preventer control box, then hoist the whole unit and move the main body 72 of the connector locking device 7 downwards. After the pressure block 73 passes through the middle of the female seat 4, control the piston rod 71 to move downwards, extend the pressure block 73 outwards, press against the lower surface of the female seat 4, and push the female seat 4 upwards, so that the sealing slope 92 of the female seat 4 and the insertion slope 91 of the male connector 3 fit tightly together to achieve a seal.

[0067] The above-described connector locking device 7, applicable to the control box of an underwater blowout preventer, has a pressure block 73 rotatably connected to the body 72 and piston rod 71. The piston rod 71 moves downward, pushing the pressure block 73 outward and raising the horizontal height of the top surface of the pressure block 73. This allows the connector lock to pass through the female seat 4 and tightly fit the female seat 4 and the male head 3 through the movement of the piston rod 71. When disassembling, the pressure is released, causing the piston rod 71 to move upward and drive the pressure block 73 to be stored in the receiving cavity 723, which can then be removed from the female seat. The operation is convenient.

[0068] (3) Pressure regulating valve 15

[0069] The pressure regulating valve 15 is used to regulate the hydraulic pressure in the fluid circuit. The upstream pressure can be appropriately maintained or the downstream pressure can be limited after the upstream pressure is regulated by it, so as to meet the different pressure requirements of each functional module of the blowout preventer assembly.

[0070] like Figure 1-2 and Figure 12-17 As shown, the pressure regulating valve in this embodiment includes a valve body 151, an upper valve cover 152, a lower valve cover 153, a side valve cover 155, a front valve cover 154, two first valve seats 161, two second valve seats 162, a gate 17, and a second piston 21. The upper valve cover 152 and the lower valve cover 153 are located at the upper and lower ends of the valve body 151, respectively, forming a cavity between the valve body 151, the upper valve cover 152, and the lower valve cover 153. The first valve seats 161, the second valve seats 162, the gate 17, and the second piston 21 are located within the cavity. The second piston 21 is disposed at the bottom of the gate 17, dividing the cavity into a valve chamber 221 located above the second piston 21 and a second piston chamber 222 located below the second piston 21. By filling the second piston chamber 222 with a pilot control pressure, the pressure within the valve chamber is adjusted by the movement of the piston.

[0071] Two first valve seats 161 are located on both sides of the gate 17, and two second valve seats 162 are located on both sides of the gate 17. The first valve seats 161 and the second valve seats 162 are cylindrical, with their axial direction corresponding to the thickness direction of the gate 17. That is, the first valve seats 161 or the second valve seats 162 are located on both sides of the gate 17 along its thickness direction. The gate 17 has a through hole 175 extending through its thickness direction to balance the pressure on both sides of the gate 17.

[0072] The first valve seat 161 has a main control pressure channel 1611 that communicates with the control hydraulic interface 51, and the second valve seat 162 has a pressure relief channel 1621. The main control pressure channel 1611 corresponds to the two upper side valve covers 155. In actual use, only one main control pressure channel 1611 needs to be used, and the other is sealed to prevent pressure leakage. The pressure relief channel 1621 corresponds to the two lower side valve covers 155.

[0073] In this embodiment, the gate 17 includes an upper section 171, a middle section 172, and a lower section 173. The thickness of the upper section 171 is slightly less than the distance between the two first valve seats 161, and the thickness of the lower section 173 is slightly less than the distance between the two second valve seats 162. The thickness of the middle section 172 is less than the thickness of the upper section 171.

[0074] In this embodiment, the pressure regulating valve has a pressurizing state and a depressurizing state. In the pressurizing state, the main control pressure channel 1611 is connected to the valve cavity 221 and pressurizes the valve cavity 221. The second seat ring 192 of the lower section 173 of the gate plate 17 is fitted with the inlet of the depressurizing channel 1621 to achieve closure. In the depressurizing state, the first seat ring 191 of the upper section 171 of the gate plate 17 is fitted with the outlet of the main control pressure channel 1611 to achieve closure. The valve cavity 221 is connected to the depressurizing channel 1621 to perform depressurization.

[0075] The gate 17 is positioned higher in the pressurized state than in the depressurized state. Continuous pressurization and depressurization adjust the pressure within the valve chamber 221 and output it to the annular fluid flow channel 36, reaching each pilot control valve 6.

[0076] The lower valve cover 153 is provided with a regulating pressure port 23 for introducing pilot regulating pressure into the second piston chamber 222. The regulating pressure port 23 is in communication with the second piston chamber 222. When pilot regulating pressure is introduced into the second piston chamber 222, if the pressure in the valve chamber 221 is greater than the pressure in the second piston chamber 222, the gate 17 moves downward, and the valve chamber 221 is connected to the pressure relief channel 1621 to achieve pressure relief; if the pressure in the valve chamber 221 is less than the pressure in the second piston chamber 222, the gate 17 moves upward, and the valve chamber 221 is connected to the main control pressure channel 1611 to achieve pressurization.

[0077] The valve body 151 has a pressure outlet 24 that communicates with the valve cavity 221, which corresponds to the front valve cover 154. The pressure outlet 24 is located between the first valve seat 161 and the second valve seat 162. The pressure outlet 24 is used to output the regulated pressure, that is, it communicates with the annular liquid flow groove 36 on the male end.

[0078] The upper section 171 of the gate plate 17 has a first mounting hole 181 extending through its thickness direction, and the lower section 173 of the gate plate 17 has a second mounting hole 182 extending through its thickness direction. A first seat ring 191 is installed in the first mounting hole 181, and a second seat ring 192 is installed in the second mounting hole 182. The first seat ring 191 is used to cooperate with the first valve seat 161 to seal the main control pressure channel 1611, and the second seat ring 192 is used to cooperate with the second valve seat 162 to seal the pressure relief channel 1621. The first seat ring 191 is fixed in the first mounting hole 181 by a first seat ring shaft 201, and the second seat ring 192 is fixed in the second mounting hole 182 by a second seat ring shaft 202; the first seat ring shaft 201 and the second seat ring shaft 202 are hollow structures.

[0079] The pilot pressure is isolated from the pressure in the valve chamber 221 by the second piston 21 and the sealing ring 13. The second piston 21 is connected to the gate 17 by screws, and the sealing ring 13 isolates the pilot pressure from the pressure in the valve chamber 221 to prevent pressure crossflow. The pressure regulating valve seat is located inside the hole of the gate 17, and the sealing ring 13 seals and isolates pressure leakage.

[0080] Each first valve seat 161 has two main control pressure channels 1611, and the gate 17 is provided with four first seat rings 191. Every two first seat rings 191 are fixed in the first mounting hole 181 by the first seat ring shaft 201. The gate 17 is provided with two second seat rings 192, and the two second seat rings 192 are fixed in the second mounting hole 182 by the second seat ring shaft 202.

[0081] In this embodiment, the valve seat and seat ring, which are the main dynamic pressure regulating seals, are hardened with tungsten carbide alloy to improve surface wear resistance and have better surface flatness and roughness. The seat ring and valve seat are metal hard seals, and the sealing preload is increased by compressing a non-metallic elastic material (such as rubber). Usually, the spring force provided by springs or wave springs is difficult to achieve uniform circumferential force, which increases the difficulty of realizing metal hard seals. The advantage of rubber is its good adaptability. Even if there is local unevenness in the stress when the seat ring and valve seat sealing planes are in contact, the deformation adaptation of the rubber can make it fit tightly, so it is easier to achieve a seal.

[0082] A vent hole 1612 is provided on the first valve seat 161, which is used to communicate with the first seat ring 191 to release the pressure inside the first seat ring 191. A vent channel 174 is provided on the lower section 173 of the gate plate 17 above the second mounting hole 182, which is used to communicate with the pressure relief channel 1621 to release the pressure in the valve chamber 221. This facilitates the rapid adjustment of the main supply pressure to the valve chamber 221, thereby improving the speed and time of pressure adjustment in the valve chamber 221.

[0083] The pressure regulating valve is equipped with sealing rings 13 at each external leakage point. These rings serve two purposes: firstly, to isolate internal pressure and prevent leakage; and secondly, to withstand external pressure, meeting the requirements for underwater use. The valve body 151 is made of stainless steel, meeting the corrosion resistance requirements for underwater use.

[0084] In the pressure regulating valve described above, the pilot regulating pressure pushes the gate 17, which in turn moves the seat ring, via the second piston 21, adjusting the main supply pressure to the valve chamber 221. The pressure in the valve chamber 221 and the output pressure are dynamically balanced to ultimately achieve the purpose of regulating the pressure (i.e., the output pressure and the pilot regulating pressure are consistent). The regulated pressure then reaches the downstream blowout preventer assembly through the pilot control valve and fluid passage to open or close the various functions of the blowout preventer assembly.

[0085] The main working process and status of the pressure regulating valve 15 in this embodiment are as follows:

[0086] 1. When the gate 17 and the upper valve cover 152 are in contact, the main supply pressure is connected to the valve chamber 221, and the pressure relief channel 1621 is closed to the valve chamber 221. That is, applying the main supply pressure will push the gate 17 to move downward. If the main supply pressure is kept less than the pilot regulating pressure, the pressure in the valve chamber 221 will be stabilized and kept from leaking.

[0087] 2. The gate 17 moves down a certain distance. At this time, the main supply pressure is closed, and the pressure relief channel 1621 is closed with the valve chamber 221. That is, the main supply pressure is isolated from the pressure of the valve chamber 221. If there is no pilot regulating pressure or the pressure is small, the gate 17 continues to move down under the pressure of the valve chamber 221.

[0088] 3. The gate 17 moves down a certain distance. At this time, the main supply pressure is closed, and the pressure relief channel 1621 and valve chamber 221 are opened, that is, the main supply pressure is applied. If there is no pilot regulating pressure or the pressure is too small, the pressure in valve chamber 221 begins to be relieved.

[0089] 4. The gate 17 moves downward and the second piston 21 reaches the bottom. At this time, the main supply pressure is closed and the pressure relief channel 1621 and valve chamber 221 are opened, that is, the main supply pressure is applied. If there is no pilot regulating pressure, the pressure in valve chamber 221 will be completely relieved.

[0090] The above process involves repeatedly and dynamically adjusting the pressure of the gate 17 before steps 2 and 3 by adjusting the pilot pressure, so that the output pressure of the valve chamber 221 is consistent with the pilot pressure.

[0091] The following is a brief description of the assembly and control process of the underwater blowout preventer control box in this embodiment, mainly the working process of the connector locking device 7 and the working process of the pilot control valve 6 and the pressure regulating valve 15:

[0092] (1) Working process of connector locking device 7

[0093] In use, the piston rod 71 passes through the male connector 3 of the control box of the required lifting component and is threadedly connected to the male connector 3 of the control box through the upper connecting part 721 of the body 72. A seal is formed at the piston rod 71 by multiple sealing rings 13. The first piston 76 and the piston rod 71 are fastened together by a retaining ring 12 to limit their movement. A seal is formed between the first piston 76 and the piston rod 71, and between the first piston 76 and the body 72 by the sealing rings 13.

[0094] A closed upper cavity 77 is formed between the male connector 3 of the control box, the first piston 76, and the main body 72. When locking is required, hydraulic pressure is applied to the sealed upper cavity 77, causing the first piston 76 to move downwards, which in turn moves the piston rod 71. The pressure block 73 is connected to the main body 72 via a first rotating pin 751, and the pressure block 73 can rotate around the first rotating pin 751. Two connecting blocks 74 are rotatably connected to the lower end of the piston rod 71, and the two connecting blocks 74 are connected to the pressure block 73 via a second rotating pin 752. When the piston rod 71 moves downwards, it causes the two connecting blocks 74 to move downwards. The downward movement of the two connecting blocks 74 causes the side of the pressure block 73 closest to the piston rod 71 to rotate around the first rotating pin 751. The side of the pressure block 73 furthest from the piston rod 71 extends out and locks against the bottom of the female connector 4 of the control box.

[0095] The piston rod 71 moves downward and is limited by the positioning block 78 at its final position. The positioning block 78 is fixed by the tail 79 and the lower connecting part 722 of the body 72 via a threaded connection. The pressure block 73, after rotation, has its top surface parallel to the bottom surface of the control box female seat 4, and its position is just right to lock the control box female seat 4 and the control box male head 3, achieving a seal between the two and simultaneously lifting both as a whole. When only the control box male head 3 needs to be lifted, the pressure in the upper cavity 77 is directly released, and then the lifting lug 710 is lifted to move the piston rod 71 upward. The pressure block 73 automatically retracts into the receiving cavity 723, allowing the male head 3 and female seat 4 to be separated underwater, lifting the male head 3 while the female seat 4 remains stationary.

[0096] In deep water, where the male connector 3 and female connector 4 frequently need to separate and come into contact and require sealing, this connector locking device 7 can lift the equipment to be lifted underwater using a hoisting device. When testing is required, pressure is applied to lock and seal the male connector 3 and female connector 4 components, facilitating unmanned underwater operation and sealing tests. The connector lock is threadedly connected to the male connector 3 in the underwater control box for lifting and lowering the male connector 3 during installation. When installed with the female connector 4 of the control box, the male connector 3 is lifted and installed underwater onto the female connector 4. Then, pressure is applied through the formed upper cavity 77 to push the piston rod 71 downwards and the pressure block 73 out, thus locking the male connector 3 and female connector 4 of the control box underwater, ensuring a seal between them.

[0097] (2) Working process of pilot control valve 6

[0098] The underwater pilot control valve 6 is installed in the mounting cavity 35 of the underwater blowout preventer control box. The first through port connects the lower moving cavity 672 and the third liquid channel 33, the second through port connects the upper moving cavity 671 and the fourth liquid channel 34, the third through port 681 connects the first liquid channel 31, and the fourth through port 682 connects the inner cavity of the valve spindle 64 and the second liquid channel 32. The second through port, the upper moving cavity 671, and the fourth liquid channel 34 are connected to seawater.

[0099] The control fluid, supplied via the control hydraulic interface 51 or regulated by the pressure regulating valve 15, reaches the first fluid passage 31 of each control valve through the annular fluid flow channel 36. Then, the corresponding pilot control valve 6 is selected, and the corresponding pilot hydraulic interface 52 is controlled to apply hydraulic pressure through the third fluid passage 33. The pressure enters the lower moving chamber 672 of the piston 65, overcoming the preload of the elastic element 62, frictional resistance, and seawater pressure, pushing the piston 65 and valve spindle 64 upwards. This connects the first fluid passage 31 with the second fluid passage 32, thereby controlling the downstream blowout preventer. At this time, the first connecting hole 691 on the valve spindle 64 is sealed by the bottom of the separator 69.

[0100] Once the relevant controls are completed, the liquid in the third liquid channel 33 is depressurized. The elastic element 62, relying on its own elasticity, presses down the push rod 61 along with the valve spindle 64. The valve spindle 64 then presses tightly against the bottom seal 611, blocking the first liquid channel 31 from the second liquid channel 32. Simultaneously, the first connecting hole 691, the second connecting hole 692, and the third connecting hole 693 are connected to link the inner cavity of the valve spindle 64 with the external space. The remaining control fluid in the second liquid channel 32 is discharged through the second connecting hole 692, flowing into the seawater.

[0101] In this embodiment, the underwater pilot control valve 6 is installed in the underwater blowout preventer control box during underwater drilling operations. It is an important automatic control component of the hydraulic system, used for pressure relief and pressure monitoring of the underwater blowout preventer control box. It is easy to install and has a reliable seal. The internal structure is stacked and directly inserted, while the external structure uses threaded connections, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. It features unidirectional hydraulic control, a compact structure, and a simple design.

[0102] (3) Working process of pressure regulating valve 15

[0103] The control hydraulic interface 51 is connected to the main control pressure channel 1611 via the side valve cover 155, and is used to output pressure into the valve chamber 221; the pressure relief channel 1621 is connected to the external space, and is used to release the pressure in the valve chamber 221; the pressure outlet 24 corresponding to the front valve cover 154 is used to output the regulated pressure; the regulating pressure interface 23 below the second piston 21 is connected to the pilot regulating pressure interface, and is used to input the pilot regulating pressure. That is, the pressure regulating valve in this embodiment includes four pressure source ports (pilot regulating pressure source, main supply pressure source and output pressure source ports) and two relief ports.

[0104] If initially, the pressure transmitted from the control hydraulic interface 51 is greater than the pressure transmitted from the pilot regulating pressure interface 23. Figure 13 As shown, in the pressurized state, the gate 17 is located in a higher position, and the control hydraulic interface 51 is connected to the valve chamber 221 through the main control pressure channel 1611 to pressurize the valve chamber 221. The second seat ring 192 of the lower section 173 of the gate 17 is sealed to the pressure relief channel 1621, and the pressure relief channel 1621 is not conductive, so the valve chamber 221 is continuously pressurized.

[0105] like Figure 14 As shown, when the pressure in the valve chamber 221 is greater than the pressure in the second piston chamber 222, the gate 17 and the second piston 21 move downward. The first seat ring 191 of the upper section 171 of the gate 17 is sealed with the main control pressure channel 1611, and the main control pressure channel 1611 is not conductive, so pressure is continuously released through the pressure relief channel 1621.

[0106] When the pressure in valve chamber 221 is less than the pressure in second piston chamber 222, the pressure pushes second piston 21 and gate 17 upward. At this time, first seat ring 191 connects with drain hole 1612 to achieve drainage, and the middle section 172 of gate 17 moves to the position of the corresponding main control pressure channel 1611. The main control pressure channel 1611 and valve chamber 221 are reconnected, and pressurization is achieved again.

[0107] The above process is repeated until the pressure in the valve chamber 221 is the same as or close to the pressure in the second piston chamber 222, thus achieving precise regulation of the main control pressure by adjusting the pilot pressure.

[0108] The underwater blowout preventer control box in this embodiment adopts a detachable design of male connector 3, female connector 4, and connector locking device 7. The male connector 3 of the control box can be removed from the female connector 4 by lifting the hydraulic connector lock. The compact structure design reduces the space occupied in the blowout preventer control system and saves material costs.

[0109] The connector locking device 7 is hydraulically driven to lock the male connector 3 and female connector 4 underwater, achieving a seal between them. Through the design of the mechanical structure, the connector locking device 7 is transformed from linear motion to the rotation of the pressure block 73 and locking.

[0110] The pilot control valve 6 has a compact structure and uses a hydraulic piston 65 cylinder for one-way control; no nut is required, the end of the spring push rod 61 contacts the valve core shaft 64, and the spring provides the preload force; the discharge outlet is located in the middle and directly contacts the seawater, which facilitates pressure discharge monitoring.

[0111] The regulating valve 15 is designed with multiple ports. The pilot regulating pressure drives the gate 17 to move dynamically, adding the main hydraulic pressure to the valve chamber 221 and closing the valve chamber 221 in time. Repeated movement eventually achieves dynamic pressure balance, so that the output pressure of the valve chamber 221 is consistent with the pilot regulating pressure. The main dynamic seal is a metal hard seal between the valve seat and the seat ring, which has good dynamic sealing performance and excellent wear resistance. Non-metallic elastic materials are used to provide the seat ring sealing pre-tightening force, which has good adaptability and is easy to achieve sealing.

[0112] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure regulating valve, characterized in that: The valve includes a valve body, an upper valve cover, a lower valve cover, two first valve seats, two second valve seats, a gate, and a piston. The upper and lower valve covers are located at the upper and lower ends of the valve body, respectively, forming a cavity between the valve body, the upper valve cover, and the lower valve cover. The first valve seats, second valve seats, the gate, and the piston are located within the cavity. The two first valve seats are located on both sides of the gate, and the two second valve seats are located on both sides of the gate. The piston is disposed at the bottom of the gate, dividing the cavity into a valve chamber located above the piston and a piston chamber located below the piston. The first valve seat has a main control pressure channel, the second valve seat has a pressure relief channel, and the gate includes an upper section, a middle section and a lower section, wherein the thickness of the middle section is less than the thickness of the upper section; The pressure regulating valve has a pressurizing state and a depressurizing state. In the pressurizing state, the main control pressure channel is connected to the valve cavity and pressurizes the valve cavity. The lower section of the gate plate is fitted with the inlet of the depressurizing channel to achieve closure. In the depressurization state, the upper section of the gate plate is sealed by fitting with the outlet of the main control pressure channel, and the valve cavity is connected to the depressurization channel to depressurize; The gate position in the pressurized state is higher than the gate position in the depressurized state.

2. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower valve cover is provided with a regulating pressure port for filling the piston chamber with pilot regulating pressure, and the regulating pressure port is in communication with the piston chamber.

3. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body has a pressure outlet that communicates with the valve cavity. The pressure outlet corresponds to the position between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. The pressure outlet is used to output the regulated pressure.

4. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper section of the gate is provided with a first mounting hole that extends through its thickness direction and / or the lower section of the gate is provided with a second mounting hole that extends through its thickness direction. A first seat ring is installed in the first mounting hole and a second seat ring is installed in the second mounting hole. The first seat ring is used to cooperate with the first valve seat for sealing, and the second seat ring is used to cooperate with the second valve seat for sealing.

5. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first seat ring is fixed in the first mounting hole by a first seat ring shaft, and the second seat ring is fixed in the second mounting hole by a second seat ring shaft; the first seat ring shaft and / or the second seat ring shaft are hollow structures.

6. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve seat and / or the second valve seat are cylindrical, and the axial direction of the cylindrical valve seat is the thickness direction of the gate.

7. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first valve seat has a drain hole, which is used to communicate with the first seat ring.

8. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower section of the gate is provided with a venting channel above the second mounting hole. The venting channel is used to communicate with the pressure relief channel to release the pressure in the valve chamber.

9. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The gate plate has a through hole extending through its thickness direction.

10. A control box for an underwater blowout preventer, characterized in that: Includes the pressure regulating valve as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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